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Are you dreaming of backpacking through Europe but are concerned about expenses? Good news—exploring the continent can be remarkably economical and more affordable than you realise. The key to transforming your dreams into reality is careful planning and understanding how to maximise resources while experiencing the rich tapestry of European culture, history, and adventure.
From Prague’s cobblestone streets to Portugal’s sun-drenched beaches, Europe presents countless opportunities for savvy travellers to explore without depleting their savings. This comprehensive guide breaks down essential costs and provides budgeting tips and practical strategies for crafting your dream European backpacking trip.
Understanding the factors influencing your budget is crucial when planning your European adventure. The cost of backpacking through Europe varies significantly based on your chosen destinations and travel preferences.
Western European capitals like Paris and Amsterdam command premium prices for accommodation and dining, while Eastern European destinations such as Budapest and Krakow offer exceptional value. Understanding these regional differences helps plan an itinerary that aligns with your budget.
Your travel style and timing play crucial roles in determining expenses. Opting for shared accommodation and preparing your own meals over hotels and restaurants can substantially reduce daily costs.
Additionally, the season of your travel is a key consideration; visiting during the summer high season typically incurs higher costs. Consider travelling during shoulder seasons - spring and autumn provide more agreeable weather and translate to lower prices and fewer tourists at popular attractions.
Lastly, the duration of your trip impacts overall expenses—while longer journeys increase your total spending, strategic planning can help reduce daily costs without compromising experiences.
To illustrate, appreciating the Matterhorn from afar is free, but a helicopter ride to see it up close comes at a premium. Similarly, costs within Europe vary depending on the region, the time of year, how you choose to sightsee, and where you socialise. Being flexible with your destination airport and flying into major European hubs can sometimes be cheaper. Exploring smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path destinations can also lead to significant savings on accommodation.
If you're new to backpacking, start with shorter trips and lighter packing to ease into the experience. Ensuring you have essential gear and a well-thought-out backpacking list will set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Budget Tip: Utilise platforms such as Hostelworld to discover budget-friendly hostels that offer excellent amenities and opportunities for social interaction.
Budget Tip: To save money, book transportation in advance and consider using a combination of bus rides and slower travel options. Some scenic routes, like the Swiss Alps or the Amalfi Coast, provide incredible experiences while being less expensive than trains.
Street food markets and local cafes frequently offer authentic experiences at reasonable prices. Street food and groceries can cost as little as $10 to $20 per day while dining out at a budget restaurant might cost $15 to $30 per meal.
Budget Tip: Make the most of hostel kitchens to prepare your meals and save money on dining out. Refill your water bottle at public fountains in cities where tap water is safe and widely available.
The continent’s rich architectural heritage also provides endless opportunities for self-guided exploration. Urban parks, public squares, gardens, and historic districts serve as open-air museums for experiencing local culture without spending a penny. From the magnificent cathedrals of Italy to the world-class museums of London, numerous attractions offer complimentary admission on specific days or discounted rates for morning visits.
Budget Tip: Check for free museum days or discounted student tickets in many European cities. Also, consider purchasing combination city passes that bundle public transport with museum access, providing excellent value for active sightseers.
By estimating these costs and planning your expenditures wisely, you can enjoy a fulfilling backpacking experience through Europe without exceeding your financial limits.
Establish a daily budget carefully considering your travel style and intended destinations to manage your finances effectively while backpacking through Europe.
Adjusting your daily budget based on the cost of living in different regions and prioritising experiences that align with your interests will help you maximise your travel funds and make the most of your European adventure. Eastern European destinations might require as little as £40-50 daily, while major Western European cities could demand £80-90.
Here’s an example of a realistic daily budget for a backpacker in Europe:
Total: ~£70 per day
While daily expenses could vary considerably, many experienced backpackers find that £60-75 per day provides a comfortable buffer in most European destinations. This framework allows for decent accommodation, nutritious meals, and selective participation in cultural activities while maintaining enough flexibility for occasional splurges or unexpected opportunities.
Smart planning helps extend your resources. Begin each day with a complimentary hostel breakfast whenever available, pack lunch from local markets, and alternate between self-catered dinners and modest restaurants. This approach balances budget constraints with authentic cultural experiences, allowing occasional splurges on memorable activities.
Thoughtful financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth and affordable backpacking experience.
