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.

Why? Because past an outer ring of unattractive high-rise housing, the city boasts a pedestrianized city center packed with charming squares and lively terraces for a drink or a meal (seafood’s a local specialty), two historic citadels, and some of Spain’s best art museums outside Madrid’s Golden Triangle.

Luckily for Cheapos, Málaga, unlike some of the other destinations along Costa del Sol (we’re looking at you, Marbella) is also very budget friendly. Read on for our best tips to getting to know this southern city on the cheap.

Related articles
• 50 ways to save on your trip to Spain
• The best affordable seaside escapes in Spain

Málaga budget travel tips

Getting There

While direct transatlantic flights aren’t available to Málaga from Toronto or New York, we recently found a round-trip fare from New York (JFK) with a long layover (12+ hours) in Casablanca, Morocco on Royal Air Maroc starting at €484.

Related: Sign up for airline newsletters to find airfare deals to Spain and all of Europe.

Another good option to save some cash? Fly into a major European point of entry (London, Paris, Madrid, or Frankfurt) and then hop a flight on a budget airline into Málaga’s main airport. Flights start at €30 each way depending on your dates. For the best prices, travel Monday through Thursday.

If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Europe or Spain, buses, rental cars, rideshares, and trains are also readily available, but for the most part, they’re hard pressed to compete with low-cost flights.

Prefer to travel overland? Your best bet to stay on budget is a rideshare or a bus. However, if you’re traveling in a group, you may be better off springing for a rental car. For example, at the time of writing, rideshares with Bla Bla Car from Madrid to Málaga start at €21 one way, buses start at €26 each way and vehicle rentals start at €55. Rail travel it is by far the most expensive option, starting at €55 per person each way.

Before you book that rental car, read through our tips for saving on a rental car in Spain.

Getting Around Malaga

Málaga’s airport, also known as the Costa del Sol Airport, is 15 to 20 minutes away from the city center. There are trains every 20 minutes and buses every 10 minutes. Both will set you back substantially less than a taxi ride with fares starting at only €2. Taxis into the city center run relatively cheap for €10-15, but even when the traffic cooperates, it will only shave a few minutes off your time in transit.

Málaga’s city center, where most of the attractions are located, is best explored on your on two feet. That said, the city also boasts a shiny new subway (finished in 2014, check out the map) and a citywide bus system if you’re far from your hotel and a little worn out to return on foot.

Tips for the metro and bus

There are two types of tickets on Málaga’s metro system that work well for visitors. Both can be topped up and used for multiple passengers and multiple trips, but a billete monedero has a €5 minimum with each ride costing you €.82 cents. A billete occasional has a minimum of €1.35, and that’s what each ride will cost you. Just remember, since these tickets are rechargeable don’t throw them out when your trips are spent and buy a new one, just top them up.

The metro runs Monday through Thursday from 6:30 am to 11 pm, Fridays from 6:30 am until 1:30 am, Saturdays from 7 am to 1:30 am and Sundays from 7 am to 11 pm.

Note: There’s not an integrated ticket system that works for both the bus system and the metro. EMT Málaga bus services are available around town and a one-way ticket costs €1.30.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Malaga

Among the top attractions in Málaga are its world-famous art museums and ancient monuments. Fortunately for budget travelers, all of them waive their entry fees for at the very least a few hours a week. And when you’re done with the museums, there are the numerous parks and outdoors spaces that are always open to the public and 100% free to explore.

Free Malaga Museums

Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, get an eyeful of Picasso over the years without paying a cent at the Picasso Museum Sundays from 5-7 pm March-June and September-October, 6-8 pm (July-August) and 4-6 pm (November-February).

Check out the Carmen Thyssen Museum’s impressive collection of 19th-century paintings for free Sundays after 5 pm.

Love modern and contemporary art? The city’s contemporary art center, the CAC is always free.

Another option is Málaga’s Centre Pompidou, the only one located outside of France (at the time of writing). Malága’s is housed in a colorful glass cube. Immerse yourself in 20th- and 21st-century art for free Sundays after 4 pm.

