travel charges europe

Americans won't have to pay Europe's new entrance fee until 2025

• The European Union has pushed back its new "ETIAS" travel authorization to 2025.
• The new rules will require US travelers to pay a $7.50 fee and fill out an entrance form.
• US tourists are flocking to Europe as international travel recovers from its pandemic slump.

US tourists will get an extra year of free travel to Europe after the European Union pushed back its plans to charge a fee for entry.

European officials confirmed on Friday that the EU's "ETIAS" travel authorization, which will require travelers from the US to complete an application form and pay €7 ($7.50) to enter the bloc, has been delayed until 2025.

The new rules, which were expected to roll out in 2024, will apply to 60 visa-free countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.

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The EU has said that the application for entry will not take more than 10 minutes to process, but some travelers could be kept waiting up to 30 days if they are required to do an interview or submit extra documentation.

The new authorization will last for up to three years, or until your passport expires. US visitors can currently travel to the 27 countries within Europe's Schengen zone for 90 days without a visa.

While tourists traveling to Europe can soon expect to pay a fee, one thing they won't get back is a physical passport stamp, with the EU planning to replace manual passport stamping with a digital system that relies on fingerprint and face scans by 2024.

US tourists have flocked to Europe this year as international travel continues to recover from the pandemic slump.

The number of passengers traveling between the US and Europe in July was up 14% compared to 2019 , according to data from trade group Airlines for America.

Watch: Western Union CEO: Migrants are responsible for $600 billion in payments a year, yet they "have no voice"

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Europe to require new entry fee for visitors

After all the pandemic-era regulations and international travel rules, get ready for one new requirement coming for travelers to Europe in 2023. The European Travel Information and Authorization System will introduce a mandatory registration and a 7 euro (about $7.50) fee for visitors to most European countries as of May 2023. While some people have called this a "visitor tax," the stated reason for the program is improved security. According to then-European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker when ETIAS was announced in 2016, "We need to know who is crossing our borders. This way we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here."

ETIAS states the system will be able to "Assist in detecting and decreasing crime and terrorism" and "Impede irregular migration." With the system, Americans and visitors from 62 other countries will still be able to travel visa-free in most European nations.

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What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System is an electronic process to pre-screen, profile, approve and register visitors to the 26 countries of the European Schengen Zone who don't currently need a visa to enter. Similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization entry approval system, ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watch lists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes. ETIAS covers European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone travel agreement, in a region mostly overlapping the EU, with the addition of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein but minus Ireland. An individual's ETIAS authorization will be valid for an unlimited number of entries over three years.

Countries in the Schengen Zone to require ETIAS:

• The Czech Republic.
• Liechtenstein.
• Luxembourg.
• The Netherlands.
• Switzerland.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS?

All U.S. citizens and those from the other 62 non-EU countries that are not currently required to apply for a visa will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days, including transit passengers. Only visitors who are between the ages of 18 and 70 will need to pay the application fee, but those of all ages will still need ETIAS authorization to enter. If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.

Related : A country-by-country guide to where you can travel without a COVID-19 test

When and where will ETIAS go into effect?

This long-planned and much-delayed system is currently targeted to be fully operational in May 2023. At that point, airlines and other transport systems will be required to check for ETIAS authorization prior to allowing passenger boarding, and visitors will be required to complete the application process prior to travel. At land borders, visitors can complete the application at an electronic kiosk.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Before traveling, you'll need to access the ETIAS online application to input passport information, name, date and place of birth, an email address, phone number, and a credit or debit card to submit the payment fee. You'll also need to provide your destination, as well as answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website indicates the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Approval for most applicants should take only a matter of minutes. However, if an item is flagged in the application, a manual review must take place. The applicant can then either correct the improperly entered information or appeal a denial decision.

Bottom line

No immediate action needs to be taken by U.S. citizens planning to visit Europe. However, be prepared for the May 2023 launch when you must go through one more step and pay one more fee in the traveling process as part of the ETIAS implementation. Stay tuned to The Points Guy for further developments related to this program.

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Travelers to Europe Will Soon Face a New Fee

Visitors will also need to apply for approval before entering 26 countries.

Larry Bleiberg,

 “This is an important reminder to always be checking the requirements for your destination.”

Next year, travelers to Europe will find an unexpected addition to their trip: an entrance fee. 

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Beginning in November 2023, U.S. visitors to the European Union will be required to pay a seven-euro charge (about $7.13), and must apply for approval before they arrive via a website or app.

The clearance, to be issued by the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), can apply to multiple trips, and remains valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. While the fee won’t be charged to travelers over 70 years old and under 18, everyone still will need to apply for approval.

The fee was announced in 2016 and was originally supposed to roll out in 2021, but was delayed by the global pandemic . Still, few travelers are aware of it. European officials say the new system is meant to enhance security across the continent, and will allow governments to keep better track of who is visiting the 26 countries in the European Union’s Schengen zone, which have open borders for travelers. (The fee and approval aren’t required for travel to the United Kingdom, which has left the European Union.)

“We need to know who is crossing our borders,” former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in 2016, when he announced the program. “This way we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here.”

But for travelers from the U.S. and about 60 other countries, the new entry requirement will bring a new level of inconvenience. “It’s an extra step. It’s no longer just buying a ticket and heading to the airport anymore,” says Melanie Lieberman, global features editor for The Points Guy , a travel information website. “This is an important reminder to always be checking the requirements for your destination.”

Many details have not been finalized, but according to a memo released by the European Commission, travelers will apply for clearance online, which will take about 10 minutes. The form will ask for basic information, such as passport details, place of birth, profession, an email address and phone number. It will also inquire about any criminal records and ask if the traveler has visited conflict zones. It will require a credit or debit card for payment.  ​​​

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The information will be checked against government databases, and in an estimated 95 percent of cases, applicants will receive approval within five minutes. Those who aren’t immediately approved should find out within 96 hours if they are authorized to travel to Europe, although a few may have to submit additional documents and wait up to 30 days for approval. There’s also an appeals process if someone is denied entrance.

“For most people, it won’t impact them,” says Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest networks of travel advisers. But it’s unclear what would disqualify a traveler. He notes that U.S. visitors to Canada are occasionally denied entry for decades-old criminal records, including charges for driving while intoxicated.

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“There’s a lot of answers that we don’t know yet," he says.  "Honestly, we haven’t seen a lot of messaging from the airlines."

Ultimately, airlines, cruise ships and motor coach carriers will have to confirm their passengers have approval to enter Europe before allowing them to board. Travelers entering Europe on their own will have to apply at a border kiosk. If you’re traveling with a tour group or booking a trip through a travel adviser, the organizer or travel professional should be able to apply for you, says Vlitas.

The fee, which some have called a tax, comes partially in response to a similar $21 fee the United States charges arriving international passengers, Vlitas says. “In diplomacy, it’s always reciprocal.”

Meanwhile, experts say travelers planning to visit Europe after next April should check back with their travel adviser or carrier as their trip gets closer for the latest news about the requirement.

Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com.

Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to  BBC Travel  and the creator of  CivilRightsTravel.com .​​

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The cost of traveling Europe: real budget numbers from 9+ years of travel

What is the real cost of traveling Europe?

How do you afford to do it full-time? 

How much do I need to save if I want to travel in Europe for a year (or two years or a month or six months)?

As someone who has been traveling full time for nearly nine years, most of that time in Europe, these are probably the questions I get most often about my lifestyle.

Money, unsurprisingly, is the biggest obstacle people think they’ll face on the road. Because if vacations are so pricey, wouldn’t full-time travel be even more so?

(Psst.  Here’s a full breakdown of why it’s not .)

This is why for the last 10+ years, while I’ve been traveling full-time, I’ve kept track of my budgets  all over the world. Because the truth is that full-time travel can be expensive (just like staying put can be expensive), but it doesn’t have to be . And the only way I know to prove it is to share my own real budgets.

Today, I’m back to share more budget updates with you. More insights into how I travel full-time and what it costs to live and travel in Europe.

First, though, let’s talk about travel styles…

What full-time travel looks like for me

First, it’s important to say that there’s no right or wrong way to travel full time . There’s no standard. Every person I know who does it does it differently .

I have friends who circle back to their favorite places every single year. I have friends who are always chasing new adventures. I’ve met digital nomads who live out of hostels and move every few days and nomads who spend a year or more in one place.

So, before I dive into how I travel, I’ll caveat it by saying that my way is not the way . There are people who travel on a much lower budget than mine and people who travel on a higher budget than mine. There are people who travel faster and people who travel slower. This budget breakdown is based on my experiences and my experiences alone.

Okay, so what are my experiences ? 

For the first few years, I traveled solo with my dog . For five years, I traveled as part of a couple (though my budgets here on the blog reflect my half of shared expenses + 100% of my personal expenses). And now I’m back to solo-girl-with-dog-takes-on-the-world. ( Here’s a comparison of costs solo vs. traveling with someone else .)

I mostly travel around Europe, though I’ve also done a bit of North and South America in the past few years (and before I hit the road full-time, I visited every continent except Antarctica). 

I prefer to stay in one place for at least a month (and sometimes two or three) and I tend to rent comfortable apartments in local neighborhoods. If I’m staying in a hotel or hostel, it’s usually only for a weekend trip or a travel day.

I’m a foodie through and through, so I devote a large portion of my budget to good, fresh, usually organic food and I eat out pretty regularly, especially if I’m in a place known for its cuisine.

I work part-time (on writing books , content strategy and copywriting ). This means big chunks of my week are devoted to work, so someone retired or vacationing is likely to spend quite a bit more than I do. 

And in my spare time, I love to cycle, hike, read, explore, and eat, most of which is cheap or free and keeps entertainment budgets on the low side. I rarely do museums or indoor attractions.

The cost of traveling Europe: monthly expense breakdown

Before we get into individual budgets around the world, here’s a breakdown of my general monthly expenses and how I approach them:

Housing : This was my biggest expense in the US, and it’s my biggest expense now. From 2012 to 2015, when I was traveling solo, I spent about $1,000 per month. In 2015 to 2021, my partner and I split the rent, so we could afford a nicer space and usually keep our individual spending on the lower side. I shot for under $800 per person per month and we often came in under $600 each. Now, solo again and with accommodation prices having risen over the years, I’m upping my housing budget to $1,500. I’ll still try to come in under when I can, but that’s my new ceiling.

So, what’s the secret to affordable accommodations while traveling in Europe? Traveling slow. Monthly rental costs are significantly lower than nightly or weekly rentals. On sites like  Flatio and Airbnb, monthly discounts run anywhere from 20% – 70% .

Food:  Perhaps unsurprisingly, this foodie’s second highest expense is meals. I track my spending on groceries separately from my spending on eating out. I don’t put a budget ceiling on groceries because eating fresh, high-quality food is really important to me and I’d rather spend a bit more on groceries (and a bit less on other things) than take shortcuts with my health or joy. 

In the states, I shopped at organic grocery stores and tried to buy healthier options, which were often a bit pricier. In Europe, I shop at fresh markets, local butchers, and tiny bakeries most of the time and stay away from imports that might have questionable chemicals or ingredients.

I always strive to only buy what I need and to buy it in the best quality, most local form I can. I mostly cook at home instead of eating out and when I do eat out I go for quality over quantity. 

Recent grocery budgets have run about $393 ( Zagreb, Croatia ), $614 ( Thun, Switzerland ), $653 ( Bad Ischl, Austria ), and $429 ( Tartu, Estonia ). Eating out budgets in those same locations were around $257 (Zagreb), $0 (Thun), $41 (Bad Ischl), and $88 (Tartu). This means totals for those three places landed at $650 (Zagreb), $614 (Thun), $694 (Bad Ischl), and $517 (Tartu). As you can see, food spending varies, but not enormously. If you read my older budgets, you’ll also notice that the average has gone up over time (which makes sense, because inflation).

Transportation: Since I tend to stay longer in one place, transportation costs generally run pretty reasonable (e.g. far less than I spent when I owned a car). Every month or two, I buy a long-distance train ticket or two, and maybe once or twice a year I take a flight (though I try to fly as little as possible both because I hate flying and I try to be conscious of my environmental footprint).

In between big train journeys, I  choose to walk whenever possible  (which, in Europe, is nearly always) and only take buses and metros when the weather is walking-prohibitive, if the walk would be more than an hour long, if I’m carrying something heavy, or if I’m in a particularly busy city and the walk would be crowded or stressful. 

These days, I spend anywhere from about $25 (Prague unlimited monthly transit pass) on a month where I’m staying put to $300ish (trains from Rennes, France, to Prague, Czech Republic) on a month when I’m moving from one base to another.

Luna the traveling pooch’s food and care: This varies a little from country to country, but rarely exceeds $200 per month. Luna eats a homemade diet primarily consisting of rabbit, fish, quinoa, and veggies (the diet was created with a veterinary nutritionist and if you decide to do the same, I highly recommend hiring one through your vet), and I’m not very strict about separating her food budget from mine, so expect that some of the grocery budget is actually going to Luna.

As with human health care, I’ve found vet care to be significantly more affordable in Europe (compared to the US). In Latvia, four injections, a blood test, two weeks of pancreatic enzyme pills, a vet consult, and an exam cost just over $100. In Dubrovnik, Croatia, in a similar vet emergency, the bill for the sedation, IV fluids, blood work, x-ray, exam, anti-nausea shot, and 100 days worth of pancreas pills was about $150. In the US, the cost would have been at least tripled in each of those cases. A single blood test in Colorado cost us upwards of $200 last time we were there.

Entertainment/fun money:  When I’m traveling, most of my activities are free or cheap, so this line item is always pretty small compared to the others.

Supplies:  These tend to run less abroad as well, in part because I am careful about what I buy, since I carry everything on my back, and, in part because I’m less bored and thus feel less of a need to shop. The ironic and wonderful thing about this is that the things I buy are often higher quality and more expensive, yet I generally spend less overall than I did in the states.

Health insurance   and healthcare : Since I’m currently based in Portugal, I’m relying on the local health system. While traveling more extensively, I previously paid $268 per month for GeoBlue insurance that covered me anywhere in the world except the US. Before that, I tried travel insurance through World Nomads, which I found wildly frustrating (despite marketing themselves to travelers, they require you to jump through a LOT of paperwork hoops that require access to printers, scanners, and copy machines) and IMG Global, who ignored my emails and took months upon months to even acknowledge my claims after I was hospitalized on Malta. I would not recommend either company.

For anyone who’s used a healthcare system abroad, it’ll come as no surprise that pretty much everywhere in cheaper than the US. Pre-Obamacare, I paid $150 for three months of birth control pills in the US. A three-month supply (and a doctor visit to get the prescription) in Germany cost me under $100. In Switzerland, that number dropped to around $50. And in Vietnam, the same pills (same ingredients, different brand name) were $10 and available over the counter.

In all, I try to keep monthly spending under $2,500 (not including my business spending). And even with this as my budget ceiling, I often come in under. A few months ago, I did the math on the 30+ real Europe travel budgets linked below (scroll down for links) and the monthly average came in at $1,637 .

For those who’d like a more detailed look at my monthly budgets around the world, here they all are categorized by price range (click on the links for in-depth details on the budgets):

My real monthly budgets

From cheapest to most expensive monthly budget. Click on each location for a more detailed breakdown.

