How to Travel for Cheap in Europe

Whether you are touring around one country or plan a pan-Europe vacation to take in all the sites, you don't want to cut too deeply into your budget. Before you leave home, make plans for how you want to get from one city or country to the next so you are prepared to take advantage of discounts once you arrive. Mix and match transportation methods to reap the largest savings when traveling cheaply in Europe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Purchase an international student or youth identification card before you go if you are a student older than 12 or younger than 26. Apply for the card for yourself or for your children so you qualify for discounts abroad, including train and other transportation passes.

Step 2

Identify the local holidays that affect bus and train schedules for each stop on your trip. Look in guide books and on city and regional Web sites for this information. Plan not to travel these days unless there are special fares offered.

Step 3

Use public transportation. Buses or commuter trains such as the London underground or Paris metro are preferable to taxis, which can get expensive. Visit the local tourist bureau and inquire about day- or week-long discounted passes, which many cities offer. Inquire about student or senior citizen passes.

Step 4

Purchase an all-in-one discount pass that covers buses, commuter trains and ferry service where applicable. Purchase from tourist offices or transportation stations if you are doing a lot of traveling in a single city or region.

Step 5

Use a Eurail pass and travel by train between destinations and countries. Choose a pass that covers the length of your stay or your estimated amount of travel days. Purchase passes that cover a single country, region or are applicable to all 21 countries Eurail serves.

Step 6

Fly between destinations on a low-cost airline such as Ryanair and other regional commuter lines. Choose flying over driving or train if your schedule is tight or if the tickets costs less than other options.

Tips & Warnings

Always inquire about discounts for students, youth and seniors before purchasing. Many locations require you show your International Student ID plus another form of picture ID to qualify for the discount. Travel on weekdays when prices are lower for commuters rather than on weekends when prices are higher.

Travel on weekdays when prices are lower for commuters rather than on weekends when prices are higher.

Keep your rail or other travel passes in a safe location close to your body to avoid theft.

Resources

Student and youth IDs.

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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