How to travel Europe on a budget

I'm planning my first big trip to Europe for next summer and I really want to make my savings stretch as far as possible. I've heard that flying between countries can be dirt cheap, but I'm also considering trains and buses to see more of the countryside. What are the best ways to save money on accommodation, food, and transportation without missing out on the main sights?

First of all, how exciting! For your itinerary planning, you should definitely check out this guide on the best places to visit in Europe for first-timers to help narrow down your must-sees without getting overwhelmed.

Buses like FlixBus are usually the absolute cheapest way to get around, especially if you book a few weeks in advance. It takes longer than flying, but you see way more of the landscape!

Hostels are your best friend for accommodation. Look for ones that include free breakfast—that saves you a surprising amount of money over a few weeks.

Don't sleep on overnight trains! You save money on a night's hotel stay while waking up in a brand new city.

For food, stay away from restaurants right next to major tourist attractions. Walk just two or three blocks away and you'll find amazing local spots at half the price.

If you want to use trains, look into a Eurail pass, but do the math first. Sometimes buying point-to-point tickets well in advance is actually cheaper.

Grocery stores are a budget traveler's secret weapon. Pick up fresh bread, cheese, and fruit for lunch and have a picnic in a park.

Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are cheap, but watch out for hidden baggage fees. A single carry-on rule can be brutal if you aren't packing light.

Consider couchsurfing or house-sitting if you're feeling adventurous. Staying with locals is free and gives you an authentic perspective you won't get in a hotel.

Free walking tours are available in almost every major European city. Just remember to tip your guide a few euros at the end!

Pack a reusable water bottle. Tap water is drinkable in most of Western Europe, and buying bottled water every day adds up fast.

Travel during the shoulder season if you can, but since you're going next summer, try to stick to Eastern Europe (like Poland, Hungary, and Czechia) where your money goes twice as far as in Paris or London.

If you are a student, bring your student ID everywhere! You can get massive discounts on museums, public transit, and attractions.

For booking accommodation, compare Hostelworld with Booking.com, but sometimes booking directly with the hostel gets you a free perk.