The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to travel in Europe. There are several ways to find cheap hotels, hostels and B&Bs ' plus ways for budget travelers to find cheap flights and car rentals.
The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to travel in Europe. There are several ways to find cheap hotels, hostels and B&Bs ' plus ways for budget travelers to find cheap flights and car rentals.
Opt For a Homestay
If you are traveling on a budget and looking for cheap accommodation, consider staying with a local family or friend. This is an excellent way to experience the local culture and customs firsthand. You can also make lifelong friends that you can visit again when back home. If you are traveling solo, it is best to stay with someone who lives in the same country as you do so that you don't miss out on any local attractions.
A homestay is another way to stay in Europe cheaply. Host families will typically offer free accommodation and meals, allowing you to save money on your trip. You can also ask for help with language barriers, as most people speak at least some English (and often more).
Consider Budget Hotels
A budget hotel is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it is clean and has enough amenities. If you're looking for something more luxurious, check out some of the top luxury hotels in Europe. You can find these hotels online or through travel agencies such as Expedia or Booking.com. These hotels usually offer free Wi-Fi, business centers, and 24 hour security services which will ensure your safety during your stay in Europe.
There are dozens of budget hotels throughout Europe '” including many chain hotels that cater specifically toward budget travelers. These hotels normally charge less than $100 per night (all-inclusive rates are usually around $50). Some of the best examples include Ibis Styles Hotel Prague Airport, Holiday Inn Express Budapest Airport, Quality Inn Stuttgart Airport and Novotel Strasbourg Saint-Exupéry Airport.
Look For Short Term Apartment Rentals
If you're planning on staying in Europe for less than three months then consider renting an apartment instead of staying at a hotel room or hostel dormitory type accommodation which may cost more money per night but offer less space than an apartment rental property would cost per month.
Travel in the Shoulder Season
The European shoulder season is every November through March, so you can expect to find great deals on airfare, hotels, and rentals. The best time to travel in Europe is during the shoulder season when it's still warm but not unbearably hot. However, if you want to see the best of Europe, you'll need to book your trip before summer hits.
If you can't get away for a month or more at a time, consider booking a few nights at a hotel instead of renting an apartment. You can also stay with friends or family members for extended periods of time; these accommodations will often be cheaper than hotels and offer more space.
Stay Outside the City Center
Travelers often stay at a hotel in the center of town, but this can be costly. If you're traveling on a budget and looking for a cheap place to stay, consider staying outside the city center. Hotels in the countryside are usually cheaper than those in the city center, but they're also more likely to be away from cities, which means you'll have to pay more for transportation and meals.
If you're staying in an area with good public transportation, you might be able to find a cheaper hotel that's closer to where you want to visit. For example, if you plan on visiting Amsterdam, don't stay in Amsterdam itself; instead look for hotels near the train station or airport.