Suggestions for Europe on the cheap

[a la izquierda]

Hi all, I've never posted in travel before, but if I know anything about DUers, it's that y'all know a lot and have good suggestions.

Anyway, I have wanted to go to Europe since college, when my mother forbid me from doing study abroad in Ireland. Something has always come up: too poor in my 20s, responsibilities in my 30s. I had planned to present at a conference in Vienna next year, which would've paid my whole trip...but I was thwarted here too.

At this point, I'm going to Europe next May if my life depends on it. My question is: where have you traveled that is not too expensive. A few notes: I would fly out of NYC, and I do NOT need fancy hotels, expensive restaurants, or kitschy tourist attractions. I do require old churches I have places to stay for a night or two in The Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland.

Thanks for your help

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. Europe is not cheap

but I suggest buying the Rick Steves guidebooks, which are full of information for the first-time traveler.

Then figure out an itinerary based on your interests. If you want affordable, stay out of Scandinavia (unfortunately) or Switzerland.

Eat your big meal at noon and go to food courts or supermarket deli counters for your evening meal.

If you're going to be traveling around a lot, get a rail pass, although there is no rail pass that covers both Great Britain and continental Europe. If you're really on a low budget, travel by bus ("coach&quot in the UK.

[a la izquierda]

2. Thank you!

We're looking to Eastern Europe, I think.

[greatauntoftriplets]

3. As Lydia Leftcoast said, Europe is not cheap.

LOL, I remember using "Europe on $10 a Day", but that was 40 years ago!

Another book recommendation is the Lonely Planet guides. They're published by the same people who do the Globe Trekker programs on PBS. Stay in bed and breakfasts (or their equivalent); in Europe and the British Isles, there are different grades that run the gamut from luxury to fairly basic. For when you do visit big cities (though to travel cheaply, it's best to stay in the countryside or small towns; the problem there is that small towns are not always reachable by bus or train) stay in the suburbs and take public transport into the city center.

To control food costs, have picnics -- even if they're in your room (as long as that's allowed). Pub meals in Britain and Ireland are cheaper than restaurants, though you may have to carry your plate to the table.

Anyway, have a great time once you get there.

[cbayer]

4. The further south you go, the more bang you will get for your buck.

After you see friends in Northern Europe, consider Spain, Italy and Portugal - all wonderful places to explore and you can do it relatively cheaply.

Train travel is a great way to go.

Get some books like Lonely Planet and those aimed at students and you will find lots of recommendations for small, inexpensive hotels and places to eat.

Shame on your mother! I forced my daughter to go after high school and it changed her life.

[GoneOffShore]

5. Check out AirBnB

But read the reviews of any property before you book.

And do remember that the first floor in Europe is the second floor in the US.

And not everywhere has elevators or air conditioning.

And don't try to do too much in the time you have. Leave some time to sit and have a beer and watch the world go by.

And Poland as of this past July was very inexpensive.

[bettyellen]

6. I would rec Barcelona, as Spain is much cheaper than Italy or France, and has great old Roman

art in museums that are mostly free, great food, wonderful architecture and Gaudis, is very lively. People slam it for being not Spanish enough, because it has roman and mediterranean influences- but I think that makes it wonderful. Amazing for any art lover. And you can find reasonable B+Bs in the Raval, and walk everywhere.

[mainer]

7. stick to small towns

much cheaper. Stay away from tourist towns. For instance I stayed in Cremona, which was a fraction of the cost of Milan.

[GRACIEBIRD]

8. Europe CAN be inexpensive!!!

It just depends on your destination and your origin!!!

Definitely look to the East and the South.

Want romantic fun Europe? Try Prague, Tallin or Budapest. Prague may be the best single destination spot in Europe. I've been all over of course including Paris to Rome to Berlin but that's because I LIVE here lol.

Paris, Rome, Berlin, London and Barcelona all make poor destinations because they are tourist traps. If you want some fun and be slightly off well worn path, try this. Get yourself to Helsinki. It's a nice city but expensive and overly commercialised. Take a ferry across the Baltic to Tallin. Ok, Tallin is also a tourist magnet... but it's a heavenly spot and not soooo tourist-ey. Tallin has romantic cobbled stone streets, a castle, 14th century structures and the warmest people in Eastern Europe. If you want to make it an adventure, rent a car in Tallin and drive across Estonia to Narva, a charming village along the Russian border with a terrific castle. Make your way to Ivangorod across the river (arrange Russian VISA first!) and take a train to St. Petersbourg. Ok I gave you another slightly expensive destination with many tourists but it's so stunning you will forgive me.

Between Tallin and St. Petersbourg you will see more interesting sites from the windows of a car or train than you will see in 2 weeks in London or Berlin.

So give Eastern Europe a try. Maybe Italy too, if you avoid Rome and Naples then Italy can be a cheap destination too.

[gopiscrap]

9. I loved Budapest

welcome to DU!!!

[GRACIEBIRD]

10. thank you!!

Budapest is rich in history and is a "must-see" destination.

[gopiscrap]

11. yup, I agree

I grew up in Frankfurt Germany and one of the benefits was that I could see all of Europe with out much of a hassle. Budapest was one of my favorites. When I was 11-12 I sang with an international choir and went to over 100 European cities that year!

[GRACIEBIRD]

12. that's awesome!!

I'm an AF brat, also from Frankfurt and now living in Paris for a few more months. I've been all over Europe, but mostly spent the last 10 years in the States.

[gopiscrap]

13. were you born in Frankfurt?

When did you live there? Where about? What did you think?