If you're anything like me and you're studying abroad in Europe this semester, you want to travel to every corner of the continent possible. Unfortunately, if you also like me, paying for all these wonderful trips can really break the bank. Here are a few ways to make the most out of your abroad experience without being forced to eat eggs or cereal for every single meal.
Flights
Check Skyscanner regularly
Skyscanner is a magical corner of the internet that scans for every possible airfare for a given day and destination. I've gotten fares as cheap as £10 through the site, so it's definitely friendly to the wallet when you go at the right time.
Book well in advance for big destinations
For some weekend trips, I get it, spontaneity is fun and exciting. But for those big bucket-list destinations like Paris, Prague, etc., booking in advance is often a lot cheaper because the demand is not as high a few weeks in advance rather than a week before.
Fridays and Sundays are horrible travel days
... for your wallet, anyway. Because these are the typical flights that most people use for a weekend getaway, they're more expensive. Often Thursday- and Monday-night flights are around £30 cheaper for most locations.
Accommodation
HostelWorld is your best friend
HostelWorld is essentially Expedia for hostels. The site compares prices for all hostels in a given city as well as displays their location on an interactive map so you know exactly what you're paying for.
AirBnB is also your best friend
... most of the time. For big events, like St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, steer clear of this option for safety reasons. Other than that, AirBnB is safe, reliable, and often cheaper than a hostel for longer trips.
Speaking of friends ...
If you have friends in any cities you're visiting, it can't hurt to ask if you can crash on their floor to save a few pounds. Odds are they'll be accommodating ... as long as you buy them a round when you hit the town.
The Sights
Do your research
For example, did you know that museums in Paris have free admission on Sundays? And in the winter, there's free ice skating on the Eiffel Tower if you pay admission to get up there. Yeah, that's right, not near the Eiffel Tower, physically on it. Little travel tips like these can save you more than you think when you're in a foreign place.
Walk everywhere (within reason)
The best way to see a city is on foot, so ditch the tube or Uber! Walking around a city forces you to gain your bearings and have a better idea of where different sights are. Plus, you miss the views when you go on the tube.
Souvenirs/Food
Buy experiences, not things
Sure, a little ornament of a gondola could remind you of your time in Venice, but wouldn't you rather spend that money on an actual gondola ride? Experiences make more memories than gift shops do.
Set a food budget and stick with it
For each trip, give yourself a limit on what you can spend on food. Sure, that baguette looks delicious, but if you've already bought two crêpes and a croissant, do you really need that bread? Your wallet (and your diet) will thank you.