Free historic attractions

Looking for something truly ancient? Málaga has a Roman theater that’s in pretty good shape, all things considered, and it’s open to the public free of charge.

Entry to the equally historically important but slightly less ancient Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castles costs €3.50 daily or it’s free Sunday afternoons.

Or browse the traditional wares and pick up some tasty charcuterie and cheese at the Atarazanas Market — it dates back to the 14th century.

Outdoor recreation

Need some exercise and fresh air after taking in all that art and history? Head for the hills and take a hike on the trails in Montes de Málaga Natural Park.

Or stroll along the seafront among manicured hedges, fountains and flowers in the botanical garden at Paseo de los Curas Park.

Or if you’d rather just relax and watch the waves, soak up the sun on one of the city’s many beaches. Playa Las Acacias, Playa de la Malagueta and Playa de la Misericordia are all easily reached on foot or via public transportation from the city center.

For more ideas, check the official website of Málaga Tourism.

Fried seafood is a specialty in Málaga. Photo: JD

Inexpensive Eats and Drinks

Málaga is well known for its high-quality seafood. Unfortunately, unlike other Spanish destinations, it’s not known for its free tapas. Sure, the odd bar may offer you a smattering of olives or a small dish of nuts with your beer, but don’t expect the elaborate offerings you’d be likely to get in cities with old-school free tapas culture like Granada.

The good news is that around town it’s pretty easy to fill your belly and throw back a drink or two for €10 or less.

Affordable late-night eats: For a late night meal on the run, we like Mafalda (Paseo Maritimo del Pedregal, 71), a local institution popular with students because of its late opening hours and Málaga’s famous hot sandwich, a campero, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich for €4-8.

Hidden jewel of a restaurant: Want something cozy and a little quirky? Head to La Recova (Pasaje Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de San Juan, 5). This old pottery shop hides an authentic local treasure — a small kitchen serving up specialties like a delicious stew of spicy grilled chorizo sausage, octopus, and vegetables.

Fresh seafood: For local seafood (mostly fried) head to Marisqueria Casa Vicente (C/Comisario 2) or Hermanos Alba in the El Palo neighborhood for shrimp, mussels and fresh fish.

A private room at the Ibis Budget Málaga Centro.

Cheap Sleeps

Dorm rooms in hostels start at €10 per night, while private hostel rooms go for around €35. Basic rooms with a private bath in the city’s budget hotels are available from €40.

Ibis Budget Málaga Centro

We particularly like the very clean and centrally located rooms at the Ibis Budget Málaga Centro. Located right in the heart of the city and quick walk from the marina, rooms at this budget chain go for around $50 — even in the high season. Book early for the best deals.

Want more budget hotel options? Search over 1,000 hotels in Málaga.

Your Malaga budget tips

Have you been to Málaga? Share your best tips in the comments section below.

The post Malaga, Spain: A budget travel guide to Malaga appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Its economy roars along, with local industries still chugging, while fashion boutiques and upscale department stores line its swanky Königsallee. Students train in art and design, while young professionals go to work each morning in the city’s Media Harbour, a riverside development project that has attracted media companies, architects, and designers. Trendy restaurants fill up at night as locals hit the opera — or grungy nightclubs.

And yet, along the cobblestone-lined blocks of the Altstadt, it’s easy to get lost in Dusseldorf’s small-town charms. You saunter up to a window outside Et Kabüffke, a bar along Flinger Strasse, and a bartender pours out a glass of Killepitsch, a famously powerful herbal liquor. You head to the city’s Kunstpalast art museum and find that you have an entire gallery to yourself. You stroll the Rhine, taking in the sunset in silence before retiring with a local crowd for a pint (or three) of Altbier, the city’s signature dark brew.

Big city or intimate town — Dusseldorf offers visitors a wide variety of cultural, culinary and shopping activities. Surprisingly, given Dusseldorf’s rather ritzy reputation for fine arts and fashion, the city can be visited and enjoyed quite affordably, especially when following some of the tips listed below.

Dusseldorf’s tram system is sleek and always on time. Photo: robdammers

Getting around Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf’s efficient public transit system includes the subway, bus and street tram. Many of the city’s main tourists sights are conveniently located within the Altstadt or the nearby Media Harbour, and are easily reached by foot.

