Europe is often seen as a dream destination, but that dream doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. With strategic planning and the right tools, you can explore everything from Paris to Prague without draining your wallet. This guide outlines how to travel across Europe affordably—from transportation and accommodations to food, activities, and cashback-friendly strategies.

Be flexible with travel dates and destinations

Europe’s high season (June to August) is the most expensive time to travel. Shoulder months like April–May and September–October offer lower prices, fewer tourists, and better airfare deals. Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices across dates and airports.

If you’re open to “anywhere” travel, look for budget-friendly hubs like Budapest, Kraków, Lisbon, or Sofia instead of pricier hotspots like Paris or London.

Use budget airlines and transit passes

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air offer flights for as little as $20 between major cities. Just be mindful of baggage fees and airport locations—many fly out of secondary terminals.

Train travel is also cost-effective if you plan multiple stops. Look into regional rail passes through Eurail or local discount programs.

Stay in affordable, central accommodations

Instead of hotels, consider budget-friendly lodging like hostels, boutique guesthouses, or vacation rentals. Hostelworld and Booking.com are useful for finding inexpensive, centrally located stays.

If you’re booking a longer stay, consider using Vrbo or Airbnb to get more space for less, especially in off-season months.

Eat like a local and save big

Skip overpriced tourist traps in favor of bakeries, food stalls, or local markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona, Mercato Centrale in Florence, or Great Market Hall in Budapest. You’ll often find better quality for a fraction of the cost.

Lunch menus (formule or menú del día) offer full meals at reduced prices. In many cities, tap water is safe to drink—bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying bottled water.

Stack your savings with cashback platforms

Before booking flights, lodging, or rail passes, check if the merchant is supported by a cashback app. For instance, when booking your stay, you can get rewards with a Hotels.com gift card through Fluz and still use the gift card at checkout while earning credit card points.

If you’re flying Ryanair or booking train passes, Fluz often features limited-time deals with travel brands. You can also earn cashback with a Delta Airlines gift card when booking your transatlantic flight directly with the airline.

To see which brands qualify for cashback stacking, explore more options at Fluz.

Take advantage of free city experiences

Many European cities offer free walking tours, open-air markets, historical landmarks, and museum-free days. Examples include:

• London’s British Museum – free daily entry
  
• Paris’s first Sunday of the month museum access
• Berlin’s East Side Gallery – an open-air section of the Berlin Wall
  
• Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps – always free to visit
  

Check the city’s official tourism site to find event calendars and access deals tailored to visitors.

Final thoughts

Traveling through Europe doesn’t require a luxury budget—just a smart approach. With flexible dates, local insight, and cashback tools like Fluz, you can experience the best of Europe without overspending. A little planning goes a long way when every euro counts.