Purchasing and bringing some travel books will enable many travelers to receive travel discounts on hotels and restaurants mentioned in the book. Look for books that advertise this bonus. Contacting hoteliers and hostel managers before traveling can benefit travelers willing to attempt to negotiate price. Travelers can decrease the cost of airfare by booking via an online travel site or with an air broker. Also, students and larger travel groups can look for special discount tickets. Travelers should pack clothes, toiletries, gear and film from home to avoid the costly prices overseas for "tourist gear." In addition, packing lighter will help travelers to avoid airport fees and enable those who travel together to share train station lockers.
Eating can be one of the more expensive parts of traveling to Europe. Eating near markets and having picnics can save quite a bit of money and provides travelers with a taste of the local produce. Some universities will have a cafeteria open to the general public that offer cheap, hot meals in town. Drinks can cost travelers about $15 daily. Bringing a refillable water bottle and cutting down on alcoholic drinks can save a bundle. Many street vendors sell cheap snacks as well.
Moving around via trains is a great option for cheap travel around Europe. Taking overnight trains can save money on hotel rooms. Some rail passes come with bonuses such as chunnel, ferry or bus discounts. Traveling on weekdays can also cut some costs on trains and flights within Europe. Taking fewer taxis and walking more will also save quite a bit of money.
Consider walking tours as opposed to bus tours. They are often cheaper and more involved. Arrange tours via tourist offices rather than through hotels, which may charge fees for booking. Researching sightseeing destinations ahead of time may also help, as many sights offer free or discounted admissions one or more days in the month. Some cities offer all-in-one city passes that include entrance fees for museums and major cultural sites. Some include bus fare.
Traveling off-season can greatly reduce the cost of traveling to Europe. There will be fewer crowds and much better prices for flights and accommodations. Hoteliers are also more willing to negotiate prices when they have more rooms to fill. The winter and fall are good off-season travel times.
