Trifter

10. Travel in a Group

Any fixed expense if shared even between 2 goes down by 50%. Traveling in group has many advantages, it keeps you occupied and is a lot more fun. Friends can take care of you if you fall sick or be your wake up call in the morning. Nothing like having an inspired fellow in your group. You would always remember a group trip you made with close friends. Ideal group size between 2 to 6.

9. Rent an Apartment

This is the best and cheapest way to live. Even if you are travelling alone look out for someone who wants a roommate. I found regional www.angloinfo.com and www.appartager.com to be quite useful. We could rent an apartment for 4 people at €1000 a month much cheaper than €17 a night per person for dorms in the area. Besides you would have a place to crash and call home even if it is for a month/fortnight or a week.

8. Select a Hub

For your Eurotrip the base you choose must be centrally located. Pick places like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin or so. These are close to all the major destinations and midway between North and South; East and West. We would particularly pitch for Berlin or Brussels owing to their low cost of living. Brussels is a lot more English speaking than other cities in continental Europe if language is an issue.

7. Working Holiday?

Consider this if you are on a gap year or your holiday is for more than a couple of months. Working part time for about 20 hours a week would not interfere with your travel plans. On the contrary it would only enrich your friendships and you would better absorb the local culture.

6. Eurail/Interrail Pass

This is a boon. Airports are far out of the city and include a lot of hidden costs. On the other side most cities and towns have a railway station in their hearts. The rail system in Europe is well connected and efficient. However it is horribly expensive. Buy a Eurail/Interrail pass from www.eurail.com or www.interrail.com. The best pass is a 3 month global pass costing about €800 something that you would redeem in less than 3 trips.

5. Ryanair/Easyjet

Having a budget airline hub close by can be especially advantageous. Places like Scandinavia, Spain or South Italy can be especially remote by train. There are many deals available on respective websites if booked even a month in advance. We booked return tickets from Frankfurt to Stockholm for €22. A Eurail pass and Ryanair can be a deadly combo. Acquire a Visa Electron card and you can book on Ryanair for €5 less per person per trip.

4. Youth Discounts

You are youth in Europe well past your teens or even early twenties. In fact you would be able to use all these benefits till you reach the ripe age of 26. These discounts are significant for example Eurail gives 33% discounts to youth. If you are a student carry your card.

3. Eating

Eating in restaurants is quite expensive, while you must do this at times but yet it can add a lot to your expenses. While at your home you can cook for yourself, when travelling do check out hot foods section of Carrefour and Monoprix. They serve delicious local fare at affordable prices.

2. Cruise

There are a lot of cruise operator around Europe. Do google for Silja, Viking, SNCM, Superfast etc. These are very affordable options and take you on these voyages on 5-star ships and a must do for your Euro-trip.

1. Have Fun

Remember these days would never come back. If you are still planning move you’re a$@. If you are about to leave smile and put your best foot forward. Be determined to have a good time.

All the best for your trip! May you have the time of your Life!