With the summer months here, many travelers are planning trips across Europe.  Graduates and newlyweds can take advantage of the free time and monetary gifts they’ve received to explore the culture that a different continent has to offer.  But how to make the most of generous gifts from family and friends?  Here are some tips to get the most bang for your buck!

• Take advantage of budget airlines: In the past, travelers used the extensive rail system to navigate Europe, but many budget airlines, like RyanAir and EasyJet, offer flights between major cities for as little as 20 Euros.  Book in advance to find even cheaper discounts.
• Plan ahead: Sure, it’s fun to arrive in a new country and end up where the city takes you, but to save money, know exactly where you plan to stay when you arrive.  Sites like Hostelbookers.com provide reviews and pricing of all hostels in major cities. Tripadvisor.com is also a great resource to get personal reviews and tips on a range of hotels.  Know what is most important to you in an accommodation– be it atmosphere, internet connection, or location – to be as comfortable as possible.  Keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the nicest, but you probably don’t plan to spend much time sleeping when you’re exploring a new country.

• It’s the little things:  You might expect that flights and lodgings would be the most expensive parts of your trip, but the little costs add up.  Three meals a day can be upwards of 30 Euros, so consider buying two of those meals in grocery stores.  Souvenirs are fun, but 5 Euros spent on snow globes and paintings in every city is not cheap.  Consider buying postcards for less than a Euro to remember each city by.
• Keep a schedule: It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re overwhelmed by all the attractions of a new city and miss out on something you’ve always wanted to see.  To fit in as much as possible, research your destinations and their museums, attractions, shows, and anything else you might want to see.  Consider entrance fees and transportation costs to create a schedule that allows you the time to see what is most important to you.
• Have fun!  Yes, the best way to save money is to plan ahead and keep a schedule, but to be a savvy traveler, be open to new experiences.  Don’t miss out on the culture of a different country because you had your nose in your planner the entire trip.  Allow yourself some slack when spontaneity springs and know that you’re prepared to spend a few extra Euros when your fancy strikes.

With these tips, you can have the experience of a lifetime!  You don’t have to break bank to explore Europe.  Just remember to think ahead, plan wisely and have fun!