One of the most effective ways to manage expenses is strategically planning your route. Plot routes through neighbouring countries to minimise transport costs, as shorter journeys by train or bus are often more economical than long-haul travel. Consider alternating between pricier Western European destinations and more affordable Eastern European locations to maintain budget balance throughout your journey. Research seasonal events or festivals that might impact local pricing. By structuring your route around cost-effective locations, you can optimise your travel funds while experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes. For solo female travellers, thorough planning is essential—research safe routes and accommodations and consider connecting with other travellers online for support and shared experiences.
Setting a daily spending limit is another crucial step in managing your finances. Before setting off, determine a realistic amount you are comfortable spending daily, allocating funds appropriately for essentials such as accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Keeping track of expenses is equally essential—budgeting apps can help monitor spending and prevent unnecessary overspending.
The art of successful budgeting lies in maintaining detailed records of your expenditures. Modern banking apps and travel-specific software help track your spending patterns and identify areas for adjustment. Setting aside a modest contingency fund provides peace of mind and flexibility for unexpected opportunities or challenges, and pre-booking key transport links and accommodation yields significant savings.
Maintaining financial awareness throughout your journey guarantees that your funds last for the trip without compromising memorable experiences.
Maximising savings while travelling requires planning, savvy choices and a willingness to embrace budget-friendly alternatives.
By implementing these cost-cutting strategies, you can extend your travel budget and enjoy a fulfilling backpacking adventure.
Embarking on a European backpacking adventure represents an investment in personal growth and cultural understanding. Choosing affordable accommodation, booking transport in advance, and taking advantage of free or discounted activities help you explore new destinations without financial stress. Thoughtful budgeting and reliable travel resources ensure you get the most out of your adventure while controlling costs. Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than ticking off tourist attractions.
Embark on your journey confidently—start planning today and use resources like Hostelworld to research destinations, find budget-friendly hostels, compare prices, and connect with fellow travellers. By approaching your journey with a balance of preparation and spontaneity, you can experience Europe’s diverse cultures, historic sites, and vibrant cities without exceeding your budget.
Though biking is considered the main method of transportation in the Netherlands, there’s more to getting around than simply using your bike. Surely, using a bike outweighs public transport in that it is free and you can usually access many places faster and more directly. However, that doesn’t mean you should totally rule out using Dutch public transport, especially if you live far from the city centre.
This article is a user manual on Dutch public transport. Learn exactly why and how to use it.
The Dutch public transportation system includes trams, buses and metro. These are all found in most cities. Additionally, there are intercity and international trains.
Public transport can come in handy in several situations. If you are new to a city and don’t want to risk getting lost then taking a tram or a bus can ensure you don’t get confused by all the cycling roads and junctions. Also, if you are carrying a lot of bags, you shouldn't try a balancing act on your bike in case you cause an accident or hurt yourself. Taking a train or bus is also helpful when you want to go long stretches or even in bad weather. Public transport also come in handy if you are planning to go to a place where you are anxious you might get your bike stolen — especially if it's an E-bike.
Most, if not all, public transport uses the OV chip card method in addition to tickets. Although you can buy single tickers, the OV chip card is a card that you load money onto. You can get a personalized one with your name and photo or an ‘anonymous’ one.
The cards replace single tickets. Unlike single tickets, cards are permanent or reusable. Many other countries follow a similar system. In the Netherlands, you pay for the distance travelled. So, if you travel 2 stops, you pay for 2 stops. If you travel 10 stops, you pay for 10 stops and so on. This contrasts with the single ticket (which you can also buy onboard), which costs a fixed amount. It costs around €2 for the bus. Price varies according to the city and method of transportation. With a single ticket, you pay a fixed amount no matter how many stops you travel. This ticket is usually valid for something like an hour on all forms of public transport.
The benefit of having the card is that you save money. If a single ticket costs €4 for a fare but you might only need to travel for 2 or 3 stops then you’ve paid for a trip that only costs a few cents or €1 with the OV card. Also, it’s more useful to have a card. You simply have it with you and use it at your convenience.
You can buy an OV chip card at a train station. Use this page to put in your postcode to find the nearest sales point.
If you don’t want to get an OV chip card, you can buy a single ticket from the conductor on the train or bus. Ask the conductor for how long your ticket is valid and for what modes of public transportation you can take with it!
