Europe has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to travel. Between flights, hotels, transportation, and food, it seems like you need a hefty savings account to even consider a trip. That’s what I thought, too—until I actually did it. With a little creativity, planning, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, I managed to spend an entire month exploring Europe for less than $1,500. Yes, you read that right: one month, 30 days, and only $1,500.
This is the story of how I made it happen and the exact strategies you can use to plan your own budget-friendly European adventure.
The Game Plan: Why $1,500?
When I set out to plan this trip, I gave myself a challenge: explore as much of Europe as possible in a month, while keeping my budget under $1,500. That meant getting creative with flights, accommodations, food, and transportation. My goal was to experience the beauty and culture of Europe without blowing my savings.
Here’s the breakdown of how I did it:
- Flights: $300
- Accommodations: $500
- Transportation: $200
- Food: $300
- Activities and Miscellaneous: $200
Let’s dive into each category and how I kept costs low.
1. Flights: Scoring Cheap Tickets ($300)
The Power of Flexible Travel Dates
The first and biggest challenge was finding affordable flights to Europe. Instead of picking fixed dates, I used Google Flights and Skyscanner to search for the cheapest days to fly. I kept my departure and return dates flexible by a week in either direction, which allowed me to find a round-trip flight from New York to Paris for just $300.
Budget Airlines Are Your Best Friend
Once in Europe, I used budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air to hop between countries. These airlines offer ridiculously cheap flights if you’re willing to travel light and forego luxuries like assigned seats and checked bags. My cheapest flight was from Paris to Rome for $18!
Pro Tips for Cheap Flights
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the cheaper the flights. I booked mine about 3 months in advance.
- Travel Light: Pack a carry-on to avoid baggage fees.
- Fly Mid-Week: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper.
2. Accommodations: Hostels, Couchsurfing, and More ($500)
Why Hostels Aren’t Just for College Kids
Hostels were my go-to accommodation for this trip. They’re cheap, social, and often located in the heart of the city. On average, I spent $15-$20 per night for a dorm bed. Some hostels even offered free breakfast or activities like city tours.
Couchsurfing: Free and Cultural
I also used Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. It wasn’t just about saving money—it was about experiencing life through the eyes of someone who lived there. In Budapest, my host took me to a ruin bar that I never would’ve found on my own.
Overnight Trains and Buses
To save on both transportation and accommodations, I took overnight trains and buses. This way, I traveled while I slept, effectively killing two birds with one stone. A night bus from Prague to Berlin cost me just $25 and saved me the cost of a night in a hostel.
Pro Tips for Budget Stays
- Mix It Up: Combine hostels, Couchsurfing, and overnight travel.
- Book in Advance: Use apps like Hostelworld or Booking.com to find the best deals.
- Stay Outside City Centers: Sometimes a short metro ride can save you $10-$20 per night.
3. Transportation: Trains, Buses, and Walking ($200)
Embracing Public Transport
Europe’s public transportation is efficient and affordable. Instead of taxis or Ubers, I used buses, trams, and metro systems to get around. A 3-day metro pass in Paris cost me $15, and in cities like Rome and Lisbon, single rides were as cheap as $1.50.
Discounted Long-Distance Travel
For longer distances, I used FlixBus and BlaBlaCar, a ridesharing app where you can join carpool rides with locals. A bus from Amsterdam to Brussels cost me just $12. In some cases, trains were a better deal, especially with discount passes like the Eurail Youth Pass (for travelers under 28).
Walking: The Best Way to Explore
I walked as much as possible. Not only did it save money, but it also allowed me to discover hidden gems that I would have missed in a car or bus. In cities like Venice, Prague, and Florence, walking was the highlight of my experience.
4. Food: Eating Well on a Budget ($300)
Street Food and Markets
Eating out in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. I relied heavily on street food, local markets, and budget-friendly eateries. In Paris, I grabbed fresh baguettes and cheese from local markets for under $5. In Rome, a slice of authentic pizza cost me just $3.
Cooking in Hostels
Many hostels have communal kitchens. I’d buy groceries and cook simple meals like pasta, salads, and sandwiches. This not only saved money but also let me bond with fellow travelers over shared meals.
Cheap but Delicious Local Eats
I always looked for where the locals ate. In Lisbon, I found a small café that served a full meal of grilled sardines, potatoes, and a glass of wine for just $7.
Pro Tips for Eating on a Budget
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Walk a few blocks away from tourist hotspots for cheaper food.
- Picnic It: Markets and grocery stores are your best friends.
- Tap Water: In many European countries, tap water is safe and free—no need to buy bottled water.
5. Activities: Free and Affordable Adventures ($200)
Free Walking Tours
Many European cities offer free walking tours led by local guides. While the tours are technically free, it’s customary to tip $5-$10. These tours gave me insights into the city’s history, culture, and hidden spots.
Museums and Attractions
Many museums have free admission days or discounts for students and young travelers. I visited the Louvre for free on the first Sunday of the month and explored the Vatican Museums for just $8 with a student discount.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Some of the best experiences cost nothing at all—like hiking the Cinque Terre trails, strolling through Prague’s Old Town, or watching the sunset over the Seine River in Paris.
My Month in Europe: Worth Every Penny
By the end of my trip, I had visited Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon—all for less than $1,500. It wasn’t about luxury or ticking off famous sites. It was about experiencing Europe in a way that was authentic, affordable, and unforgettable.
If you think a European adventure is out of reach, trust me—it’s not. With smart planning, flexibility, and a sense of adventure, you can make it happen. Your dream trip is closer (and cheaper) than you think.
