Tips for Traveling Europe on a Budget

By:

Jake Hernandez

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Jake Hernandez

<i>Home Institution</i>: Arizona State University <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2023 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Economics / Studio Art <i>Destination</i>: London, UK <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Hello <i>Program Provider</i>: CAPA <i>Demographics</i>: Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+ <i>Future Career Goals</i>: I recently accepted my internship offer with KPMG as a Strategy Analyst within their Deal Advisory Practice in their New York City office, so I hope to continue my consulting career with KPMG following graduation. Also, as someone who has been painting since elementary school, I hope to turn my passion for art into a serious career as I get older. <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: I plan on traveling to the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal during spring break; I want to visit as many art museums as I can, including the Louvre Museum in Paris; As an avid viewer of Ru Paul's Drag Race, I have to attend some UK drag shows.

As a college student studying abroad, exploring new countries and big cities like London can be a daunting task. It’s easy to assume that traveling on a budget means you have to limit yourself and miss out on some of the more exciting experiences. However, with a little bit of planning and resourcefulness, it’s possible to have a fantastic time while exploring cities like London without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to travel to other countries and explore big cities on a budget.

Plan ahead: One of the best ways to save money when traveling is to plan ahead. Start by researching the best time to travel to a city and the cheapest ways to get there. This may include looking for cheap flights on Ryanair, booking train tickets in advance, or finding affordable accommodation in deal bundles.

Use public transport: Public transportation is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to get around London. The city has an extensive network of buses, trains, and the famous London Underground, which can take you to all the major tourist spots. While the black taxis are iconic, please avoid getting charged exorbitant amounts by them.

Free activities: London has an incredible array of free activities, including many of its world-renowned museums and art galleries. Some of the city’s best free activities include visiting the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern. Since these museums are free, I’ve enjoyed visiting these collections multiple times over the course of the semester, and I have loved seeing something new each time I visit.

Budget food options: Eating out in London can be expensive, but there are many budget-friendly food options available. Try visiting street food markets like Borough or Camden Market, which offer a variety of international cuisines at affordable prices. Alternatively, visit one of London’s local supermarkets such as Tesco or Sainsbury’s and eat a filling lunch for only £5.

Walk and explore: Walking is one of the best ways to explore London’s many sights and sounds. You’ll not only save money on transportation costs but also get to experience the city up close and personal. Consider taking a walking tour, which can be an affordable and informative way to explore London or other cities across Europe.

Discount accommodation: London and cities across Europe have many affordable accommodation options, including hostels and budget hotels. Look for deals and discounts online or consider sharing a room with fellow travelers to save even more money. As a pro tip, make sure to bring a lock in order to avoid people stealing your stuff when staying in hostels.

In conclusion, exploring big cities like London on a budget is entirely possible with some planning and resourcefulness. By using public transport, finding free activities, and taking advantage of discounts, you can enjoy all that London has to offer without breaking the bank. So go ahead, pack your bags, and explore all the European cities you want on a budget!