As mentioned, you need to load money onto your OV chip card. You can do this using machines found at almost every metro station and major tram stop. Some supermarkets even have a small machine where you can load your card. Most machines take cards, like MasterCard. Older machines usually allow you to use cash. You can load as much or as little as you want. If you want to take an intercity train, your balance needs to be at least 20eur for an anonymous chip card and 10 for a personal OV. Your card can also reach a negative balance. In this situation, you are no longer allowed to travel. You can check your balance on the OV website by putting in your card number.
Remember to request a new one when your first one expires! The expiry date will be on the back of the card. You can also apply for a refund for the money on your expired card.
When you enter a tram, for example, you will see a little machine with a flat surface and digital screen, inside the tram, next to the doors to your left and right. You swipe your card against the machine and will hear a beeping noise. The screen will confirm that you’ve checked in and will display your card’s balance. This process is referred to as ‘checking in’.
When you leave the tram or other form of transport, you need to swipe your card again to check out. Simply do the same as you did coming in: place your card against the machine next to the door. It will beep and confirm you’ve checked out and show your balance again. Don’t forget to do this! The point of swiping out is that you are only charged for the journey you made. If you forget, you will be charged the full amount for a journey, which is €4.
In short, you are charged the boarding fare of €4 when you check-in. When you check out, you are refunded and only charged for the number of kilometres you travelled. If you bought a single ticket, you don’t need to check out.
It can be handy to know when your transport comes and goes. Instead of blindly waiting at your tram stop, hoping it will come at some point in the near future, you can use an app. 9292 shows you the real-time schedule of trams, buses, metros and more. You can also plan your route. It even shows you how much time it takes to walk to the nearest stop.
NS is also good for planning tram trips or intercity trains.
If you want to travel outside your own city, you can easily do that! If you want to visit other cities or areas within the Netherlands, you can use intercity trains. They are literally what they say they are: trains going between cities. For example, you can travel to Amsterdam from Rotterdam by intercity train. You might have to take more than one train, depending on where you want to go. But these trains run regularly and you can check their times using 9292 or NS.nl. You can use your OV chip cards on intercity trains. Just make sure you have enough money on your card!
If you want to travel internationally, i.e. to another country, you must take an international train or two. You cannot use your OV chip card for this, so you will need to buy a ticket. A great website to find cheap tickets other than on NS.nl is Omio.
Remember that Dutch public transport might not be the same everywhere in the Netherlands. Ask around if you aren't sure. Don't neglect that wonderful bike of yours but at the same time, giving public transport a go can also be a great way to explore your city…
As incredibly cliché as this may sound, experiencing the Singapore exchange student life will undeniably change your perspective on most things. Whether this is for better or worse is up to you and you only.
This post is an attempt at putting a 20-year-old Gen Zer's experience of living and studying for one semester in the culture hub called Singapore into words. Just a little heads up: it was quite the culture shock.
On August 2nd, my adventure of a lifetime started at Brussels International Airport. After having spent an hour of emotional goodbyes with my mother and having had to go through 5 solid dad-jokes from my father, it was time for me to get started on my 15-hour journey.
It is safe to say that by the time I had landed in Changi International airport, I was closer to resembling a body-double of Samara from The Ring than my initial self. However, the excitement of slowly realizing that yes, I had just landed in Singapore and I was officially a Singapore exchange student but I had no clue how to even get out of the airport, quickly brought me back to my senses. Fast forward to me checking into my hostel in the charming district of Little India and I was ready to conquer this city-state.
If you’re planning your exchange adventure, Hostelworld’s blog offers practical advice on navigating airports, finding budget-friendly accommodations, and getting started in a new city.
In true Gen-Z, ever-trying-to-be-relatable-style, the first thing I did was to explore Singaporean nightlife. In between the ooh’s and ah’s of discovering the overwhelming skyline of Singapore, the flamboyant club-goers and the interesting music-taste of the DJ’s, it ended up being an exciting first night.
It was when I returned to my hostel, that it first hit me that this was the beginning of an entirely new chapter, which I was beyond excited to write.
Of course, being the model Singapore exchange student that I am, I made sure to read up on Singaporean culture and lifestyle, in order to somewhat prepare myself for this semester abroad. I found out that there are four major sub-communities in this city-state: Malays, Indians, Chinese and the “others” which are all the nationalities which do not belong to the three aforementioned groups.
