Europe on a Shoestring
Short of having a vast trust fund or a company willing to pay for your every expense, you're going to have to keep to a tight budget if you're planning a long-term stay in Europe. Every year, lots of people settle in European lands for an extended period of time – reasons include being temporarily relocated to a new business branch, enrolling on a year-long programme to study French in France, closing a business deal that seems to drag on forever and many others.
Many people, initially happy to be able to take this opportunity to explore Europe, find themselves struggling to keep to a reasonable budget and end up throwing their initial plans to the wind. The good news is that you don't have to skip all the sightseeing that you've always wanted to do. With a healthy dose of planning and some insider knowledge on the more affordable ways to tour the old continent, you will be able to see the sights without losing your wallet in the process.
Bargain Spot No1: Berlin
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Berlin is a wonderful exception in the lands of northern Europe, where few cities are known for being budget friendly to travellers on a shoestring. While Berlin will certainly give you plenty of chances to spend all of your hard-earned money, there is also a variety of budget options that can make staying there on the cheap really easy – classy budget hotels, a top-of-the-line mass-transit systemand a great nightlife with clubs for all wallet sizes.
Berlin is also jam packed with historical sites and houses more than 180 museums – many of them free – for you to spend some lazy afternoons in. Berlin can be a great place to make your permanent base as you set out to explore the rest of continental Europe. Make sure you take advantage of the inter-European budget flights and you are set.
Bargain Spot No2: The Baltic States
So, you've been learning French in France and the city of lights is losing its shine? The Baltic States make a perfect escape for those that have spent a lot of time in the traditional European destinations and want to try something different. Forget about the break-neck speed of London and Paris and get ready for a more relaxed kind of trip.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia used to be hidden gems that only some tourists knew about. While the word has certainly spread, these far-off places are still a very good option for those who wish to spend some days idlely exploring. If you plan on going in the peak season, we recommend avoiding cities such as Vilnius or Riga since they now tend to fill up with tourists. Budget enthusiasts should note that these states have not yet adopted the euro, so you may be able to find some excellent prices.
Pro-Tip: Travelling Off-peak
The best tip for travelling cheaply in Europe is to always be on the lookout for opportunities to travel off-peak. If you can decide your travel schedule, make sure you go during spring or autumn – even if you end up extending your stay, the price of the flight, accommodation and other things will be much lower during these seasons, and crowds are certainly smaller. Of course, be prepared to deal with milder temperatures going in spring and down-right cold weather if you decide to go during autumn.
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