While it’s often referred to as a visa, this registration is actually a type of visa waiver, so those traveling to the U.K. who don’t need a visa will need to have this waiver completed to enter the country.

Although this registration is a new requirement, it can be completed digitally. Just make sure you do so in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

Need help navigating the process? Here’s everything you need to know about the new U.K. ETA.

How to apply for the U.K. ETA

There are two primary ways to apply for the new ETA. The easiest option is to download the U.K. ETA app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to the U.K. government, applying by the app takes about 10 minutes and leads to quicker processing.

However, if you are unable to download the app, you can also apply online. Application and processing times may take slightly longer using this method.

What you need in order to apply for the U.K. ETA

Before applying, make sure to have your passport and a digital payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet, close by. You can apply on behalf of someone else, but that person must be with you when applying, because the application includes taking a photo and, for people over age 9, scanning the face.

To sum all that up, here’s a list of what to have with you before applying:

• Anyone you will be applying for should be with you during the application process
• Valid passport
• Form of payment: credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Cost of a U.K. ETA

Yes, you will have to pay to apply for the ETA. Currently, the U.K. ETA costs £10 (around $13).

U.K. ETA processing time

It’s particularly important to know how long it takes for the ETA to be approved, because you’ll want approval before entering the U.K. If your ETA isn’t completed and processed in time, you will not be allowed out of the passport control area upon arrival.

The U.K. ETA processing may take as little as one day or up to three working days. With this in mind, be sure to apply before it’s time to head out on your trip so you aren’t delayed at the airport waiting for the application to be approved.

How long is a U.K. ETA valid?

Fortunately, if you plan to do multiple trips to the U.K., one ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used during application expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is valid for visits under 6 months in length.

Because the ETA is digitally connected to your passport, if the passport used during the application process expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Make sure to check those expiration dates well in advance of your trip to avoid some inconvenient surprises!

Who needs a U.K. ETA?

Every person traveling into the U.K. for less than 6 months, even if it’s a quick pass through the country to another destination, will need the ETA. Each person traveling to the U.K. will require their own ETA, including infants and children. However, one individual can apply for the ETA on behalf of another person, and children ages 9 and under will not have to complete the face-scanning requirement.

The U.K. government website includes a list of countries from which people can apply for their ETAs now, as well as another list of countries from which people can apply for ETAs beginning on March 5, 2025.

What other documentation will I need to travel to the U.K. or Europe?

Travelers from the U.S. will need their passport along with the ETA or a visa (if you plan to work in the country or will visit for longer than 6 months) to travel to the U.K.

Starting later in 2025, anyone from the U.S. (and select other countries) traveling to Europe will also need an ETIAS, another type of visa waiver. You can learn more about the requirements on the official ETIAS website.

More information on the ETA

Be sure to explore the U.K. government website and the U.S. Embassy website for more information on ETA and other travel requirements, then explore our U.K. blog posts for more travel tips!

The post The EuroCheapo guide to getting a U.K. ETA ‘visa’ appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been included below if they’re still important today, and if they represent a budget travel faux pas worth avoiding.

Related: The best budget hotels in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, and London.

Note: This post was updated in September 2024 with new information and current pricing.

1. Don’t over-pack your itinerary with too many destinations.

American travelers (myself included) tend to over-pack our itineraries when planning trips to Europe. It’s understandable — for many, vacation days are scarce and trips abroad infrequent. There’s a natural tendency to try to jam as many cities and countries as possible into our trips, as we don’t always know when we’ll be back!

However, this can be costly (not to mention exhausting), as over-packing trips with too many destinations in too few days leads to more time on the road, and more gas or train tickets. In extreme cases, it can sabotage a trip, turning it into a blur of hotel check-ins and check-outs (with constant packing and unpacking), while watching a never-visited landscape race past the car windows. If possible, slow down. You’ll save on transportation and gain more time to explore your destinations.

Looking for a helpful itinerary? Check out our 10-day itineraries for Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

On Kayak, click into “Multi-city” to search for flights into one city and home from another.

2. Don’t race back to fly home.

When searching for flights from North America to Europe, don’t forget about “multi-city” and “open jaw” tickets. These are flights into one destination and home from another. These tickets often cost about the same amount as simple round-trip flights, but, depending on your itinerary, can save you the hassle and expense of returning to your arrival city.

For example, imagine you’re flying from Atlanta to Paris and then spending 10 days visiting France and Italy, winding up in Rome. You might instinctively book round-trip tickets from Atlanta to Paris, and then try to figure out how to speed from Rome back up to Paris at the end of the trip to fly home. Instead, click into “multiple destinations” or “multi-city” when researching flights, and search for Atlanta to Paris, and then Rome to Atlanta. You can often find a flight for about the same price as the simple round-trip airfare.

Note: If you’re planning to rent a car, “open jaw” flight can make rentals a bit trickier and more expensive. It’s almost always cheaper to pick up and drop off the car in the same location, and dropping off in a different country can add a huge fee to your rental (we’re talking about hundreds of euros). However, you could still book an “open jaw,” rent a car for travel in one country and then switch to train tickets for reaching the last leg of your trip.

3. Don’t assume you need to rent a car from day one.

Many travelers renting a car for their trip instinctively start their rental on the day they arrive, picking it up at the airport. However, if you’re planning to spend at least one day visiting your arrival city, you shouldn’t rent that car until you’re leaving town. This will help you save on the rental and parking, and help preserve your fragile jet-lagged sanity.

For example, imagine that you’re flying into Rome, spending two days visiting the city, and then heading off to explore Italy by car for a week. Start the car rental on the third day of your trip (the day you’re leaving town, not arriving). You’re going to be visiting Roman ruins and the great sights of the central historic city and the Vatican—the last thing you’re going to want to think about (or pay for!) is parking. You’ll be getting around by foot, bus, and Metro, or taxi.

The same holds for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona… really any major city with a well-preserved historic center. Driving your way around the town’s big sights isn’t going to happen (or at least it’s not going to happen twice). That car will wind up in an expensive garage.

Get the car on your way out of town. This will also give you flexibility in terms of pickup location, as rental car agencies offer a wide variety of pickup spots in most major cities, often with many options around the major train stations.

Related: Search rental cars in Europe | How to calculate the “real cost” of renting a car

The Hotel de Nice in Paris won’t show up on page one, but it’s worth filtering for.

4. Look past page one for that hotel.

So you’re searching, and searching, and searching for that perfect hotel. Remember when researching on most major hotel reservation websites that the hotel results are often ranked by those that the website wants you to book. In most cases, these “page one” results are hotels that pay the site the highest commission. It’s in the website’s best interest to show you these hotels first.

For budget-minded travelers, this often means looking past these “page one” results, no matter how many bells, whistles, and “Only 1 room left!” freak-out messages they throw at you. Filter by guest rating, neighborhood, and price, and start digging around to find the good stuff.

On EuroCheapo, we’re a bit different as we’ve already done this filtering and ranking for you (and we don’t believe in freak-out messages). We list our hotels by “CheapoFactor,” which is a formula that presents the top-rated hotels (including those reviewed by our editors) that have the lowest rates in the most central neighborhood. If you do a hotel search (in the box above or from our homepage) you’ll see these hotels by default.

Related: Our favorite cheap hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

5. Don’t sacrifice location for small hotel savings.

If you’re struggling to decide between hotels that are within your budget, I recommend giving preference to the hotel with the more central location. Budget travelers, in particular, have a tendency to choose a hotel in a far-flung location that’s €10 cheaper than one in a more central neighborhood. I’m a strong proponent of paying a bit more for something more central, as you’ll save time and money on transportation (especially if you wind up taking taxis).

Related: How to save on hotels in Europe

You can almost always save by not using a rail pass. Above, Munich’s main station. Photo: jseita

6. Don’t assume that you need to buy a rail pass.

As we’ve mentioned in several posts throughout the years on the blog, European rail passes sold to American travelers usually don’t save you any money. Unless you’re spending most of your travel days taking long-distance high-speed trains, buying a rail pass is probably going to be an unnecessary expense.

These days, the official websites of Europe’s main railways (SNCF in France, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain, and Deutsche Bahn in Germany, among many others) are easily searched in English and offer great deals on high-speed and long-distance trains when booked a few months in advance. Buy these tickets like the locals: Book early and get great discounts.

