Travelling on a budget in Europe: where to go, what to do
Europe is fantastic for travelling on a budget. The continent is compact enough that it’s easy to get from one place to another by train or bus, and many of the major cities are within easy reach of each other, so you can make the most of the money you’ve saved for the trip by seeing more places in a short amount of time. If you are looking for an itinerary or just individual destinations to get inspired, we have a few recommendations for you.
Salento, Italy
If you're planning a trip to Europe and want to experience the beauty of the Italian countryside without breaking the bank, Salento is for you.
The region is located in the southernmost tip of Puglia, Italy, and is home to some of the most valuable agricultural products of the country. The area is famous for its citrus fruits, olive oils, and wines, which are all excellent and relatively inexpensive buys. The landscape also boasts over 940 kilometres of coastline with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving. The food is fresh and healthy, made up of local ingredients.
The region's coastlines are dotted with picturesque villages that have been inhabited since ancient times. We are biased, of course, but our guests' reviews and the shared experiences of hundreds of thousands of tourists confirm it: Salento is a fantastic destination with plenty to offer. And visiting off-season will help you save a lot on both transportation and accommodation!
Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas is a city in Lithuania, located only about 100 km away from Vilnius. It's an important economic center, with many attractions and historic sites to visit. In addition to having a rich history and culture, Kaunas has also been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2022.
The Old Town of Kaunas is a great place to start your visit! This small district has preserved its medieval look and feel—it's even been recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2017. You'll find charming cobblestone streets here lined with shops, cafes and restaurants making this area very lively during both day and night-time hours—especially on weekends when students come out in droves after classes end for the day! If you're looking for something more relaxing, there are plenty of parks nearby where you can take advantage of some greenery while enjoying some fresh air too. The streets in Old Town have been turned to pedestrian sidewalks, therefore touring the streets of Old Town is the best option, as well as a great way to get a feel for the culture of a place—the architecture, the cafes, the local shops, and restaurants.
Argos, Greece
When most people think of Greece, they think of the capital, the islands and the food. While the food will always be amazing, wherever you go, if you are travelling on a budget you might want to get off the beaten path and try an unusual destination.
The city of Argos is one of the oldest in Europe and has an incredibly rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area around Argos was first settled in the 7th century BC. From its beginnings as a small settlement on the banks of the Inachos River, it grew into an urbanized center of trade and culture, with a booming economy. Nowadays, however, it is hardly one of the most fashionable destinations in Greece, which keeps it relatively cheap despite its stunning landmarks and impressive history.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. It's a city of culture, art, and history with a great deal to offer tourists in terms of architecture and museums. The city has plenty to see for those travelling on a budget as well — especially in summer when you can take advantage of cheap train tickets by taking day trips out into the surrounding countryside.
Sofia is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe. From a top-level hotel room to a gourmet dinner, you can enjoy everything without breaking the bank. If you travel to Sofia, make sure you visit the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral: this is the oldest church in the city and is an architectural masterpiece that dates from just after the Liberation from Ottoman rule. Its interior is a stunning display of gold leaf, frescoes, and mosaics.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is located on the Vltava River at the southern edge of the Bohemian Forest. The historic town centre with the castle complex and its surroundings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you're looking for a town with a storybook castle that feels like it came out of the pages of a fairy tale, Český Krumlov is the place to go. When it comes to architecture, this well-known tourist destination in the Czech Republic can be considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities; there are many buildings from different ages: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles can all be found around here! The Czech Republic is generally an affordable destination, as the local currency offers a favourable change with the Euro: you will be staying in excellent hotels and feast like never before while keeping your whole budget under control!
The art of travelling on a budget
Europe is the perfect destination for budget travellers. It has some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, as well as thousands of years’ worth of history and culture. The most obvious destinations, however, are those that seem to be calling to you because they're familiar, or because there are a lot of other tourists around. These places are usually the most expensive ones, and the price of accommodation, food and transportation is just going to add up. You probably already know about them anyway. That's why we always strive to tell you about places that aren't as well-known as the big tourist magnets, but which can give you just as good an experience if you're willing to put in a little more effort into finding them.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Europe is an amazing place to travel with so many incredible destinations to choose from. No prizes for guessing our favourite though: you already know it's Puglia!