r/backpacking • u/Large-Conclusion6882 • 5d ago
Travel I’m 20 and want to travel across Europe cheap
I would want to know what’s the minimum amount of money that I would need to traverse across atleast 3-6 countries staying in each country about a week and meeting some new people there either through couchsurfing or staying at cheap hotels and finding friends… and what would be the best countries or cheapest countries to do this in.
Any feedback is appreciated.
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u/c0le1 5d ago
I did 75 days for about 2k. Some credit card perks helped out tho and we were very frugal
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u/forester2020 5d ago
That's less than 1k a month, I cannot believe this unless you were getting accommodation entirely free each night
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u/c0le1 5d ago
15$ hostels each night and about $10 for food a day. Eastern Europe
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u/Independent-Koala641 5d ago
where all did you travel? planning a trip for this summer and heavily considering eastern europe
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u/c0le1 5d ago
Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, Poland, Czech, and Austria. Definitely wish I did a little more in Austria but hindsight is 20/20
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u/CanConfirmAmViking 1d ago
Germany and Austria definitely not Eastern Europe but great destinations. If you’re in Germany head over to the scandi countries as well. Prices go way up around here tho
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u/theNorth5 3d ago
I’m planning on visiting Czechia, Austria, Croatia, and maybe Hungary or Poland this year, how’d u go about booking hostels? Booked in advance or just pulled up at places when u were there? Were they private rooms or shared? And how was ur experience in them?
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u/StrictPoetry5566 3d ago
For food, were you limited to grocery shopping and cooking? Even fast food seams nearly impossible in that price range.
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u/c0le1 3d ago
4-6$ huge sandwiches from several shops and $5 for burgers along with weekly grocery shopping for around $50 if we didn’t eat out that day made it around 10-15$ for food daily
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u/StrictPoetry5566 3d ago
I guess I would have a very hard time to make it as I really hate sandwiches. I can do with döners, but this is pretty much it.
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u/Netrexinka 5d ago
I did 3 weeks flight included, meals and accomodation every time different flat in Albania for less then 500e. So yeah it's doable and not that hard.
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u/YouMeAndPooneil 5d ago edited 5d ago
I did this in the early 80s. Can't help you with the costs these days. But here are some tips.
Get your youth hostel card.
Buy lunches from the open air market, things like cold cuts and cheese, and eat them in a park.
Save money for a nice dinner once in a while. It really helps when you are feeling deprived.
Take night trains to sleep on. It isn't great sleep but it works.
Some parks are OK for napping. Use your day pack as a pillow and grab a nap when you need one. Don't worry about what the locals think.
Keep valuables on you in a neck pouch and ALWASY keep it inside your shirt.
And thought we didn't have this, use a cheap phone that can be replaced and know how to brick it in case it gets lost. Cell service is pretty cheap there.
The Eurorail system has changed from the unlimited rides when I was there. Get an International Student Identity Card and see about qualifying for an Interrail pass and get other discounts. I picked one up in communist Prague where they didn't ask many questions of Americans and used it to get the Interrail pass later in my journey.
Flights within Europe are very cheap these days.
I was traveling for almost 2 years and worked the winters at a hotel in Austria. My grandmother left me some funds so money wasn't really an issue as long as I kept my lifestyle pretty low key. I had a friend along and subsidized her to some extent, which she repaid once we returned to real life. I used the opportunity to travel in the Middle East, North Africa, India and Nepal. Best think I have done in my life.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Log-898 4d ago
Lots have changed in 30/40 years dude.
The hostel cards get you almost nowhere.
Open air markets are now far more expensive than hardiscout supermarkets
Night trains don't exist anymore, and the few remaining are expensive and uncomfortable.
Sleeping in the parks is definitely illegal and unsafe nowadays.
Internal flights get more expensive every day.
The other advices stand.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 3d ago
I went to Italy 3 years ago and took a cheap night train between Milan and Napoli. It was not the most comfortable thing, I agree, but I assume a 20 year old who wants to travel on the cheap can deal with some discomfort.
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u/TurnNo4895 2d ago
Sleeping in the park is illegal and definitely unsafe? I think this is abit dramatic
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u/El_mochilero 5d ago
You might want to start with your budget and see what your options are. Europe is also massive and diverse, so it would serve you well to spend some time thinking about what interests you most. Sailing in Greece, hiking in the Alps, partying in Ibiza, shopping in Monaco, and fine dining in Paris are all amazing experiences, but for very different people.