You have several options for public transit tickets (see all options):

• Single tickets for all public transit can be purchased for €2.60 in the center zone and are valid for up to 90 minutes of travel. This is a good option if you simply need one ride during the day, however if you’re expecting to make multiple journeys in a single day, consider a day ticket (below).

• Day tickets for public transit cost €6.70 for unlimited travel in the center, and get cheaper when you add more people to the ticket (two people €9.90; three €13.10, etc.). While these day tickets can easily be cheaper than buying single tickets, don’t forget to about the benefits of the DusseldorfCard, which also covers public transit (below).

• Bikes! Unsurprisingly, this German city is well equipped for cyclists. Rent bikes for €10 per day behind the main train stations at the Radstation (bike station), Willi-Becker-Allee 8a.

Saving with the DusseldorfCard

The DusseldorfCard is the city’s tourist-friendly pass, and covers free public transit and also offers discounts or free admission to museums and attractions throughout the city.

Dusseldorf Card prices (2016)

(Note that a “Family” consists of 2 adults and 2 children (up to 14 years old), while a “Group” is 3 adults.)

Free and reduced entry with the Dusseldorf Card

In addition to free public transportation, the card offers free admission to 11 of the city’s museums, including:

• Schloss und Park Benrath (Benrath Palace and park) (€14 adult admission without card)
• Kunsthalle Dusseldorf (€6 adult admission without card)
• Filmmuseum Landeshauptstadt (€5 adult admission without card)
• Goethe-Museum (€4 adult admission without card)
• Dusseldorf History Museum (Stadtmuseum Landeshauptstadt Dusseldorf (€4 adult admission without card)

Additionally, the card grants reduced entry to many other attractions throughout Dusseldorf, including:

• Museum Kunstpalast
• Neanderthal Museum
• Black Box cinema
• Deutsch Oper am Rhein
• Dusseldorf Marionette Theater
• Rheinturm Dusseldorf (TV Tower)
• Reduced admission for numerous walking tours, bus and boat tours.

Should you invest in a DusseldorfCard? Check out the entire list of benefits the card carries here, and run the numbers. If you plan to visit any of the attractions to which it grants free admission (including, obviously, the palace), it almost certainly makes sense.

The swanky lobby of Dusseldorf’s Max Brown Midtown Hotel.

Save on hotels in Dusseldorf

At EuroCheapo, we’re big fans of small, centrally located and independently-run hotels.

A few of our favorite budget hotels in the Dusseldorf city center include A&O Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (with dorm beds and private rooms from $62), Hotel Batavia (a great deal near the train station from $65), and Max Brown Hotel Midtown (with trendy rooms starting around $100).

For a real splurge, the Breidenbacher Hof is the ultimate in luxury with a five-star rating.

To see more of our top picks, check out our guide to the best cheap hotels in Dusseldorf.

Looking for even more options? You can search all hotels available for your trip here.

Shopping

Dusseldorf might be known for its fashion scene and upscale department stores, but cost-conscious shoppers can also find deals. Here are some tips:

Shop vintage. Why buy new? Check out Le Freak & Chic for an eclectic mix of second-hand fashions. Huttenstrasse 57. Want something newer, but second-hand? Swing by Anziehend for labels for less. Wissmannstrasse 2.

Stroll the flea market: The city’s most famous and oldest flea market is Radschlager Market, which offers everything from vintage housewares to lovely antiques. The market is held about twice a month. Check the official schedule for dates. Grossmarkt, Ulmenstrasse 275.

Flea market and jazz: The Trodel & Antik Markt is held every Saturday at Aachener Platz, from 6 am to 4 pm. The best part (aside from hunting down deals)? You can shop to the sounds of live jazz! Aachener Platz, Saturdays.

More ways to save in Dusseldorf

But wait, there’s more! Additional ways to save on your trip to Dusseldorf include:

Hit the tourist information center: Swing by the tourist offices to pick up maps, discuss events and attractions, book tickets and buy a DusseldorfCard. Ask about free events taking place during your visit. Two locations, in Altstadt: Marktstraße 6d, and at the train station.