For example, during a recent to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two trips by train, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich, and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice, on a romantic voyage straight through the Alps. Booked directly through the official rail websites about two weeks before the trip, the first ticket cost €74, while the second trip was only €69. These two trips covered several countries and cost only €143 for first-class travel. A rail pass would not have made these more affordable.

Having said that, there are still some reasons why you might want to book a rail pass. They do allow for greater flexibility in your schedule — you can determine your schedule at the last minute and not worry about paying more for the ticket (although you still risk sold-out trains). And yes, if you plan to take a great number of long-distance trains, it can pay for itself. They come with some other benefits, as well, like a family discount that allows two children to travel for free with a Eurail pass-carrying adult.

Related: Read previous posts about booking rail tickets, how to book slower trains in Europe, the three-month rule for high-speed tickets, how to save on French rail tickets, and booking German rail tickets.

7. Don’t pre-book the small stuff.

It’s now easier than ever to pre-book activities in each of the cities you’ll be visiting. You can book museum tickets and passes, walking tours, boat cruises… The list is endless and quite tempting. However, try to remain calm and limit the number of smaller activities that you pre-book, as you risk wasting cash and causing disappointment.

In the fun lead-up to your departure, there’s a tendency to forget about the unplanned realities that always creep into a trip. Things happen, people get tired, blisters form, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Making plans and compiling itineraries is a great idea — but pre-booking every small attraction puts you at the risk of burning out, skipping things, and wasting money. You’re not going to know what speed you’re able to travel at until you get on the ground.

Having said that, a couple of high-profile sights are worth pre-booking, especially during high season when their lines could lead to long waits, or worse, not being able to get in (I’m looking at you, Louvre…).

These include:

• tickets to the Eiffel Tower (book in advance through the tower’s website)
• tickets to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• tickets to the Alhambra in Granada,
• the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
• tickets to the Vatican museums
• tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (again, skip the ticket line)

8. Don’t write off guidebooks.

Okay, I know that I’ll hear from detractors on this one, as it’s now fashionable to ditch heavy guidebooks in favor of apps and free information that you can pull up on your phone, tablet, and laptop. But I’m here to say that the best guidebooks out there can greatly enrich your trip and yes, can help you save time and cash by allowing you to put away your electronic devices.

When I was in Athens on a recent trip, I spent several days running around town with my Rick Steves‘ guidebook, following their informative (and often humorous) walking tours, getting restaurant advice, and gaining an understanding of how the city worked. That book was my companion, folded, dog-eared, and often tucked under my arm. Its value became doubly-obvious when I witnessed a couple in the ancient Agora trying to read information off of their iPad in the blazing hot sun. It wasn’t happening.

Relying on electronics is risky and can be unnecessarily costly. Batteries die. Sun makes it hard to read. And data charges are incredibly expensive. Don’t underestimate the value that a $20 guidebook provides.

9. Don’t forget to call your phone carrier.

As we have written in several previous posts, if you plan to use your phone abroad, call your carrier before leaving to discuss your international options. First, you should make sure that your phone works abroad and has been activated for international use. Secondly, you should discuss with your carrier the costs associated with using your phone to place calls, send texts, send emails, and access the internet.

AT&T, for example, has recently changed their international packages, and now offers an “International Day Pass”  that bundles together unlimited texting, data (to send emails and use the Web), and cheaper calling rates. These packages start at $12 per day and make good sense for anyone considering using their phone while traveling. (Verizon offers similar plans.)

“Winging it” without knowing how much you’ll be charged is not recommended. Call your carrier, get a plan if you plan to use your phone, and then make sure you set up your phone to avoid accidental data charges (in brief: turn off cellular data and restrict the number of apps that can use cellular data). And, as a plan, stick to free Wi-Fi networks for downloading and sending emails, checking the Web, and using apps.

Another option? Buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Europe. Here’s our handy guide: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling. We have also done the research to find the best SIM Cards to use in France, Spain, and Germany.

Withdrawing cash from ATM machines like this one in Berlin is almost always cheaper than converting dollars on your own. Photo: skohlmann

10. Don’t waste money getting euros before the trip.

Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? Travelers waste a lot of money purchasing euros from their bank (or worse yet, from a currency exchange counter) before arriving in Europe. In most cases when exchanging money from home before a trip, you will pay dearly in fees, lousy exchange rates, or both. If exchanging a bit makes you more relaxed, go for it — just don’t overdo it.

I often arrive in Europe without a euro in my pocket. I head straight away to an ATM at the airport and withdraw cash using my American ATM card. It’s simple, and the exchange rate that I’m getting for the transaction is almost certainly better than any rate I’d get from my bank back home (especially once fees are factored in). Call your bank before you leave to ask about international ATM transaction fees, as they vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account you have (banks often wave transaction fees for premium accounts), and the type of ATM accessed abroad (your bank may have international locations or partnerships with local banks).

What if there isn’t an ATM at the airport? I’ve never experienced this. I have experienced long lines at the ATM, which has led me to use my credit card for purchases (rail or bus tickets into town, for example) until I found an ATM in the city without a line.

Related: Questions to ask your bank before you leave.

Your tips?

Have another mistake to avoid to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel on my trip to Lisbon. While in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, I’d be spending three nights at this hotel.

I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the Metropole, several blocks away. My room had been wonderful—a spacious double on the fifth floor, with a small balcony opening to sunny city views. (And yes, it was quite affordable, given the off-season rates.)

But as I checked into this second hotel rather late in the afternoon, I grew nervous. The receptionist tapped away at his keyboard, apparently trying to find something open for my three nights. He frowned a lot. Finally, he handed me a keycard with a sigh and said, “I’m sorry, but this is the only room available.”

Minutes later I opened the door (which banged into the bed) of a very small room that hardly offered enough room to enter. It goes without saying that there was no desk (annoying, as I was in town for work), nor was there room to put away my luggage.

I had to face the facts: I had landed the worst room in the hotel.

Related: When should you book to get the best hotel rates?

I was partly to blame for ending up with this room. After all, I knew better. Here are a few pointers to avoid getting stuck with the “worst room”.

1. Be clear when making your reservation.

Receptionists have all the power. Pictured: The friendly owner of La Macarena Hostal, Madrid.

What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Are you looking for something on a lower floor with windows opening to the courtyard? Do you want one of the rooms with a balcony? Perhaps you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel at the time of making your reservation (but keep in mind that you’re requesting them, not demanding them). Sure enough, when I booked my room (through EuroCheapo, naturally), I did request a “room on a high floor with a view, if possible.” Well, I did get a room on a high floor…

Related: 10 Ways to save time & money before you go to Europe

Joking aside, your requests will usually be considered. When I’m inspecting rooms, I often notice certain rooms with little extras, like terraces, extra-large bathrooms, or great views. I often ask the manager or owner if I can write about the special perk—and if guests can request the room in advance. They almost always say the same thing. “Sure, mention it when reserving. If it’s available, there’s no problem.”

Which brings us to…

2. Show up early.

Although rooms are usually assigned in advance, there’s often a bit of juggling that goes on during the check-in process. Maybe another guest checked in and had an issue with their room. (For example, perhaps two friends had been given a double instead of a twin room. It happens all the time.) Check-in is never flawless and problems surface. People switch rooms. Get to the hotel as early as possible to minimize your chances of falling into the last place of a chain reaction.

However, remember that if you arrive before check-in hours (typically noon or 2 p.m.), you will probably have to leave your luggage in a storage room and come back once your room is ready. If this happens to you…

3. Make sure that you check in.

What? Didn’t you just check in? Not necessarily. Just because you’ve exchanged pleasantries with the hotel receptionist and left your luggage, doesn’t mean that you’ve actually “checked in.”

Ask if you can go through the process of checking in. That way, you’ll probably see a room number associated with your name on all the check-in paperwork.

When checking in, it’s also a good idea to ask nicely about the room. For example: “Could you please tell me if this room faces the back courtyard? I’m a light sleeper and just wanted to make sure.” When you ask nicely, with a smile, this can be the moment that changes everything.

