Hi, my name is Becca your budget-friendly travel guru. I recently went on two week trip to Europe where I traveled across four different countries, you can find my 14 day itinerary here. As a girl who travels on a budget I’ve done a ton of research to make this trip as cost efficient as I could. So, how much does a trip to Europe cost? That can depend on a lot of factors. Lets break it down.
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How much does a trip to Europe cost on average?
Factors Influencing Costs
How much does a trip to Europe cost on average? Well, that’s hard to say because everyone travels differently. If you just want the experience of travel and not all the bells and whistles, you can make traveling to Europe affordable. If you desire the luxury that comes with travel, that price tag can become pretty hefty.
Budget Traveler: On the lower end, budget-conscious travelers who stay in hostels, dine at affordable eateries, use public transportation, and focus on free or low-cost activities can aim for an average daily budget of around $50 to $150.
Mid-Range Traveler: Travelers seeking a balance between cost and comfort might spend an average of $150 to $250 per day.
Luxury Traveler: Those who prioritize upscale experiences, luxury accommodations, fine dining, and premium activities can easily spend $250 or more per day.
Travel Style
I would say this is one of the biggest factors in determining how much does a trip to Europe cost. If you are someone that desires luxury, your trip is going to cost 4x more than someone who is not looking for that kind of experience. There is also a healthy middle ground to that.
I like to split up these categories into three: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury. This is something you should explore within yourself as to what you are looking for and what your realistic budget is.
- Budget Traveler: This type of traveler aims to minimize costs and can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day on accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.
- Mid-Range Traveler: For those seeking a balance between cost and comfort, the average daily budget may range from $100 to $200.
- Luxury Traveler: Travelers looking for upscale experiences should be prepared to spend $200 or more per day.
Choice of Destination
The specific European countries and cities you plan to visit can have a substantial impact on how much does a trip to Europe cost. Western European countries, such as Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom, are generally more expensive than their Eastern European counterparts, like Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland. Popular tourist destinations like Paris and Venice are often pricier compared to lesser-known towns and regions.
Seasonal Variation
The time of year you choose to travel can impact your expenses. Summer is the peak tourist season, which often means higher prices for accommodations and attractions. Traveling during the shoulder season or the off-season can yield significant savings.
Flights
Airfare can be a significant part of your budget. Factors that affect flight costs include your departure city, airline choice, travel class, and flexibility in travel dates. Being open to alternative airports and travel dates can help you find more affordable flights.
I will talk more about how I find cheap flights and spend more out of pocket down below
Food and Dining Habits
Dining costs can vary widely based on where and how you choose to eat. Exploring local markets, trying street food, and dining in affordable restaurants can help you save on food expenses.
Transportation Costs
Consider how you plan to get around Europe. Trains, buses, and flights between cities and countries all come with different price points. Eurail passes and regional transport cards can be cost-effective options for multi-city travel.
Usually public transportation is very affordable in Europe, but if you wanted an easier and more convenient option of taxis or ubers, your transportation costs will double.
Currency Exchange Rates
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the purchasing power of your money in a foreign country. It’s crucial to monitor exchange rates and consider the timing of currency conversion.
The Cost of Flights to Europe
When considering flights to Europe, the cost can vary considerably based on your chosen destination and other factors. Generally, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands tend to offer cheaper flight options from the U.S. These countries have well-established flight connections and are often cost-effective choices.
On the other hand, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Italy, France, and Greece can be more expensive to fly into due to higher living costs and peak tourist demand. Deciding where to fly has a significant impact on how much does a trip to Europe cost.
Factors Affecting Flight Prices
Departure Location: The city or airport you depart from has a significant impact on the cost of your flight. Major international airports tend to offer a wider selection of flight options and may have competitive pricing. Travelers departing from smaller or regional airports may have limited choices and potentially higher fares.
Booking Timing: The timing of your flight booking plays a crucial role in determining the cost. In general, booking well in advance, at least a few months before your travel dates, often results in lower fares. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive. Airline fare sales and promotions can also influence prices.