Save on parking: Instead of parking at an expensive garage in the city center, park for free at one of the city’s 12 Park & Ride Station, then take public transit into town. (Have you already booked your rental car? Be sure to do that in advance for the best deals. Search car rentals here.)

Lunch at the market: Feast on the freshest of ingredients at the city’s daily market at Carlsplatz. Sample mouth-watering treats, grab lunch, and then head a few blocks away to the riverfront promenade for an unforgettable picnic. Open daily from 8 am – 6 pm (Saturday closes at 4 pm, closed Sunday)

Altbier sampling: You cannot leave Dusseldorf without sampling the city’s Altbier, the famously dark local brew that’s on tap (sometimes exclusively!) in bars throughout town. Wander the old town, dropping in to sample the different Altbiers — each one is different. We’re partial to Zum Uerige (Bergerstrasse 1), which offers not just tasty beer (brewed in-house), but delicious and affordable meals, as well. But don’t just take our word for it, sip for yourself! Check out this roundup of the city’s best pubs.

Sunset and a free show: Enjoy the sunset and take in free street performances nightly in the Altstadt near the steps heading down to the Rhine at Burgplatz, just next to the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus). After the sun goes down, stroll the Rhine embankment promenade, alongside dozens of small bars, cafes and restaurants. Nightcap, anyone?

Going out? Follow the students. Dusseldorf has a long history of cutting edge live music clubs, bars and dance clubs. Fortunately for those on a budget, many of these are geared to the city’s huge university-aged population. Check these nightlife listings on Yelp.

Flying into Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is located near the western border of Germany and is part of an industrial-rich cluster of cities that includes Dortmund (just north of Dusseldorf) and Cologne (just to its south).

Dusseldorf airport offers flights on 70 airlines to 200 destinations. It’s a slick and tidy affair, with efficient check-in counters and security. The airport has recently renovated large portions of the terminals and offers a tourist-friendly 60 shops and 40 places to eat and drink while waiting for takeoff.

Flying here: airberlin flies directly to Dusseldorf from several US destinations, including New York, Miami, Fort Myers, and Los Angeles. Flights from the US can be found for under $500 in Economy Class, and, for those looking for an affordable, yet luxurious arrival, from $1,999 in their newly updated Business Class (which includes private pods, three-course meals, and seats that covert to fully-flat beds). Tip: Sign up for airberlin’s newsletter here to be the first to hear about these special airfare offers.

Trains: From the airport, board the SkyTrain to reach the main airport train station, which is serviced by more than 350 trains a day. From here, you can board a variety of trains to the city center. A second, smaller S-Bahn station is located under Terminal C. Read more here.

Buses: Public buses arrive and depart just in front of the main arrivals hall. Bus 721 will take you to the main train station. Read more

Taxis: Taxis are the most expensive, and simplest, way to arrive. All take credit cards. Expect to pay about €28 for a trip to the city center. Read more

Arriving by train

Dusseldorf’s main train station, its “Hauptbahnhof”, is located about a 15-minute walk (or a 5-minute subway ride) east of the Altstadt. Train connections are plentiful, and timetables can be searched on the Bahn.de website.

Remember, there’s no need to book German rail tickets through a foreign ticketing agency or buy an expensive rail pass. Stick to the official German rail website and book your tickets like the locals do — and at local-friendly prices!

The post A budget travel guide to Dusseldorf, Germany appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Related: 7 Ways to save now on next year’s trip to Europe

For most of us traveling from North America, the flight to Europe is our biggest budget obstacle. While it can be easy to find great bargains on hotels, it takes a bit of effort and research to uncover cheap flights across the Atlantic.

There are airfare flash sales that come and go, but those are hard to nab if you don’t act quickly. However, before you give up hope on finding a good price for your next flight, try some of the tips below. Before long, you’ll be “humble bragging” on Facebook about the incredibly low airfare you just scored for your European vacation. Good luck!

Note: Looking for a little budget travel guidance? Check out the current EuroCheapo package deals for great discounts for US travelers heading to Europe. We book your airfare, hotel, and rental car all at once, and pass along the savings.

