We have been traveling to Europe for years on our Traveling Professor small group tours. We have some great money-saving tips.
Traveling through Europe can be a dream, but it doesn’t have to be a financial nightmare. Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort, convenience, or even a touch of luxury. With the right strategy, you can travel smarter and save big. Here are my Top Ten Ways to Save Money When Traveling to Europe, without giving up the quality of your trip:
1. Travel Off-Season or During the “Shoulder Season”
Airfares and hotel rates are about 40% cheaper from mid-October to early May. Paris is especially pleasant in March and October, while Italy shines in April, May, and even November. Fewer crowds mean more enjoyable sightseeing.
2. Eat from the “Menu”
In many European restaurants, fixed-price menus offer incredible value—often under €20. You’ll usually get a starter, main dish, dessert, and sometimes even wine. It’s a great way to enjoy local cuisine without overspending.
3. Get the VAT Refund
Many European countries offer Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to travelers on purchases like clothing, pottery, or souvenirs. On a $600 Tuscan pottery purchase, I received $125 back. Learn more here.
4. Use Public Transportation
Europe’s public transport is efficient, clean, and affordable. Skip car rentals and use metro, buses, or regional trains. Cities like Paris and Rome offer travel cards for unlimited travel at a low daily rate.
5. Rent an Apartment
Apartments are often less expensive and more spacious than hotels. I’ve stayed in beautiful rentals in Rome and Paris for less than hotel rates. Just be sure to book based on trusted recommendations.
6. Stay at a 2-Star Hotel
Clean, quiet, and centrally located 2-star hotels can be found for around $125 per night. With a little research and a trusted review, these are great value options.
7. Get the Museum Pass
In major cities like Paris, museum passes allow access to dozens of attractions and skip-the-line privileges. The Paris Museum Pass offers entry to over 80 top sites for about €83 for 6 days—well worth it.
8. Travel with Carry-On Luggage
Avoid checked bag fees (and the risk of lost luggage) by traveling light. I’ve done two-week trips with only carry-on luggage. With some planning, you can too.
9. Tour on Your Own
DIY day trips are significantly cheaper than organized tours. I recreated a Normandy trip for under €100 (compared to €229 advertised), and visited Pisa and Lucca for €35 instead of €66.
10. Picnic Like a Local
Grab local cheese, bread, and wine from the market and enjoy a meal in a park or along a riverbank. It’s affordable, relaxing, and often a highlight of the entire trip.
These strategies aren’t just about saving money—they’re about traveling smarter and more authentically. So next time you’re planning your European adventure, keep these tips in mind and enjoy a comfortable, memorable trip without breaking the bank.
And a great way to save money and make the most of your vacation time is to travel on a small group tour to Europe.