Travel Season: The time of year you plan to travel affects flight prices. Summer is the peak tourist season in Europe and is typically more expensive. Shoulder seasons, which are spring and early autumn, often offer more affordable flight options. Winter can also be a budget-friendly time to travel.
Airline Choice: Different airlines offer various pricing models and in-flight services. Budget carriers, such as Ryanair and easyJet, often provide lower base fares, but may charge additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Full-service carriers offer more amenities, but their fares may be higher.
Class of Service: The class of service you choose, such as economy, premium economy, business, or first class, has a substantial impact on the cost of your flight. Business and first-class tickets can be significantly more expensive than economy class.
Layovers and Connections: The number of layovers and the length of connections can influence costs. Non-stop flights are often more convenient but may come at a premium. Flights with layovers or connections can be cheaper, but they may result in longer travel times.
Flexible Travel Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can lead to cost savings. Mid-week flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend flights. Also, being open to alternative dates can help you find better deals.
Frequent Flyer Miles and Rewards: Utilizing frequent flyer miles or travel rewards from credit card programs can significantly reduce the cost of flights. These programs can offer free or discounted flights if you’ve accumulated enough points or miles.
Currency Exchange Rates: Keep in mind that exchange rates can affect the cost of flights when booking from a different currency. Currency fluctuations can lead to price differences.
Airlines’ Sales and Special Offers: Monitor airlines’ websites and newsletters for sales, promotions, and special offers. Airlines often have seasonal discounts or deals for specific routes that can provide substantial savings.
Comparison Websites and Tools: Use flight comparison websites and tools to search for the best deals. Websites like Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights allow you to compare fares from multiple airlines and travel agencies.
Hidden Fees: Be aware of potential hidden fees, such as charges for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. These fees can significantly increase the overall cost of your flight.
How to save money on flights to Europe
Shop Around
My biggest tip is explore all of your options and do your research. For example, it might be cheaper to drive farther to a major airport in your area for more flight options, then choose to fly out of your local airport. Major airports like JFK and LAX will often have more options and therefore cheaper prices.
I use Expedia to shop for flights as well as google flights. These two tend to give you a broad range of flights, prices, layovers, and duration so you can choose what fits best for you.
Hopper
Hopper is an app that is great for finding the cheapest time to buy flights. You just enter your destination and dates, let hopper track the flight prices, and you will get notifications when it’s the cheapest time to buy. This can easily change the number buy hundreds of how much does a trip to Europe cost.
Get a Good Travel Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is what I use to pay for my flights, hotels, rental cars, and use when traveling abroad with no fees. This card has no foreign transaction fees, some travel insurance benefits, and a great travel redemption bonus. When you redeem your points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, you get a 25% bonus.
Hidden-City Ticketing
Hidden-city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination but disembarking during the layover instead of the final destination. Be cautious, though, as airlines may penalize passengers who frequently engage in this practice.
Red-Eye or Early Morning Flights
In general, flights departing very early in the morning or late at night tend to be less expensive. If you’re flexible with your travel schedule, consider these options.
Accommodation Costs in Europe
When wondering how much does a trip to Europe cost, Accommodations costs are a big chunk of the bill. So, getting the best bang for your buck is important if you want to travel Europe on a budget. Use hotels.com to search for the best priced hotels or explore VRBO for affordable rentals in the area (that don’t charge cleaning fees like Airbnb.)
Cheaper Accommodation Countries in Europe:
Eastern European Countries: Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Poland typically offer more affordable accommodations. You can find budget-friendly hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in these destinations.
Greece: Greece is known for its reasonable accommodation options, especially in the off-peak and shoulder seasons. Islands like Crete and Rhodes often have budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. See deals on my Paros to Santorini guide.
Portugal: Portugal offers a good mix of budget and mid-range accommodations, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. You can find affordable guesthouses and hostels while still enjoying excellent quality.