4. Come back early to inspect your room.

So, you’ve left your luggage, checked in, and hit the town. Now what? I’d recommend, if possible, returning to the hotel early in the afternoon to move into your room. (This isn’t just about making sure your room is adequate. It’s also about leaving your possessions in a luggage room that’s shared by countless others.)

By moving into your room early, you can inspect it to make sure that it fits the bill. Does it?

5. If the room isn’t satisfactory—act quickly.

Upon entering the room, look around. Does it work? Be fair. Remember that most European hotel rooms (and especially bathrooms) are small. However, if the room doesn’t work for you and you get the impression that a better room may be available, act quickly.

Very important: Do not open your luggage, flop onto the bed, or (especially) use the bathroom. If, for some reason, you want to change rooms, you’ll need to act quickly, without disrupting anything. In many small hotels, after all, the cleaning staff leaves during the afternoon. In the case of a “sold out” hotel, you will only be able to swap rooms if you haven’t touched anything.

The other reason to act quickly is that as others check in, your chances of changing rooms diminishes.

6. Be nice and offer a good explanation when asking for a new room.

This is rather obvious, but if you return right away to the reception and ask to switch rooms, be as courteous as possible. The receptionist, after all, has all the power in this situation.

Explain why you’d like to switch rooms. Had you requested something else when reserving? Are you afraid of bathtubs and need a shower? Do you prefer a quieter room on the courtyard? Offer some sort of explanation—and smile.

A smile and friendly hello can go a long way with a hotel receptionist. Photo: Paulien Osse

7. Regardless of the outcome, thank the receptionist.

Perhaps the receptionist will bump some things around and offer you another room in the house. Or, perhaps they’ll sigh and apologize, and you’ll be stuck with your room. Either way, you’ll be seeing them for the rest of your stay, so be nice and thank them for their effort.

8. Stuck? Offer to switch the next day.

If you’re stuck in your room and staying for multiple nights, ask if it might be possible to switch rooms the next day. This often works, although it requires that you repack your bags after your first night. (Often the cleaning staff will move your luggage to the new room for you. Thank them with a tip upon departure.)

9. Really stuck? Chill out.

In my case, I was really stuck. The hotel had no vacancies, and there was no possibility of switching rooms on the second day. At first I was upset. My room was tiny, my bed was small and not comfortable, and I really wanted a desk. As I walked the halls, I could see much larger rooms being cleaned—and they had probably paid the same amount that I had.

And then I relaxed. I was focusing so much attention on wanting a larger room, that I wasn’t fully enjoying my evening in Lisbon. That night, I was strolling the Bairro Alto‘s web of narrow streets, looking for a spot for dinner, but still miffed about a room I wasn’t even in at the moment. That was my fault.

After all, my travel experience should be about more than just the size of my hotel room. Yes, it’s nice to attain the best room possible, but I’d caution against letting our accommodation desires (“I asked for a balcony!”) get confused for the reason we travel. If I was just traveling to pamper myself with comforts, I could just check myself into a spa for the weekend—back home.

Part of traveling is about not always being in control. That is what I told myself, at least, as I relaxed and settled into my funny, lumpy, little room.

Which is also why I showed up—and checked in—to my next hotel bright and early.

Your advice?

Do you have any tips on how to avoid getting stuck with a stinker of a room? Share them with us in the comments section.

The post Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you’re planning to travel for two days or 20 days, where you stay can have a big impact on both your budget and your trip experience.

We’ve spent the past 23 years hunting down the best hotel values in Europe’s priciest cities. While we’ve seen some big changes, good and bad, over the years (finally, free Wi-Fi!), there are certain bits of “Cheapo advice” that remain the same today as in 2001.

Before we get started, remember: Don’t panic.

High-season rates in particularly expensive destinations (London, Venice, all of Switzerland…) can cause great anxiety and all-out panic. Remain calm and remember that many websites (not including EuroCheapo, of course!), rank the hotel results to show you what they’d like you to book first. (These are often the hotels that are paying them the highest commission.)

So don’t just stare at those first results and quickly assume that the city’s going to be too expensive for you to visit. It might take a little digging and further research (using tips on this page and throughout EuroCheapo), but chances are you’ll be able to find a great little hotel, B&B, or hostel in town for your budget.

Bottom line: Don’t panic. But be prepared to do some digging for a deal.

Related: How to save on hotels in France.

Tips for saving on hotels in Europe

Here are our 10 top tips for saving on accommodation and on finding the perfect hotels for your trip.

1. Think about location before price.

We often hear from travelers who do a hotel search, and then book the cheapest hotel they can find, only to realize it’s located far outside the center (or in a neighboring town!), and isn’t easily accessible to areas they want to visit. This can cause an undue expenditure of both time and money, not to mention often a crummy hotel experience.

Fortunately, this can be avoided with advance planning. Really zoom in on the hotel’s location when researching. How far is it from a subway or bus line? Consider paying just a bit more for something more central or closer to public transportation.

2. Be flexible with your travel schedule.

If your trip itinerary spends quite a bit of time in one geographic area, flexibility with your itinerary can help save money. Once you start searching for hotels, you might find that one stop is more expensive on certain dates than others. Juggling around your itinerary can allow you book hotels when they’re at their cheapest.

For example, say you’re spending a week in Belgium, visiting both Brussels and Bruges. Once you start searching for hotels, you’ll likely find that hotel rates in Brussels are lower on the weekends (because there are fewer business travelers and Eurocrats booking them). Thus, why not visit Bruges during the week, and spend the weekend in Brussels, when hotels are at their cheapest?

3. More stars do not always make a better hotel.

Hotel star ratings in Europe are confusing. Every country has their own standards and system of classification, usually set by a government-run tourism board. Thus, what qualifies as a three-star hotel in the Netherlands will probably be different from a three-star hotel in Italy.

In short, the more amenities and services a hotel offers, the higher the star rating. Inspectors visit with clipboards and literally check off everything they see in the lobby, hotel room and elsewhere. The more stuff to check off, the higher the star rating. But obviously, more “stuff” doesn’t always make a better-run, friendlier or more memorable hotel.

You can be fairly certain that a four-star hotel offers elevators, room service, private baths, cable TV, Internet, air conditioning and so forth. But it doesn’t say anything about the room décor, the hotel’s location or the helpfulness of the staff. A four-star hotel may actually be far less charming than a two-star hotel.

We’ve visited many hotels that are stuck, for reasons outside their control, with a low star rating. A two-star hotel located in a historic neighborhood in Paris, for example, will probably have restrictions placed upon its ability to do renovations. This might make adding an elevator impossible, which would prevent the hotel from achieving three-star status, no matter how lovely the rooms or how cordial the management.

Also, note that one-star hotels will often offer things for free (like Internet access) that four-star hotels might still charge for. Read more about star ratings in Europe.

4. Which amenities do you really need? Really?

If you can reduce the number of amenities you need, and reduce the star rating, you can probably score a better deal. Consider which room amenities you really need to enjoy your visit. Do you need air conditioning in Vienna in early June? Do you need a safe? Hairdryer? Toiletries? The difference between a one-star and a three-star hotel might be more noticeable in your wallet than in your room.

5. Know when to book.

When’s the best time to book to save on hotels in Europe? Unfortunately, it depends. Booking in advance helps you arrange your travel plans before you take off, but you miss out on the possibility of last-minute travel deals. Booking at the last minute (even same day!), can result in amazing deals, but it can also lead to stress… and finding yourself without a place to sleep.

I wrote an entire post about when to book hotels for the best rates. But basically, it boils down to this:

We recommend booking well in advance if:

• You need to secure a favorite hotel. Book it before it fills up.
• You see very limited availability when you search. Book now — it’s only going to get worse. (This is especially the case during high season.)
• You just want to get everything checked off your list and relax.
• You have a pretty rigid schedule.

We recommend booking closer to your travel date if:

• You see lots of availability and cheapo options when you search for hotels. You can hang back and see if prices come down. (This is often the case when traveling during the off season.)
• You want more flexibility when you’re traveling. Are you the kind of traveler who likes to switch your itinerary at the last minute? You may just want to hold off. (Or at least book refundable rates! See next point.)

