Europe on a budget? Destination suggestions welcome.
Mar 6th, 2012, 09:35 AM
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Europe on a budget? Destination suggestions welcome.
We have been very fortunate in that we have been able to make numerous "trips of a lifetime" to Europe. The UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and even Turkey. Trip costs seem to be on the rise however. The discount airfares are getting to tougher to find and even though the dollar has strengthened against the Euro prices still seem extremely high.
Does anyone have suggestions for locations that are less expensive to visit?
Perhaps I need to readjust my sights or expectations. Our most recent trip was to Poland and while it was enjoyable, and mrs. turnip loved the prices on shopping excursions, we were to a certain degree somewhat disappointed. The food was probably the poorest of any place we've been outside of London. Sorry, but we found the national dish, pierogis, to be bland in taste, color and texture. The sights were fun but didn't seem to have the "wow" factor of the other locations we've visited. Even the Poles asked us, "Why are you visiting Poland?"
If we forego the "must-see" sights of the world in order to get off the beaten track and find better prices do I need to settle for less "wow"?
We loved seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum/Flavian amphitheater, Neuschwanstien, the canals of Venice, the Hagia Sophia and the touristy spots, but we also have greatly enjoyed small towns like Harleem, touring the Czech wine regions, Cesky Krumlov, the walls of Lucca, hiking in Zakopane, staring at the stars in the Berner Oberland. We don't want a beach or somewhere to just lay in the sun. We love good museums and galleries - I could spend a week in the Musee d'Orsay alone. Flea markets and funky second hand stores are always fun for us. The history in Rome and Turkey was mesmerizing.
To us, budget travel is small, clean and safe B&B's or apartment rental. Certainly less than $100 a night . We splurge one time a trip for a fancy dinner but often picnic lunch and fix some of our food if the apartment is so equipped. We usually travel in the shoulder season to maximize weather but avoid the crowds and high season rates.
We've been kicking around Croatia, but it doens't seem like it's "cheap". Numerous Central/Eastern European countries have been mentioned but none have leapt off of the page screaming "visit me". Portugal has been mentioned. We have never been to Asia other than Turkey. Some travelers have suggested numerous spots in Asia as a budget destination but the mrs. will take some convincing I think.
So I'm guess I'm throwing it out there to the experienced and knowledgable Fodorite world travelers. Save up and shut up? If I want to see the big name sights - prepare to pay the price? Suggestions on places you loved that also didn't break the piggy bank? Do I break out of our comfort zone and venture further afield?
Thanks in advance for your candor and ideas.
Cordially, the turnip
Does anyone have suggestions for locations that are less expensive to visit?
Perhaps I need to readjust my sights or expectations. Our most recent trip was to Poland and while it was enjoyable, and mrs. turnip loved the prices on shopping excursions, we were to a certain degree somewhat disappointed. The food was probably the poorest of any place we've been outside of London. Sorry, but we found the national dish, pierogis, to be bland in taste, color and texture. The sights were fun but didn't seem to have the "wow" factor of the other locations we've visited. Even the Poles asked us, "Why are you visiting Poland?"
If we forego the "must-see" sights of the world in order to get off the beaten track and find better prices do I need to settle for less "wow"?
We loved seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum/Flavian amphitheater, Neuschwanstien, the canals of Venice, the Hagia Sophia and the touristy spots, but we also have greatly enjoyed small towns like Harleem, touring the Czech wine regions, Cesky Krumlov, the walls of Lucca, hiking in Zakopane, staring at the stars in the Berner Oberland. We don't want a beach or somewhere to just lay in the sun. We love good museums and galleries - I could spend a week in the Musee d'Orsay alone. Flea markets and funky second hand stores are always fun for us. The history in Rome and Turkey was mesmerizing.
To us, budget travel is small, clean and safe B&B's or apartment rental. Certainly less than $100 a night . We splurge one time a trip for a fancy dinner but often picnic lunch and fix some of our food if the apartment is so equipped. We usually travel in the shoulder season to maximize weather but avoid the crowds and high season rates.
We've been kicking around Croatia, but it doens't seem like it's "cheap". Numerous Central/Eastern European countries have been mentioned but none have leapt off of the page screaming "visit me". Portugal has been mentioned. We have never been to Asia other than Turkey. Some travelers have suggested numerous spots in Asia as a budget destination but the mrs. will take some convincing I think.
So I'm guess I'm throwing it out there to the experienced and knowledgable Fodorite world travelers. Save up and shut up? If I want to see the big name sights - prepare to pay the price? Suggestions on places you loved that also didn't break the piggy bank? Do I break out of our comfort zone and venture further afield?
Thanks in advance for your candor and ideas.
Cordially, the turnip
Mar 6th, 2012, 09:56 AM
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How about North Africa...as in Morocco? Francophone country, really good food, varied scenery, good museums...and cheap. If you enjoyed Turkey, you've already got the ability to deal with that sort of "exotic vibe."
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:12 AM
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I think it's partly about what you do when you are there, as much as the specific destination. It doesn't cost anything to walk around Paris and 'see' the Eiffle Tower.
I also believe the decision should be about what interests YOU. No just what appears cheap. Do you WANT to go to Portugal, Croatia, Asian, Africa????