Spain: In Spain, destinations like Valencia, Seville, and Granada offer affordable lodging options. Check out my 1 day in Barcelona itinerary for more on traveling to Spain.
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic, with cities like Prague, has a range of budget accommodations, including hostels and inexpensive hotels.
More Expensive Accommodation Countries in Europe:
Western European Countries: Western European countries such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are known for their high living costs, which extend to accommodations. Luxury hotels in these countries can be quite expensive.
France: While France offers a wide range of accommodations, popular destinations like Paris, the French Riviera, and Provence are known for their pricey hotels and resorts.
Italy: Italy has a mix of budget and luxury options, but cities like Venice and the Amalfi Coast can be particularly expensive. Seek out less touristy regions for better deals.
United Kingdom: London, in particular, is notorious for its expensive accommodations. However, other cities like Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Manchester can offer more budget-friendly choices.
Scandinavian Countries: Sweden, Denmark, and Finland often have high accommodation costs, especially in their capital cities. Travelers can opt for budget alternatives, like hostels or vacation rentals, to save on lodging expenses.
Monaco: As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, Monaco is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, but it comes at a premium price.
Daily Expenses and Food Costs
Food costs do effect how much does a trip to Europe cost because the range in Europe can be pretty significant. Food in Portugal is relatively cheap compared to Switzerland where the difference between costs is pretty steep.
Cheaper Food Countries:
Bulgaria: Known for its affordable cuisine, you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes without breaking the bank.
Greece: Greek street food and local tavernas offer tasty and budget-friendly options.
Spain: In Spain, tapas bars and local markets provide excellent value for money.
Portugal: Portugal is famous for its seafood, and you can savor it without spending a fortune.
Eastern European Countries: Countries like Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic have a variety of affordable local dishes.
More Expensive Food Countries:
Switzerland: Dining in Switzerland is known for its high cost due to the country’s high standard of living.
Norway: Norway’s seafood is delicious but expensive, and dining out can be a substantial portion of your budget.
Iceland: Eating out in Iceland can be costly, but the unique cuisine is often worth the price. Check out where in my Iceland travel guide.
France: While France offers amazing culinary experiences, dining in upscale restaurants can be expensive.
United Kingdom: London, in particular, is known for its pricey dining options. However, you can find more affordable eateries in other cities and regions.
Transportation Costs Within Europe
How much does a trip to Europe cost depends on the mode of transportation required. Western European nations like France may have relatively expensive train travel, particularly high-speed services such as the TGV. Switzerland, known for its efficient trains and stunning landscapes, can be costly due to the country’s high living standards, but rail passes can provide savings. (I go more into detail about this in my Europe itinerary.)
In the United Kingdom, train fares, especially in and around London, are known for their expense, but booking ahead and using railcards can help trim costs. Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark tend to have high transportation expenses as well.
Island nations like Iceland face elevated transportation costs due to their remote locations. Remote and mountainous regions in Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia may have higher transportation expenses, especially when cable-cars and funiculars come into play. Iceland you will most likely want to rent a car, which I explain in my solo travel Iceland guide.
Expedia can help you decide you transportation options when it comes to booking transportation to-and-from the airport. How much does a trip to Europe cost when you need to rent a car might be more expensive then using local transportation, so do the research for your specific destination.
Activities and Entertainment Expenses
Museums and Historical Sites: Admission fees to museums and historical sites typically range from €10 to €25 per person. Many cities offer museum passes for discounts if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Guided Tours: The cost of guided tours varies greatly, but walking tours often start around €10 to €30 per person. Specialized or longer tours can be more expensive.
Theater and Concert Tickets: Tickets for theater shows and concerts can range from €20 to €100 or more, depending on the event and seating.
Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities like hiking and exploring national parks are often free or have a minimal entrance fee. However, guided outdoor activities or adventure tours can cost more.
Budgeting and Cost-saving Tips
1. City Cards and Museum Passes: Many cities offer tourist cards that grant access to public transportation, discounts on attractions, and even free museum entries. They’re not always heavily promoted, so ask at local tourist offices, and you might discover great value.