6. Consider first booking a hotel with free cancellation.

Another option is to book a hotel right now that offers free cancellation, and then cancel the reservation later if you find a better deal. This can at least calm your nerves (hey, you’ve got a place!), and allow you some flexibility in terms of finding something better later.

One warning: Most hotels now charge a bit more for free cancellation (so you’re actually spending money to have this flexibility). Also, be aware that the definition of “free cancellation” varies widely. Free… until when? Are you free to cancel until the day of your reservation… or only free to cancel up to one week before check-in? There’s a big difference — pay attention to the details.

7. Consider renting an apartment.

Even though we have a special love for small hotels, we can’t deny that apartments can be handy and sometimes even more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays or when traveling with a family. You can browse apartment listings by searching on our partner, Booking.com, or on any number of apartment search sites, like VRBO or (of course) Airbnb.

Be aware that some European cities, like Paris and Berlin, are cracking down on illegal apartment rentals on these sites, so double-check before booking that it’s legal! Also make sure that all of the check-in logistics are squared away in advance, and that you know exactly how to get into the apartment, and how to contact the apartment’s owner for any questions or emergencies.

8. Hostels are for everyone.

Hostels in Europe aren’t just for “youth” anymore. In fact, in the past 10-15 years scores of stylish and hip hostels, like the Generator chain, have reinvented what it means to be a hostel. Today’s “hip hostels” often offer fresh design themes (often developed by local artists), low-cost group activities, healthy food options, and lots of shared space.

As you’ll see when you search and filter by “hostels”, the bedroom situation ranges widely depending on the hostel, but most offer both private rooms that are cheaper than you’d find in most hotels (you’ve got the room to yourself, although you might share a bathroom) and really cheap shared rooms (you’re probably sleeping in a bunk with others in the room). Regardless, rooms tend to be simply furnished, but often hostels make up for it with extensive public rooms meant for reading, hanging out, and meeting other travelers.

That said… the hostel landscape still includes plenty of more traditional “youth hostel” options, as well, especially those official and non-profit hostels affiliated with Hostelling International.

9. Take our hotel advice

We’ve spent a lot of time inspecting hotels and rounding up the best affordable hotel options in Europe’s priciest destinations. We especially like small, family-run and independent hotels that really capture the spirit of the destination — and we try to stay away from recommending big international chain hotels. I always say that I prefer to wake up in Rome and immediately feel that I’m in Rome — and not next to the Milwaukee airport.

You can easily save on hotels in Europe by booking one of our picks in Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice or any of these cities. We’ve already done the hard work for you!

10. Keep saving once you’ve checked in.

Once you arrive, there are still ways to save on your hotels in Europe even after you’ve checked in. These include:

Head for the nearest grocery store: Don’t touch that minibar! As soon as we plop our things down in our room, we typically head out to a nearby supermarket for some essentials: Bottles of water, fruit, snacks, missing toiletries, and anything else that would cost us a small fortune if purchased from the hotel or (double yikes!) taken from the mini-fridge.

Think twice about breakfast: When you check in, the receptionist will probably ask you, “Are you taking breakfast?” Don’t be shy here — ask for more specifics before committing to their breakfast offerings. How much does it cost? And what exactly does it consist of? (You might be surprised!) If you’re staying in the middle of a city or town, chances are you can easily walk to a cafe or restaurant and get a better deal.

Be clear when making your hotel reservation.

One final word of advice (from an article I wrote about how to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel): Be as clear as possible when reserving your room. What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Or perhaps you like lower floors with windows opening to the courtyard? Maybe you dream of a room with a balcony? Do you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel when reserving. (When reserving through EuroCheapo, there is a field in the reservation form to add any special requests). Your requests will almost always be considered. The hotel wants you to be a happy guest (and they especially want you to write a glowing review). They’ll try hard to accommodate.

The post How to Save on Hotels in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you have the flexibility to choose the timing of your next trip, you can find big savings and probably have a better trip.

Note: This is Chapter One in our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe.

Let’s start with the Cheapo basics: When are you traveling to Europe? Many travelers don’t have the luxury of choosing their travel dates, as their trips are dictated by academic vacations, holidays or work schedules.

The result, unfortunately, is that most Western travelers heading to Europe have very similar vacation schedules. These periods tend to make up the “high season,” and include travel in late spring, summer, early fall, and major holidays (especially Christmas and Easter).

High season

Late spring – Summer – Early fall

Pros: Best weather. Most convenient.
Cons: Most expensive flights and hotels. Crowds.

It’s obvious, but worth considering: Heading over in late June or July makes a lot of sense for many Americans, especially those traveling with children or during their own academic break. However, they’re all competing with each other for flights, trains, and hotel rooms, which shoots prices for everything sky high.

This isn’t Disney World — it’s Venice in July.

And it’s not just about money, either. High season also means crowds, lines, and potential disappointments. Restaurants can be more difficult to get into. Museums are often packed. Want to head to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Be prepared to wait… in a long line.

I need to add a quick defense of traveling during high season, however. As mentioned above, for many, there simply isn’t any other option. Many travelers simply have to work with the vacation schedules they’ve been given. And anyhow, let’s face it: The weather is probably going to be glorious. So at least you can work on that tan while you’re waiting in line…

However, if you can tweak the timing of your trip a bit, you’re in a position to save on everything from flights to hotels.

Shoulder season

Early spring and Late fall

Pros: Pretty good weather. Fewer crowds. Lower prices.
Cons: Watch out for school vacations.

Paris in early May still belongs to the locals.

The “shoulder season” is the transition period between the pricey high season and the cold and cheap low season. Generally speaking, this period is in the early spring (late March and early April) and late fall (October and early November).

Traveling through much of Europe during the shoulder season tends to be a delight, with far fewer crowds (the kids are in school, after all), and lower prices for airfare and hotel rooms. It’s usually pretty great.

Of course, the weather is famously fickle and increasingly hard to predict, but late March and early April tend to offer the first smells of spring throughout much of Europe (although you should certainly pack an umbrella), and October and early November remain quite pleasant (although chances are you’ll need a hat and gloves at night).

Our only warning for shoulder season is to be aware of school vacations (see note below). You might find yourself swamped in a museum.

Low season

Winter

Pros: Cheapest. Fewest crowds. It’s you and the locals.
Cons: The weather. Some attractions may be closed. Special conventions may pack the city.

I love traveling throughout Europe during the late fall, winter and early spring. This is when I usually travel, partly out of necessity, as I need to inspect hotel rooms (which is difficult to do when they’re all occupied). Thus, I’m quite accustomed to hitting the road as temperatures are dropping.

But hey — think of all those fabulous free museums in London you’ll have to yourself!

But even if my travels didn’t require empty hotels, I’d still probably choose to take at least occasional trips during the winter months. It’s a magical time, when major tourist destinations, from Amsterdam to Zurich, belong to their residents. It’s a far different experience from visiting during the high summer months. Restaurants are filled with locals, museums are relatively quiet (save a group of local students on a tour), and sidewalks are bustling with neighbors.

The low season isn’t a great time, of course, for sun-seekers and those averse to cold temperatures. And skiers will find that the winter is anything but “low season” in the Alps. However, most travelers looking to connect with local cultures, spend days wandering in museums, and attend concerts and other prime cultural programming, will love low season travel.

And budget travelers will love the lower costs of airfare, hotel rooms, train tickets, car rentals and many other related travel expenses.

Some notable exceptions

In covering the basics of seasonality in Europe, I’m painting with some broad strokes. There are several notable exceptions to this low/high equation.

A few considerations:

• August in Paris is not “high season”: Right around the first of August, many French workers go on holiday for several weeks, and many families take the opportunity to clear out of their cities and hit the countryside and coast. Residents clear out of Paris, for example, and many (but certainly not all) restaurants and shops close for much of the month. Hotel rates tend to be markedly lower in August, as well, but climb again in September. But warning: Airlines will still charge “high season” prices for August flights. (Read our guide to visiting Paris during August.)

• August in other European cities: Paris isn’t alone. Many European cities see a dramatic dip in tourism (and hotel rates) in August, as travelers opt for sandy beaches over cobblestone streets. Traveling to Venice, Florence and Rome during August will be cheaper than during May, June or September.

