Europe is a vast continent with countries that have rich and diverse geographies and climates. It is full of things to do and see for every type of traveler. Backpackers, especially, can find this place attractive because of its many hiking trails, historical sites, and extensive public transportation networks. That said, backpacking in Europe can be quite expensive, so travelers need to make a few adjustments and follow the right tips to save money.

Set a realistic budget
Before making an itinerary and booking flights and hostels in Europe, backpackers must set a budget for their trip. Having a budget can help them make smart decisions about where to splurge and where to save. When creating a budget, it’s recommended to consider the expected costs for each day. These costs include those for meals, accommodation, and excursions.

The per-day expense can vary by region. For example, the cost can range from $90 to $130 per day in Western Europe and $40 to $70 in Central and Eastern Europe. After creating a budget, travelers can track their expenses with simple tools, such as spreadsheets or online wallets, to ensure they do not overspend.

Choose affordable destinations
One of the most effective ways to save money on a budget-friendly backpacking tour in Europe is to choose affordable places. Generally, Eastern and Central European countries, such as Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, are more affordable than popular Western European places, such as France and Italy. While being affordable, these countries also offer rich cultural and historical experiences to backpackers. To get the most out of the backpacking trip, backpackers can also create an itinerary that covers both well-known cities and smaller towns. This balance can help them optimize and manage travel costs more effectively. Traveling during the shoulder seasons, i.e., spring and fall, can also help them save money and avoid large tourist crowds, making the journey more enjoyable and affordable.

Travel smart with low-cost transport
To save money while backpacking, travelers should consider using low-cost transport options. Flying with budget airlines, such as Ryanair and easyJet, is a good choice for longer trips. To get lower airline fares, they can book tickets as early as possible and look for discounts, deals, and flash sales. For shorter distances, local buses, trains, and rideshare apps are affordable modes of transport. For extra savings, it’s a good idea to stay flexible with the travel dates and routes.

Save on accommodation
Hostels, dorm rooms, and guesthouses are affordable accommodation choices for budget-friendly backpacking in Europe. Backpackers can also consider looking for couchsurfing options and sharing rented rooms to lower the costs and experience local culture.

For those looking for an adventurous trip, they can consider camping, as it is an inexpensive option in many European countries. That said, when booking campsites and rooms, backpackers must look for early-bird and last-minute deals to save more. It also helps to book stays outside popular city centers to lower the overall cost.

Eat well on a budget
It’s possible to enjoy the best European food even on a budget. One way to do that is to eat street food and visit smaller restaurants, especially those outside famous tourist spots. Backpackers can also shop at local grocery stores and make their own meals if they have an accommodation with kitchen access.