Autumn is a lovely time to explore Europe, with temperatures still warm enough in the south to laze on the beach and harvest festivals taking place across the continent. Here are five handy tips to help you make the most of your European adventure this year, while saving money at the same time.
- Use low-budget airline carriers
If you’ll be travelling between countries, you can save money by flying rather than taking the train. The prevalence of low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and FlyBe means that there are more options than ever before. While in the past these carriers would fly out of secondary cities, you can now access low-cost flights in most major international airports. Use tools like skyscanner.com to compare your options carefully.
- Take the ferry
If you have more time on your hands, taking the ferry is both a scenic and wallet-friendly way to travel around Europe. You’ll find ferries linking the UK with the European mainland, as well as Mediterranean-centred companies like www.ok-ferry.com offering trips to and from some of the continent’s most picturesque islands. Book in advance to get the best fares on any ferry journey, and look for overnight journeys to save even more money on accommodation.
- Look for weekend rates at business hotels
Before you automatically turn to hostels or Airbnb rooms, look at larger business hotels. Many business travellers attend conferences on weekdays, leaving these branded hotels free with rooms to fill on the weekends. This means you can get great deals in major cities if you look on the weekend dates, so treat yourself to a 4-star hotel with all the amenities.
- Find free attractions
Visiting top tourist attractions can really add up, but there is an abundance of free entertainment on offer even in major cities like Paris and London. Visit parks, people watch from cafés, or visit museums on days with free entry.
- Shell out for a central location
It may seem like a good idea to save money on accommodation with a location that’s slightly out of the city centre, but you could end up paying more in the long run. You’ll have to pay for public transportation to get to the main attractions, and potentially for expensive taxis if you’re out late at night. Find accommodation with a central location, and then walk everywhere. You’ll see more of the city, and save.
Follow these tips and you’ll end up with more cash leftover to splash out on a memorable meal or night on the town!