• Late October – Early November: Most students throughout the European Union have an academic break the last week of October and first week of November. Many of them hit the road on class trips. If you’re traveling during this period, you will see them… everywhere. This could affect hotel availability, plus museums and other attractions will be more crowded.

• Christmas break: Traveling during the Christmas and New Year holiday can be a mixed bag. Flights will be at their “high season” heights (with the possible exception of flying on Christmas Day itself), although hotel rates can be lower.

• Outdoor sports have their own seasonality. Skiing the Alps? “High season” for winter sports is February (especially mid-to-late February, when the French have their winter breaks). Head to the same mountain towns in May and June for lovely hikes… and lower prices.

Watch out for special events

One warning about low season: Cities throughout Europe fill their empty hotel rooms during the low season by hosting business conventions, expos, major sports matches, and other special events. These can wreak havoc on a budget travelers itinerary.

The Schottenhammel tent at Oktoberfest, Munich.

A while back I headed to Amsterdam in late October (normally the low season), only to book my trip during the city’s annual marathon–which sells out every room in town. (I ended up booking a hotel in nearby Utrecht for a couple of nights and commuting in. More about that here.)

Other events to avoid include Paris’ fashion weeks (early March late September/early October), and Venice’s Biennale and Carnevale (early/mid February).

And then, of course, maybe you’re purposefully planning a trip because of a special event. Such is the annual conundrum created by the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich in late September and early Oktober… er, October. What can I say? It’s going to be expensive. (All is not lost: We do have some tips for saving at Oktoberfest!)

Tip: When planning your trip, if hotel rates look uncommonly high, do a search for “Special events in [city]” to double check that you’re not trying to visit during a peak (and expensive) travel period.

More help

We have more advice on the best time to visit specific cities and countries: Best time to visit Amsterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, New York and Paris.

Keep reading: This is chapter one in our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe. Next up: How to Build a Sensible Itinerary.

(Photo credits: Venice in summer by davidbolton, Paris in May by Faungg, London blizzard by neiljs, and Oktoberfest by nataliemarchant.)

The post When’s the Best Time to Go to Europe for Budget Travelers? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Instead, consider these five great ways for you to enjoy a budget-friendly stay in Greece while also giving back to the local communities.

Related: Athens — 5 budget travel tips for a Greek vacation

How to Save Money in Greece

Fortunately, you can put your tourist dollars to good use and still save money in your travel fund with these simple tips.

Taking in the views from the spa town Therma on the island of Ikaria. Photo: KayMaria Daskarolis

1. Consider Less Touristy Islands

You may be surprised to learn that Mykonos and Santorini are not the only Greek islands. It’s true. There are, in fact, more than 6,000 islands in Greece, 227 of which are inhabited. Skip Mykonos and Santorini. Go to one or more of the other equally glorious and unique islands to save on your Greek island vacation. Everything is less expensive on these lesser-known islands. Really, everything.

2. Make the Most of Markets

Eat one of your daily meals at a taverna to support the local economy. Share several mezedes (think: tapas) with your companions. Then go to an open-air market or grocery store to get food for your other meals. Here are our suggestions for your shopping list:

• feta
• Kalamata olives
• tomatoes
• bell peppers
• cucumbers
• a loaf of bread
• fresh oranges
• a small bottle of Kalamata olive oil

Regardless of which Greek island you visit, there will be benches, tops of walls, parks, boulders, and beaches available for you to sit and enjoy your meal outdoors. Another scrumptious option for a budget-, body-, and soul-nurturing meal is to go to a fourno. This is a bakery — a zaharoplasteio is also a bakery, but typically only sells sweet baked goods.

At the fourno, buy tiropites (cheese “pies” in filo dough), spanakopites (spinach “pies” in filo dough), and other savory pites, with varied fillings to tantalize your tastebuds. For us, a single one of these is enough for a meal — which is not to say that we only eat one — and lightens our wallet by a mere couple of euros.

Related: Cheap Eats in Athens: 4 spots for Greek cuisine on a budget

3. Walk

Walk as your primary form of transportation. You can even walk around Crete, Greek’s largest island, to take in the sights. Not only will this save help you save on your Greek island vacation, but you are guaranteed to encounter ancient archaeological sites or natural hot springs.

You may meet some grandmothers whose families have lived on the island for too many generations to count. Perhaps you come across a herd of goats, a field of poppies, a grandfather selling honey on the side of the road, or any number of other magical happenstances you would miss if you were not on foot.

In fact, whether you’re in Greece or traveling elsewhere in southern Europe, hoofing it is a great way to get around.

4. Share a Taxi As Needed

Share a taxi to get from the ferry port or airport to the town where you and your companion(s) are staying. This is also a good way to make new friends. Since it is the time of COVID-19, make sure to fit your N95 on your face. Offer N95 masks to others who will be sharing the taxi with you.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Explore

Say “yes” to the multitude of opportunities that await you outside of the trendy spots. Just because a place has not been written about ad nauseam does not mean that it has less to offer than more popular spots. Get a bit off the Internet-beaten path. By doing so, you are sure to save money while you delight in a piece of your Grecian adventure you couldn’t have planned.

Bonus Tip!

And remember: It costs nothing to show respect and kindness. Show them both. Often.

Ready for your adventure in Greece? Check out our hotel picks in Athens.

If you’ve already visited the Greek islands, be sure to share your favorite budget-friendly tips with us in the comments below!

The post 5 Ways to Save on Your Greek Island Vacation appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

When putting your travel itinerary together, try to remain calm and realistic. If possible, give yourself a minimum of two nights at every stop in order to minimize travel expenses and keep everyone happy.

Note: This is Chapter Two in our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe.

The trip planning experience can be exhilarating. You know that you have a set number of days (or weeks!) to travel, and you look at a map with all the lip-smacking excitement of a kid in a candy store. Where do you want to visit? Where don’t you want to visit?

Imagine that you’re putting together an itinerary for a 10-day European trip. You could start in Paris, head to Amsterdam, then take a train to Salzburg, Venice and Rome? Wait, maybe start in Madrid instead, then drive up to Barcelona, Nice, Milan, Munich and then Amsterdam? But hold on. What about Prague?!?!

If you’re only traveling for 10 days, either of those options is certain to cost you dearly (in transportation costs alone) and, without question, lead to grumpy and exhausted travelers.

My epic misadventure

I know, because I’ve been there. In a state of unabashed enthusiasm, I once rented a car for about 10 days and drove with friends from Berlin to Paris, then to Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Barcelona, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Locarno, Tubingen and back to Berlin.

Sounds great, right? It certainly started out with a blast–and ended with silence, as nobody talked in the car for the last day.

I had made a classic mistake: I’d overbooked us. When I had mapped it all out beforehand at my kitchen table it all seemed like so much fun. It worked, technically. But in practice, it meant that we spent far too much time sitting in a car (or, in my case, driving the car), and not nearly enough time exploring the cities we slept in or the tiny towns we raced by.

We ended up resenting that we had to keep on driving past places we wanted to visit. And if we did stop to check out the scene, we’d end up arriving late at whatever hotel I’d booked (months beforehand). We’d have time for a late dinner, then wake up and start over. There was never any time that wasn’t in motion–we could never actually relax.

A note to first-time American travelers to Europe

I grew up in the great state of Ohio and spent many wonderful summer breaks cruising from state to state in the family van. We took in a lot of territory during our one- and two-week family jaunts, often spending much of day taking in the scene from the air conditioned comfort of the big old Ford. Sure, we’d stop for meals, photo ops and major tourist sights (Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, a day at Disneyland), but much of the adventure was the drive itself.

Many travelers from the US approach their European travel planning with a similar mindset. Why not jump from town to town every day, taking in the landscape, driving through cities and finding fun spots for dinner along the way?

Add to our inherent “road trip” instinct the fact that we get the fewest days of vacation each year of any industrialized country, and the high cost of flights to Europe in the first place, and you’ve got a situation where American travelers understandably want to pack in as many experiences as possible during their European trips.

Nobody’s going to stop you from doing this, of course, and you might have a grand time. However, you’d be missing out on a lot. Many of the cities that you’ll be passing through have histories that go back more than a millennium. A region that you could speed through in an hour probably has its own cuisine worth sampling, wine worth tasting, and dessert worth gobbling. It’s worth slowing down to experience it.