Example flight

For the tips that follow, we’ll use a sample itinerary. We’ll say that we’re based in Chicago and want to visit London, Amsterdam, and Paris. We’re looking for a flight from Chicago to London. After spending a few days in London, we plan to take the train to Amsterdam (via Lille) and wind up in Paris. Then we’ll head back to London to fly home to Chicago.

So how can we save on this flight?

Set up alerts so you can get the latest prices on your route.

1. Set up an airfare alert.

If you know the exact route that you want to fly, you should set up airfare alerts to be notified of flight deals immediately. Websites like Kayak.com and Airfarewatchdog.com will email you when they notice a deal on the route that you’re planning to fly.

In this example, we can go to these websites and create a flight alert for Chicago to London. But wait…

2. Don’t forget about “open jaw” flights.

Pardon us if this is too basic, but many travelers don’t realize that flights into one city and home from another are often just about the same price as flights into and out of the same city. Furthermore, you can save lots of money on transportation (trains, buses, ferries, etc), as you won’t need to circle back to your city of arrival. This tip can not only save you money but allows you to save time, so you can see more of Europe.

In our example, instead of a round-trip to London, fly into London and home from Paris. It’s a good idea to also research the round-trip fares from London (after all, you might snag a cheap deal), but we would certainly focus on flights from Chicago -> London, and then Paris -> Chicago.

Even if that flight turned out to be a bit more expensive, chances are it would be less expensive than paying for a trip on the Eurostar (or a flight!) back from Paris to London (and probably an extra overnight in London, too).

Paris in May can be just as beautiful (and a lot less crowded) than the summer. Photo: Loïc Lagarde

3. Be flexible with your dates.

Flexibility is a budget traveler’s best friend (in so, so many ways!). In terms of snagging a good deal on flights, if you can bump your travel dates around a bit, you may end up saving a lot on airfare.

If you have the possibility, try pushing the trip back a week or up a week to see if you can find a deal on airfare. You might be surprised—there might be something happening (a big convention, sporting event, Madonna concert…) in one of your cities that is throwing off the airfare.

Related: When is the best time to visit Paris and Amsterdam.

In our example, say that we find that our flight seems strangely expensive. In fact, the hotel prices also seem quite high—but only for Paris for our dates. This could indicate that Paris is booked up with some special event (such as a giant conference or the annual Fashion Weeks). If you have some flexibility, push your trip dates around and see if airfare drops. Hunt for a deal–you might just find it.

4. Avoid weekends if possible.

Flights tend to be more popular and more expensive for weekend travelers. If you’re able to travel midweek, chances are you’ll be able to snag a better deal. Play around with your dates — you’ll probably see cheaper airfare on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Related: Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes

Heathrow is a major airport in London, but did you know there are several others? Photo: Stefan Kellner

5. Be flexible with your destinations or itinerary.

Conversely, you can play around with your destinations. Is there another airport nearby that you haven’t included in your search? Could you add another leg to your trip that includes a less expensive airport to fly into? Can you juggle your itinerary a bit to avoid a momentarily expensive city?

Back to our example, if Paris is booked up (and flights expensive) because of the fashion show, perhaps we could invert the trip, landing in Paris (the week before the fashion show), visiting Amsterdam and then departing from London. This would allow us to avoid not only more expensive flight costs, but higher hotel rates, as well.

You should also double-check and make sure that you’re including all area airports in your search. In our example, don’t just search for Heathrow (LHR) and Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Make sure to search for the city code, “LON” and “PAR”, to see all area airports. A lot of European cities, even smaller ones, have secondary airports that might be new to you.

A final option is to “hub it.” For example, say you find an incredible flight deal from Chicago to Dublin on Aer Lingus. It might be worth booking the flight to Dublin and then searching Europe’s budget airlines (like Ryanair and easyJet) to get a fare from Dublin to London.

Don’t overlook nearby airports. Kayak has a function to let you easily search for them.

