Traveling Europe on a low budget can be done with careful planning, especially if you focus on cost-saving strategies for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. Here’s a guide on how to make your European adventure affordable:

1. Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

Western Europe (France, Germany, UK) tends to be more expensive, while Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Romania) is generally more affordable. Some budget-friendly countries include:
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Poland

2. Travel in Off-Season

The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer cheaper accommodation, flights, and fewer tourists. Try to travel in March-May or September-November.

3. Budget Airlines and Trains
• Budget airlines: Use low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Wizz Air for cheap flights within Europe.
• Train passes: Get a Eurail Pass for multiple destinations if planning to visit several countries by train.
• Bus travel: Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer affordable intercity travel.

4. Stay in Hostels or Budget Accommodations
• Hostels: Dormitory-style hostels are common in Europe and offer shared accommodation at low rates.
• Airbnb: Look for private rooms or shared apartments.
• Couchsurfing: This option offers free accommodation with locals.
• Budget hotels: Use platforms like Booking.com to find affordable hotels or guesthouses.

5. Save on Food
• Cook your meals: If you stay in hostels or Airbnb with kitchen facilities, cook your own meals to save.
• Street food and local eateries: Opt for street food, local bakeries, or budget-friendly restaurants. Eastern European countries have cheaper dining options.
• Supermarkets: Buy groceries from local supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi.

6. Free Walking Tours & Low-Cost Activities
• Free walking tours: Many European cities offer free guided walking tours (you can tip the guide).
• Museums with free entry: Some museums are free on certain days of the month (e.g., Louvre Museum in Paris is free on the first Sunday of every month).
• Outdoor attractions: Visit parks, historical landmarks, or hike in natural reserves, which are often free.

7. Use Public Transport or Walk
• City passes: Look into city transport passes that offer unlimited rides for a set time.
• Walking: Explore the city on foot whenever possible to save on transport costs.

8. Use Budget Travel Apps
• Skyscanner and Google Flights: Compare flight prices.
• Rome2Rio: Find the cheapest ways to travel between two destinations (train, bus, car, flight).
• BlaBlaCar: A carpooling app to share rides and reduce transport costs.
• Hostelworld: For budget accommodation.
• XE: For real-time currency conversion.

Sample Itinerary for 2 Weeks (Low Budget)

Week 1: Eastern Europe
• Prague, Czech Republic (3 days): Explore the Old Town, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle (free).
• Budapest, Hungary (3 days): Visit the thermal baths (some are affordable), free walking tours of the city, Parliament at night.
• Krakow, Poland (2 days): Visit the Old Town, Wawel Castle, Auschwitz (low-cost tours).

Week 2: Central & Western Europe
• Berlin, Germany (3 days): Free historical sites like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
• Vienna, Austria (2 days): Visit Schönbrunn Palace gardens (free) and explore the city’s beautiful architecture.
• Bratislava, Slovakia (2 days): Visit Bratislava Castle and enjoy cheap food and drinks.

Estimated Budget for a 2-Week Trip (Per Person)
• Flights (to/from Europe): $400–$600 (from India or similar countries)
• Intercity Transport (budget airlines, buses, or trains): $100–$200
• Accommodation: $15–$25 per night for hostels = $210–$350
• Food: $10–$15 per day = $140–$210
• Activities & sightseeing: $50–$100 (many free options)
• Local transport: $50

Total Estimated Budget: $950–$1,500 (₹80,000–₹120,000 approx.)

Extra Tips
• Book flights and accommodation well in advance for better deals.
• Use travel passes for unlimited city transport.
• Avoid major tourist traps for meals and souvenirs.

With proper planning, you can enjoy Europe on a shoestring budget without missing out on the adventure.