Step one: Slow down!

I’ll get off my soapbox now, but you get my point: When pulling together your perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip to Europe, my first piece of advice is to slow down.

There’s a budget upside to slowing down, too. Aside from your sanity and the happiness of your travel companions, slowing down can also lead to real savings. Read on…

Gas is expensive.

Slowing down means less gas. Gasoline in Europe is far more expensive than in North America. If you’re planning to rent a car and drive like crazy, you’re in for a real shock at the pump.

Don’t believe me? As I write this, the average cost of gas in the US is just over $3. As you can see on this European gas tracker, it’s currently $6.59 in France — and higher in Italy.

Slowing down means fewer train tickets.

Zipping from city to city on Europe’s high-speed rail network is an experience in itself and is highly recommended. You can speed from Florence to Rome in 90 minutes on the high-speed train (and for as little as €20 off-peak if you book directly in advance!).

However, those seats (and those on France’s TGV, Germany’s ICE, and Spain’s Renfe) can be expensive in high season. Save on transportation costs by scaling back your itinerary. Not to mention that if you speed from one city to the next day after day, most of your trip memories will be of train stations and cafe cars.

Tips for creating the perfect Europe itinerary

Now, let’s start putting the trip itinerary together. How many stops? How many nights in each stop? Here are some thoughts:

Where are you starting?

You probably already have an idea of where your trip is starting, and, in some ways, the scope of the trip. Is this a trip to France? Italy? Ireland? For most travelers (especially those flying to Europe from North America, Asia or Australia), you’ll be flying into the capital city or a major airport. And thus, many itineraries will start here.

Check out these suggested itineraries:

• 10-day itinerary for Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
• 10-day itinerary for Portugal
• 10-day itinerary for Spain
• 5-day itinerary for Switzerland
• Weekend in Bruges

Rest up before taking off

Of course, some adventurous travelers might feel compelled to immediately hop in a car or train upon their arrival, and head off on the road.

One word of warning: If you’re taking a long, international flight to get to Europe, you will arrive tired. Boarding a train (or connecting flight!) and heading off for another part of the country is certainly doable, but I’d caution against hopping immediately behind the wheel of a rental car.

Again, I speak from experience, in this case that of a close friend (who shall remain anonymous). Ever the optimist, he picked up a car immediately after arriving on a red-eye flight into London Heathrow, and then headed south for Brighton, only 2 hours south by car.

Perhaps it was the “left side of the road” driving. Or maybe it was the fog. But let’s just say that his rental car had suffered significant scrapes before the day was done, the result of a silly parking lot mishap. I’ll speculate that this would never have happened had he rested for at least a day before heading off on the road.

Minimize the one-night stands.

Try this: When building out your itinerary, don’t allow yourself any one-night stops. Unless you’re really on a mission to get somewhere, give yourself at least two nights in every hotel you book.

This little tip will force you to slow down and take in your surroundings a bit. But on a more practical note, it will relieve the hassle of schlepping your bags from hotel to hotel, packing and unpacking, checking in and checking out. All of that busy work can be a time-waster and add stress to your trip.

I recently helped a friend plan a trip to Normandy from Paris. His instinct was to drive up from Paris to a small B&B near the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, spend the night, and then head back to Paris the next day.

What was the problem with this plan? It didn’t leave any time to actually visit the beaches, cemetery, or surrounding towns. He might have been able to see a few things, but not take the time to really take it in. Fortunately, he booked two nights, and he greatly enjoyed exploring not only the beaches and cemetery, but the surrounding villages. He later told me about an unforgettable experience he had going to mass in a small village church–something that certainly would have fallen off an over-packed itinerary.

Use your two-day stops as bases for exploration.

If you do take my advice and give yourself at least two-day stops along your trip, use those stops as bases for exploration. This way you can wake up, not have to pack things up, head off to explore, and feel relaxed that you can come back to your “home base” whenever you please.

You also have the added bonus of exploring a territory that your hotel owner will be very familiar with. He or she will be able to offer all kinds of inside advice for activities not to miss, restaurants to try out, and views to take in.

A few years ago my partner and I were married in France. For our honeymoon we headed to the Greek island of Crete. During the planning stages, we were both so excited about experiencing the island that, in typical fashion, we planned to move from town to town each day, making our way around the island over the course of the week. There were so many things to see on the east coast, and amazing villages in the west, and great beaches along the south… and the ancient Minoan ruins in the north!

And then something happened. We remembered that this wasn’t a race: It was our honeymoon. At the last moment, we booked one amazing mountainside hotel in the southeastern part of the island, and used this as our home base. We checked in and unpacked for the week. Although we had brought along a travel guidebook, some of the best advice we received was from the friendly hotel manager.

From here, each morning, we took off to explore the beaches, the ruins, the villages, and the amazing restaurants. And every night, we came home, relaxed, and happy that we didn’t have to pack up in the morning.

This is an extreme example (it’s a honeymoon, after all), but I bring it up as it’s one trip where I forced myself to overcome my instinctive “go, go, go” trip mentality. And, in the end, the trip was more relaxed and full of surprises.

Prefer one night stops? Cut back on travel time.

I know that the (minimum) two-day stop isn’t going to work for everyone and for every trip. Sometimes you’re on a mission — you’re just trying to get from Venice to Paris by car, an 11-hour drive. Some will be tempted to just do the whole thing in one epic day on the road.

Do a search on Google maps for the route and you’ll see several halfway marks that would be perfect for an overnight. (I would recommend either Lyon or Geneva.) If you’re on a mission, I probably won’t be able to convince you to spend two nights in either city. (Even though either would be amazing. You could explore the vineyards of the Cotes-du-Rhone during your day off in Lyon, or search for the perfect cheesy raclette in the mountain villages surrounding Geneva!)

However, I would at least recommend an overnight in one of these towns, or at countless smaller villages along the way. The point is to break that 11-hour trip up into smaller, manageable trips. For this example, I think at least two overnights would be better. Three or four hours of driving every day will still give you time to explore the territory.

You don’t always need to drive in circles.

When you’re checking around for flights to Europe for your trip, remember to check “open jaw” flights that allow you to fly into one city and home from another. (For example, a flight from Boston to London, and then a return flight from Amsterdam to Boston.)

Increasingly, these flights cost about the same amount as flights into and out of the same city. “Open jaw” flights can have a big impact on your itinerary, as they can free you to plot your trip in a straight line, avoiding that end-of-trip requirement to circle back to your city of arrival.

For example, say that you’re flying from Chicago to London, then heading by train to Paris, and then down to Nice before heading home. Check flights from Chicago to London, but with a return from Nice to Chicago. There’s no need to make the mad dash from Nice all the way back up to London. So many travelers do this, and it can add unnecessary stress and expense to the final days of your trip. (Wouldn’t you rather be hanging out on the beach for another day than hustling back to London?)

One caveat: These “open jaw” flights might not work for you if you’re renting a car. (You’re in luck if you’re moving around Europe by train or by one-way flights inside Europe.) Renting a car in one European country and dropping it off in another can be quite expensive, as the company usually tacks on a fee to go fetch the car and bring it back home.

Your trip itinerary

Now, back to your drawing board (or kitchen table). Try plotting out your destinations, giving consideration to all the stops along the way. Play around with your itinerary and see what it looks like if you trim a couple of stops, and double up the nights on others.

And remember, by building more time into each step of your trip, you’re giving yourself more time for surprises and serendipity. You don’t need to know what you’re going to do on your day off in southern Spain. You’ll find something tasty, we promise you!

The post Europe Itinerary: Creating the best trip for your budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here’s one strategy for lowering costs: eschew particularly expensive locations for cheaper alternatives. As always, think broadly about alternatives. In some cases, a neighboring city will be less expensive than a popular tourism draw in spitting distance. In other situations, you might consider swapping one region for another half-way across the continent.

Here are five suggestions to get you thinking.

1. Consider Bratislava instead of Vienna

Vienna is glorious. It is impossible to forget that the city was once the seat of an empire. Though there are low-cost hotels, it can also be expensive and, during the summer months, overrun with tourists.