2. Local Markets for Dining: Embrace the local culture and cuisine by visiting local markets. Not only is the food fresher, but it’s often more affordable than dining in restaurants. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to interact with locals.
3. Travel Insurance with Coverage: While not a cost-saving measure in itself, having comprehensive travel insurance such as World Nomads can save you a fortune if things go wrong. Look for policies that cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, and even theft.
4. Free Walking Tours: Many cities, especially in Eastern Europe, offer free walking tours led by enthusiastic guides. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and learn about the history and culture of a place while only needing to tip the guide.
5. Off-Peak Travel: If your schedule allows, travel during the shoulder seasons or even winter. You’ll find lower prices for accommodation and often fewer crowds at popular attractions.
6. Groceries for Picnics: For a unique experience and to save on meals, visit local grocery stores and assemble picnics. Enjoy your food in beautiful parks or by the riverside while soaking in the ambiance.
7. City Bikes and Scooters: In many European cities, you can rent bicycles or electric scooters for quick and low-cost transportation within the city. It’s not just fun; it’s practical.
8. Overnight Buses and Trains: For long-distance travel between cities, consider taking overnight buses or trains. You’ll save on one night’s accommodation, and it’s a unique experience.
9. House Sitting and Homestays: Platforms like TrustedHousesitters and VRBO offer opportunities for house sitting or staying with locals. Not only do you save on accommodation, but you gain a more authentic experience.
10. Student and Youth Discounts: Even if you’re not a student or youth, don’t be shy about inquiring about discounts in Europe. Some attractions and transport services offer discounts for young-at-heart travelers too.
11. Pay in Local Currency: When withdrawing cash from ATMs, choose to be charged in the local currency. This can often save you money on foreign exchange fees compared to your home bank’s conversion rates.
How Much I Spent on my 2-Week Europe Trip
How much does a trip to Europe cost? Well, I went to 4 European countries in 2 weeks and I am going to show you all of our expenses for that trip. I’m going to break this down by destination. The grand total how much does a trip to Europe cost will be including EVERYTHING, flights, accommodations, and all minor expenses.
The Cost of Flights to Europe
How much does a trip to Europe cost involves how much total your spent on flights, as we know the prices can get outrageous. I used my points from my travel credit card to pay for most of my flights to Europe. I search for flights through Expedia Flights to have a range of options and then book through Chase Travel.
For my flight from JFK-PDL it was direct on Azores Airlines and the total was $558.40 ($279.20 per person!.) I redeemed 39,034 points from my travel credit card and only paid $70.48 out of pocket. I usually book a one-way flight first when planning a trip, and give myself months in advance so I have time to save-up more points to use on the flight home.
For my flight from PDL-BCN we paid $214.05 for two people ( $107.00 per person with taxes & fees.) This was a direct flight through Azores airlines. You will find that plane transportation throughout Europe is a lot more affordable than it is throughout the U.S.
Our flight from BCN-MXP is even more budget-friendly. We booked through Vueling, which I highly reccommend as a budget-friendly airline in Europe. Our direct flight to Milan was only $56 ($28 per person!)
We flew home from Zurich-JFK. We flew TAP with one layover in Lisbon, this flight costed a total of 706.40 (353.20 per person). This flight I also used credit card points for, so I only ended up paying $406.25.
Total Cost of Flights
The total cost of 4 flights between 4 counties in Europe:
70.48 + $214.05 + $56.00 + $406.25 = $746.78 or $373.39 per person
Airline Baggage
If you are looking at how much does a trip to Europe cost as a way to keep the price down, choosing to bring only a carry-on will save you hundreds on your travels. On all of our flights a checked bag costed between $75-$125 (thats over $400 per person for luggage!)
I used my travel carry-on backpack to pack my shoes, toiletries, and other travel essentials. Then I used my amazon packing cubes to organize my clothes and save space in my carry-on. This means you will have to pick and choose what to bring, but I always mix-and-match my outfits, to me it’s worth saving the money.
