Is a European trip on your bucket list? Do you wish to tick it off? Well, Europe is awash with great tourist spots you can visit. As you plan your tour, some tips can save you money and bad experiences. Here are some tips you should know before you embark on your trip.
Have Valid Travel Documents
Imagine being denied entry to your tourist destination due to a lack of a tourist visa. Such rejection will ruin your plans, and the effort you put into it will go to waste. Many European countries may not require a tourist visa for brief visits but for your sake, check out which countries do and which do not.
Before you embark on your journey, do an online search on the visa requirements. The majority of the European countries may need your passport to be at least six months old before your arrival date or three months in some. Confirm the validity of your passport to ease your travel plans.
Visit During Low seasons.
During high seasons beaches are full of holidaymakers pushing up the prices of accommodation. Tourist attraction sites are full during this period. Take advantage of the off-season to save on train tickets, airfare, tour guides, and accommodation. Most hotels offer discounts during the off-peak; jump on these opportunities to save yourself some money. Check out the closing times of some tourist attractions as they may be shorter due to a low number of visitors.
Book Accommodation Early
Once you make up your mind about the European destination you wish to visit, it is advisable to start looking at your accommodation options. An early booking may save you money through early bird discounts. You will also have more accommodation options and low prices to choose. Generally, Airbnb’s are cheaper than hotels. Check out the reviews of the available Airbnb units to help you select a good one.
Use Budget Airlines
There is a bunch of budget airline carriers strewn across Europe. The carriers fly to many destinations on the continent at bargain prices. In some instances, the airfare may be cheaper than train tickets. Do early bookings for your flight as the cheap seats usually sell out quickly.
Ensure that the tickets do not have additional taxes and fees, as airlines may opt to commit that part while advertising their rates. Also, travel light as heavy luggage tends to carry extra fees. Research on the airline’s luggage size and baggage rules before purchasing the ticket. Traveling light increases your comfort.
Travel by Train
Do you want to travel cheaply while sightseeing? Trains in Europe are quite efficient and might be cheaper than air travel depending on your stop. Always book train tickets in person to gain access to all options. You can also use Omio to book your train. The app provides ideal traveling solutions to millions all over Europe. Don´t forget to validate the ticket before you board the train to steer clear of fines.
Travel with Some Liquid Cash
While you can use credit cards to make payments in many places worldwide, you may encounter some places in Europe that only accept cash. Also, paying in local currency will save you money as the exchange rates tend to be higher than those of your local banks.
Change your currency to match that of your destination before traveling. You can also use the airport’s ATM once you arrive; although the charges may be slightly higher, it is worth it. Imagine looking for a forex bureau after a long flight.
Pack Light
Dragging heavy suitcases while on holiday does not seem okay. Pack some light luggage that you can carry to save yourself from extra baggage fees and trouble navigating through hotel stairs and train stations. There are plenty of laundry services in Europe, so there is no need to travel with your whole closet.
Make a Budget
A budget is vital for your trip. Please sit down and draft a realistic budget for your journey, ensure that it resonates well with your current financial status. Racking up credit card points is impressive but try to keep the card away from you as much as possible. A European holiday is fairly cheap under correct budgeting. Shop around the internet for some good deals on transport, accommodation, and airfare.
Save for Your Travel
Once you have made a budget for your European trip, it’s time to save money to actualize the tour. Do not use your whole paycheck to make the trip; rather, put aside some monthly targets with the holiday trip in mind. Saving through a travel find will save you from debt. Ensure that the travel plan you choose is compatible with your pockets. Opt for cheap travel if you are on a tight budget.