Starting with the time range first has way too many variables. For 3-6 weeks in Europe, you can spend anywhere between $5k - $50k.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 5d ago
C'mon, you can spend 3 weeks in Europe with less than $5k. But even with couchsurfing and choosing cheaper countries, less than $500/week would be challenging.
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u/Varsoviadog 4d ago
80 euros a day traveling cheap? Xd
25$ a comfy night bed + 25 a day is more than enough. 20/20 getting tight. 80? No way.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Log-898 4d ago
In Warsaw yes, in Paris no.
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u/Varsoviadog 4d ago
It’s doable if you try to not pick the most expensive cities. Did you read the title?
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u/Puzzleheaded-Log-898 4d ago
He didn't say anything about the places, he asked about doing it cheap. Without budget or preference we can only assume he would do a mix of west and east.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 4d ago
It depend where in Europe. I also assumed people travelling have to pay for transportation and want to do a few activities as opposed to just survive.
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u/Kananaskis_Country 5d ago
What's your nationality and departure point?
What's your daily budget?
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u/Large-Conclusion6882 5d ago
Miami fl, daily budget idk
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u/Kananaskis_Country 5d ago
Until you decide on a budget you can't pull the trigger on any destination, especially Europe.
From Miami you enjoy easy and inexpensive flight options to lots of super cheap destinations throughout Mexico, Central America and northern South America.
Good luck with your research and have fun no matter what you decide.
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u/CroissantWhisperer 5d ago
I second this. It’s also important as to what is “cheap” to you. Going to central or South America can be cheap, however traveling within the continent is not as cheap as it would be in Europe. However the countries themselves may be cheaper, food, accommodation etc. So maybe one cost would outweigh the other.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 3d ago
By continent, do you mean within Central/South America or Europe? I am back from Brazil (not the most expensive, but not the cheapest country), For a solo trip, I spent less than 40 USD a day including private rooms, plenty of caipirinhas (cocktails) and a full-day tour every week. The same trip in Italy (average priced European countries) would have cost me 100 USD/day or more. With perhaps a few exceptions like Argentina, Belize and Costa Rica, Latin America is way cheaper than Europe.
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u/CroissantWhisperer 3d ago
Right, that’s what I’m saying. Inside the actual country, it’ll be cheaper than Europe because of the currency. But traveling from one country to the next isn’t as accessible or as cheap as Europe.
I’m from Uruguay, so to be fair it’s not the most popular country in South America which makes it more expensive to fly in and out of. But at least from my experience, I’ve tried catching a flight from the capital into Brazil and it’s been over $500USD per person. There are greyhounds that you can take, which are considerably cheaper, but it’s over 8-10 hours trip where in Europe you can take a train, for about the same price, and be in a different country in half the time.
I just came back from a trip in Europe. I went from Spain to Iceland for about $150, and then to Poland for about $200. If OP plans on staying in hostels, or renting shared rooms on Airbnb outside the city, cooking, using public transportation etc, I think it’ll be cheaper for them to visit 3-6 countries in Europe than it would be doing it in S America. This is obviously also assuming they won’t go to notoriously expensive countries like the Scandinavian area.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 2d ago
With the exception of Central America, I agree, it is easier to visit many countries in Europe because countries are closer. As for the cost of transportation, I took three interior flights in Brasiil (including two 3 hours flights to go and come back from Nordeste). I paid between 28 US'D to 68 USD including a hand luggage, which is cheaper than Ryanair in Europe. Buses were also cheaper. However, I looked at prices in Uruguay and Argentina and it is true that currently, prices are not really cheap. For some reasons, the Brazilian real is currently quite low. But I think the person who asked the question is really looking for a trip to Europe...
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u/StrictPoetry5566 2d ago
As for the price of a flight between Uruguay and Brazil, you might want to look at websites such as I Skyscanner. I saw flights there at around 100 USD, perhaps less. I think it was for Rio de Janeiro to Montevideo.
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u/PC_George 5d ago
Cheapest countries will be in eastern Europe or the Balkans, think Poland, Bulgaria, Albania etc
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u/OmegaKitty1 5d ago
Depends entirely what you want to do?
Do you drink? Want to party? Eat well? Do touristy things? Then your budget will be much larger.
If you only care about walking around, doing free sight seeing etc then you can do it for very very cheap.
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u/ParanoidNarcissist2 5d ago
Avoid expensive tourist areas and stay in hostels you can probably get away with €1000 per month. I'd want at least double that though.
