How to Budget for Your First Trip to Europe

Europe is a continent of dreams, offering rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. However, for first-time travelers, figuring out the budget can be the most challenging part of the planning process. Prices vary wildly between cities like Paris and Prague, or countries like Switzerland and Portugal.

At GoExpro, we help our clients plan every aspect of their travel, including managing finances efficiently. This step-by-step guide will break down the essential costs and give you smart tips to save money without compromising your adventure.

1. Flights: The Biggest Upfront Cost

The cost of flights will largely depend on your departure city and the time of year you travel.

• Book Early: Prices generally increase closer to the departure date. Book at least 4-6 months in advance.
• Be Flexible: Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than weekends.
• Choose Your Hub: Flying into major international hubs like **London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam** often results in lower fares than smaller, less-served airports.
• GoExpro Tip: We track flight prices and advise on the most cost-effective routes for your travel dates.

2. Accommodation: Hostels vs. Hotels

Accommodation will be your largest daily expense. Your travel style dictates the cost:

💡 **Money Saver:** Consider booking Airbnbs or self-catering apartments, as this allows you to cook some of your meals, drastically reducing food costs.

3. Transportation: Getting Around Europe

Europe is famous for its efficient public transport, but costs vary.

• Within Cities: Invest in a **day pass or week pass** for cities like London or Rome instead of buying single tickets.
• Between Countries: The **Eurail Pass** is great for flexibility, but budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet can be cheaper for long distances if booked well in advance.
• GoExpro Tip: We compare rail passes against budget flights to recommend the cheapest internal travel strategy for your itinerary.

4. Food & Drink: Eating Like a Local

Food expenses can quickly spiral if you eat every meal in tourist areas.

• Breakfast: Buy groceries (bread, cheese, yogurt) and eat in your accommodation.
• Lunch: Grab a cheap but delicious street food option or a picnic lunch from a local market.
• Dinner: Treat yourself to dinner, but look for restaurants a few blocks away from major landmarks, where prices drop significantly.

📊 **Estimated Daily Food Budget:** €40 - €70 per person (Mid-range).

5. Activities & Sightseeing

Many major European cities offer city passes (e.g., Paris Museum Pass, Rome Pass) that bundle entry to multiple attractions for a single price. This is usually cheaper than buying individual tickets.

💡 **Free Activities:** Always factor in free activities like walking tours, parks, window shopping, or visiting free-entry museums (common in the UK).

6. The Final Budget Breakdown (2-Week Trip)

Here is a simplified example of a 14-day mid-range budget for a single person traveling through a few Central/Western European cities:

**Ready to plan your unforgettable European adventure?** Contact GoExpro today for tailored visa advice, flight booking, and itinerary planning that fits your budget.