6. If at all possible, avoid the peak travel season.

We know, for many travelers, the timing of the trip has been established long in advance (often dictated by academic schedules, holidays, or growling bosses). However, if you do have a bit more flexibility and are looking for ways to save, consider pushing your trip away from peak summer months and global holidays, and into “shoulder season” or even low season.

For spring travel, instead of June, try early May or late April. Looking for a fall visit to Europe? Push your plans back from September to October to save a bit more. If you’re able to travel to Europe in the early spring or late fall, you will almost certainly be rewarded with lower airfares, shorter lines at top attractions, and lower hotel rates.

7. Know when to snag international airfare deals.

According to a study by the airline experts at Kayak.com, booking 34 days prior to departure is approximately 4% cheaper than booking six months in advance. That said, if you see a great deal many months out, don’t hesitate to book it!

WOW Air is just one of a handful of budget airlines offering super cheap flights to Europe. Photo: Alec Wilson

8. Don’t forget about “budget” international airlines.

In the past few years, a number of new budget-conscious airlines have started flying between North America and Europe. These airlines have made it possible to snag a one-way ticket for jaw-dropping prices, and their fare calendars make it easy to browse prices over the course of a few months.

WOW Airlines, which trumpets $99 one-way flights to mainland Europe (with a connection in Iceland) is certainly worth a search. Note, however, that this price is hard to find and doesn’t include extras such as checked baggage (which can add up fast, see our chart), seat assignments, or anything to nibble on. (Read our article on Wow Air to get more details.)

In 2016, it might be easier to fly WOW as they’ve recently announced a new route from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Europe, and that they’ll be expanding their schedule from Boston, Baltimore/Washington DC, Montreal, and Toronto. Hopefully, they’ll fly out New York in the near future as well!

Norwegian is another budget option that has been offering super cheap fares from North American to Europe. They fly non-stop from New York to London, and we’ve found some excellent deals on Norwegian in the past. Read our guide to making your trip on Norwegian more comfortable.

And the newest player to enter the transatlantic discount flight market is Primera Air. They are kicking off service to Paris and London in the spring of 2018.

Will you score a $99 one-way flight to Europe? Probably not, but it’s still worth it for budget travelers to look for deals on Wow! Airlines, Norwegian Air, and Westjet (from Canada).

Search now!

Ready to look for flights? Do a search with EuroCheapo’s flight search!

Your tips

How do you keep it cheap when searching for airfare to and around Europe? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post 8 Tips for finding cheap flights to Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Below are a few affordable, attention-worthy European destinations. I came up with three of my own and I asked some experts – notable travel bloggers and writers – to contribute theirs. These writers took time out of their busy schedules to share their go-to European picks.

From the rural (a small Greek island, the north of Cyprus, and the beautiful countryside of Umbria) to the urban (Graz, Austria and Plovdiv, Bulgaria), these off-the-beaten picks deliver the goods without blowing budgets.

Osijek, Croatia: Lots of old charm for little money

Last spring I visited Osijek in Slavonia, Croatia’s long northeastern flank. Its draws include beautiful Secessionist buildings, a huge 18th-century citadel, Tvrda, which is also Osijek’s old town, the wide beauty of the river Drava, and many parks.

I arrived by train from the border with Bosnia and continued by bus into Hungary, but there are other routes to Osijek – direct air travel on Croatia Airlines from Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and on Ryanair direct from London Stansted; the Croatian train network connects Zagreb and Osijek in just over four hours.

I stayed at a cozy little B&B in Tvrda called Maksimilian where double rooms begin at 344 kuna, including tax ($48.50). Search for more Osijek hotels.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Stunning Roman history for less

Plovdiv, another place I had the good fortune to visit last year, has an extraordinary Roman heritage, including a glorious Roman amphitheater and some well-preserved ruins. It takes about two hours to reach Plovdiv on the bus from Sofia and almost three hours on the train. For details on companies and pricing, check out Rome2Rio’s helpful comparison site.

See affordable hotels in Plovdiv.

Northern Cyprus: A cheap getaway in the Karpaz Peninsula

My favorite corner of budget-friendly Europe might just be the Karpaz peninsula in Northern Cyprus, a world apart from the package holiday market that has engulfed other parts of the island. And along the Karpaz peninsula, even the small casinos so popular elsewhere in northern Cyprus are few and far between.