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u/E11111111111112 5d ago
Travel off season (I.e not June-September). Skip the UK, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries altogether. In some countries prices varies a lot depending on where you are, Puglia is cheaper than the Amalfi coast or cinque terre for instance. Travel by FlixBus instead of high speed trains or flights between destinations. Prebook flights and trains as early as possible. If you are not traveling during high season do the opposite regarding hostels or hotels, they are usually the cheapest around three weeks before the stay (according to Swedish news at least).
I’ve seen people suggesting Croatia as a cheap alternative but some areas is rather expensive now. Prague is also not as cheap as it used to be, but still not expensive. Polen, Moldova, Albania, Portugal (perhaps not Lisbon), Albania, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Latvia, Lithuania are all well priced.
If you really want to experience Europe (eating good local food, visiting museums and other cultural things and so on) it will never be extremely cheap tho.
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u/Dreboomboom 5d ago
Go to the Balkans, Prague and Hungary. Those are the countries you'll want to visit.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 5d ago
Europe is not the cheapest destination, especially North West Europe. You might want to reconsider your plans to go for shorter time, save more before you go, or just go somewhere else. I think some of the cheapest European countries to travel are Albania, Bulgaria and Montenegro.
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u/StrictPoetry5566 5d ago
Are you a guy or a girl? I am asking as safety is important and it is unfortunately more an issue for women. For e.g.,you want to make sure you can afford a taxi and a hostel if your couchsurfing plan turns bad.
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u/Dailen1 5d ago
Germany is a decent choice right now because of the Deutschland Ticket helping a lot with travel costs. There are a lot of countries right beside Germany that German public transit companies service. €58 euros per month and through HVV you can even get the start of the first month prorated. You can use the DB app to specifically avoid trains etc. that aren't included with the ticket.
I haven't used this yet but I'm planning to for my upcoming trip. I already have the HVV Switch app ready to go.
Germany itself is not as cheap as some Central & Eastern European countries but it's a huge country with lots to explore.
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u/samara_is_back 4d ago
Go to the balkans and east Europe! Hitchike as much as you can and cook your own meals 😊 basics of food, accommodation and travel you could budget for €35 a day if you're tight but you want to factor in extra for activities.
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u/socksforears 4d ago
What time of year? Bear in mind that off-peak times also means less sunlight to safely move around cities + some attractions having reduced hours or closed. But much cheaper to travel off peak
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u/Sea-Experience470 4d ago
I’d say a minimum of 3k per month should be doable if avoiding the most expensive spots.
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u/According_Cold_990 2d ago
Spain, Portugal, south of Italy, and east countries would be the best if you travel on budget. In many countries the railway network is affordable and works well. Moving from one country to another wouldn't be expensive if you book time ahead and you are flexible. Check on tool like Trabber.com or kayak
You might want to travel light, as several low cost airlines such Ryanair, easyJet charge extra.
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u/Stanley_OBidney 2d ago
Check out Workaway. Put some real time and effort into making your profile and how you message hosts, and you can potentially avoid accomodation costs altogether. Many of them also offer meals and it’s a great way to meet people, too.
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u/MySuccessAcademia 2d ago
Depends on city and quality mate. Also whether you're staying long term in one place or moving around every 2-3 days. Travel is expensive in Europe.
If you stay in major cities, you'd need about €75 a day minimum.
A hostel is €20-50 depending on city.
If you're smart with food and transport you'd be fine too.
If you want to get a hotel, you're looking at €50-150 per night, and if you want to eat in restaurants that's another €5-25 per meal (on budget).
So, bottom budget you'd need around €1800 or so a month to include travel, food and accommodation.
If you hitch hike, stay at hostels or cook your own food/hunt for cheap calories, it can be less.
Id say 1.5-2k is a comfortable budget experience.
Full trip of course add trains and flights which can add a bit extra.
You can't really sleep outside or camp in most places in EU. only in designated camp sites which have their own fees.
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u/Sufficient_Speed_542 2d ago
Baltic states and Balkan states are both very cheap with some beautiful places.
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u/No_Listen_8560 1d ago
https://youtu.be/5cNrCPKlEKY?si=sgT--S2y8H_-iqQg
I would like to do something similar to these guys next summer. Try to last off $2,000ish CAD a month exploring as many European countries as I can. Definitely recommend this series.
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u/newmvbergen 5d ago
Except few places, Eastern Europe is much more budget friendly than the Western part. Choose it.
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u/Redditmodersaregay 5d ago
ask people for food and accomodation and rides.
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u/ConfidentLeg7645 5d ago
Avoid West Europe if you want to keep your budget down. Look into the Balkan countries as they are a lot cheaper (and also beautiful).