Non-European locations are marked with an *. My favorite places appear in bold. Cost is in parentheses. And I’ve indicated the year the budget is from (obviously account for some inflation when using budgets from 10 years ago) and whether the budget was solo travel or traveling with a partner/friend (partnered travel typically means lower housing costs).

Under $1350 per month:

Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina / one month ($1157) 2017 / partnered

Labin, Croatia / one month ($1175) 2021 / solo

Tartu, Estonia / one month ($1213) 2020 / partnered

Tulum, Mexico / one month ($1232)* 2018 / partnered

Kotor, Montenegro / one month ($1253) 2019 / partnered

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina / one month ($1296) 2017 / partnered

Sayulita, Mexico  /  one month  ($1301)* 2013 / solo

Riga, Latvia / one month ($1313) 2019 / partnered

Split, Croatia  /  one month ($1317 & $1241) 2019 & 2013 / partnered & solo

Zagreb, Croatia  /  one month ($1337) 2018 / solo

Playa del Carmen, Mexico  /  one month  ($1350)* 2013 / solo

Under $1,500 per month:

Taormina, Italy  /  one month  ($1364) 2017 / partnered

Porto, Portugal  /  one month ($1366) 2022 / solo, living full-time here

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia / one month  ($1385) 2017 / partnered

Toledo, Spain  /  one month  ($1388) 2015 / solo

Kobarid, Slovenia  /  one month  ($1422) 2015 / solo

Brasov, Romania  /  one month ($1433) 2018 / partnered

Dubrovnik, Croatia / one month  ($1443) 2017 / partnered

Tallinn, Estonia   /   one month ($1460) 2019 / partnered

Under $1,700 per month:

Interlaken, Switzerland  /  one month ($1558) 2019 / partnered

Ljubljana, Slovenia  /  two weeks  ($808) 2015 / solo

Bad Ischl, Austria  /  one month ($1618) 2020 / partnered

Rennes, France / one month  ($1648) 2018 / partnered

Nerja, Spain  /  one month  ($1689) 2015 / solo

Edinburgh, Scotland  /  one month  ($1697) 2012 / solo

Under $1,800 per month:

Ljubljana, Slovenia / second stay, one month  ($1735) 2017 / partnered

Grenoble, France / one month  ($1739) 2018 / partnered

Prague, Czechia  /  one month ($1752) 2018 / partnered

Under $2,000 per month:

Perugia, Italy  /  one month  ($1882) 2013 / solo

Flagstaff, Arizona  /  one month  ($1893)* 2016 / solo

Rome, Italy  /  one month  ($1911) 2017 / partnered

Chamonix, France  /  two weeks  ($962) 2015 / solo

Vancouver, Canada  /  one month  ($1988)* 2016 / partnered

Over $2,000 per month:

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland  /  three monthly budgets compared  (varies) 2015 (and before) / solo

Amsterdam, Netherlands  /  two weeks  ($1008) 2015 / partnered

Biarritz, France  /  one month  ($2029) 2014 / solo

Innsbruck, Austria / one week ($511) 2018 / solo

Paris, France  /  one month  ($2118) 2013 / solo

Thun, Switzerland  /  one month ($2124) 2021 / partnered

New York, New York, USA / one month  ($2297)* 2018 / partnered

Zagreb, Croatia / one month splurge! ($2320) 2021 / solo

Opatija, Croatia / one month splurge! ($2897) 2021 / solo(ish)

Cycling across France  /  one month  ($3091) 2015 / solo

My budgets for shorter trips

Now, what about short trips? Weekends, overnights, week-long vacations? I’ve got some real budgets on those too, though they’re fewer and farther between for me. Here are they, from cheapest to most expensive per-day:

Vrbovsko, Croatia / 3 days ($87 / $29 per day) 2021 / solo

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia / 3 days ($184 / $62 per day) 2021 / solo

Denver to LA road trip / 2 days ($207 / $103 per day)* 2012 / solo

Tbilisi, Georgia / 10 days ($1050 / $105 per day)* 2019 / partnered

Colmar, France / 5 days ($539 / $108 per day) 2019 / partnered

Paris, France / 5 days ($663 / $133 per day) 2019 / partnered

Emilia Romagna, Italy / 5 days ($776 / $155 per day) 2014 / solo

Business costs

It’s worth noting that you won’t see any business costs in the above budgets. My business expenses vary greatly based on what I’m working on, how much active marketing/sales I’m doing, and what kind of side projects (blogs, self-published books, etc.) I’m taking on. 

The few consistent things I pay for business-wise include:

Subscriptions for Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, cloud storage, and a media subscription or two.

I now own a cell phone (turns out living full-time in Portugal requires one), but I also need a US number, so I use TextNow on my iPad for US calls/client calls. The basic number is free (because they serve up ads), but I pay a small fee in order to get a few extra benefits. 

Business insurance , which runs me about $50 per month, and a yearly fee (about $100) for my registered agent to handle my LLC renewal and receive any business mail for me.

Once a year or once every few years, I also have expenses for  web hosting and domain renewal  for the website. This usually costs me less than $100 per year.

Taxes:  Finally, a note on the most unavoidable of all expenses – taxes. In general (though not in every case), you are expected to pay taxes in the place you reside. If you live in the US, you pay in the US. If you live in Switzerland, you pay in Switzerland. 

If you’re from the US, you’ll always have to file US taxes even if you’re a resident abroad, but you may be eligible for the  FEIE , which is basically there to prevent you from paying double taxes. (Rather than get into it further here, I’ll suggest you book a consult with a US tax accountant. Many do free first consults and they will know so much more than I do about all the ins and outs of your particular situation.)

NOTE: If you’re paying in the states and self-employed, taxes are due quarterly, not yearly. This means when I’m paying in the States, I sit down every quarter and calculate the taxes I owe and send the government a check. At the end of the year, I hire a tax whiz (which generally runs me another $350 – $500) to help me make sure everything has been paid and filed properly.

Air travel expenses (& other big one-time costs)

There are a few things I don’t budget for monthly (or include in my monthly budget posts) because they are yearly or quarterly expenses and may vary greatly from month to month. One of these things is  plane tickets .

I’m not a traveler who flies a lot, preferring to explore one continent thoroughly at a time and take trains where possible both because it’s simply a more pleasant way to travel, because it’s more environmentally responsible, and because the older I get the worse my motion-sickness gets, so flying has stopped being even a little bit fun.

So, since I’m not buying them monthly or even bi-monthly, I usually don’t track plane ticket costs monthly and instead factor them into my budget on a quarterly or yearly basis. 

In 2021, I took four flights (one-way Switzerland to Croatia, one-way Croatia to Portugal, then round-trip Portugal – Croatia to collect my visa). In 2022, I only took one (one-way from Paris to Porto – I took trains in the other direction). 

Replacing technology (my laptop or tablet), big one-time medical expenses, and other large one-time purchases (like my folding bike) are also something I look at quarterly or annually rather than monthly.

Saving money while traveling full-time

Finally, for me, part of feeling comfortable starting my business and then, a year or so later, leaving to travel full-time was having a decent financial buffer in the bank. I was advised while starting my business to have at least six months worth of expenses in the bank just in case. Being a bit neurotic about money, I waited until I had 10 months and enough clients that I was already almost breaking even.

Similarly, when I started traveling, even though I would be working normally and hopefully earning normally, part of feeling comfortable was the knowledge that I had a buffer. If all my clients ditched me in month one, I could live for a year without income (assuming I lived relatively frugally).

Everyone operates differently on this. When my aunt started her business, she quickly went into debt. Yet she was wildly successful over time. I’ve also heard stories of those who moved to a cheap part of Asia to start their business, which meant the limited funds they had could last them much longer while they got things off the ground. I know one man who told me it’s going to take $150,000 to start his business. Another woman told me a success story that started with just 3,000 euros in the bank. An old roommate told me she’s been traveling and working for years with just a few hundred euros to her name.

My income is variable , but I also try to set aside a decent percentage each month for the future –both to tackle unexpected expenses or emergencies, to be prepared for my yearly tax bills, and, of course, to create more security for myself in case I ever cannot or no longer want to work.

Any expenses you tend to have during travel that I haven’t mentioned? Any questions about travel expenses and budgeting? Toss them in the comments.

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17 comments

This is so cool. Thank you for this.

I’m living in a tiny house on a farm right now, but after my kid graduates high school I – or perhaps both of us – have considered living like this for a while. I’m building up my author/editor business, and it certainly would be nice to get around. I get really restless staying in one spot too long.

Glad you enjoyed it! And good luck!

Idnloke to know more about working abroad

If you are looking for info on my freelance career, here’s the skinny: https://gigigriffis.com/how-i-make-money-while-traveling-the-world-full-time-behind-the-scenes-with-a-location-independent-writer/

If you are looking for info on jobs abroad, I’m sorry to say I don’t have much info on that.

I’m not brave enough to try this with my husband and two kids, but I loved reading about how you do it! Kudos!!

Thanks for sharing your experience! This gives us an idea of how to budget for travel in Europe.

I am really enjoying following your adventures. I am waiting for a Portuguese residency permit and will be dipping my toe in the nomadic water soon. One question I am grappling with – what do you do for health insurance when you are back in the US?

For short trips, I get a temporary travel insurance plan (something like World Nomads even though their paperwork hassles are epic). But I think many European health plans also cover emergencies outside Europe, so might be worth looking into whether your Portuguese insurance will cover you once you’re resident there (I know in Switzerland the insurance we looked at covers US travel).

Amazing post!! Thanks for the detailed breakdowns. So happy to have found your site – it’s SO helpful and informative for slow travelers.

Great post! Thanks for sharing these insights with everyone. I wonder if you might answer a tax question. If one were to travel 1-3 months in each country, does that mean you need to file taxes in each of those countries plus the US?? I get if one were in the same country for over 6mo then that country would probably be considered the country of residence for tax filing purposes but what about when hoping county to county, never staying in any one country longer than 3mo??

Thanks in advance for any insights on my tax question!

Most countries don’t consider you a tax resident until you’ve been there more than 180 days in a year. Most tax accountants will do a free consult if you would like a professional perspective on your specific situation, though!

i’m a new dog owner (about 9 months) and also planning for a 6-month travel sabbatical in about 1.5 years. i’m still debating whether i should take my yoshi with me (he’s a 13 lb chiwienie). I’ve never flown with him before, and I’m wondering if you have any tips and tricks to help ease him into the process? you’re an inspiration!

Thanks! If you haven’t already, I’d read the Luna the traveling pooch section of the blog. https://gigigriffis.com/category/luna/ . There’s tons of stuff in there. The short answer is lots of treats and comfort toys inside the carrier (with the carrier open) in your house to get him used to and feeling safe in the carrier.

Thank you a million times over!

Thanks, Gigi. I needed this. It gives me courage as a single 55 yo American dude. I need some challenge in my life…something to conquer…something that will keep me on my toes. I’ve always suffered from bouts of wanderlust and I’m just plain DONE with corporate health/academic full time work. I did a back-of-the-envelope calculation on my expenses and came out around 2,200/mo traveling mostly in European Union with time in Serbia, Montenegro, B/H, SE Asia, Georgia and Turkey to mitigate the Schengen rules. Any reason you spent so little time in the Balkans? Is it a solo-female traveler thing? Sadly Russia appears off the list. I have spent a fair amount of time there before.

I have savings and a professional license (planning to do consulting over zoom). I plan to work part time (10-12 hours/wk) while honing film photography, reading for pleasure, learning about local history, and making friends. My budget is a bit lighter for accommodations (I don’t mind living in an Airbnb room) and heavier on LOCAL travel. I want to hike and spend time shooting landscapes in the areas I choose. This is a giant question mark in my mind. How to get to these places without a vehicle? I’m a bit reticent about using a scooter and don’t want to spend a fortune on taxi. I’m thinking there might be local bus service that gets me close in many places? Any insights here would be appreciated.

Your style is very much how I view my own journey. Stay in one place 1-2 months to maximize accommodation expenditures, minimize European touristy museums (been there done that—going to 1-2 local gems is my thought), mostly eat at home, and take rail day trips once a month with a night-over. Kudos for avoiding the BIG European cities. That is exactly my plan. I don’ think you could force me to spend time in Paris for more than 3 days, mirroring my aversion to New York, Chicago and LA. Lol.

Once again, thank you for the inspiration! Hit me up on email if you like. If you have any tips on making local friends in the places you traveled, I’m all ears. Stay safe and pleasant travels!

Hey! Glad it’s helpful and good luck!

To your questions:

1) I actually spent quite a lot of time in Croatia (in fact, got a visa for a year after living in Estonia 1.5 years during the whole covid fiasco). The Balkans outside Croatia are a touch trickier because of infrastructure (which goes to your second question, I suppose). There’s less train/bus access, so they are trickier to get to and trickier to get around without a car (and I detest driving). Croatia definitely has better infrastructure than some other spots, though I did enjoy my jaunt into Bosnia and Montenegro.

The other reason is the dog. They tend to be the less dog-friendly options in Europe. I felt fine as a woman traveling solo, but the dog complicates places like Bosnia (which I did spend some time in, despite this) and Albania.

2) The Schengen countries (for the most part, with a few exceptions) have great public transit, so I relied on that. For hiking/wilderness areas, I find that there is transit but it sometimes runs less frequently, so I just had to plan well and sometimes find myself a base very close to the wilderness areas to stay for at least a few days (I did this, for instance, for Bohemian Switzerland in Czechia). Other places (Switzerland, France) often have trails very integrated into every location and/or transit to even the remotest spots.

The places that are a bit more tricky tend to be places on the edges of Europe (the center is very well connected). So I had to get more creative in places like Portugal, Spain, and Estonia, which have somewhat less extensive public transit and more car culture. (Even so, I have never rented a car in any of those places and have relied on everything from infrequent buses to my bicycle to taxis or rideshares.)

Great! Thank you for the insights! I poked around your blog and found solid information on making friends. Funny, having a meal at home with a handful of people is definitely my style. :) I enjoyed many of the images on your blog. Particularly one from Italy with the path going along that turquoise river. Sublime! Excellent information on the hiking trails in different countries and your tip on staying close to trail systems for a handful of days. Lastly, your travels helped me to discover the inclusion of Portugal to the digital nomad parade! That’s particularly exciting to me as my younger brother and fam are planning a permanent move to Portugal (getting tired of Seattle/US health care/foods). Looks like potentially a more lengthy process? What an amazing time to see the world and work from anywhere! New DM visas are also popping up in SE Asia. Cheers!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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How to travel europe on a budget | 100+ money-saving travel tips.

My MEGA list of the best ways to save money while traveling Europe on a budget.

I’ve spent the last 10 years writing hundreds of articles helping people just like you travel Europe on a budget, so I thought it might be a good idea to list out some of my favorite money-saving travel tips.

Estimate Your Overall Travel Costs

Before we jump into ways to travel Europe on a budget it’s helpful to give you an estimate on how much it actually costs to visit Europe — after all, having a baseline will help put costs into perspective.

In my experience, I’ve found that most frugal backpacker-style travelers spend around $70-$120/day in Western Europe and $40-$85/day in Eastern Europe.  At this level, you can travel fairly modestly without making too many sacrifices — but you’re not going to be living it up.

