Yahoo Finance 6 Ways To Afford a Trip to Europe If You’re Middle Class
Vacationing in Europe used to be reserved for only the world’s wealthiest, but today, even the middle class can go abroad. International travel is no longer out of reach as everything from airfare to lodging has become more affordable.
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If you are dreaming of sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast or traversing baroque buildings in Prague, you will want to know how to get the best deals. At GOBankingRates, we asked travel experts to provide insight on how to go to Europe on a budget. Here is how you can go abroad for less.
Set Flight Alerts
If you are planning a trip to Europe and want to get the best deals on flights, you can set an alert to tell you if the price drops. Taima Ramsey, founder of Poor in a Private Plane, said she sets Google alerts for her desired destination.
She explained, “I was searching for flights to Italy, so I set up alerts for Milan, Rome and Venice. I found a flight for under $600 round trip to Milan and went with that one.”
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Use Price Comparison for Lodging Deals
Like any shopping you do, price comparison can cut costs dramatically. Travel experts frequently use sites that allow you to compare prices to find the best discounts on lodging.
“I use apps like Kayak and Booking (Booking.com) to find great deals on accommodations. A little hack that I learned for both hotels and vacation rentals is to do a reverse image search. This is a great way to find the accommodation listed on different sites and you will be surprised to find your desired accommodation for cheaper this way,” Ramsey said.
When looking, you should also consider locations near your destination if it’s cheaper.
She also explained, “The other thing I like to do [is] look for accommodations that are just outside of the city center but close to transport. We were able to score an amazing apartment for less than $100 a night in Florence, and it was only two stops from the city center on the tram.”
Choose the Right Destination
Some areas of Europe are cheaper than places in the U.S., particularly as prices rise for flights nationwide, said Amber Haggerty, a travel blogger and founder of Amber Everywhere.
“A great example is southern Italy, where you can find a pretty nice hotel in a lovely area of Naples for less than $100 per night. Food, activities and local transportation are also affordable,” she said.
“For a longer trip, it could even be cheaper to travel in some parts of Europe than it is to take a domestic trip to, say, New York or San Francisco. Of course, the prices will depend on where you’re flying from, destination, seasonality, relative activities and other factors — it won’t be true for everyone,” she added.
Take Advantage of Low-Cost Airlines
It’s wise to consider visiting multiple locations once you’re in Europe if you want to see more for less. Flights within Europe can be extremely affordable if you book with the right airline.
Dean Van Es, founder and CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance, said, “Once you arrive in Europe, booking flights across the continent can be quite affordable.
“This is largely because Europe is home to a huge variety of low-cost airlines, with most competing for customer attention through cheap ticket prices,” he continued. “If you’re savvy enough to book early and travel reasonably light, you can avoid a host of additional costs to greatly reduce your travel expenses.”
Go With Public Transportation
Europe has reliable and cost-effective public transportation that tourists should utilize.
“Most parts of Europe have high-quality public transport, meaning travelers can navigate cities and get between tourist hubs for a low cost,” Van Es said.
He added, “There’s also an expansive high-speed rail network spread across the continent, offering a legitimate alternative to flying in many cases. This creates more competition in the travel space, particularly on routes not covered by low-cost airlines. Plus, catching the train can be a remarkably scenic experience.”
Use a City Card
When traveling around Europe, Van Es also recommended utilizing City Cards to save money on attractions.
“Entrance fees to museums and other landmarks can add up fast when exploring Europe,” he said.
“However, many of the continent’s top destinations offer affordable City Cards that include a range of cost-saving benefits for tourists. For example, the Dubrovnik Pass offers free public transport for the duration of the pass, alongside significant discounts on many of the city’s most popular activities.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Ways To Afford a Trip to Europe If You’re Middle Class
