Ok, ok. I know a going on a European vacation in itself means you’re going to be spending a pretty penny. Traveling to Europe these days isn’t cheap, with the Euro being worth about $1.50 in U.S. dollars. That exchange rate makes the prices sting right of the bat!
But put that aside for a moment, let’s assume that you’re already going on a trip to Europe, what are some good ways to save money?
photo credit: WTL photos
Ways to save money while traveling in Europe
- Plan ahead: Even if you’re spending a lot of money on a European vacation or cruise like we are, you can save a ton of money by booking your vacation ahead of time, up to a year or more in advance can really save you a lot of money. It can be alluring to try and get a last minute deal, but often the best deals are to be had when booking far in advance.
- Travel during the off season: You might want to consider booking your trip during the slow season for whatever your destination is. Rates are often far cheaper during the off-peak times of the year. The crowds will often be smaller too!
- Be flexible with travel: Often if you’re flexible with the days that you travel you can save some money. When booking try to see what the rates are if you book mid-week travel instead of the more popular weekend travel.
- Know what you’re spending: When you’re buying something in a Barcelona gift shop or at vendor in a Roman square, it can be easy to forget just how much money you’re spending. Remember you’re buying that souvenir in Euros – not dollars! That means you’re paying 1.5 times as much. That $50 item is actually $75! Take a quick pocket conversion chart with you so that you can refer to it when buying things.
- Set spending limits for yourself, and don’t go over!: Before you go on your trip, set up a spending limit for yourself, and don’t go over it. Once you’ve reached your limit just take more pictures as souvenirs!
- Use a travel guide: Using a travel guide for your travel destinations will help you to find cheap places to eat and little seen free events.
- Some destinations offer discounts for Americans: research your destination as some European cities will offer discount packages for Americans to help offset the weak dollar. For example, Florence, Italy has a program like this.
With all the planning, preparations and excitement in getting ready for your trip, it can be easy to forget -you’re going on vacation to relax and see the sites. So don’t forget to have fun!
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Great tips! We like to save up a lot in advance. And we get in the mind-set that we’re going to be spending a lot of money. Mostly on food. Because we’re foodies and we can’t go to Europe without eating all that delicious goodness.
Have fun on your cruise!
Mirandas last blog post..Spending Priorities: Read My Guest Post at Wide Open Wallet!
thanks, we will!
ooooh, I am going to have to bookmark this one, we have wanted to go to Europe for a while…
My wife has never been out of the country (besides Canada) so this trip is huge for her. I’ve been to England, Scottland, Holland and Iceland before, so I have been to Europe – but this trip promises to be the best ever! We fly to Amsterdam and then Barcelona tomorrow!
My wife and I lived in Europe for almost a year. There is so much that you can do and not spend any money. We have talked about going back but it will probably be a few years until we are able to do so.
Have fun!
Dustys last blog post..The Quickest Way Not to be a Millionaire!
You might want to consider booking your trip during the slow season for whatever your destination is. Rates are often far cheaper during the off-peak times of the year. The crowds will often be smaller too!