If you’re on a budget but not a “backpacker” then you can expect to pay around $90-$225/day — your accommodation choice will make the biggest impact on your daily budget.

Note: These are just ballpark figures so your results will vary. Also, these don’t include transportation (i.e. train tickets, airfare, etc.). Learn more about estimating travel costs by reading my How Much It Costs To Travel Europe guide.

How To Find Cheap Flights To Europe

Your first major travel cost will be your flights to Europe as they can cost anywhere from around $400 to $1,400+. There are dozens of factors that go into how much you’ll spend on your airfare but I’ve listed some general strategies to help you get the best price.

Online Flight Booking Resources

There are tons of online resources to help you find cheap flights but after years and years of searching I’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites:

• Google Flights: I’m a huge fan of Google Flights because it allows you to search through multiple routes quickly and they do a great job of organizing the search results. My favorite feature is how you can simply put “Europe” as the destination and it will find you the cheapest destinations. Visit Google Flights
• Momondo and Skyscanner: While Google does a good job of finding most flights, I’ve found that Momondo and Skyscanner can sometimes find cheap flights that don’t show up in Google’s results. Visit Momondo or Visit Skyscanner
• Scott’s Cheap Flights: Finding random deals can take a ton of time so that’s why I’m a huge fan of Scott’s Cheap Flights. SCF is an email newsletter that emails multiple cheap deals every day. Most of the deals featured on in their newsletter are only available for a day or two so this is best for flexible travel dates. Visit Scott’s Cheap Flights

Book Flights Early (But Not Too Early)

In general, your flights will be the cheapest when booked a few months before departure. However, if you book too early you’ll end up paying more because the airlines figure that anyone who books 6-8 months early is dead set on those specific travel times.

On the other hand, booking last minute will also be very expensive since the airlines also assume that you’re locked into that specific travel time.

My strategy is to start looking 5-6 months early and continue monitoring prices over the next month or two. Once I find a price I’m comfortable is when I pull the trigger.

Save On Flights By Traveling Off-Season

Traveling to Europe in the summer is always going to be expensive — it’s hard to get around that. Additionally, Christmas and New Year’s can also be expensive times to fly.

My favorite time to fly is April/May or September/October because you can still score some great deals and the weather is still generally nice.

Of course, traveling during the winter will be the cheapest but then you have to deal with poor weather.

Be Flexible and Save Big

I’ve said it before but it being flexible is the absolute best way to save money on flights to Europe. Even shifting your travel date by a day can save hundreds of dollars.

Switching up your destination airport can also result in big savings.

I love flying direct but it’s usually more expensive than buying a flight that has a layover.

Pay Attention To The Costly Drawbacks Cheap Flights

Cheap flights certainly have drawbacks and many budget airlines tack on all kinds of extra fees and restrictions. It’s important to pay attention to these extra fees as they can make “cheap” flights not so cheap. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Bag Fees: Many cheap tickets only allow a personal item that can fit under the seat so you have to pay for a checked and carry-on bag. Adding a bag can easily cost $50-$80 each way. Some airlines are very strict on weight limits and will charge you extra if the bags are overweight.
• No Free Food/Drink: Some airlines charge extra for water, soda, and all food.
• Non-Refundable: Almost all tickets are non-refundable these days and have expensive change fees.
• Secondary Airports: Some cheap airlines fly into smaller airports that are further away from the city they service than the major airport. These smaller airports may not be well served by public transport so that could be an extra expense.

Fly In And Out Of Different Airports

Often flying in and out of different airports can save you time and money — for example, flying into Paris and flying home from London.

This prevents you from wasting time and money backtracking to a city you already visited so you can spend more time exploring somewhere new. It also lets you expand where you visit so you’re not stuck to a small region for the sole purpose of needing to stay near a specific airport.

Look Into Free Flights via Airlines Miles and Credit Card Offers

I’ve never been one of these travel hackers who use airline miles to earn free flights but I know it’s a very popular thing to do. It’s important to be smart about your spending because you don’t want to end up spending more money than you save on a free ticket.

How To Fly Cheaply Within Europe

Flights within Europe are way different than what many of us non-Europeans are used to. Basically, Europe has a ton of budget carriers and they also have to compete with the high-speed trains, so you can find some crazy cheap airfare — like Paris to Berlin for $50. I once flew from London to Edinburgh for $2.

The strategies for finding cheap flights within Europe are similar to how we find cheap flights to Europe:

• Use A Flight Search Engine: Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner are my favorite places to find the best deals on flights.
• Book A Few Weeks Early: Booking last minute can be expensive you can find some excellent deals but booking a couple of weeks in advance. Conversely, booking multiple months in advance can also be expensive.
• Budget airlines are often sticklers about luggage restrictions so pay attention to the size and weight limits as it’s an easy way for them to make money.
• Factor In Transportation Costs: Getting to and from the airport will be an extra cost so take that into account.

How To Save Money On Travel Gear

I’m a huge fan of travel gear but it’s easy to go overboard by spending a ton of money on travel stuff. In fact, there is a good chance that you already have basically everything you need.

Saving On Big Ticket Travel Gear

• Travel Backpack/Suitcase: A nice travel backpack can cost between $100-$300. Suitcases start around $50 but can easily go over $300 as well. Check with friends to see if anyone can lend you theirs. You can also buy these used on eBay for a decent price. Read more about my favorite travel backpacks .
• Comfortable Shoes: You want a solid pair of shoes but there is a good chance you might already have a perfectly suitable pair. Read more about my favorite travel shoes .
• Travel Clothing: There are lots of companies making clothing designed specifically for travel— i.e. quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, lightweight, etc. This stuff is nice to have but you can live without it.
• High-End Camera : Lots of people spend $600-$1000+ on a new camera for their trip. A nice camera can be great if you know how to use it but I find myself using my iPhone 99% of the time. In fact, even people who are good at photography get sick of lugging around a large camera and then switch to their phone.
• Laptop/iPad: Unless you absolutely need it for work, leave the laptop at home. An iPad does come in handy but I find that using your smartphone is more than enough.

More Money-Saving Packing Advice

• Pack Light & Save On Checked-Bag Fees: Almost every budget airline within Europe will charge a hefty fee ($30-$60) for checking a bag so you’ll save a lot by flying with a carry-on only. However, the weight of a carry-on bag is usually limited to around 20 lbs — which can be difficult for a lot of people.
• Pack Minimally and Buy As You Travel: Many people end up packing a ton of stuff they don’t need because they think they “might need it.” However, I find that it’s wiser to bring the essentials and then you can buy things while traveling.
• Borrow Gear: There is a good chance that someone you know has a bunch of travel gear packed away in a closet. Ask around before shelling out a ton of cash.
• Buy Used: Backpacks, cameras, guide books, electronics — all this stuff can be found at a heavy discount when bought second-hand.
• See What Gear You Have: Buying new stuff for your trip to Europe can be exciting but there’s a good chance you already own plenty of things that you might need for your trip.

Additional packing resources:

• Backpacking Europe Packing List
• Travel Europe Packing List for Women
• Europe Packing List  (for any travel style)
• Hostel Packing List
• Ultralight Travel Packing List
• Winter Packing List for Europe

Choosing When To Travel

The time of year you travel will have a major impact on your overall travel costs — notably for airfare and hotel/hostel costs.

The summer will always be the most expensive time to travel — which generally runs from June to mid-September. Finding affordable airfare during this time can be difficult. Additionally, scoring affordable accommodation is also a challenge since there are lots of people looking for a place to stay.

The absolute cheapest time to travel Europe is during the winter (not counting Christmas & New Years) since the weather is generally cold and possibly rainy. That said, you can find some truly cheap airfare — I’ve flown from NYC to Copenhagen in November for $300. Hotels, hostels, and rental apartments also drop their prices to attract travelers.

My favorite time to travel is during the shoulder season — which roughly runs from late April to early June and mid-September to late October. These times offer a great mix of enjoyable weather and reasonable prices.

Visit Cheaper Countries

Scandinavia and Switzerland are all very expensive so you’ll pay a premium for food, alcohol, and accommodation.

Western Europe (especially major cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) is also expensive but you can sometimes find decent deals.

Southern Europe is a little cheaper and you can often travel affordable in cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Lisbon.

Prices get even cheaper as you move east so you can find very solid deals in Berlin, Prague, Budapest, etc. Greece also has a lot of good deals to be found.

I’ve written 30+ city price guides for many of Europe’s most visited cities to give you an idea of how much you might spend when visiting.

Here are a few of my most popular city price guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Prices
• Athens Travel Prices
• Barcelona Travel Prices
• Berlin Travel Prices
• Budapest Travel Prices
• Copenhagen Travel Prices
• Dublin Travel Prices
• Florence Travel Prices
• Lisbon Travel Prices
• London Travel Prices
• Madrid Travel Prices
• Paris Travel Prices
• Prague Travel Prices
• Rome Travel Prices

Plan Around Major Cultural Events

Ok, this one can be a little harder to plan for but when cities host major cultural events it tends to spike accommodation rates.

For example, cities with large Christmas markets get a lot of travelers over the holidays and that raises rates. It’s the same around New Years in London, Paris, etc. because people come to party. Another example is Munich during Octoberfest as hotel rates can triple.

However, those events are predictable but there are other events like marathons, large sporting events, trade shows, local festivals, etc. that aren’t as apparent to foreign visitors. It doesn’t hurt to do a quick search as you’re planning your trip to make sure you don’t get stuck having to pay super-high rates.

Track Your Spending

If you’re on a strict budget then you’ll want to actually track your spending and review your notes often — because, let’s face it, it’s easy to lose track of how much money you’re spending.

There are various travel spending apps or you can simply write things down in a notebook as you go.

Save Money By Using ATMs and Avoiding Currency Exchange Offices

There are plenty of enjoyable ways to spend money while traveling Europe but spending money to get money from money exchange offices is never enjoyable.

The best (and cheapest) way to get money while traveling is from the ATM. In most cases, European ATMs don’t charge a fee (some airport ATMs that are attached to money exchange places will charge — those are tricky). Your own bank might charge a fee since it’s not your bank’s ATM but overall it’s the cheapest option.

Don’t bother getting cash from currency exchange offices because they charge big fees and commissions.

Similarly, don’t get a bunch of cash from your home bank before you leave because they also give you lousy exchange rates. If you’re really worried, get $100 worth of your first stop’s currency and then use ATMs after that.

Seriously, ATMs are everywhere in Europe.

Be Smart About ATM, Debit Cards & Credit Card Usage

Here is my strategy for paying for things while traveling:

• ONLY use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
• Use your credit card to pay whenever possible.

There are two main reasons to follow this strategy — it’s the cheapest option and it’s the safest way to use money.

Here’s the deal, card skimming (i.e. making a copy of a credit/debit card) is a very common scam in Europe — basically a waiter will take your card and scan it through a card reader that “copies” the card. The process takes a split second.

While most banks have fairly good fraud detection, if someone skims your card and then makes fraudulent charges the bank will cancel your card — which sucks if you’re traveling because getting a replacement card is nearly impossible.

So what happens if your debit card gets canceled? It means you have no way of getting cash from the ATM anymore. Furthermore, your debit card is directly connected to your checking/savings account so getting the money back is a much longer and more difficult process.

On the other hand, if you get fraudulent charges on your credit card it will still get canceled but you still have your debit card for cash from the ATM. And your credit card isn’t attached to your checking/savings account so you don’t have to worry about trying to claw back the stolen funds. In fact, I travel with two different credit cards just to be safe.

Financially speaking, there are some credit cards that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee and most use the current exchange rate so you’re not getting nickel and dimed on every purchase. Many credit cards also offer other benefits like cashback, travel insurance, travel credits, etc.

As far as getting money from ATMs, I recommend making large withdrawals so you can minimize the fees you’re paying. For example, my bank charges me around $3 per withdrawal so if I take out €300 ($325) I’m only paying about 1% in fees but if I take out €50 then I’m paying 5.5% in fees.

Skip Taxis & Use Public Transportation

It seems like a no-brainer but using public transportation is much cheaper than using taxis. Most rides on public transit cost between $1-$3 so it’s hard to beat the price.

Where I get into trouble is when I feel like taking a taxi from the airport after a long flight — since I’m tired and have luggage. However, most airport taxi rides will cost €30-€70 so it’s a real budget killer when compared to the €2-€5 public transportation option.

Another thing to watch out for is taxi scams — which are most common in southern and eastern Europe. These scams can generally be avoided with Uber/Lyft but not all countries/cities allow ride-share companies.

Note: Only use taxis that are officially licensed taxis. There are plenty of “car services” that say they’re a taxi but they’re actually a private car and they can legally charge any rate they feel like.

How To Save Money on Train Tickets

I’m a huge fan of train travel and the Europeans truly know what they’re doing. In fact, I’d gladly pay a little extra for the train than have to deal with the hassle of air travel. Luckily, there are many ways to save on train tickets.

Book High-Speed Trains Early

As a general rule, high-speed trains are cheapest when booked as early as possible and get gradually become more expensive as the departure date approaches. If you book last-minute you’ll pay a premium.

Local and medium-distance trains are usually priced per distance so booking early doesn’t offer any money-saving benefits.

Here are some examples of high-speed train ticket prices to show you the price difference between booking early and booking last minute. Note: I used  Omio  to find these train ticket prices.

• Booked a few weeks before departure: €66-€100
• Booked two or three days before departure: €190-€250
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €99-€120
• Booked two or three days before departure: €133-€145
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €70-€100
• Booked two or three days before departure: €135-€155
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €13-€22
• Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€40
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €45-€70
• Booked two or three days before departure: €45-€70
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €25-€35
• Booked two or three days before departure: €25-€35
• Booked a few weeks before departure: €14-€30
• Booked two or three days before departure: €20-€35

Buy a Eurail Pass

I won’t say that Eurail Passes are always a great deal but many travelers find them to be a worthwhile investment.

In my opinion, the true value of the Eurail pass is its flexibility as you can essentially jump on any train without much planning — thus you’re not paying crazy high prices for last-minute train tickets.

On the other hand, pre-booking train tickets a few weeks/months early will almost always be cheaper than using a rail pass — but you give up flexibility/spontaneity.

Look Into Railcards

Most countries have some form of railcard that gives discounts on train travel. The discount can range from 15%-30% off the ticket price.

These railcards are usually for students (under 26 years old) and seniors — but there are some cards for people under 30 as well.

Railcards are typically meant for residents of the country but anyone can usually buy them.

Ask About Youth & Student Discounts

Pretty much anyone under 26 is considered a “student” in Europe and there are plenty of discounts for things like museums and train tickets.

Discounts vary by country and sometimes by the mood of the person selling tickets. Some countries only give a discount if you hold a student ID from a European Union university but others will give a discount to anyone.

It doesn’t hurt to ask so always bring your student ID just in case.

Travel With Friends

I love solo travel but there are certain times when traveling with a group of friends can cut down on travel costs.

Most notably, sharing a hotel or rental apartment with one or more people cuts down the per-person cost considerably. For example, splitting a $130/night Airbnb with four people ends up costing around $33/night per person — which is cheaper than a hostel.

Rental cars can also end up being very cheap when the cost is split between multiple people.

