Become a Master European Traveller With These 5 Easy Tips

Booking a trip across the world can be a very exciting but overwhelming experience. There are many things to consider when booking a trip: Where are you going to stay? What airline are you going to take? How many activities can you do? and the list goes on. By the time you finish reading this, you will be able to plan the cheapest, easiest, and most fun-filled trip of a life-time. 

1. Be Flexible When Booking Flights

Booking your flight is going to be the first step in planning your trip. It is important to not limit yourself on your travel dates. If you are more open with your travel dates you will be able to find a much cheaper ticket. Personally, with this mentality I was able to book a roundtrip to Europe for under $900. Finding a flight for this price also required a lot of research. Using portals like Skyscanner and Google Flights will allow you to compare the different airlines and their prices on different days throughout the month of travel, so you can get the best flight for the cheapest price. These tools will also be useful if you plan on visiting more than one location in Europe.

2. Travel by Train

Once you are in Europe, travel is fairly easy and cheap. The train is often a much more convenient and efficient way of travelling than flying, depending on where you are going. If you plan on travelling between multiple cities or countries, you can purchase a rail pass. More details on rail passes can be found on Rail Europe. 

If staying in one city, most of the major cities have great tram and subway systems. If you don't want to rely on walking everywhere, passes can be purchased for fairly cheap. Purchasing a transit pass will also expand your hotel options. 

3. Stay in Hostels and Airbnbs

 Staying in fancy hotel chains is not a trend in Europe. Realistically, you will not be spending much time in your hotel room, so you don't need to be spending extra money on something fancy. There are many hostels, Airbnbs, and budget hotels available and for a much cheaper price. Hostels are great if you are travelling with friends or alone and they are a great way to meet interesting people from all around the world. If you want something a little more intimate, private Airbnbs are a great alternative to hotels. They are a lot cheaper than hotels and often have a kitchen, so you can save money on eating out for every meal. Plus, they often give a much more authentic experience. 

4. Book Excursions Ahead of Time

Booking excursions ahead of time will save you a lot of time and money. The kiosk line-ups can be hours long and the price is usually a set price. If you purchase tickets online you can find discounted tickets for different days of the week. Purchasing ahead of time will also help in planning your days and ensuring you get to see all the attractions you want to see. Try not to fill your trip with too many activities, as you will find a lot of hidden attractions while wandering the streets of Europe. 

5. Pack Lightly

Europe is not made for large suitcases; the streets are cobblestone, their airports and train stations are very compact, and elevators are very uncommon. A large travellers backpack would be the best option and make for the easiest experience. If your back is not meant for a large backpack, a carry-on would be the next best alternative. Mountain Equipment Coop has a great variety of travel packs  to choose with a range of prices.

Summary 

• Be flexible throughout the entire experience and don't restrict yourself in any way. 
• Be open to trying new things along the way.
• Keep your travel expenses minimal so you can put your money towards the great cultural experiences Europe has to offer.