Dreaming of exploring Europe in a whole new way? Get ready to uncover hidden gems, insider tips, and Europe on a budget travel hacks you need to know that will take your European adventures to the next level. From unique places to stay, tasty food experiences, and cultural secrets, this article is your ultimate guide to exploring Europe like a local without breaking the bank.

Airport Travel Hacks
Apps to Navigate the Airport and Avoid Wasting Time
Did you know most major airports have apps to make your life easier? London Gatwick and Amsterdam Schiphol are great examples. Their apps offer live maps to show you everything from car rental locations to rideshare pick-up zones and even where to find the restaurants or coffee spots. Downloading these apps can save you time and energy!
Speed Things Up at Security Lines
Here’s how to speed things up in the security lines: Pack your toiletries in clear ziplock bags to avoid doing so in a rush in the line, skip heavy jewelry, belts, and boots, this way you don’t have to remove anything and you can go straight through, and keep your electronics in one easy-to-reach spot to easily remove them and put them back. Doing these things will avoid stressing and rushing which can be an awful feeling especially when the airport is busy.
Check out our digital planner and itinerary shop! Our planners are packed with resources to organize every step of your trip, keeping everything in one convenient place!
SOUND ON!
Open in a new tabBudget-Friendly Transport Tips
Budget Bus Tour
Why pay for a tour when public transport can give you the same experience? For example, in Paris, hop on Bus 69—it takes you past iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame. It’s basically a sightseeing tour for the cost of a bus ticket (which is 2€15)! Many cities have similar routes, so do some research beforehand.
Rely On Local Transport Apps
Don’t forget transport apps! They’re definitely a lifesaver. Most apps help you navigate public transport, calculate routes, and even estimate travel times. We have found that using these reduce a lot of confusion and stress and help us travel confidently. It’s always best to have tools that keep all your info in as little places as possible.

Budget Accommodation Tips
Hotels in city centers are convenient but pricey. Instead, look for apartments, b&bs or cottages just outside the tourist hubs. However, make sure they are on the metro, bus or tram lines to save you time and money. When staying too far away, you often end up making up for the cost difference in transport to get to the main areas. These not only cost less, but one of the main perks is that you can cook some of your meals, saving you money, and it can be fun to cook a meal with fresh local ingredients. Imagine making fresh pasta in Italy or a Mediterranean salad in your own space.
When doing this, buy products made in the area—they’re often cheaper because they don’t have import costs. Plus, you’ll support the local economy.
Book directly with hotels or hosts. Avoid third-party platforms because they take a cut, and most of the time quite a large one, making your stay more expensive. By booking directly not only does it save you money but you support local businesses.
How to Save Money on Amazing Food While Traveling
Traveling doesn’t have to mean overspending on meals. With a little planning, you can enjoy incredible food experiences without breaking the bank. Here are some top tips for eating well on a budget during your travels.
Explore Local Markets
Swap expensive restaurants for bustling local markets. Not only will you find authentic dishes, but you’ll also pay a fraction of the price compared to touristy areas. Search for terms like “best local markets in [destination]” to discover hidden gems.
Dine Where Locals Eat
Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions. Instead, ask locals or check apps like Google Maps for places with high ratings but moderate prices.
Here’s a hack for finding great places to dine: open up google maps, type in your destination, then press on the X. Type in the kind of restaurant you want and press search. Filter the search with the best reviews, match your budget and you will get a list of the best highly rated restaurants within your means. Another option is going on Facebook groups and see what the locals or expats recommend. Facebook is often a great tool to find expert suggestions for great restaurants, hidden gems and fun things to do that might not initially come up when doing your research.
Try Street Food
Street food is often a traveler’s best-kept secret for budget-friendly dining. Research “best street food in [destination]” to find affordable and iconic dishes that reflect the local culture.
Cook Your Own Meals
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, hit the local supermarket and cook some of your own meals. Search for “easy travel recipes” or “quick meals for travelers” to get inspired.
Take Advantage of Lunch Specials
Many restaurants offer discounted lunch menus. Look up “lunch specials in [destination]” to enjoy high-quality food at a fraction of the dinner price. For example, in France they call it “menu midi” and in Spain they call it “menú del día”. This usually includes a starter, a main and a dessert during brunch/lunch time at a lower cost.

Free Activities When Traveling
Before your trip, look up free or super affordable activities in your destination. Most cities have free walking tours (or you can make your own), free museum days, or grab some snacks and have a picnic in a beautiful garden or park. For example, in Paris, enjoy the free first Sunday of the month at the Louvre. In Vatican City, visit St. Peter’s Basilica for no charge. You’ll find amazing experiences without spending anything.
Some activities that are fun but inexpensive are: hiring an electric scooter or city bike and create your own route to explore or taking fun photos by famous landmarks and splitting up in teams to see who can finish first (and take the best pictures).
City Passes & Booking Ahead
City passes are another game changer. They often offer bundles of museums, attractions, and public transport, saving you loads if you’re staying a few days. We’ve linked our favourite place to get city passes in the description.
And another tip? Always check if booking attractions online is cheaper—most companies offer discounts for online bookings. Our guess is this is their way of encouraging better planning by offering lower prices online as an incentive.
This is our favorite place to find City Passes whenever we’re traveling.

Road Trip in Europe Hacks
Heading on a road trip? Check your route for toll gates using the TollGuru app. This app tells you where there are toll gates on your route and how much you can expect to spend. Keep in mind, avoiding tolls can lead to scenic routes, but they’re usually longer. Decide what’s more important to you—saving time or enjoying the views.
As you plan your next European adventure, remember: the best memories are made when you go beyond the usual tourist spots. So go ahead, take the leap, and create your own unique travel story in Europe. After all, as Mark Twain famously said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” So, what are you waiting for? Happy travels!
Watch to our video Road Trips VS Flying in Europe if you’re unsure which is best for you!
Do I Tip in Europe?
Research tipping customs before you go. Many European countries include service charges in salaries, so tipping isn’t always customary or necessary at all. Maybe save your euros for a fancy souvenir!
European Travel Tips
For more in-depth advice on road tripping in Europe, check out my detailed guides on the Ultimate Road Trip Guide to European Destinations and 9 Road Trip Tips for Planning Your European Adventure. These posts cover everything you need to know to make the most of your European road trip, from route planning to local insights.
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