Meals can also be cheaper when split with others — you can split portions or make a meal for the group.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a cheap investment that can save you thousands of dollars if you end up needing to use it. Trust me, you don’t want to get hit with a medical bill if you get injured overseas.

Travel insurance can also help you recover travel costs that you already paid for if your trip gets canceled/cut short and it can also help cover the cost of replacing lost/damaged luggage.

Personally, I use World Nomads as they’re geared toward budget travelers so their prices are very reasonable.

How To Save Money On Food & Alcohol

Ok, this is a big one because you can spend a fortune on food if you’re not careful. Luckily, if you’re flexible, there are plenty of ways to cut back drastically on your food expenses.

Research, Research, Research (Before You’re Hungry)

Here is my number one tip for saving money on food — do your research!

Whether you’re eating in restaurants or cooking your own meals, it’s super important to take the time to plan your meals.

Why? Because waiting to think about your meals until you’re hungry or as you’re “out and about” (and you’re usually in the touristy part of town that’s filled with tourist prices) is a surefire way to settle for a meal that’s too expensive or low-quality.

That’s why I always research potential places to eat so I know where I can find a quality meal at a fair price.

Shop At Farmer’s Markets and Grocery Stores

Farmer’s Markets are great for multiple reasons — they’re fun to explore, it’s a great way to experience the local culture, the food is high quality, and the prices are very fair.

Your cheapest option will be shopping at grocery stores — I also think it’s a fun cultural experience. The quality of produce isn’t as good as farmer’s markets but it’s still an excellent resource.

Plan A Group Meal

If you’re staying in a hostel that has a kitchen try getting a few people to pitch in for a group meal. This is an excellent way to make friends and save a ton of money.

Have A Picnic For The Park or City Square

A picnic in the park or city square is an unbeatable way to spend your lunch or dinner time. Even if you don’t feel like making your own picnic, you can easily find takeaway restaurants selling affordable food options.

Chow Down On Street Food And Takeaway

I love street food because it’s filling, tasty, and affordable. Each country/region has its own street food specialty — France has crêpes, Berlin has currywurst, Belgium has fries with a million types of sauce, pizza slices in Italy, and fish ‘n’ chips in the UK, so it’s a good way to try some local favorites.

Also, check out bakeries as they usually have quality sandwiches.

Local Favorites Are Usually Great Values

Do your research to find local favorite restaurants because they usually offer the best value in terms of quality and price. I’ve found that the best way to find these little gems is through local food bloggers and local food tours (they usually also have blogs on their websites).

I’ve also had a lot of luck looking on Reddit for restaurant recommendations as many locals post there and are happy to share their insider knowledge — r/Paris , r/London , r/Berlin , r/Amsterdam , r/Lisbon , r/Rome , r/Barcelona , etc.

Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern Food Are Great Deals

Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, etc. food are all delicious and is often very reasonably priced.

Save With Lunch Specials

Plenty of restaurants, especially those popular with locals, often have a fixed-price lunch specials to attract people who work in the neighborhood. This is a great time to sample the local cuisine at a discount.

The Menu Speaks Volumes

One sign that a restaurant isn’t a tourist trap is by looking at the menu. A handwritten menu usually means the ingredients are fresh.

Additionally, if the restaurant has a menu in multiple languages it often means they cater to a lot of tourists. Granted, some perfectly fine places have multi-language menus, but it’s a good rule of thumb.

Stick To Tap Water To Save

If you ask for water at a restaurant there is a good chance they’ll bring you a large bottle of water so you have to specifically ask for tap water.

Furthermore, skip the soda as well because you’ll be given a tiny expensive bottle that costs as much as a beer or wine.

Eating Inside vs Outside

Restaurants often charge a slightly higher price if you sit at their outside sidewalk tables. I love people-watching on a sidewalk cafe but if you’re trying to save a little then you’ll want to eat indoors.

Leave The Tourist Areas

Don’t get me wrong, you can find quality meals at fair prices in “touristy” parts of any European city but you’ll have to do your research. However, you’ll find much better deals by venturing out to more residential neighborhoods.

Drink At The Bar

Whether it’s alcohol or coffee, it’s often cheaper to drink standing up at the bar as opposed to at a table.

Drink Local

Every city will have its own regional beer, wine, and spirits — all of which are usually the most affordable option.

Look For Happy Hour Specials

The concept of happy hour isn’t quite as prevalent in Europe as it is in the US but it’s becoming more popular. Most bars will advertise these deals on their windows.

Local and Student Bars

Most bars in the center of the city are more geared towards tourists so the prices tend to be higher. Seek out places near universities or smaller local joints for better prices.

Buy Drinks From The Grocery Store (And Drink In Public)

Most European cities are very lax when it comes to drinking in public parks and squares as long as you’re not causing a scene. So head to the grocery store to pick up a perfectly fine $8 bottle of wine or some cheap beers and enjoy yourself!

Don’t Overtip

Tipping comes automatically to Americans but many European waiters are paid competitive wages so tipping isn’t expected or you might only add a little extra to the bill (but certainly not 15%-20%). Additionally, some restaurants automatically add a tip so pay attention. Each country has its own customs so do a little research first.

How To Save Money On Accommodation

In many cases, your largest overall expense will be your accommodation but there are plenty of budget tips that can save you quite a bit of money.

You’ll Pay For the Location

The joy of visiting Europe is exploring its old cities so you’ll pay a premium if you want to stay in the center of it all — especially with hotels. And even within the city the prices will vary greatly based on neighborhoods.

I’ll be honest, staying way outside the city can take away some of the “magic” of Europe but it’s a great way to save a lot of money.

Stay In A Hostel

Hostels are one of the cheapest accommodation options in Europe and every city will have multiple different hostels that cater to just about every travel style. In fact, there is a recent trend toward “boutique” hostels that have many of the same amenities you’d find in a hotel (but they are a bit more expensive).

Most hostels start around $20-$50/night for the cheapest dorm bed option but private rooms can range from $60-$120/night.

To learn more about hostels, check out my guide to hostels in Europe and my recommended hostels in many of Europe’s top cities:

• Best Hostels in  Amsterdam
• Best Hostels in  Barcelona
• Best Hostels in  Berlin
• Best Hostels in  Brussels
• Best Hostels in  Budapest
• Best Hostels in  Copenhagen
• Best Hostels in  Dublin
• Best Hostels in  Edinburgh
• Best Hostels in  Florence
• Best Hostels in Lisbon
• Best Hostels in  London
• Best Hostels in  Madrid
• Best Hostels in  Milan
• Best Hostels in  Munich
• Best Hostels in  Nice
• Best Hostels in  Paris
• Best Hostels in  Prague
• Best Hostels in  Reykjavik
• Best Hostels in  Rome
• Best Hostels in  Venice
• Best Hostels in  Vienna

Try Booking Directly

You can sometimes get a better price on your hotel by booking directly with the property since booking websites like Hotels.com, Booking.com, etc. charge the hotel a hefty fee.

However, I haven’t always found that hotels are willing to lower their prices but sometimes they’ll throw in a free breakfast or other perks for booking direct.

Seek Out Independent Hotels Not Listed On The Booking Sites

As mentioned previously, there are still some independent hotels that don’t list themselves on booking websites since those websites take a large cut of the booking. Naturally, these hotels are a little harder to find but the extra work can save you a decent amount of money.

Bed and Breakfast Offer Great Value

Many people forget about B&Bs but they’re a great way to get a comfortable place to sleep while also getting a little closer to the local culture.

Start Looking Early

There are some good deals to be found but it’s easier to find deals if you start looking early.

Rent an Airbnb/Apartment

Rental apartments can be an excellent way to save big — especially if you’re traveling with a group. Rental apartments also come with a kitchen so you can save more by cooking a few of your own meals. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Rent A Room

People often don’t realize that Airbnb lets you rent a room in someone’s apartment and this is another great way to save a lot of money. Additionally, Airbnb hosts who rent rooms are often happy to share their favorite local restaurants and sights. Click here to save $30 off your first Airbnb stay .

Check Weekend Rates

Hotels and hostels often raise their prices significantly on Friday and Saturday so that’s something to consider when booking and comparing prices.

Pay Attention to Extra Fees

The price you see when looking at hotel prices can sometimes be misleading as they’ll tack on extra fees when you go to book your hotel — and these extra fees can be significant.

Try Couchsurfing

The ultimate way to save on accommodation is by not paying anything — which is why Couchsurfing has become so popular. There are plenty of obvious downsides to Couchsurfing but a lot of people love it and it’s an excellent way to experience a different side of the local culture.

Become A Housesitter

If you’re going to be in one location for an extended amount of time then you might consider becoming a housesitter. The most popular website is Trusted Housesitters . It’s essentially a service that matches up people who need someone to watch their house while they’re away — usually to take care of their pets.

Popular locations have a lot of competition so you might need to do a few housesits in less popular spots to build up your reputation.

Focus On A Region or Visit Fewer Places

I know I’m guilty of this but many people who visit Europe want to jam their itinerary with multiple cities — after all, it’s so hard to choose where to visit.

However, moving around a lot can get expensive. First, there’s the extra transportation expense (trains, planes, etc.) and then you’re also losing time.

Next, some hotels and rental apartments will give you a slight discount if you book for a week and an even bigger discount if you book for longer.

Focusing on a small region also gives you more time to explore the area and to get to know it better — which I feel ends up being a much more rewarding trip.

How To Save Money On Sightseeing

You visit Europe for the sights but that doesn’t mean you need to spend all your hard-earned money seeing everything! Here are some money-saving tips:

Invest In A Guidebook

Despite their drawbacks, I still think guidebooks are an excellent resource for travel information and they can help you get the most value out of your trip. If nothing else, guidebooks help you make the most of your trip so you don’t waste your precious vacation time.

Both Lonely Planet and Rick Steves guidebooks are geared toward independent, budget travel but Lonely Planet is a little more focused on a younger demographic.

Visit The Tourism Office

Every city will have a tourism office and in many cases, they’ll have resources like free city maps and free wifi. They can also be a good resource about fun local things that are going on in town

City Passes and Sightseeing Cards

Most cities have some form of tourism card that gives you access to museums, cultural sites, and other touristy attractions. These cards can actually end up saving you a lot of money but other passes end up either being a waste of money — it really depends on your travel style.

When evaluating a city pass, it’s important to look carefully at what the pass includes and if those things actually look interesting to you.

Here are the general guidelines for how I evaluate the value of sightseeing passes:

• What It Covers: Many passes are loaded with tacky things like wax museums but skimp on cultural attractions (i.e. museums, etc.). So study the pass to see if you actually want to visit the attractions it covers.
• Pass Utilization: Sure, you can save a lot of money if you visit 5 different things in a day but that’s no way to travel — I try to limit myself to one or maybe two museums in a day, and then I might do another non-museum attraction. Trying to see too much is a surefire way to get burnt out.
• Cost Without The Pass: Most passes cover two or three “big ticket” attractions so the pass is rarely worth it if you don’t do those. The passes also tend to cover a lot of “cheaper” attractions that might only cost $5-$10/ticket so you’ll have to visit multiple sights to get your value’s worth.

In cases you’re interested, I’ve already written reviews of multiple city passes:

• London Pass Review
• Paris Pass Review
• Go Berlin City Pass Review
• Rome & Vatican Pass Review and the Go Rome Pass Review
• Vienna Pass Review
• Dublin Pass Review
• Stockholm Pass Review
• Go Barcelona City Pass Review
• New York City Pass Review
• Go Madrid City Pass Review
• Amsterdam Pass  
• Gothenburg Pass
• Helsinki Pass

Free Museum Days

Most cities in Europe have one day a month when all the museums are free. For example, museums in France are free on the first Sunday of the month and many attractions in Italy are also free on the first Sunday.

Some individual museums have weekly free days or they’re free after a certain time of day.

Note: Free days/times at museums attract a huge crowd so expect it to be a little more crazy than normal.

Take Free Walking Tours

Nearly every city in Europe has free (aka pay-what-you-wish) walking tours and they’re an excellent way to see a new city while also learning a bit about its history.

Mix In Free Attractions With Paid Attractions

I like to pad my sightseeing with free things like parks, monuments, or simply exploring a neighborhood. These activities also force you to slow down a bit so you’re not rushing from attraction to attraction.

Enjoy A Leisurely Drink At A Sidewalk Cafe

While you’ll probably pay a premium for a beer or glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe, it still makes an excellent way to spend an hour or so relaxing and people-watching.

Search For “Free Things To Do In X”

A good guidebook will tell you about free attractions but there are often free concerts, events, shows, galleries, etc. happening on any given day. That’s why I always do a quick search for free things before arriving to see if anything looks interesting.

Pre-book Your Museum Tickets

Ok, pre-booking your museum tickets online won’t really save you any money but it can save you from spending hours waiting in line — and time is money, right?

In fact, some cultural sights require everyone to pre-book tickets but they split the available tickets between normal visitors and tour groups. Therefore, once the normal tickets are sold out, you’re forced to take a more expensive tour if you want to visit.

Walk or Bike When Possible

Exploring a city on foot or with a cheap rental bike is not only a great way to save money but it’s an excellent way to get to know a city.

For example, I love the Paris metro. However, if I can walk to my destination in 30-45 minutes I’d rather do that and see the amazing city than using the subway where I see nothing. And then you can spend the €2 you would have spent on a ticket at the bakery instead — win-win!

Many European cities now have free/cheap bike rental stations and this is another fun way to experience a city.

Rent A Car (For Group Travel)

I’m not a huge fan of driving in Europe because it’s expensive (gas, tolls, insurance, parking, etc.) but if you’re in a group of 3-4 people a car can actually be a very affordable way to get from point A to point B.

That said, driving in any European city is a nightmare so I recommend parking outside the city if you’re driving.

I’ve used AutoEurope in the past to book my rental car because they search multiple car rental companies. Read my guide to renting a car in Europe for more tips.

Travel Europe By Bus

The cheapest way to travel around Europe is by bus and it actually has a very extensive long-distance bus network. Granted, the bus will be much slower than the trains since trains travel 2-3x faster and there is no traffic, but it will be cheaper.

Many of these long-distance bus companies will have random deals with super cheap advance fare tickets that are as cheap as €5. You can search for bus fares/routes on Omio .

Another possible way to travel around Europe cheaply is via carpooling with people who are already making the same trip. The most popular service is BlaBlaCar (it’s basically Airbnb for ridesharing) and they make matching up drivers and riders easy.

Avoid Tourist Scams

It’s one thing to spend too much money while traveling but getting scammed is another.

Let me start by saying that the chance of getting scammed or pickpocketed in Europe is low but it’s smart to know what scams are out there. Here is a list of Travel Scams in Europe but below are the most common:

Pickpockets

Any city that attracts a lot of tourists will have pickpockets — which is why Europe has gained the reputation of a pickpocket hotspot. Here are some things to pay attention to:

• Beware Of Crowds:  Busy streets, subway cars, buses, trains, and places with a lot of tourists are where pickpockets strike.
• Smartphones Attract Thieves: Thieves love smartphones because they’re easy to steal and easier to sell. One of the most common places phones are stolen are off tables at sidewalk cafes.
• Lock Your Zippers:  You can get little luggage locks for your bag’s zippers and this is enough to stop a pickpocket.
• Beware of Distractions:  Most pickpockets work in teams. One person distracts you with a map or something similar, and the other person swipes your stuff. Groups of little kids are often used as distractions.
• Watch Your Wallet:  Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is a pickpocket’s dream so keep it in your front pocket.
• Money Belt:  Money belts are a popular way to hide valuables under your clothing.

