How to Travel Cheap in Europe in 2026: Complete Guide with Real Budgets
Do you think Europe is very expensive? You are wrong. With the right strategies, you can travel 5 countries in 3 weeks for less than €1,500. Here we tell you exactly how.
How much does it really cost to travel through Europe
Don't believe the blogs that say you travel for €30 a day. That is possible in Southeast Asia, not in Europe. But you can do it much cheaper than you think.
| Country | Days | Accommodation | Food | Transportation | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 5 | €25/night | €20/day | €15/day | €325 |
| Spain | 5 | €28/night | €22/day | €12/day | €310 |
| Italy | 5 | €35/night | €25/day | €20/day | €400 |
| Greece | 5 | €30/night | €18/day | €15/day | €315 |
| Croatia | 5 | €32/night | €20/day | €18/day | €350 |
| TOTAL | 25 | 1,700€ |
The 7 strategies to travel cheaply through Europe
1. Fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
The cheapest flights are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sundays and Fridays are the most expensive.
Typical savings: 30-50% compared to flying on the weekend.
2. Use FlixBus instead of the train
European trains are expensive. FlixBus costs half or a third.
| Route | Train | FlixBus | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Madrid | €80 | €25 | €55 |
| Rome → Florence | €45 | €15 | €30 |
| Berlin → Prague | €40 | €19 | €21 |
3. Hostels with shared kitchen
If you cook your own food, you save €15-20 a day. A hostel with a shared kitchen costs only €2-3 more than one without.
4. Free city cards
Many cities offer free tourist cards or 50% discounts on museums and transportation.
5. Free walking tours
The best tours in the city are free (you just leave a tip). Works in: Barcelona, Prague, Budapest, Lisbon, Rome.
6. Avoid July and August
July and August are the most expensive months. Go in May, June, September or October.
Typical savings: 20-30% on accommodations and flights.
7. Booking.com with free cancellation
Book now, cancel if you find something better. No risk.
Recommended itinerary: 3 weeks, 5 countries
Week 1: Portugal and Spain
- Day 1-3: Lisbon (baejos, Alfama, Belém)
- Day 4-5: Porto (vinho, Douro)
- Day 6-7: Madrid (museums, tapas)
Week 2: Italy
- Day 8-10: Rome (Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere)
- Day 11-12: Florence (Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio)
- Day 13-14: Venice (squares, gondolas)
Week 3: Greece and Croatia
- Day 15-17: Athens (Acropolis, Plaka)
- Day 18-19: Dubrovnik (walls, beach)
- Day 20-21: Split (Diocletian, Hvar)
Essential apps for cheap travel
- Skyscanner: Cheap flights with price alerts
- FlixBus: Cheap buses throughout Europe
- Hostelworld: Hostels with the best ratings
- Google Maps: Routes and public transportation
- Too Good To Go: Free or very cheap food
Mistakes when traveling cheap that you should avoid
- Do not book in advance: Prices go up at the last minute
- Travel only in high season: Expensive and crowded
- Do not compare prices: Always look for at least 3 options
- Skip insurance: An accident can cost you thousands
Do you want us to go deeper into a country or route? Leave us a comment and we will create a personalized guide.