A Desi Traveller’s Guide to Surviving Europe on a Budget

 A Desi Traveller’s Guide to Surviving Europe on a Budget

Thinking of Europe, you imagine the Eiffel Tower, Swiss Alps, gondola rides in Venice and many impressive photos to post. However, if you’re just like me and Indian, your mind is immediately drawn to thinking, “How much will I have to spend?” It’s all right, yaar. I’ve experienced that – and I didn’t break the bank while doing it.

In this article, I will show you how to explore Europe on a budget, using practical tips from a Desi traveller. No matter if you’re travelling as a student, solo, a couple on a honeymoon or a family preparing for your first trip to Europe, this blog is written for you.


🧳 1. it begins with Good Planning


Try to make your plans at least 3 to 6 months before you plan to travel. You will save money on your hotel and airfare. To be honest, making your plans just a few days in advance could be really expensive in Europe.

You can compare flights using Skyscanner, Google Flights or Momondo.

Have the ticket searcher email you if the price falls for your desired destination.

Try to arrange your flight to land at Milan rather than Rome or Brussels rather than Paris, since these places are often more affordable.

Google flights, skyscanner or momondo! 


🛂 2. Pick destinations that welcome travelers who use Visa before the others.


Apply first for the Schengen visa, because one visa will let you enter 27 countries. If you present strong financials, return tickets, proof of accommodation and travel insurance, obtaining the Schengen Visa is simpler.

If you’re interested, I got my Schengen Visa from the German embassy and the process was easy. Some countries are thought to be easier for travellers than others.

Visa , passport! 


🏨 3. Hostels, Airbnbs and similar hosting options represent inexpensive options.


There’s no need to stay in expensive hotels. When traveling on a budget in Europe, you will find that hostels, dorms, guesthouses and Airbnbs are your best options.

With Hostelworld and Booking.com, you’ll be good to go.

Several hostels give you free breakfast – that’s fantastic!

If you’re on a trip with others, staying at Airbnb can be a budget-friendly choice, especially because of the kitchens available.

Cooking for yourself helps save money which is why you should book a place with a kitchen. Don’t forget to pack hassle-free cooking items such as Maggi, marinades and ready-to-eat meals.

Hostels, airbnbs!! 



🍲 4. Follow their lead in eating and with Baniya accommodation, try some traditional cuisine too 😁


When you eat every meal in Europe by going out, it may cost you far more than if you stayed home most days. Eating a small meal in Paris usually costs more than ₹1500.

Ways to save on food:


Pop into Lidl, Aldi or Carrefour for your snacks, fruits and supplies.

Falafel, gyros and pizza slices on the street are both tasty and very affordable.

Put some Theplas, Parle-G, Chikki and Khakras in your backpack as dry snacks. They become very important when you are hungry late at night!

Foods!!! 


🚆 5. You should rely on trains, buses and low-cost airlines.


Public transport in Europe is well developed.

FlixBus and Eurolines are extremely cheap when traveling just a short distance.

Trains are a good choice because the views are wonderful – use a Eurail Pass if you’re visiting several countries. You pay a lot to start but enjoy more flexibility.

You can find tickets on Ryanair, EasyJet and WizzAir for as little as ₹1000! Be aware, because they will charge you more for bringing checked bags.


Once, I thought I was buying a Ryanair ticket for only €12, though had to fork out another €30 for excess baggage at the airport. Make sure to check and understand the small details!

Train for travel!!! 



🏛️ 6. You Can Do These Things Without Paying (It’s the Truth!)


You can find many of the best times in Europe for little to no cost.

Tours on foot in many urban areas are not charged, but the guide expects a tip.

Many of London’s museums have no admission charge for visitors. Sometimes, museums are free on select dates – be sure to check their website.

Enjoy the great outdoors – you won’t need a ticket to admire Swiss lakes, Parisian parks or Prague’s bridges!



📶 7. Access Important Information on Your Phone Without Paying Surcharges


Many people find that roaming internationally is pricy. I have these steps that I follow:

At either stage, buy a SIM card locally and you will have a working number wherever your trip takes you.

You can get free WiFi in many cafes, train stations and hotels.

Activate WhatsApp, Google Maps and Translate while on WiFi so you can avoid using data.

WhatsApp, Google maps!!! 



🛍️ 8. Get Savvy When You Shop to Save Some Euros


Indians love to shop, but Europe is too costly for us.

Avoid spots that try to sell you things just because you’re a tourist. Find new jewelry at flea markets in your area.

If you’re in Berlin, Budapest or Barcelona, you’ll find thrift shops and sales often happen during June–July and January.

If you buy branded things, visit the airport VAT office and prove your identity with your passport.

Shoppings!!! 



💰 9. Check What You Spent Each Day


When everything seems fun, it’s easy to spend more than we planned. If you wish, set up Trail Wallet or simply keep a daily log in your phone.

A tip from Desi: Set a budget for each day in Indian Rupees. For instance, saying “I plan to spend no more than ₹5000 today,” and transform as you use the money.
Taking a Budget Vacation Doesn’t Mean You Have to Sacrifice

I can still picture myself enjoying my breakfast on a Paris balcony, walking through a Christmas market in Vienna and hiking through the Alps with only a little money. You don’t have to save a lot of money to go to Europe. You should plan carefully, use Desi solutions and enjoy the thrill of travel.

Europe is lovely, but going on a budget trip makes it even better. You adapt by using fewer things, enjoying what’s around you and becoming close to people and places.

Enjoying with ur' family!!! 


Let Us Know Your Thoughts on This Guide


If you enjoyed this article, share it with your traveling group on WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram. Support other Desi travellers who are looking forward to traveling across Europe.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to subscribe to my blog for more practical advice, journey plans and true experiences from my trips.

Bon voyage! Friend🌍✈️

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