Credit Card Skimming

I covered this earlier but credit card skimming (aka cloning) is very popular in tourist areas. The best way to prevent skimming is to not let people take your card out of sight and to check ATMs to ensure they haven’t been tampered with.

Some cities/countries have a well-earned reputation for taxi scams. Do your research on normal taxi prices and common scams to keep yourself informed — and don’t be afraid of speaking up if you feel like you’re being scammed.

Research Your Phone’s International Data Plan

Don’t return home from your trip to Europe to find a huge phone bill. Spend some time researching if you can use your smartphone’s data plan. Some plans give you free data in Europe and some let you pay extra to get high-speed data while abroad.

You also have the option to buy a new SIM card while in Europe — which is often the cheapest option but it’s a bit of a hassle.

Hit Up The Dating Apps

One way to experience a city like a local is by meeting up with a local — which is why many travelers are logging into their dating apps as they travel.

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• Plan Your Trip
• Budget Travel

How To Budget A Trip To Europe

Published: December 6, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Rozele Kuo

• Travel Essentials & Accessories
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Planning a trip to Europe can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it’s crucial to have a well-structured budget in place to ensure a stress-free journey. With proper planning and careful consideration, you can make the most of your limited funds and still have an incredible adventure exploring the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures that Europe has to offer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the essential steps to effectively budget your trip to Europe. From determining your travel dates to estimating transportation costs, accommodation expenses, meals, sightseeing, and other daily expenses, we’ll cover it all so you can plan your trip with ease and confidence.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, these budgeting tips will help you make the most of your resources while giving you the freedom to indulge in wonderful experiences along the way.

Remember, budgeting requires careful consideration and flexibility. As you dive into the planning process, keep an open mind and be prepared to adjust your plans as you discover new opportunities or unforeseen expenses. This article aims to provide you with a solid foundation to start your budgeting journey and help you make the most of your trip to Europe.

So, let’s get started with step one: determining your travel dates.

Step 1: Determine your travel dates

The first step in planning a budget trip to Europe is to determine your travel dates. This will help you set a timeline for your trip and allow you to plan your budget accordingly.

Consider the time of year you want to travel. Europe experiences different seasons, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The peak tourist season typically falls during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this also means that popular destinations will be crowded, and prices for accommodation and flights will be higher. On the other hand, traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable rates.

Once you have a general idea of your preferred travel dates, do some research to find out if there are any major events, holidays, or festivals happening in the destinations you plan to visit. These occasions might affect the availability and prices of accommodations and transportation. If you have specific events or festivals on your bucket list, make sure to factor them into your itinerary and budget.

Another important factor to consider when determining your travel dates is your personal schedule and commitments. Check with your employer, school, or any other relevant parties to ensure that your chosen dates won’t clash with any important obligations.

Lastly, be flexible with your travel dates if possible. Flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive during weekends and holidays. By adjusting your travel dates by a day or two, you may be able to save some money.

Once you have finalized your travel dates, you can move on to the next step: researching destinations and creating an itinerary.

Step 2: Research destinations and create an itinerary

Researching destinations and creating an itinerary is a crucial step in planning your budget trip to Europe. Having a well-planned itinerary will not only help you stay organized but also optimize your time and budget.

Start by making a list of the countries or cities you wish to visit during your trip. Consider factors such as your interests, must-see landmarks, and cultural experiences you want to have. Look for destinations that offer a variety of attractions and activities that align with your preferences.

Once you have your list, conduct in-depth research on each destination. Look for information on popular tourist spots, local customs, transportation options, and budget-friendly attractions. Take note of any entrance fees, transportation costs, and the availability of free or discounted passes like city cards or museum passes.

Consider the geographical proximity of the destinations you plan to visit. Exploring neighboring countries or cities can significantly reduce travel time and costs. Take advantage of Europe’s excellent train and bus networks, which often offer affordable and convenient intercity travel options.

When creating your itinerary, strike a balance between popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems. While iconic landmarks are worth visiting, they are often more crowded and expensive. Discovering hidden gems and lesser-known attractions can offer a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

Be flexible with your itinerary. Allow some open days in your schedule for spontaneity or to include any recommendations you receive from locals or fellow travelers along the way.

Consider the length of your stay in each destination. Allotting sufficient time in each city or country will allow you to explore at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed. Avoid overpacking your itinerary, as this can lead to exhaustion and unnecessary expenses.

Use online travel resources, guidebooks, and travel forums to gather information and gain insights from fellow travelers who have visited the destinations on your list.

By thoroughly researching destinations and creating a well-balanced itinerary, you can make the most of your budget and ensure a memorable trip to Europe.

Step 3: Calculate transportation costs

Transportation costs can significantly impact your budget when planning a trip to Europe. To effectively manage your expenses, it’s important to calculate and budget for transportation costs in advance.

Start by determining the most suitable mode of transportation for your trip. In Europe, you have a variety of options including flights, trains, buses, and even ferries. Each mode has its own advantages and price range, so consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and cost.

If you are traveling long distances between countries or cities, compare flight prices from budget airlines. Be sure to factor in any additional fees for baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding. Keep in mind that flights can be cheaper when booked in advance, and midweek or early morning flights often have lower fares.

Trains are a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Europe, offering scenic routes and easy access to city centers. Research the train networks and compare ticket prices, especially if you plan to travel extensively within a specific country or region. Look for discounted rail passes or regional tickets for additional savings.

Buses are another affordable option, especially for short to medium-distance travel. Many bus companies offer budget-friendly fares, and some even have overnight options that can save you money on accommodation for one night.

If you’re considering visiting multiple countries or regions, look into Eurail passes or intercountry travel deals. These can provide significant savings on transportation costs, especially for frequent travelers.

Once you have identified the modes of transportation that best suit your needs, create a transportation budget by estimating the costs for each leg of your journey. Don’t forget to account for transportation to and from airports or train stations, as well as any local public transportation you may need to use within cities.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and travel demand. Be flexible with your travel dates if possible, as this can help you secure lower fares.

It’s also a good idea to monitor travel booking websites or sign up for fare alerts to stay informed of any discounts or promotions. Consider using travel apps that compare prices across different modes of transportation to find the best deals.

By carefully calculating and budgeting for transportation costs, you can ensure that you have enough funds allocated to get you from one destination to the next without breaking the bank.

Step 4: Estimate accommodation expenses

When planning a budget trip to Europe, estimating accommodation expenses is a vital step. Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on the destination, type of accommodation, and the time of year you plan to visit.

Start by determining your preferred type of accommodation. Europe offers a wide range of options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxurious resorts. Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, providing affordable dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at a lower cost. Guesthouses or bed and breakfasts can offer a more local and affordable experience. If you prefer more privacy and comfort, consider budget-friendly hotels or apartments.

Research the average cost of accommodation in your desired destinations. Use online booking platforms and hotel comparison websites to get an idea of the price range for different types of accommodations. Keep in mind that accommodation prices can vary depending on the city, neighborhood, and proximity to tourist attractions.

Consider the location of your accommodation. Staying in the city center or popular tourist areas tends to be more expensive. However, opting for accommodations in the outskirts or in lesser-known neighborhoods can often save you money without sacrificing convenience or safety.

Look for deals, discounts, and promotions. Many hotels and booking platforms offer early-bird discounts, last-minute deals, or discounted rates for longer stays. Additionally, consider using websites or apps that offer alternative accommodations like homestays, guesthouses, or vacation rentals.

Another option to lower accommodation costs is to consider sharing your room or apartment with other travelers. This can be done through websites or apps that connect travelers looking for roommates or complete apartments to rent together.

Be sure to read reviews and ratings of accommodations before booking. Look for honest feedback from previous guests to ensure that you are getting good value for your money.

Factor in additional costs such as taxes, city taxes, resort fees, or any required deposits. Some accommodations may also provide complimentary breakfast or amenities, so consider these perks when comparing prices.

As a budget traveler, don’t be afraid to opt for more affordable accommodations. Remember, you will be spending most of your time exploring the destinations and soaking up the local culture, so a comfortable and budget-friendly place to rest is often sufficient.

By estimating accommodation expenses and allocating a reasonable amount within your budget, you can ensure that you have suitable and affordable lodging throughout your trip to Europe.

Step 5: Plan for meals and daily expenses

Planning for meals and daily expenses is a crucial aspect of budgeting for your trip to Europe. By being mindful of your spending on food and other daily necessities, you can make your budget stretch further, allowing for more memorable experiences.

Start by setting a daily budget for meals. Research the typical cost of meals in your chosen destinations. Keep in mind that eating out at restaurants can be more expensive compared to grabbing a quick bite from local street food stalls or markets. Take advantage of the diverse culinary scene in Europe by sampling affordable yet delicious local dishes.

Consider cooking some of your own meals. If you have access to a kitchenette or are staying in an apartment-style accommodation, grocery shopping and preparing your own meals can save you a significant amount of money. Visit local supermarkets or farmers’ markets to buy fresh ingredients and experience a more authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Stay hydrated with tap water whenever possible. In many European countries, tap water is safe to drink and readily available. Avoid purchasing bottled water to save money and reduce plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.

Plan for other daily expenses such as public transportation, sightseeing fees, and miscellaneous items like toiletries, souvenirs, and laundry. Research the cost of public transportation passes, such as day passes or weekly cards, as these can often provide better value compared to individual tickets. Look for free or discounted days at museums and attractions, and prioritize visiting budget-friendly or free attractions.

Keep track of your daily expenses and adjust your spending accordingly. Use budgeting apps or keep a journal to record your expenses, making it easier to identify areas where you might be overspending. By being conscious of your financial habits, you can make informed decisions and stay within your budget.

Consider purchasing a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges. This will allow you to access maps, translation apps, and travel information that can help you navigate and make informed choices while on the go.

Lastly, be open to experiencing the local culture without breaking the bank. Take advantage of free activities such as walking tours, exploring public parks, or attending local festivals and events. Engage with locals and fellow travelers for recommendations on hidden gems or budget-friendly activities.

By planning for meals and daily expenses in advance, you can ensure that you have sufficient funds allocated for essential needs while still embracing the local culture and enjoying your trip to Europe within your budget.

Step 6: Budget for sightseeing and activities

As you plan your budget trip to Europe, it’s essential to budget for sightseeing and activities. Europe offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that can enhance your travel experience.

Start by researching the popular landmarks and attractions in your chosen destinations. Look for entrance fees and any additional costs, such as audio guides or guided tours. Check if there are discounted tickets for students, seniors, or specific time slots with lower prices. Take note of any free or low-cost attractions as well.

Prioritize the attractions that interest you the most and allocate a budget for them. Determine the must-see sights and experiences that you don’t want to miss, and set aside a portion of your budget for these activities. Be realistic about what you can afford and create a list of alternative attractions in case some are beyond your budget.

Consider exploring the local culture and history through free or low-cost activities. Visit local markets, parks, and neighborhoods to get a sense of the local lifestyle. Attend free events or festivals that showcase the traditions and customs of the region you’re visiting.

Be open to alternative ways of experiencing attractions. For example, instead of purchasing a ticket to enter a museum, explore the exterior and gardens, or find free guided tours or audio guides online that offer insightful information. Take advantage of walking tours or self-guided tours available for free or at a lower cost.

Seek out local recommendations for hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path attractions that are often less crowded and more budget-friendly.

Utilize city tourist cards or sightseeing passes that offer discounted or bundled admission to multiple attractions. These cards can also include free public transportation, providing additional savings.

Remember to factor in any additional costs such as transportation to and from the attractions, meals, and souvenirs. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the total cost associated with each activity to avoid any surprises.

Lastly, be open to spontaneous discoveries and experiences. Some of the most memorable moments during your trip may come from unexpected encounters and hidden gems that aren’t necessarily part of your initial itinerary.

By budgeting wisely for sightseeing and activities, you can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching travel experience in Europe without stretching your budget too thin.

Step 7: Consider travel insurance and visa fees

When planning your budget trip to Europe, it is important to consider two crucial aspects: travel insurance and visa fees. These are essential components to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

Firstly, research and evaluate the importance of travel insurance for your trip. While it may seem like an additional cost, it provides protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. Determine the level of coverage you need, considering factors such as the length of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, and the value of your belongings. Compare different travel insurance providers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Be aware that some credit cards might offer limited travel insurance coverage. However, it is essential to carefully review the terms of the coverage to ensure it meets your specific requirements. If necessary, consider purchasing additional coverage through a dedicated travel insurance provider.

Secondly, check the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit in Europe. The visa fees can vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Research the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit and find out if you need to apply for a visa in advance or if you can obtain one upon arrival.

Calculate the total cost of visa fees for all the countries you plan to visit and include this as part of your budget. It’s crucial to factor in the processing time for visa applications and any additional costs such as passport photos or transportation to the visa application centers.

It’s important to note that some countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel for certain nationalities. However, even if you are visa-exempt, you may still be required to fulfill specific entry requirements, such as having a valid passport and providing proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

By considering travel insurance and visa fees as part of your budget, you can ensure that you are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and meet the necessary requirements for your travel to Europe.

Step 8: Allocate funds for miscellaneous expenses

When budgeting for your trip to Europe, it’s important to allocate funds for miscellaneous expenses. These expenses are often overlooked but can arise unexpectedly during your travels. By setting aside a portion of your budget for miscellaneous expenses, you can ensure you are prepared for any unforeseen costs that may arise along the way.

Start by considering transportation to and from the airport or train station in your home country. This can include taxi fares, airport shuttles, or public transportation costs. Additionally, be prepared for any transportation-related expenses within Europe, such as local buses, trams, or taxis.

Be mindful of baggage fees charged by airlines if you plan to check in luggage. Some budget airlines have strict baggage weight and size restrictions, and exceeding these limits can result in expensive fees.

Keep some funds aside for emergencies or unexpected situations that may occur during your trip. This can include medical expenses not covered by travel insurance, unforeseen transportation changes, or last-minute accommodation needs. It’s better to have some extra money set aside as a safety net, just in case.

Factor in costs for communication, such as purchasing a local SIM card or using data roaming services. Staying connected while traveling can be essential for navigation, staying in touch with loved ones, and accessing important information. Research the various options available and budget accordingly.

Consider any tipping customs in the countries you plan to visit. In some European countries, tipping is customary, while in others, it may not be expected or required. Familiarize yourself with the local customs to avoid any confusion or awkward situations.

Allocate funds for souvenirs and gifts. Europe is known for its unique crafts, artisanal products, and local specialties, making it tempting to bring back souvenirs for yourself or loved ones. Determine a reasonable budget for souvenirs to avoid overspending.

Lastly, keep in mind any bank fees or currency exchange charges. Research the fees associated with using your debit or credit cards abroad and budget for any necessary currency exchanges. Consider utilizing options such as prepaid travel cards or online currency exchanges to minimize fees.

