Do you love to travel and explore?

Then, This is for you.

Traveling can be a fulfilling experience, igniting not just our sense of adventure but also nourishing our heart, body, mind, and soul in ways that are hard to put into words. It’s a chance to explore new places, cultures, and cuisines, and to create memories that last a lifetime. However, as much as we’d like to lose ourselves in the beauty of travel, there’s a practical side to consider – the financial one.

It also reminds us that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. The costs associated with travel, from accommodations and food to souvenirs, can add up quickly. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the moment, wanting to try everything and going on shopping sprees that can exceed your carefully planned budget. I vividly remember my own experience in Austria when I took a weekend trip to Jesolo, Italy. I went on a shopping spree and managed to spend my entire month’s transaction limit in a single day. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself in that situation, where the excitement of the journey is overshadowed by financial stress.

Here are some money-saving tips from my experience on your trip to Europe:

Accommodation:
Post-COVID, hotels have become more expensive, but you can find alternatives for affordable accommodations. Consider hostels, which are perfect for meeting people from diverse backgrounds, especially if you’re a solo traveler. If you value privacy, look for nice Airbnb rentals or short-term apartment rentals. Have you heard of couch surfing? If not, it’s worth exploring.

Travel:
In cities, use public transport to get around – it’s like a hop-on, hop-off bus but much cheaper. Keep a city map and download some audio guides to learn about the place. If you enjoy walking, sign up for free walking tours organized by locals. They’ll take you to lesser-known places that will amaze you, and you can tip them as you like at the end. For travelling to other European countries, check out airlines with super-discounted prices on their websites, such as Ryanair, Wizzair, and Easy jet etc.

Food:
If you’re not into fancy restaurants, make friends with the grocery store. You can often find local cuisine at much lower prices. Visit local farmers’ markets to try local produce. Living like a local while travelling allows you to truly experience their culture.

Stay tuned for more travel tips in upcoming articles.”

-by Jayapratha Kannan.