Enter Bratislava, the cute, relatively diminutive capital of Slovakia, just 40 miles to the east. It is a quieter and far less expensive alternative to Vienna. You can count on paying around €40 per day less in Bratislava between budget accommodations, meals and bar tab. Plus, hotels in Bratislava can go for as little as $40-50 per night when we did some searching for dates in the spring.

Furthermore, it’s easy and relatively cheap to travel between the two capital cities. A one-hour one-way train fare will set you back €15; the almost two-hour bus journey costs only €8. You can upgrade the trip with a 75-minute boat ride for as low as €20.

2. Switch out the Slovenian Alps for the Swiss Alps

Let’s compare two popular Alpine destinations, one in Switzerland and the other in Slovenia.

In the winter, a double at a cheap bed & breakfast in St. Moritz, Switzerland runs 110 CHF ($112) per night; in Bled, Slovenia: €29 ($35). In the summer, rate differentials aren’t quite so dramatic. A cheap studio in St. Moritz in mid-July is 63 CHF ($64); an equivalent property in Bled mid-July runs €36 ($44). Bled is less developed than St. Moritz, and (arguably) more interesting in terms of geology and landscape.

As an aside, Slovenia offers far more than Alpine vistas. Other places of note include Ljubljana, the country’s dynamic, pretty capital, and a tiny little arc of the Adriatic, centered on Koper.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s greatest and cheapest cities to visit. Photo: Francisco Antunes

3. Try Lisbon over Madrid and Barcelona

Lisbon is one of the most appealing cities in all of Europe — and an outstanding value to boot. It’s got everything one might want in a European capital: atmospheric neighborhoods, grand plazas and boulevards, good coffee, affordable public transportation, cheap taxis, great restaurants, and perfect egg tarts at more or less every bakery. It’s much cheaper than Madrid, Barcelona, and even Paris.

Hotels in Lisbon start around $30 for simple rooms, and you can score 3-star accommodations for as little as $60. In other words, Lisbon is still a cheapo paradise!

The French coastal region of Côte Bleue, west of Marseille, is a great alternative to the ritzy Cote d’Azur. Photo: Jeanne Menj

4. The Côte Bleue in place of the Cote d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur remains charming despite the glitz and celebrities that keep it humming. But goodness gracious is it pricey. For a less expensive holiday, look to the Côte Bleue, to the west of Marseille.

Carry-le-Rouet, a fishing village surrounded by a nature reserve, is one idyllic spot. In Carry-le-Rouet, the Villa Arena Hotel offers double rooms for €60. And in the nearby village of La Rove there is a simple, welcoming guesthouse called L’olivier, with double rooms for just €55 in July.

Jahorina in Bosnia offers a fun ski vacation for almost 75% less than the Alps! Photo: vladotesanovic

5. Go east for an affordable ski vacation

A quick glance at the top resorts in France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria turns up exorbitant daily lift pass costing as high as €70 ($86) in Zermatt. Even relatively good value resorts in the region, like Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta Valley, cost €44 ($54) per day for a lift pass.

A turn to the east reveals much less expensive territory: Jahorina, Bosnia (€20, or $24 for a lift pass); Popova Sapka, Macedonia (900 MKD, or $18); and Brezovica, an ethnic Serbian mountain enclave in the south of Kosovo, where a lift pass costs just €12 ($15) per day.

Related: 5 affordable ski vacations in Europe

The post 5 cheapo alternative destinations in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Furthermore, I’m conveying this information to you — on a website.

Ironies aside, I believe that when it comes to trip guidance, there’s room for everything. Websites, like the one you’re reading right now, are a fabulous platform for trip planning. You can “get educated” about the logistics, find the best deals (especially for hotels!), and plan it all out.

Furthermore, once you’re traveling, the online research doesn’t stop. I whip out my phone constantly in Paris, for example, researching how to use the bus to get to the Louvre, or the location of the nearest wine store.

(In fact, I use my phone for on-the-ground research even more now, thanks to the use of my French phone, with a locally purchased SIM card. It’s practically free to use! Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read this guide to using SIM Cards.)

However, when I’m actually walking through the Louvre, or looking to take a self-guided neighborhood walking tour, I still pull out an actual guidebook.

Related: Our favorite guidebooks to Paris

EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

10 reasons I still use guidebooks in Europe

Some might consider this preference old fashioned, anachronistic, archaic… and possibly it is! But let me explain. Here are 10 reasons why I still pack a guidebook when traveling to Europe.

1. They’re a tiny investment in an expensive trip.

Once you add it all up, your big trip to Europe is most likely going to be a major expense. Two people flying to Italy for a two-week trip from the United States can easily spend $7,500 once you add up flights, hotels, meals, transportation and basic sightseeing. (We’ve got lots of tips to help you lower that number, but still. This isn’t an uncommon trip budget.)

Most guidebooks will cost about $20-25 (and will be highly discounted on Amazon). In the grand scheme of things, this is a very small expense for guidance that stays by your side and that can drastically improve the quality of your trip.

Even if you only get one memorable meal recommendation out of it or it helps keep you from getting lost and wasting time — it’s worth it.

Do your homework before leaving. It’s fun! (Photo: pingles

2. They’re nice to read before you leave home.

Most people have months to plan a vacation in Europe. They decide which country to visit, book the flights, and then enter a period of delicious anticipation. This is, of course, when we hope you’ll find us and let us help with logistics, hotel recommendations and cost-saving advice!

But it’s also a great time to dive into a guidebook and get a feel for your destinations. Many of these books contain a good deal of history about the countries and cities you’ll be visiting. Start learning now and it will all make more sense once you’re on the ground. The best guidebooks provide context for your trip, whether you’re reading a specific guidebook, like Lonely Planet’s Paris Guide, or something for a more general location, such as Rick Steves’ Best of Europe.

3. It’s something to do on the plane.

If you think a guidebook is fun to read while you’re still home in Atlanta, they’re really fun to pull out of the seat-back pocket in front of you on your flight over. It’s a special kind of anticipation. You know you’re not really going to sleep on the plane, they’ve started serving drinks, you don’t have an internet connection… It’s the perfect time to open your guidebook.

4. They might not be cool, but they’re practical.

If you buy a reputable and up-to-date guidebook, at the very least, you’ll learn how to get into town from the airport and have a good basic understanding of how the city works.

A few years ago I was working on our hotel reviews in Rome, when I ran into a younger travel blogger who wouldn’t ever be caught carrying around a paper guidebook. We started talking and he told me that he had just Tweeted to his followers asking for advice on the best way to get from where we staying to the Trastevere neighborhood.

And guess what? Nobody had Tweeted back yet. Guidebooks might not be cool — but they’re very practical.

Pack a book like Frommer’s recently revamped EasyGuide to Rome, Florence and Venice, and you’ve got plenty of advice for navigating transit, finding cool places to eat and things to do, and more.

Find a really good cup of coffee in Rome. Photo: fotologic

5. They give dining recommendations.

Let’s go back to our “two weeks in Italy” example. That’s a lot of logistics to plan… but it’s also a lot of meal slots to fill. Now I love wandering the backstreets of a European city letting my nose guide me to dinner. But let’s face it, this can be very time consuming, and you can wind up dining in some real clunkers.

Of course, EuroCheapo has affordable dining recommendations (like these for Paris and Rome), and TripAdvisor has an endless list of recommendations… ditto Yelp. But I still find it helpful to check out restaurants recommended by guidebooks. Again, even if you get one or two good dinner suggestions, it’s helpful.

6. They’re good for walking tours.

Aside from recommendations, I find the self-guided walking tours in many of the books to be very helpful. A shout-out to the Rick Steves’ series here, which I’ve found to have great neighborhood and museum walking tours.

At their best, these walking tours will help put the neighborhoods in historical context — and they allow you to start and stop whenever you please. There’s no need to join a group. The same goes for guidance in museums. If you’re short on time and don’t feel like springing for an audioguide, a guidebook can lead you to the most important works.

You can even find guidebooks to take you through the hidden gems of a city. Take, for instance, this beautifully illustrated guide to lesser known museums and important sites throughout Paris called The Little(r) Museums of Paris, which can give you directions and more info on unique destinations that you might not find otherwise.