By allocating funds for miscellaneous expenses, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have prepared for the unexpected and have the necessary resources to handle any unforeseen costs that may arise during your trip to Europe.

Step 9: Track and adjust your budget throughout the trip

Tracking and adjusting your budget throughout your trip to Europe is crucial to stay on top of your expenses and ensure that you are making the most of your allocated funds. By monitoring your spending and making necessary adjustments, you can prevent overspending and maintain control over your budget.

Start by keeping a record of your daily expenses. Use a notebook, budgeting app, or spreadsheet to track all the money you spend, whether it’s on accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, or miscellaneous items. Make it a habit to record your expenses every day, noting the amount spent, the category, and any relevant details.

Regularly review your budget against your actual spending. Take a moment to analyze where you are over or under budget. Identify any patterns or areas where you may be spending more than anticipated. This will help you make informed decisions and adjust your spending habits accordingly.

Look for opportunities to save money without sacrificing your travel experience. Can you find more affordable eateries or cook some of your meals? Can you take advantage of free attractions or public transportation instead of paying for expensive tours or taxis? Consider making adjustments wherever possible to align your spending with your budget.

Stay informed of any currency exchange rates, as they can impact your budget. Monitor fluctuations in exchange rates and choose the most favorable time to convert your money. Use currency conversion apps or websites to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Be flexible with your itinerary and budget. As you explore Europe, unexpected opportunities may arise, such as special events or recommendations from locals. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans or allocate additional funds for worthwhile experiences.

Take advantage of discounts and promotions that may become available during your trip. Look for discounted tickets, meal deals, or special offers at attractions, restaurants, or local shops. Stay updated with travel newsletters, apps, or local tourist information centers to learn about any current deals.

Lastly, remember that a budget is a tool to guide your spending, but it should not restrict your enjoyment of the trip. Find a balance between staying within your limits and allowing yourself to indulge in memorable experiences or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It’s important to prioritize the experiences that truly align with your interests and make your trip to Europe unforgettable.

By consistently tracking your expenses and being mindful of your budget, you can make educated decisions about your spending, ensure financial stability throughout your trip, and make the most of your time in Europe.

Congratulations, you have successfully navigated the steps to budget your trip to Europe! By following these guidelines, you have taken essential measures to ensure a well-planned and financially responsible adventure. From determining your travel dates and researching destinations to calculating transportation costs, estimating accommodation expenses, planning for meals and daily expenses, budgeting for sightseeing and activities, considering travel insurance and visa fees, allocating funds for miscellaneous expenses, and tracking and adjusting your budget throughout your trip, you have covered all the crucial aspects of budget travel planning.

Remember, budgeting for your trip to Europe is not just about saving money, but also about making smart choices and prioritizing your preferences. It’s about finding a balance between experiencing the iconic attractions and discovering hidden gems, indulging in local cuisines while making cost-effective meal choices, and creating a personalized itinerary that reflects your interests and budget.

As you embark on your European adventure, stay open-minded and be willing to embrace unexpected opportunities along the way. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes that Europe has to offer. Connect with locals, fellow travelers, and the vibrant atmosphere of the places you visit. Remember, some of the most memorable experiences are often the ones that cannot be planned in advance.

Throughout your journey, keep your budget in mind and track your expenses to ensure you are staying within your limits. Be adaptable and open to adjusting your plans when necessary, allowing room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries that could enhance your overall experience.

By effectively budgeting your trip to Europe, you have empowered yourself to make the most of your resources and create unforgettable memories without compromising on financial stability. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Paris, marveling at the historical landmarks of Rome, or immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Berlin, your budget travel skills will guide you towards an incredible European adventure.

So go forth, explore, and enjoy your budget-friendly journey through the wonders of Europe!

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Make sure you have the right credit card

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Traveling abroad? Understanding payment methods and how to avoid transaction fees

Understanding the different ways of paying can save you money and help your trip run more smoothly

Read, 4 minutes

Hidden costs and fees on your various cards can add up quickly in a foreign country, whether you’re withdrawing money from an ATM, buying souvenirs or settling your hotel bill. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee—typically 2% to 3%—on every international purchase. And every trip to the ATM may also incur a fee. You can minimize or avoid fees by following these tips and resources—before you depart and while you’re traveling.

Article continues below

Credit cards are a widely accepted form of payment. They are easy to use, provide purchase-protection benefits and have favorable exchange rates. But some cards are better than others for international travel.

Find out if your card charges for foreign transactions either by calling the number on the card or checking your agreement. If it does, you may want to investigate applying for a new card that doesn’t. Also consider a credit card that will earn you rewards  for travel, dining or other purchases. Don’t wait to do this—the process of getting a new card can take six to eight weeks. And before applying, review any potential impact on your credit score .

You should also make sure your card has an EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip. These cards, standard in more than 130 countries, are considered more secure than credit cards with magnetic stripes. If your card only has a magnetic stripe or signature, it may not work in the country you’re visiting.

While you’re there

It’s a good idea to have a cash-vs.-card strategy. One solid rule of thumb is to pay for frequent small purchases, such as coffee and snacks, with cash. Save your credit card for more expensive purchases, such as pricey gifts, restaurant tabs and hotel bills.

Many establishments frequented by tourists will give you a choice of paying in local currency or U.S. dollars. You’re almost always better off going with the local currency. And remember that your credit card usually has a more favorable exchange rate and lower fees than local merchants can offer.

Searching for the right card? Research Bank of America credit card options.

Before you travel, set up alerts for unusual activity on your credit card. That way, you will be notified immediately by email, text message or through your mobile app if your bank sees anything questionable. For more travel tips, see our  checklist .

In many countries, merchants are moving to contactless payment. In fact, you may find that some stores and restaurants not only won’t take cash but may not even have a credit card reader.

Contactless payments are done through near-field communication (NFC) technology or quick response (QR) codes. NFC terminals at checkout counters use radio waves to read a physical credit card or one stored on a smartphone or smartwatch. QR codes can originate with the merchant or be stored on your phone. You might scan a merchant’s QR code with your phone’s camera and then tap on a link to complete the payment process. Or you might use an app to generate a QR code with your credit card information, and then the merchant scans it for payment.

A Digital Wallet  can help you navigate contactless payments. You will be able to pay in-store, online and in-app, receive payments and get cash from ATMs using only your smartphone.

Set up a Digital Wallet by adding credit or debit card information to your smartphone. You can do this through your mobile banking app or another pay app on your phone. If you are traveling to a country such as China, where QR code payments are common, make sure your app can generate QR codes.

See how to add your Bank of America credit or debit card to a Digital Wallet.

The benefits of using a Digital Wallet go beyond the convenience of contactless payments and include:

Most experienced travelers will recommend arriving at your destination with enough local currency to last at least the first 24 hours of your trip. This will make it easier to pay for services such as luggage carts, taxis and tips.

To get an advantageous currency exchange rate, purchase currency through your bank before you leave. Generally, larger banks offer more favorable rates and lower fees than other conversion services, such as airport exchange desks or kiosks at the destination. Some banks let you order currency online or through their mobile app. Allow three to five days before you travel to receive the currency.

Learn how to order foreign currency from Bank of America before you travel.

Did you know?

Currency exchange rates constantly change depending on markets as well as economic and geopolitical factors. Individual rates among banks, hotels, kiosks and other currency exchange businesses also vary due to profit, fees and other markups.

Even though it’s good to have cash on hand, try to limit ATM withdrawals. Using an international ATM can trigger unexpected fees, and some banks cap how much you can withdraw each day. You can minimize fees by using the ATMs in your home bank’s network or at a bank that partners with it. And remember that if you use your credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, you may be charged cash advance fees and interest.

Find Bank of America’s international ATM partners.

Some international ATMs support only four-digit PINs and do not have letters on their keypads. Be sure your PIN doesn’t start with a zero and know it by its numbers.

If you have excess foreign cash at the end of your trip, you may be able to apply it toward your hotel bill or final meal. If you’d rather give the money to charity, look for donation bins at the airport. Or think about giving it to friends who plan to travel. You can also exchange foreign cash back into U.S. dollars, though the exchange rate will be different, you may pay a fee and banks typically won’t buy back coins.

The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Bank of America Corporation and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management. ©2024 Bank of America Corporation.

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10 European Tourist Destinations You’ll Have to Pay a New Tax to Enter in 2024

Language Test Now Required for Foreign Healthcare Workers in Belgium

Visitors to barcelona to pay 20% higher tourism taxes starting october 2024, foreign students in denmark can now work part-time for up to 90 hours a month, german authorities overwhelmed with citizenship requests following law changes, 6% more european holidaymakers plan to travel during summer, survey reveals, key takeaways.

• Tourist taxes, which represent a fee that tourists pay to visit or stay in one country, are widely common in Europe. 
• European countries usually include tourist taxes in accommodation fees, and those can vary in the number of days spent at a destination, the destination’s popularity, season, and hotel stars. 
• Around seven destinations in Europe, including the UK, have introduced new tourist taxes or have updated the existing ones, with Amsterdam having the highest. 

Popular destinations across Europe have announced entry fees for 2024, with some of them imposing the measure due to the impact COVID-19 has had on their economies or some others as an alternative to generate income and sustain that destination financially. 

Regardless of the purpose, SchengenVisaInfo has gathered a list of destinations across Europe that have announced or will start implementing entry fees for tourists in 2024. The same list will also include countries that have made changes to their entry fees for the upcoming year. 

Destinations with new tourist taxes for 2024 also include Santiago de Compostela and Figueira da Foz, while Paris and Amsterdam have increased their tourist taxes for the upcoming year. The United Kingdom will introduce a new system for which visitors will have to pay a €7 fee to apply. 

Paris, France

As of January 2024, tourists to the French capital will pay a tourist tax for visitors staying in hotels or other accommodation alternatives, which is almost 200 per cent higher than the current price. The policymakers have approved the bill to raise the tourist tax for visitors. 

This means that visitors to Paris in 2024 can expect a nightly fee for a double room at a highly-rated hotel to be more than €11. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

As of 2024,  the Dutch capital is expected to have the highest tourist tax in Europe , as policymakers have decided to raise it to 12.5 per cent of the hotel room price. All cruise passengers, as well as overnight visitors, will be obliged to pay this tax. 

In other words, the tax tourists for cruise-ship passengers will increase from €8 to €11 per visitor, which also applies daily. The measure was introduced due to overtourism, as Amsterdam in 2023 also is expected to welcome more than 20 million tourists. 

Venice, Italy

Starting in 2024,  Venice will start imposing a daily fee for visitors . The pilot programme for this measure will roll out on the weekends of the upcoming spring and summer despite the testing phase being postponed several times. The imminent tourist tax is intended to help the residents of the city, including through maintenance, cleaning and reducing living expenses. 

Valencia, Spain

The Spanish city of Valencia has also announced plans to introduce a tourist tax for travellers who will stay in accommodation facilities, such as hotels, apartments, campsites and hostels, which will enter force in early 2024. 

The fee, which will vary between €0.50 and €2 per night, depending on the accommodation and night stays, will be dedicated to the development of sustainable tourism in the city as well as used to provide more affordable housing for residents of Valencia. 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is also set to raise tourist taxes, which have been introduced to visitors since 2018. More specifically, visitors to the city have had to pay both the regional tourist tax and the one for the city.

In April 2023, the authorities increased the fee to €3.25, while a year later, in April 2024, the fee will be €3.2, indicating an increase of €0.50. The tax will apply to visitors staying in official tourist accommodation and is intended to fund the city’s road improvements, bus services and escalators. 

Madrid, Spain

The Spanish capital has also considered introducing a new tourist tax in 2024 , intended to combat over-tourism. While the measure has not been confirmed yet, the city is one of the most affected by the large number of visitors every year and imposing such a measure would be beneficial for Spaniards.

Olhao, Portugal

The popular Portuguese town of Olhao will apply a €2 charge for visitors who spend a night in accommodation spots between April and October, while those who visit between November and March will pay only half of the price – €1 for every night spent. 

The measure will exclude children under 16 and those who pay a maximum of €10 during their stay. This means that those staying more than seven nights during the holiday season will be excluded from paying for other nights during their stay. 

The proceeds will be used to maintain Algarve town cleanliness and security and reduce tourism effects on this destination. 

Faro, Portugal

Similarly to Olhao, the tourist tax imposed by authorities in Faro costs around €1.50 per person and is applied during the summer season – March to October, with the maximum number of nights they have to pay for being seven. In addition, children under 12 are exempted from paying this fee. 

In total, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Póvoa do Varzim, Coimbra, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Mafra, Óbidos, Faro, Vila Real de Santo António and Santa Cruz all apply an entry tax to visitors while the rates are higher for cities like Lisbon. 

Figueira da Foz 

The Portuguese city will start imposing a municipal tourist tax, which will depend on the number of nights spent at the destination as well as the season when the visit is conducted. 

Overnight stays from October to March will cost €1.50 per night, while visits that fall between April and September will cost €2 per night spent. 

Children under 16 years old, disabled people, students and those who stay in the city due to circumstantial reasons such as natural disasters are exempted from the requirement. 

As of 2024, the UK will start implementing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which obligates visitors from the US, Australia, Canada, and Europe to apply for permission to travel to British territories. 

Travelling to the UK without having an ETA or permission to visit the place can result in fines.

European Countries That Already Apply Tourist Taxes

All European countries apply a tourist tax, which is often included with the accommodation charges. The price of the tax depends on the destination and sometimes the time when you visit the country, but, in general, the cost of tourist tax in Vienna and Salzburg,  Austria , is around €3.2.

Belgium  also has a tourist tax, which is applied to accommodation and is calculated based on the number of nights stayed in the country. Antwerp and Burges charge a rate per room, while in Brussels, it varies depending on the hotel. Usually, this fee is around €7.50.

Bulgaria  and  Croatia  have some of the lowest rates for tourist tax; the first one charges around €1.50, depending on the area and hotel classification, while the other one charges around €1.33 per night, with the peak season in summer months, having even more expensive taxes.

In  Czechia , tourists need to pay less than €1 to visit the capital city, Prague. The fee applies to visitors per night spent there and has a maximum cap of up to 60 nights. Children under 18 are exempted from the requirement. 

France  also applies a tourist tax, which depends on the city. Rates can vary between €0.20 to almost €4 per person, and visitors are charged for the number of nights spent. 

The “culture tax” and “bed tax” are implemented in  Germany , especially in popular cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin. The fee costs around five per cent of the hotel bill. 

The tourist tax in  Greece  is implemented, but its price varies depending on the hotel ratings or the number of rooms rented, peaking at €4. Greek Ministry of Tourism introduced this fee in an effort to reduce the country’s debt. 

In  Hungary , the tourist tax only applies to Budapest, with travellers having to pay around four per cent for every night spent based on the price of the room. While Venice is expected to introduce a fee in 2022, taxes in  Italy  depend on the tourists’ destination. Room fees vary from €3 to €7 per night depending on the type of room, while smaller cities charge more. 

Like Germany, the  Netherlands  also applies two types of taxes – land tourist tax and water tourist tax. Amsterdam has the highest tourist tax – seven per cent of the cost of a hotel room. 

Ljubljana and Bled – two of  Slovenia’s  most popular tourist destinations, also apply a tourist tax, which depends on the hotel rating and costs around €3.