Village inns and beachside properties on the Karpaz peninsula won’t come close to busting your budget. Karpaz Arch Houses, a beautifully restored property in the village of Dipkarpaz (“Rizokarpaso” in Greek), offers charming if bare bones doubles in stone houses for around €50. Double bungalows at Burhans Golden Beach, along the blissfully undeveloped south Karpaz coast, start around €55.

The Azores, Portugal: Budget island hopping

From Emma Lundin:

The Azores’ dramatic landscapes — volcanoes, steep cliffs, green hills and a never-ending sea — give this string of islands in the mid-Atlantic an otherworldly feel. Good flight connections from Lisbon (TAP, SATA, and easyJet) and from London (Ryanair and SATA), decent budget hotels, and a very Portuguese price index. Search for hotels in Ponta Delgada.

Island-hopping boat-passes, modestly priced whale watching (Futurismo’s tours are very good), and great sights are all on offer. Coffees are less than a euro and pastéis de nata are cheap and delicious.

Emma is a Swedish-born, London-based freelance journalist and editor, specializes in travel, culture and history. She has worked for the BBC, Swedish radio broadcaster SR and Condé Nast Traveller, and is currently completing a PhD in History at Birkbeck, University of London. Learn more about her work at www.emmalundin.co.uk.

Umbria, Italy: Affordable food, wine and lodging

From Melanie Renzulli:

Three seasons (fall, winter, and spring) out of four, I’m drawn to Umbria. The region is a short distance (an hour or two) from both Tuscany and Rome and is dotted with hill towns; of these, Orvieto is probably my favorite. It has a small, walkable, medieval center and one of Italy’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals.

Orvieto is not a place for pizza. Instead, find inexpensive, hearty, and earthy foods, from porchetta sandwiches to porcini mushroom risotto, soup, and pasta. Orvieto Classico, the local white wine, is served everywhere.

Umbria abounds with affordable agriturismo and B&B options. Here are affordable hotel options in Orvieto.

Melanie Renzulli has been writing about Italy for more than 15 years. She currently lives in Rome, where she writes and edits the blog Italofile.com.

Paros, Greece: A quiet island with hiking and cheap rooms

From Andy Jarosz:

Some of the smaller Greek islands offer excellent value for money, especially with the tumbling euro. One of my favorites is Paros in the Cyclades islands, a ferry ride from Mykonos or Santorini. There’s only one town, and unlike its more popular neighbors it doesn’t get overrun with tourists – not even in the summer. There are some great little hikes, including the Byzantine Way, a marble path which runs from the pretty village of Lefkas to the harbor at Piso Livadi.

A lovely little guesthouse near the main town is Pension Sofia, with rooms as cheap as €40 in the shoulder season and breakfast served in the delightful garden. The owner will even collect you from the harbor for no extra cost.

Andy is a freelance travel writer whose work is regularly published in National Geographic Traveler, Journeys, and Coast Magazines. He also writes his own blog, 501 Places, which has been listed by The Times in a list of 50 Travel Websites You Can’t Live Without.

Graz, Austria: A fun university town with an affordable 4-star hotel

From Pam Mandel:

Graz, the capital of Austria’s Styria, is a university town. It is fun to visit, the food’s good, and there’s a lot to do. You can take the funicular or walk up to the historic clock tower on the Schlossberg. The hill was a fortress when Graz was under siege by the Turks. Now it’s a very nice park.

The Frankowitsch deli and bakery in the Stempfergasse pedestrian district serves beautiful cakes that are like works of art. It’s a super popular local hangout on weekend afternoons for sandwiches and beer. BoutiqueHotel Dom, right in the heart of the city, is a four-star property with rates starting around €115 per night.

Pam is a Seattle-based freelance writer and photographer from the Emerald City. She blogs about her adventures at nerdseyeview.com.

Your favorite over-looked destinations?

Have an off-the-radar destination that offers a terrific value? Please share with us in the comments section below!

The post 7 overlooked and under-visited European destinations that offer extraordinary value appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.