Next, I found out that in Singapore eating was a big part of the culture, which translates to having opportunities to eat at literally each and every street-corner. Naturally, being a food-addict, I felt like I had just hit the jackpot.
I also found out that Singapore’s first language was English. The locals even had their own version of it called “Singlish”.
I thought that Singlish could not be that far off from regular English. Well, was I wrong. Not only can some parts of the vocabulary and the grammar vary from what I am used to, the pronunciation made it extra tricky for me at times. Given that Singaporeans are used to speaking at a very fast pace, I found myself having to ask “Could you repeat that, please?” quite (too) often.
Nonetheless, it usually took me a few attempts but eventually, it always worked out.
Don’t get me wrong, Singapore is an amazing place. Coming from a country where rain and mediocre temperatures can be considered part of its Unesco World Heritage, I should be thankful to have been in an environment where temperatures varied between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius all year long. And I was, but my sweat glands were not. In theory, such temperatures all year around sound quite pleasing. They could be, if there was not such a high humidity rate. Given that on average, Singapore has a humidity level of 80 percent, it is safe to say that my body stayed moist from August 2nd onwards.
At the beginning, I found myself showering three times a day, attempting to cool down my body and get rid of the constant layer of sweat. After a few weeks, I learned to accept my fate and found out that everybody else was experiencing the same scenario as I was, except they stopped caring about it. Later, I accepted the fact that occasionally, just eating a warm meal made me sweat uncontrollably. That was a-okay.
At this point, I am halfway through my journey. All jokes aside, it was an unforgettable one so far.
Out of all the clichés in the world, I think the ones about exchange can be categorized as true. In the few months that I was there, I met incredible people that I can already call some of my closest friends, I had the opportunity to travel and see extreme economic disparity fought with unconditional happiness and joy.
To make your exchange semester just as memorable, use Hostelworld’s platform to find budget-friendly accommodations and plan exciting trips to nearby destinations during your stay.
To refer back to the introduction of this post, studying a semester abroad changes your life and your perception of it in many ways, some of which you probably will not anticipate before leaving. Although there might be some challenges, the biggest ones being homesickness and the financial cost it represents, in the end, it is worth every single tear and penny.
So, exams are done and you want to go on a trip with your friends to celebrate. Now, the question is where should you look? As a student, you definitely want good deals for flight tickets, tours, and more right? Don't worry, because in the following article we will show you the top 3 best sites for student trips.
For those of you lusting after trips in Europe, wanderlust is the site for you! This website specializes in student trips. They have trips ranging from day-trips to 5-day excursions. Also, they cover top tourist destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Russia, even Finland, and Croatia.
Here's how it works: First, you pick from the list of trips they offer. Second, you choose from a list of available departure dates. That's it. Pretty simple right? Also, watch out for their deals! With helpful tour guides and good company, joining this is one heck of an experience.
Need travel tips to make the most of your trip? Check out Hostelworld's blog for destination insights, budgeting advice, and packing hacks to enhance your journey.
For more information, visit the Wanderlust website!
Pm2am Student Trips offers the most interesting tours. Destinations range from the Greek Islands to the Swiss Alps! Although they seem similar to Wanderlust Trips, pm2am offer a wider variety of dates. So, basically, they host a lot of trips every year! The price is also student friendly and affordable! Furthermore, they have a Facebook page where they leave updates about new trips! You can also make suggestions for which destinations a new trip offer should visit.
For more information, visit the pm2amtrips website!
Now, this is where you should go if you plan on visiting all kinds of destinations around the world! STA Travel provides the full package: Flight, hotels, and transportation for a cheap price! For example, you can get a cheaper ticket if you are a student (under 26 years old). Also, if you have the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), you can get more discounts. They also come up with the most interesting student trips: ranging from exploring the Inca trails to visiting Indochina.
And while you’re planning your adventure, don’t forget to use Hostelworld’s booking platform to secure affordable and student-friendly stays wherever you go!
For more information, visit the STA Travel website!
So there you have my top 3 websites for organizing student trips! What are you waiting for? Start booking your trips now!
You just finished reading this article and you can’t get enough of all the amazing travel stories and tips and tricks? Let us know about your ideas in the comments!