Tourist taxes in  Switzerland  depend on the location, and the cost per night and per person is around €2.20. The fees for accommodation, unlike other countries, do not include the tourist tax, and they are valid only for stays under 40 days. 

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Eu airports are not ready to implement entry/exit system, answering 2024’s most asked question: can i enter a schengen country with a visa issued by another, foreigners living in germany can now obtain german citizenship more quickly, your chances to get an austrian work visa are higher if you belong to one of these professions, frontex warns travellers of risks posed by unofficial etias websites, rejection rates for nigerian visa applicants remain high despite schengen states granting more visas in 2023, amsterdam to ban cruise ships from 2035 to fight overtourism, moroccan consumer union requires travel insurance refunds for denied schengen visas, south sudan asks france to grant schengen visas to fans ahead of olympic games, over 10,000 organised tourists from russia may visit cyprus in 2024, bls international to offer visa services for filipinos planning to visit poland, travellers headed to the eu to expect flight cancellations & delays during these dates in july, finland to apply stricter rules for acquiring citizenship from october 1, brits travelling to france this summer warned of busy air traffic & possible strikes, german police carries out nearly 830,000 border checks during the eu championship, germany initiates investigations over questionable visa issuance practices in some third countries, eu removes the right to enter the bloc to 6 people involved in attacks against israel, fewer migrants ordered to leave eu countries in 2024, so far, foreigners in ireland complain of mistreatment when applying for belgium schengen visas, who needs a schengen visa to travel to europe in 2024, europe’s best holiday destinations – where to go in july 2024.

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How to avoid roaming charges: here are top tips to cut your phone bill when abroad

Accessing mobile services when traveling abroad

Roaming refers to using a mobile phone outside the range of its native telecoms network. It usually occurs when you travel abroad with your smartphone and need to connect to a cellular network to surf the internet and send and receive calls or SMS messages. 

Technically, roaming refers to your ability to continue making and receiving voice and video calls and accessing online services when you travel outside your home network's geographical coverage. 

Cellular network providers allow customers to continue accessing mobile services when they travel abroad. This access is facilitated by another network in the country you’re visiting. Cellular providers charge significant fees for roaming, and you expectedly want to avoid that.

This article will explain tips for avoiding or reducing roaming charges. You may be unable to avoid roaming charges entirely, but you can reduce them significantly. 

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Why do roaming charges exist? 

They exist because when you connect to a foreign network, your home network must compensate that foreign network for using its infrastructure. Your home network passes the cost to you through a roaming charge.

Roaming charges are usually higher than domestic network charges because of currency conversions, foreign tariffs, infrastructural differences, and other additional costs associated with using a foreign network.

Types of roaming charges 

Voice call charges

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You get this charge whenever you make or receive a voice call while abroad. It usually includes a base connection fee plus per-minute rates. For example, you can be charged $2 as a connection fee and $0.50 per minute. In this example, a 15-minute call would cost $9.50.

SMS charges

This charge applies when you send or receive text messages through a foreign network. Network providers usually charge for each message, and the price varies depending on the country and network operator. For example, a US resident can incur a $0.50 charge to send a message through a European network and $0.25 to receive a message.

Data charges

You incur This charge for accessing online services, such as music streaming, social media, gaming, email, etc. Customers are usually billed for each megabyte (MB) or gigabyte (GB) of data they use. For instance, you may pay $5 per GB, which makes surfing the web costly.

Tips to cut down roaming charges 

1. check roaming rates .

Before you activate a roaming service, always confirm the rates you expect to pay from your network provider. Also, confirm the coverage because your network provider won’t support roaming in every country. 

You can visit your network provider’s website to confirm their roaming charges. If you don’t find the information, call the customer service line and ask about the roaming charges. A customer service representative should be able to explain all you need to know about roaming.

Checking the rates beforehand is the first step to reducing your roaming charges. After all, you’ll only figure out how to reduce the bill if you get a good hint beforehand. Heading to another country without checking ahead means getting a steep, surprise bill.

2. Use Wi-Fi whenever you can 

A simple way to avoid roaming charges is by connecting to a Wi-Fi network wherever you can. Many hotels offer Wi-Fi service to guests, so you can take advantage of it to cut down your roaming bill. You can surf the internet at lower costs and send messages, make voice and video calls, stream audio and video, play online games, etc. 

If you’re connecting to Wi-Fi in a public space, using a virtual private network (VPN) service is paramount to protect your identity and browsing information. Public Wi-Fi networks are usually insecure, which makes them prime targets for hackers aiming to steal sensitive information. 

3. Disable data roaming 

You can disable data roaming on your mobile phone entirely. This setting prevents your smartphone from browsing the internet on a foreign network. It ensures you only surf the web on Wi-Fi and avoid steep data roaming charges.

Head to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and disable it.

Android phones:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Data Roaming and disable it. 

4. Restrict your internet time 

You can monitor and cut down the time you spend on the internet while abroad. Only surf the web for essential things and avoid endless scrolling and leisure. This is a simple way to avoid roaming charges that will dent your budget.

You can use a data monitoring app to restrict your online activity. These apps can monitor your online activities and alert you when you reach a specific data usage limit. They ensure you don't exceed your preferred limits and avoid substantial data roaming charges. Examples of trusted data monitoring apps for iOS and Android include Data Usage and My Data Manager . 

5. Communicate Primarily Via SMS 

You can rely more on SMS messages to communicate with your friends, family, and colleagues while abroad. It may seem tedious, but SMS texts are cheaper than calling for many minutes and hours. You’ll be surprised how much you can communicate via text.  

6. Buy a temporary SIM card 

You can avoid roaming charges entirely by buying a temporary SIM card when you visit another country. Mobile networks usually offer special SIM cards for tourists and short-term visitors because they represent a lucrative market. You can buy a temporary card from a local network abroad, use it for calls, SMS, and browsing, and dispose of it when you leave the country. 

7. Get a virtual phone number 

A virtual phone number is a phone number that isn't linked to a physical location. It is linked to an online account instead of a specific location and is usually programmed to forward incoming calls to another number.

You can buy a virtual phone number for the country you’re visiting and link it to your existing phone number. When someone calls your usual phone number, the call will be forwarded to the virtual number while abroad. This way, you avoid call roaming charges on your primary phone number.

8. Get an eSIM 

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It is a SIM card embedded into a smartphone that can not be swapped like a physical SIM card. Instead, it uses software that can be reprogrammed whenever you want to change your SIM or network provider.

eSIMs are technologically different from physical SIM cards but work the same way. You can use it to make and receive calls, send SMS messages, and surf the internet. 

An eSIM lets you subscribe to multiple networks, and you don’t have to physically swap SIM cards whenever you to change your network. Hence, you can easily switch to a local network when you get to another country and back to your former network when you leave.

Many network providers specialize in offering eSIMs that customers can use globally. You can use a single eSIM in many countries and send text messages, make calls, and surf the internet at the same cost, regardless of location. This is a simple way to avoid steep roaming charges when you travel.

9. Data roaming spend caps 

Mobile networks allow customers to limit their data roaming spending while in a foreign country. For example, a United States resident visiting the United Kingdom (UK) can set a monthly spending cap of £45. This cap ensures that you never surpass that amount in bills. Your network will alert you if you are near the limit, and your services will be halted if you hit it to prevent excess spending.

10. Use instant messaging apps 

You can stick to instant messaging apps for texting and calling while abroad. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger are the most popular options. They let you send messages and call your contacts through the Internet. This method saves the money you would have otherwise spent on calls and SMS messages via your mobile carrier.

11. Rent a portable Wi-Fi hotspot 

You can rent a portable Wi-Fi hotspot loaded with data when you visit another country. This hotspot is fondly called a Mi-Fi device. It provides a reliable Wi-Fi connection for your smartphones and laptops, and you can browse without paying expensive roaming charges.

Network carriers usually have airport sales centers to offer Mi-Fi devices to new arrivals. Expect to pay a daily fee for renting, and it’s usually affordable.

12. Stop background apps 

Some mobile applications use cellular data in the background while closed. For example, your email app can be running frequent checks for new emails so that it will alert you. Your social media platform could be running in the background to detect new notifications.

Background activity is important but consumes significant data. You can turn it off while abroad to cut down roaming charges. 

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. You’ll see the list of all your apps and can toggle the button on and off. Any app you switch off can’t access cellular data until you purposely switch it back on.

Go to Settings > Data Usage > App Data Usage. You'll see your application list and can toggle background data off or on for each one.

13. Switch off automatic downloads 

You can switch off any automatic download settings to ensure your apps don't sneakily download data in the background. You can also switch off automatic updates for the duration of your trip. It may seem trivial, but the data your smartphone uses for automatic updates can be steep while roaming. Turning off automatic downloads cuts down your bill.

Is roaming safe? 

Yes, network roaming is a safe thing to do. Your home network has a formal agreement with the foreign carrier, which includes data privacy obligations. However, always verify the privacy laws of the country you're visiting. Some countries have weaker privacy laws that permit government bodies to collect and store your mobile usage information.

If you’re concerned about online privacy, you should download a virtual private network (VPN) service to mask your identity. A VPN creates an encrypted connection for your browsing data and lets you use an IP address of a remote server in another country. This way, third parties can’t trace your browsing activity back to you.

How to switch off data roaming 

The best bet to avoid data roaming charges is to switch it entirely off from your phone. If you switch it off, your phone won’t be able to roam, and you’ll get no charges. However, you’ll have to find other alternatives to communicate with your peers and social circles while based abroad.

• Go to Settings.
• Go to Cellular.
• Head to Cellular Data Options; you’ll find a button to toggle data roaming on or off.
• Head to Connections. 
• Head to Mobile Networks, and you’ll see a button to toggle data roaming on or off. Use this button to disable data roaming for the time being.

Free roaming agreements 

Many countries have entered free roaming agreements for their residents. These agreements are usually drawn under economic partnerships to reduce trade friction between the relevant countries. The free roaming for European Union residents is the most popular one, but there are several others across the globe. 

These agreements allow many people to travel and roam without facing extra charges. They include:

Free roaming for EU/EEA residents 

The European Union passed the Roaming Regulation in 2022, a ruling that banned roaming charges within the European Economic Area. If you travel from one EEA country to another, you can continue using cellular services at the same rates. For example, if you live in Austria and pay 0.10 euros a minute for calls and 0.05 euros per text message, you’ll pay the same rates when you go to Italy despite using a roaming agreement.

The countries covered by this agreement include

• Austria 
• Belgium 
• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Spain 
• Liechtenstein

Under this agreement, mobile network operators may apply a "fair use policy" to ensure all roaming customers benefit evenly. This means that that network operators may apply fair and reasonable control mechanisms to prevent abuse of roaming agreements. 

Sometimes, you’ll pay a data roaming surcharge that the European Union regulates. The maximum surcharge is 2 euros per GB of data and will decrease over time. By 2027, the maximum will be 1 euro per GB plus value-added tax (VAT).

Free roaming for Western Balkans residents

People residing within the Western Balkans enjoy free roaming because of an agreement between the relevant countries. These include:

• Serbia 
• Albania 
• Montenegro 
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia

In July 2021, these countries abolished roaming fees under the Mini Schengen Zone agreement. SIM holders in any affected country can travel to another and continue using cellular services without extra fees. 

Andean community free roaming

The Andean Community is a free trade agreement comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. These countries voted to eliminate roaming fees between carriers in 2020, and the change took effect in 2022. Anyone in one of these countries can travel to another and roam without extra charges.

Reduced roaming agreements 

Many other countries have formal agreements to reduce roaming charges between themselves. These agreements don’t eliminate roaming fees entirely like the aforementioned ones, but they reduce it significantly. They include:

Central Africa

In November 2021, some Central African countries signed bilateral agreements to cut roaming charges. These countries include Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

Residents in these aforementioned countries can travel to another and roam with little fees.

Singapore and Malaysia

In April 2011, Singapore and Malaysia, two Southeast Asian countries, signed an agreement to slash roaming prices between mobile carriers. This agreement allowed both governments to regulate roaming fees. The fees were reduced by up to 30% for voice calls and 50% for SMS. 

Barriers to network roaming 

Roaming has several technical and structural barriers hindering its widespread adoption. These barriers include

Network coverage is inconsistent in some countries. Cities usually have good network infrastructure enabling fast connection for residents, while rural areas usually have less coverage due to weaker infrastructure.

It makes sense for mobile carriers to concentrate their infrastructure in dense cities with a large number of customers than sparsely populated rural areas. You may encounter slower internet speeds if you visit a rural area in another country.

The good news is that many mobile carriers are increasingly investing in infrastructure in rural areas. These investments are bolstered by government subsidies and tax incentives designed to increase network connectivity in rural areas. Broadband access has become necessary in the modern world, and governments are working with carriers to ensure people aren’t left behind.

Interoperability

It's not enough to have a good network infrastructure. Mobile carriers must ensure their networking equipment shares the same standards so customers can continue accessing cellular services when they travel. 

You may experience roaming issues in another country because the local networking infrastructure does not use the same spectrum. For example, 5G is becoming increasingly popular in developed countries, while many developing and underdeveloped countries don’t have access to 5G technology. If you travel to such countries, you won’t be able to access 5G connectivity, meaning you must downgrade to 4G or 3G.

Double taxation

Taxation on telecom services represents a significant revenue stream for governments. When you go to another country, you’ll likely pay value-added tax (VAT) on telecom purchases.

Sometimes, your country of origin will demand VAT payments, and the country you’re visiting will also demand VAT payments, presenting a double taxation situation. Take, for example, the South Korean carrier SK Telecom. Some SK Telecom customers used roaming services while visiting Austria. They were charged a 10% South Korean VAT, and Austria also demanded a 20% VAT on their purchases.

The SK Telecom case went to court, and Austria successfully argued that it could charge VAT for domestic telecom purchases on South Korean customers. That meant SK Telecom roamers had to pay taxes in both countries, making their service more expensive.

To tackle this problem, many countries have double taxation treaties preventing residents from being taxed twice. The VAT in the country you’re visiting would cancel that of your country of origin, and you’ll avoid double taxation.

What Is data roaming?

It refers to when your phone disconnects from your native carrier's network and switches to another network. Roaming allows you to continue accessing cellular services outside your native network's boundaries.

Mobile carriers charge customers extra roaming fees. This occurs because they must compensate the other network you’re roaming with for using their infrastructure. However, there are many ways to reduce or eliminate roaming fees.

How do I tell if my device is roaming?

Most smartphones display an R symbol above the mobile data icon while roaming is on. This R is a visual identification that the owner is now roaming. Yours may be a different symbol, so consult the manual to see the exact one.

Can you turn off roaming on your smartphone?

You can disable roaming entirely on your mobile phone to avoid extra charges. You can do this from the settings menu of your iPhone or Android smartphone. 

Are there service restrictions when roaming?

Your mobile carrier can limit the amount of data, number of messages, and minutes of calls available to you while roaming. You can consult your mobile carrier to note such restrictions and request a waiver (for extra fees) if you’re uncomfortable with them.

Is there domestic roaming?

Roaming is not always when you travel to another country and continue accessing cellular services. You can also roam if you travel to a faraway region within your home country. For example, a Verizon customer in California may need roaming when they travel to the state of West Virginia.