Total Cost of Airline Baggage Fees:
$0
Azores
Accommodation: VRBO in Riberia Grande, Sao Miguel. $531.60/2= $265.80 per person/4 nights= $66.45 per person per night
Food: $314.86/ 2 people= 157.43 per person/4 days= $39.33 per person per day
Activities: $213.37/2 people= $106.69 per person/4 days= $26.67 per person per day
Misc. : $98.50/2 people= $49.25 per person/4 days= $12.31 per person per day
Rental Car: $482.96 (automatic)/ 2 people= $241.48 per person/4 days= 60.37 per person per day
Total Spent on 4 days in the Azores:
$820.65 per person including accommodations
Barcelona
Accommodation: Citadines Las Ramblas: 2 Nights: $432.04 – credit card points= $55.35 total/2 people $27.67 per person/2 nights= $13.84 per person per day
Food: $286.58/2 people= $143.29/2 days= $71.65 per person per day
Activities: $66.40/2= $33.20 per person/2 days= $16.60 per person per day
Transportation (metro): $31.15/2 people= $15.15 per person/2 days= $7.79 per person per day
Total Spent on 2 days in the Barcelona:
$235.31 per person including accommodations
Lake Como
Accommodation: Airbnb in Bellagio: 3 nights: $525.92/ 2 people= $262.96/3 nights= $87.60 per person per night
Food: $350.23/ 2 people= $175.11 per person/ 3 days= $58.37 per person per day
Activities: $189.87/ 2 people= $94.933 days= $31.64 per person per day
Transportation (trains & boats): $72.41/2 people= $36.20 per person/3 days= $12.06 per person per day
Misc: $36.91/ 2 people= $18.04
Total Spent on 3 days in Italy:
$613.41 per person including accommodations
Switzerland
Accommodation: Airbnb in Lauterbrunnen: 4 nights: $796.61/2= $398.30 per person/ 4 nights= $99.57 per person per night
Food: $448.41/2 people= $224.20 per person/ 4 days= $56. 05 per person per day
Activities: $0
Transportation (Swiss Pass, cable cars, exc.): $670.31/ 2 people= $335.18/ 4 days= $83.79 per person per day
Misc.: $95.16/2 people= $47.58/ 4 days= $11.90 per person per day
Total Spent on 4 days in Switzerland:
$1005.26 per person including accommodations
Summary of Expenses
Obviously what we spent on our trip is just an example to utilize for yours. For example, in Spain and Italy we were very food focused, which is why we spent more than we did in Switzerland. You should budget more for food in Switzerland because we only ate out twice, the rest of our meals we got from the grocery store.
As you can see transportation is very expensive in Switzerland, although its all public transportation and very efficient. We bought an unlimited Swiss Pass which gets you around to surrounding towns for free. However, this pass only gets you 50% off some funiculars and cable cars. Since Switzerland is a place where public transportation is a lot more expensive than the rest of Europe, you should budget for that if you are looking into how much does a trip to Europe cost.
Also, we did not spend any money on activities in Switzerland because we spent most of our time doing free activities such as hiking and walking around the towns. If you did want to do paragliding, mountain carts, first flyer, exc… all those can add up as well so make sure you budget for that.
Total Amount Spent
How much a 2 week trip to Europe costs including accommodations & round-trip flights:
$3048.02 per person
I hope this answers your questions about how much does a trip to Europe cost. Although these prices can change drastically, this gives you a good idea of how much things will cost. You could have easily cut the cost down by staying in hostels and you could have doubled the price by staying in luxury resorts.
The takeaway from how much does a trip to Europe cost is to create a reasonable budget for yourself, and do the research to keep yourself there. Try to use my trips & tricks to keep the costs down.
Traveling seems to be expensive when you look at the big number, but when you break it down by day and then budget for it months before your trip, it is possible for people of all budget types.