Europe may be seen as an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to do this trip on a budget. In this article, we’ll share our top ways to travel the beautiful continent on a budget: from eating strange and wonderful foods, to getting your Europe sim card ahead of time.
Sleep Cheap
Don’t be fooled by Instagram and assume you need to stay at lavish hotels to make the most out of your trip. Sleep wherever you can find a good deal – whether it be a hostel, cheap Airbnb, or somewhere outside of the city centre. This way, you can save your money to go and visit the lux bars, restaurants and other gram-worthy spots to get that perfect picture.
Use Public Transport
The public transport systems in Europe are far more developed than in New Zealand, and they’re what everyone uses to get around. There is no point in wasting money trying to catch an Uber through Paris traffic when the Metro is right below you. It only takes a few minutes to sit down and figure out the system, and you’ll find it’s both much cheaper and faster to make your way around.
Take the Night Train
Sleeper trains are a great way to travel between cities in Europe. These are always available and are a great option to save money as they run consistently cheaper than daytime trains. Plus, there is the added benefit of saving the cost of that night’s hotel stay, and you won’t waste any time getting to see all the sights during the day.
Get Cash Before You Leave
The worst place to be caught out with no cash in the currency you need is an airport, and the foreign exchange kiosks at the airport will most definitely rip you off. ATMs in foreign countries can also charge you massive rates from your bank, so don’t forget to go to the bank before you leave and prepare yourself with all the cash you need.
Don’t be scared of street food
Restaurants in Europe can be consistently pretty expensive, and aren’t a very sustainable option for any traveller on a budget. Luckily, you’ll often find some of the most delicious and most authentic European food from local street vendors. These are scattered throughout cities in Europe, at markets or in designated areas. The most popular places to get amazing street food can be easily found with a quick Google search, and eating there will be sure to save you a fortune, while making some memories!
Go grocery shopping
Another way to eat cheap in Europe is to take a trip to your local grocery store. Before you dismiss this tip as boring, imagine the hidden wonders that buying groceries on the other side of the world has to offer. It can be incredibly interesting to see the foods that locals eat on a daily basis. The main reason we suggest grocery stores is to stock up on breakfast foods that you can eat at your chosen accommodation. That way, you can save your cash for some incredible dinners!
Visit Paris on the first Sunday of the month
If Paris is on your list, be sure to go on the first Sunday of the month. You’ll find that there’s a whole heap of major museums that offer free entry on this day. This includes the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, and many other major museums. Other cities will offer similar deals for museums, so be sure to check online for days like this all over Europe.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Many cities in Europe have excellent water filtration systems, and you’ll find that this beautiful water will run straight out of public drinking fountains throughout major cities. A refillable drink bottle should be one of the most vital travel accessories for NZ travellers. Bringing a refillable water bottle around means you can quench your thirst at any point, for free! Plus, no plastic waste! Forget Evian, the locals drink this water every day, so you definitely can and should too.
Find free concerts and open-air films
If you’re looking for some entertainment in a European city, do a little research and you might quickly find that there is an open-air cinema or free concert right on your doorstep. These are common all over the major cities, and are increasingly popular among both locals and tourists alike, especially in the warmer months.
Get a local sim to save on roaming costs
We don’t have to tell you that getting a local sim can save you huge amounts on roaming – you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t know that. It’s always a great thing to plan for, so we had to put it in here anyway! The great thing about Europe is that one sim card will carry you through any country. Roaming costs can ping you each time you enter a new country, and this can cost you tons of money without even realising it.
Get a European Sim Card at Sim Corner
At Sim Corner, we offer European sim cards that can take you through any country on the continent, as well as individual country sims. Travel sim cards can make your holiday so much easier and cheaper. Order a Europe travel sim card online today.