The good news is that many carriers don’t charge extra fees for domestic roaming, unlike international roaming.

Stefan has always been a lover of tech. He graduated with an MSc in geological engineering but soon discovered he had a knack for writing instead. So he decided to combine his newfound and life-long passions to become a technology writer. As a freelance content writer, Stefan can break down complex technological topics, making them easily digestible for the lay audience.

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EE roaming charges explained: All of your questions, answered

• Sindre Amundsen

Roaming abroad using EE? Find out how you can get the most of your data

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, surcharge-free roaming is a thing of the past. Mobile operators are now steadily beginning to introduce new mobile roaming policies, and EE was the first to reintroduce roaming costs with changes that affected all recently subscribed customers on 3 March.

Depending on your current plan, and when you joined EE, existing customers may have to pay a daily fee in order to use your mobile services abroad and in Europe, too. Want to avoid a whopping great big bill? Here we’ll explain everything you need to know before you use your phone abroad.

READ NEXT: Best mid-range smartphone

EE Roaming charges explained: What about existing customers?

If you joined the EE network prior to 7 July 2021, and you’re on a monthly handset or SIM plan, then there are currently no changes to your roaming allowances.

If you’re on a tablet, laptop, mobile broadband or data SIM plan and you enrolled before 18 August 2021, these changes will also not affect you.

If you joined after those dates, there is a standard £2 fee per day if you use any of your allocated data, minutes or texts whilst in any of the 47 EU countries. The full list of countries is available on EE’s website . The exemption is the Republic of Ireland, where you only have to pay the £2 fee if you go over your allowance for the day.

READ NEXT: Best pay as you go SIM deals

EE Roaming charges explained: What about buying data packs?

Existing EE customers can buy the Travel Data Pass, which starts at £5 a day for 500MB in the US and Canada, and £6.27 a day for other areas and data amounts. This can be purchased easily via text once you run out of data.

Get the Travel Data Pass

EE Roaming charges explained: What about other plans?

Previously, customers have been able to buy what’s called the Roam Further pass to use roaming and mobile services whilst travelling abroad. The Roam Further pass has been replaced by the Roam Abroad pass which costs £10/mth and allows you to use your standard minutes, texts and data in the following countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand in addition to the 47 EU countries where fees are introduced.

You can either get the Roam Abroad pass as a chargeable standalone add-on via text, or you can choose to add it as a smart benefit, should you have a Full Works or Smart plan. It’s still possible to buy data packs if you’re on the Roam Abroad pass if you run out.

Get the Roam Abroad Pass

EE roaming charges explained: How to avoid using data abroad

Whether you are travelling for your holidays or for business, it’s a good idea to use available Wi-Fi networks whenever you can, such as in hotels, cafes or public Wi-Fi hotspots. Many pubs and bars have Wi-Fi available, too. Additionally, there are options you can disable to make sure your phone doesn’t use up available data without your permission:

Automatic updates : Remember to turn off any automatic updates on your phone that might use data, and be wary of social media apps and games that might stream video which requires a lot of bandwidth, or start high capacity downloads that will also drain your daily allowance.

Wi-Fi assist : Sometimes this feature will use data to assist in searches where your Wi-Fi coverage is low, unnecessarily using data when you only want to use Wi-Fi.

EE’s website also suggests making sure texts aren’t longer than 160 characters, as anything beyond that will count as two texts.

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When should you start vacation planning?

When should you travel or plan to take a vacation, your timeline to booking the best travel deals, you’re paying too much for travel. my family’s foolproof way to spend less on summer vacations.

With the right strategy and a few credit card trips, we've knocked hundreds, if not thousands, off our travel costs.

Contributor

Kaz Weida is an educator and freelance journalist who covers insurance, taxes, banking, and a wide array of personal finance topics. In addition to CNET, Kaz contributes to Yahoo Finance, ConsumerAffairs, and Popular Mechanics.

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

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Most budget-friendly travel advice glamorizes staycations or more affordable destinations. But with the right plan in place, you don’t have to make tradeoffs to afford a big vacation. As seasoned travelers, my family of four knows exactly how to snatch the best deals on airfare and accommodations.

From a monthlong trip hopping trains across Europe to all-inclusive resorts in an island paradise, we’ve done it all thanks to my notoriously meticulous planning and semineurotic persistence.

What’s our secret? It’s all about timing. Knowing when to book and the best times to visit -- plus timing credit card purchases to save even more. Read on to learn how we manage to see the world on a budget, and how you can use our vacation planning timeline to help you do the same.

For a significant trip, it’s best to lay the groundwork about a year in advance. Shorter stateside jaunts can be planned in as little as six months, but you’ll get the best deals on popular international destinations if you plan a year in advance.

This is especially true if you’re taking a cruise, going to a popular amusement park during the holidays, attending an international festival or celebration, or visiting a national park during peak season. And destination weddings may require bookings up to 18 months or more in advance.

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Part of travel planning involves plenty of research about the destination. I try to figure out when peak tourism season is in that part of the world, then stagger my visit a month before or after. In the travel world, this is usually referred to as “ shoulder season .” 

Why stick to the shoulder? 

Not only will you avoid crowds and seasonal surge pricing, but you’ll also enjoy lower airfares and cheaper hotel rooms. But pay attention to other factors when planning a trip, especially if you’re not familiar with your destination. You won’t get much value from your vacation if bad weather strands you in the hotel or holiday closures spoil all your plans.

This is the timeline I follow to find the best deals and book vacations for our family of four. Your mileage may vary on this advice depending on the destination.

12 months before

About a year before a potential vacation, I scout the location to determine the best season to visit. I’ll also calculate costs and build a budget. In some cases, I’ll start a sinking fund where I squirrel away a set amount in savings every month to cover travel.

If you have your heart set on a certain themed accommodation or a specific experience like a safari or cruise, consider booking now. Depending on the cancellation policy, you may still be able to pivot if plans change.

Want to use credit card rewards to save more? Sometimes, I’ll ditch my usual credit card for a card with travel perks so I can start earning points a year or more in advance. This lets us earn travel rewards for our family’s normal living expenses .

9 months before

If you’re going abroad, pull out your passport and check the expiration date. Planning for passport delays has been a seriously smart financial move for our family since kids’ passports expire more quickly than adults’. 

Costs for expedited passports can add up, especially if you have to travel to a passport center that services urgent travel requests. You can learn more about passport eligibility and renewal timelines on the US Department of State website .

Now is also a good time to make sure you have a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee . These fees -- which usually cost 3% of any transaction made in a foreign currency -- can add up quickly.

If you want to get through airport lines a lot quicker with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , you should also start gathering the documents you need. The TSA PreCheck suggests applying at least 60 days before you plan to travel, but the process for Global Entry can take much longer, up to six months. Some of the best travel credit cards ‘ can sometimes include an application fee credit for these programs. 

6 months before

Now is when the rubber meets the road for booking a hotel or other accommodation, especially for international destinations or for a large group. In general, you’ll find the best balance between room availability and rate by booking during this window.

If you’re flying internationally or during the holidays, it’s also time to think about securing your airline ticket. The sweet spot between the best fare and enduring a flight with three layovers can usually be found anywhere from four to six months before peak travel dates.

Even when we’re traveling domestically, I start setting alerts for flights so I can watch for patterns in airfare costs. Generally, airfare will be cheaper when you fly Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

4 months before

Still tracking deals for domestic flights? Set a hard deadline for purchasing tickets and put it on the calendar so you don’t forget. And if you’re traveling but leaving pets behind, now is when I call to book boarding because our preferred kennel fills up fast.

This is also the best time to secure any special stays, such as a luxury Airbnb or other short-term rental . Options dwindle dramatically at three months out and if I delay, I’ll face having to stay farther away from the destination than we’d prefer.

3 months before

It’s last call for booking a seat on a domestic flight. After this point, you’re likely to pay a premium to get a spot. If you’ve been waiting to accumulate credit card rewards, don’t put it off any longer. Some in-demand flights will start to fill up six to eight weeks before the travel date. Your best chance of getting seats together is booking economy .

Three months before travel, I flesh out an itinerary with input from the whole family. This includes activities, museums, sightseeing, restaurants and any specific day trips we want to take.

Dining hotspots fill up fast, so if you’re eager to grab a coveted table at a buzzworthy local eatery, grab a reservation now. 

If you didn’t earn enough credit card rewards to cover a flight, now is also a good time to consider redeeming your rewards for a gift card. The redemption rate will likely be less than if you use points to book a flight, but using a gift card for a restaurant or activity can still help you save on your trip.

2 months before

So you’ve booked airfare and accommodations. What’s left to do? Start scouting deals on activities, starting with any CityPass that might get you a discount on multiple bucket list items.

These passes can really pay off but you have to read the fine print. We’ve saved hundreds visiting amusement parks, aquariums, museums and more by carefully scheduling our activities to maximize the discounts.

6 weeks before

Planning to rent a car? This is always a careful calculus between how walkable a destination is, public transportation and our ambitious itinerary. But if I am going to spring for a set of wheels on vacation, now is when I start shopping.

While it’s tempting to get the standard vehicle at the lowest rate, I always consider whether we’ll need a car with clearance for difficult terrain or a luxury car for a longer day trip. Our recent trip to rural Vermont during mud season made me grateful I upgraded to an all-wheel drive car.

You can avoid the upsell for car insurance at the rental counter if you book your rental car using a credit card that includes coverage against damage and theft. It comes in two forms -- secondary and primary. If it’s secondary coverage, your personal insurance will still be necessary as it’ll payout first if needed. Primary insurance is rare and coveted as it pays out before your own personal insurance.

1 month before

Check your health records and stop by your local clinic or pharmacy to get any immunizations you might need. One of the most costly mistakes we’ve made on vacation is to get sick and spend all the time exploring the four walls of a hotel or Airbnb room.

If I have any big ticket items like hiking boots, electronics for the flight or swimsuits to buy, I’ll usually scoop them up now because it gives me plenty of time to return or resize as needed before we leave.

Don’t forget to check your credit card offers as you’re shopping for your supplies. Getting a few bucks back as a statement credit for a purchase you already planned can add a little extra spending money to your budget.

1-2 weeks before

Because most of the major components of the trip are already planned and paid for, I’m usually focused on making packing lists, doing laundry and securing our home in the week or two before departure.

However, it’s wise to do one last check and confirm any bookings you’ve made. Occasionally, I’ll discover I scheduled an activity or a dining experience for the wrong day. With a week or two notice I may not be able to reschedule but I can usually cancel without financial penalty.

If we’re saving money on eating out by staying at an Airbnb or a hotel room with a kitchen, I’ll make a menu and a shopping list ahead of time so we don’t end up at the grocery store straight off the flight feeling hungry and overwhelmed. 

A few days before…

With careful planning, you’ll arrive and realize you’re ready to relax without the fear of missing out or having bills hanging over your head.

However, if the point of your vacation is simply to soak up sunshine or solitude, you may want to leave most of your vacation to chance and happy circumstance. 

As I discovered on a recent trip to Maui when I resisted scheduling every spare minute, sometimes the best vacations happen when you’re not expecting anything, and those moments are worth their weight in gold.

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The Best Time to Book a Flight for Domestic, International, and Summer Travel

Take these expert tips for booking travel in 2024 and beyond.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

When to book flights for international travel, when to book flights for holiday 2024 travel, when to book flights for summer 2025 travel.

Buying plane tickets is something of an art form. Ideally, you want to secure your spot in advance to avoid the inevitable price spike as your travel dates get closer. Industry data reveals the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is 28 days, or 60 days for international flights. That said, the trends are always changing, and experts recommend booking earlier for peak travel periods like summer and the holiday season.

Flights generally open for booking about a year ahead of time, and the airfare will change often between then and takeoff. Although you can book just a couple of weeks before the departure date in some cases, prices are likely to be astronomical. In other cases, when you want to go somewhere popular or during a big travel weekend, flights could fill up faster than normal. Our advice: Track flight prices on Google Flights or Hopper as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Read on for more advice about when to book flights from the pros.

According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report , you should aim to book 28 days before your domestic flight. "Doing so can save travelers up to 24 percent compared to those who wait until the last minute, from zero to six days out," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson tells Travel + Leisure.

For domestic trips, pricing is elevated when tickets are first released, about a year before the flight. Those prices will slowly creep downward, all the way to their lowest point in the prime booking window, after which you'll likely see a huge increase in cost for last-minute travel.

Meet the Expert

Christie Hudson is a travel expert at top booking site Expedia.

You're better off booking earlier rather than later for international travel, but the Expedia report says ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot is around 60 days. "This is a big change from 2022 data, which showed the cheapest fares were secured when travelers booked four to six months out." Hudson says. "2023 data revealed that people who booked that far in advance actually paid more on average." The report says the least expensive day of the week to book is Sunday and the most expensive is Friday, for both domestic and international travel.

The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid booking your travel for peak times, which include summer and major holidays (don't forget — that includes holidays in your destination, too).

Around the winter holidays is the priciest time to travel, says Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "Your best bet is to remember the Goldilocks zones: look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel."

Hudson advises that at the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. "But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates," she says. "Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings."

Katy Nastro is a travel expert at Going, a website that finds flight deals to more than 900 destinations around the world.

Track flights and book your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal, but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (generally speaking, that means don't book basic economy). That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare. The only downside is you'll still have some remaining credit, but you can then use it to treat yourself to a future flight. Just don't let that credit expire.

Summer is traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which means it can be tough to find a good deal on airfare. Ideally, you should book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.

"The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season," Nastro says. "While most of us are scrambling to focus on our winter holiday plans, we should also keep our eyes open for some great summer fares."

She notes that the booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. "And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on," says Nastro. "If it drops again, depending on your ticket type, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference. Most airlines don't charge for change fees on main economy tickets, meaning you won't be spending more to save."

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Czech Military Aid to Ukraine From Army Stores Reaches $288 Million, Defence Ministry Says

A Ukrainian serviceman of 56th Separate motorized infantry brigade sits a top of a Czech made Dana self-propelled howitzer, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Bakhmut in Donetsk region, Ukraine February 28, 2024. REUTERS/Inna Varenytsia/File Photo

PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that the country donated equipment from its army storage, including aircraft and ammunition, worth 6.75 billion crowns ($288.42 million) to Ukraine as of the end of May.

It said the Czechs have so far sent eight aircraft, including two this year. Supplies also included 94,860 artillery ammunition, including 10,000 this year.

Previous supplies include 62 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 26 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, 16 pieces of air defence vehicles, 13 howitzers, 12 multiple rocket launchers, and various ammunition and small arms.

The Czechs have been among the staunch backers of Ukraine and the first to send heavy equipment soon after Russia's full invasion started in February 2022.

Apart from donating from their army storage, they have arranged much larger supplies of heavy equipment and ammunition with funding from allies and Ukraine itself.

This includes half a million of artillery shells to be delivered under the so-called Czech initiative this year, or hundreds of pieces of heavy equipment including tanks.

The government last week approved a $37 million national contribution to the Czech-led artillery ammunition scheme.

($1 = 23.4030 Czech crowns)

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Anil D'Silva)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - June 2024

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Tags: Ukraine , Czech Republic , Russia , European Union , Europe

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