7. No roaming charges.

Imagine… you can just open a book in the streets of Berlin and get advice about what to see in the Pergamon Museum. This sure beats firing up your phone, finding a phone network, and coming home to $380 in foreign roaming charges.

(Of course, this isn’t a concern if you purchased the aforementioned SIM Card.)

It’s waterproof! Photo: jaybergesen

8. You can’t break a book.

Guidebooks are flexible. You can dog-ear important pages. You can highlight favorites. Rip things out! Make origami out of maps if you’re bored on a train. They don’t complain.

Phones, laptops and tablets are not nearly as forgiving. They don’t like beaches. They really don’t like hotel toilets. And they really crack up when dropped on a sidewalk in Lisbon. Just sayin’.

9. It’s easy to read in direct sunlight.

Let me take you to an experience I had in Athens one bright summer day when I was exploring the Ancient Agora. I was having fun running around with my guidebook, reliving the high jinks of the days of Antiquity, when I ran into a honeymooning American couple who were also visiting the Agora guided by their iPad.

The information must have been compelling, because they were working very hard to keep reading it — in the harshest, hottest, direct sunlight. They were struggling because the screen just wasn’t bright enough and they had to keep searching for shade. (Now, truth be told — it didn’t ruin their trip, or their new marriage, but still! This stress could have been averted with a paper version.)

10. They can be left behind.

And finally, let us not overlook the fact that these inexpensive guidebooks can be left behind if necessary. You’re probably going to be flying home heavier than you arrived (in terms of luggage… well, most likely in terms of everything…). Space will be needed in your luggage.

That trusted guidebook weighs about a pound and is about the size of a brick. And it only cost $20. It can be left in London.

Do you travel with a guidebook?

What do you think? Do you still travel with a guidebook? Have a favorite? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Should You Still Buy a Guidebook for Europe? Yes. appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Welcome to European travel at its most popular—and most frustrating.  And these most popular attractions only seem to get busier with each passing year, filling up with tourists even during the slower seasons.

But before you head back to your hotel to sip a bottle of wine in misery, take a deep breath and relax. Despite millions of other tourists descending upon the same museum, church or ruin every year, there are still ways to beat the crowds and save time in Europe.

Here are 10 insider tips to let you spend more time experiencing these sights—and less time experiencing the line.

9 tips to help you save time in Europe

Beat the crowds and get this incredible view when you visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Photo: Miguel Mendez

1. Eiffel Tower: Book in advance, and head up around dinner time

The Eiffel Tower sure is pretty to look at from a distance. During peak summer season, save time waiting in a ticket line by booking your Tower tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. (Careful — lots of ticket agencies would like to sell you more expensive versions of the same ticket. Buy yours directly from the Eiffel Tower website.)

To avoid the biggest crowds in high season, plan on an early or late dinner and schedule your Tower visit for 8 or 9 pm. Not only will you catch the sunset, but you’ll miss most of the other Paris lovers who will be out to dinner.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels near the Eiffel Tower

2. Louvre: Stay up late on Wednesdays & Fridays

On Wednesday and Friday the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. We know it’s tempting to visit Mona early in the day when everyone’s fresh, but coming after dark means that you’ll miss the herds of school groups, extended families and tour groups that arrive around 10 a.m.

And no matter what time you come, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Waiting to pass through security under the main pyramid is an unnecessary time waster.

Related: Read more Louvre tips | Favorite budget hotels near the Louvre

3. Anne Frank House: Get your tickets way in advance

There’s no way around it. If you just show up on a Saturday afternoon in summer expecting to saunter right into the Anne Frank House, you’re going to be disappointed. So many tourists in Amsterdam are shocked that you have to get tickets in advance. It is the only way to see the museum now. It’s too bad if you don’t get in as this is one of Europe’s most powerful experiences.

Just plan ahead and get your tickets in advance either two months in advance or the day of (if you’re lucky!). Check out our full guide to getting Anne Frank House tickets for all of the details.

Related: 32 recommended budget hotels in Amsterdam

Tourists mingling and waiting outside of St. Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

4. St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip ahead with online booking

There’s almost always a line to get into this stunning church—no matter what time of year you visit. Entry can easily take 45 minutes or longer during high season. And since this ancient basilica is still used for services, avoid Sunday mornings during mass and major Christian holidays, unless you’re planning to attend the service.

You can book entry tickets directly online to save time during the busier months. Total cost: only €2! This service is available from 1st of April to 2nd November and is a small price to pay for saving so much time.

Related: More tips for visiting Venice’s attractions. | Our 23 best budget hotels in Venice

5. Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica: Visit Tuesdays through Fridays

St. Peter’s basilica has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries, and Pope Francis’ new-found popularity is bringing in even bigger crowds. With so many attractions to see in one place, from the stunning basilica to the fascinating museums that draws up to 25,000 people a day, visiting the Vatican area can be a little overwhelming.

You can book museum tickets online, but the key here is coming mid-week. The weekends (especially Sundays of course!) and Mondays are the busiest, so try to plan your schedule around them. Then go first thing in the morning or after lunch around 3 pm. Late morning usually sees the biggest number of visitors.

Check out 9 other tips on beating the crowds at the Vatican (including our tip for the secret entry between the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s).

Related: More ways to save in Rome | 37 recommended budget hotels in Rome

Tour buses, lines and oh so many tourists are a common site at the Colosseum. Photo: Dzhingarova

6. Colosseum: Get up very early

The Colosseum can only hold 3,000 people at a time, so you can imagine the backups that can ensue on the busiest days. If you can actually pull yourself out of bed and be in line by 8:15 a.m., you will be in good shape to be one of the first to get through the doors when they open at 8:30 a.m. You can also book online, if you prefer to sleep in

Bonus Tip: Another way to save a couple of euros (and some time, too) is to avoid all of the costumed Roman soldiers and gladiators looking to separate you from a few of your euros for a cheesy photo op. (Unless, of course, you want an epic holiday card to send to Uncle Jack this year.)

7. British Museum: Research and come prepared

The Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, Lewis Chessmen, Parthenon Sculptures… it’s like Humanity’s Greatest Hits, and it’s free to visit! Just know that it’s on every other tourist’s list, too. While you can choose to zip through the biggies in under 60 minutes (there really is a guide for that!), we prefer to take our time and soak it all in.

However, do a little prep work or you’ll be wandering around all day. To get a head start, spend some time in the museum’s online collection or listen to a great series of BBC podcasts “A History of the World in 100 Objects.” Figure out what sounds good, and make a plan. Research has never been so fun!

Related: Read all of our tips for the British Museum | Best budget hotels in London

8. Buckingham Palace: Book ahead in summer, guard yourself otherwise

There are royal palaces. And then there’s Buckingham Palace, which boasts 775 rooms that stretch over a football (that’s American football) field long. Not to mention the posh royal ceremonies or the official Throne Room. This is the real deal.

Buckingham Palace opens its doors to tourists every summer from late July through the end of September. You should book those tickets online well in advance.

Visiting around the holidays? Travelers can splurge for one of the palace’s exclusive private tours, available to small groups from December 11, 2015 – January 31, 2016. Ticket prices are a hefty £75 per person.

Looking for a touch of the Prince but the price of a pauper? Swing by to experience the changing of the Guard for free. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. — daily during the summer and alternating days off-season. (Check out this schedule for more info.)

Prepare to be awestruck at La Sagrada Familia. If you get up early and beat the crowds. Photo: Antonio Tajuelo

9. La Sagrada Familia: Arrive early or go to mass

Barcelona is a feast for fans of architecture and Gaudí, with Park Güell, several residences like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, all easily accessible within the city’s boundaries. But if you only have time to see one of his master creations, La Sagrad Familia is probably the best bet—as long as you hit the sack early the night before.

The church opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year (including Christmas and New Year’s), so early arrivals can get a jump on the crowds no matter what season they come. Admission will cost you more than a handful of euros, but even on our cheapo budget, we think it’s well worth it. You should also consider attending mass at the Sagrada Familia — it’s not just free, it’s a moving experience.

Related: Read all of our tips for La Sagrada Familia | Recommended budget hotels in Barcelona

Your tips

Have some additional ways to save time and money at any of these tops attractions? Did we overlook something big? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Secrets to saving time at Europe’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.