Europe is certainly not known for being cheap, but with a bit of insider knowledge it can still be possible to enjoy it's greatest sights and scenes on shoestring budget. We asked our expert backpacker community for their best tips and tricks that will help stretch your pennies across even more of the most exciting cities in the world! Here's their advice on how to save money whilst travelling in Europe...
Looking for affordable accommodation in Europe? .
Sustainable and thrifty...
"Bring a reusable bottle with you when traveling - and fill up with water for free forever!" - Laura Connick
Because we all love a bargain...
"Buy all your drinks during happy hour." - Kieran Doolan
The best way to explore a new city...
"There are amazing free walking tours in every city (but obviously pay a tip if you can)." -Katie Fodera
Great for history buffs...
"Find out when museums and sights have a free or reduced entry fee day (most of them do especially in Europe)." - Serena Grimaldi
Budget even if it's boring...
"Make a budget every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner (and a treat), and use this as a guide to stick by. If you spend more one day, you can just deduct that from your next day's allowance! Buying food from supermarkets and making food at your accommodation saves a lot of dosh." - Hannah Winter
Get your hiking boots on...
"Walk walk walk. You'll discover so much more this way and save heaps of money on taxis." - Agostino Mantice
We all miss packed lunches right...
"Make and bring your own lunches for day trips as it saves money on dining out all the time." - Sarah Mulhall
A bit of planning never goes amiss...
"Pre-plan your journey with free cancellation if possible, but be ready to change things at the last moment if you spot a cheaper alternative on the day." - Marty Thorn
Pub crawls for solo travellers...
"Check out organised pub crawls! They usually are so much fun for a decent price and you make new friends without breaking the bank." - Morgan Partridge
Pick your location carefully...
"Stay at a hostel within walking distance to centres so less transport costs. Cook in the hostel if they have a kitchen, and make sure to get involved in all of the free activities they offer." - Alex Ha
A secret about hostels...
"It seems obvious, but if you're travelling as a group avoid hotels at all costs. You can get private hostel rooms with your own bathrooms for a fraction of the cost!" - Jo Borg
Don't be afraid of the launderette...
"Try to travel with hand luggage only. Better to wash your clothes in a launderette or hostel than pay for extra luggage." - Markus Smith
Do your research...
"If you can, book your travel in advance. Trains in Europe are amazing, but they can be expensive if you book last minute. If you do have spontaneous plans, use a site like Rome2Rio to see what your cheapest travel options might be." - Ellie Roberts
Try something new...
"Don't be afraid to try street food! Not only is it normally delicious, it's a fraction of the price of sitting in a restaurant." - AJ Capistrano