I also believe the decision should be about what interests YOU. No just what appears cheap. Do you WANT to go to Portugal, Croatia, Asian, Africa????
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:20 AM
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I think most countries can offer you "cheap," particularly when you don't splash our for fancy hotels and dinners. The issue this year is airfare. I am not seeing any deals so far, so looking at $2000 just for airfare is certainly putting a damper on my plans.
I noticed you did not mention Spain, a country I have enjoyed immensely and one I think can easily give you a fantastic return on every dollar (airfares are often quite good to boot).
I've been considering Portugal as well, but just don't feel the draw and I fear the food will be dismal.
While I agree Croatia is not cheap like many think it will be, if you can get a decent airfare, the value you get when renting apartments is well worth the effort. To me it is more of a nature destination, and that of course has its savings as well--hiking along a nearly deserted coast is free!
I noticed you did not mention Spain, a country I have enjoyed immensely and one I think can easily give you a fantastic return on every dollar (airfares are often quite good to boot).
I've been considering Portugal as well, but just don't feel the draw and I fear the food will be dismal.
While I agree Croatia is not cheap like many think it will be, if you can get a decent airfare, the value you get when renting apartments is well worth the effort. To me it is more of a nature destination, and that of course has its savings as well--hiking along a nearly deserted coast is free!
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:21 AM
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I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy Poland very much. I was there last fall (same time as you, I believe) and had a wonderful time. I loved Krakow (my second visit) and found tons of things to do there. I think you were going to Zakopane which was a complete disappointment to me. I also went to Warsaw, Poznan, and Wroclaw. Warsaw was my second least favorite but I really enjoyed Poznan and Wroclaw.
The perogies were bland unless you had those with meat. I loved the pork dishes and that's what I ate almost every day (just as I did in the Czech Republic). I thought the food was good and very inexpensive.
Based on your likes above, I would warn you off Croatia and Portugal. There is little sightseeing in Croatia as the "cities" are very small. Dietitian's Palace was a wow but I think that had to do with the guide we had. I did love Dubrovnik but it's quite a way from Split and again, quite small. One or two days is the maximum amount of time you'd need there. The rest is countryside but not the prettiest I've seen; nothing to compare with Austria or Italy.
Again, in Portugal, very little sightseeing in many towns. Lisbon left me underwhelmed. Sintra was my favorite since there was quite a bit to see and different things than I'm used to - Pena Palace and National Palace. I did a tour of central Portugal and found the countryside very dry until I got near the Spanish border in the east. I understand the northern part is more lush but I didn't get there. Porto is supposedly a good town to visit and one I hope to see but I don't think there is tons to do there either.
Since you hike you might want to walk part of the Camino de Santiago - a different type of vacation but one that would be inexpensive. I suggested to another poster to walk from Porto to Santiago. You could see Lisbon, Sintra, take a train to Porto and do your walk.
I'm in the same dilemma you are - looking for wow and reasonably priced European vacations. Fortunately for me I loved Poland and the Czech Republic and they are certainly cheap.
I don't see Spain or Greece on your list. I haven't been to either yet but I understand the prices are less than those in France and Italy.
This year I don't get a vacation but next on my list is Cuba (hopefully next January) while it's still possible to go there legally.
Good luck with your search. Post back on what you find that the rest of us might enjoy.
The perogies were bland unless you had those with meat. I loved the pork dishes and that's what I ate almost every day (just as I did in the Czech Republic). I thought the food was good and very inexpensive.
Based on your likes above, I would warn you off Croatia and Portugal. There is little sightseeing in Croatia as the "cities" are very small. Dietitian's Palace was a wow but I think that had to do with the guide we had. I did love Dubrovnik but it's quite a way from Split and again, quite small. One or two days is the maximum amount of time you'd need there. The rest is countryside but not the prettiest I've seen; nothing to compare with Austria or Italy.
Again, in Portugal, very little sightseeing in many towns. Lisbon left me underwhelmed. Sintra was my favorite since there was quite a bit to see and different things than I'm used to - Pena Palace and National Palace. I did a tour of central Portugal and found the countryside very dry until I got near the Spanish border in the east. I understand the northern part is more lush but I didn't get there. Porto is supposedly a good town to visit and one I hope to see but I don't think there is tons to do there either.
Since you hike you might want to walk part of the Camino de Santiago - a different type of vacation but one that would be inexpensive. I suggested to another poster to walk from Porto to Santiago. You could see Lisbon, Sintra, take a train to Porto and do your walk.
I'm in the same dilemma you are - looking for wow and reasonably priced European vacations. Fortunately for me I loved Poland and the Czech Republic and they are certainly cheap.
I don't see Spain or Greece on your list. I haven't been to either yet but I understand the prices are less than those in France and Italy.
This year I don't get a vacation but next on my list is Cuba (hopefully next January) while it's still possible to go there legally.
Good luck with your search. Post back on what you find that the rest of us might enjoy.
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:23 AM
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<< I've been considering Portugal as well, but just don't feel the draw and I fear the food will be dismal. >>
The Portuguese food was wonderful and very inexpensive! The only thing I didn't like was some soup that went by different names. It contained coriander and was very greasy.
The Portuguese food was wonderful and very inexpensive! The only thing I didn't like was some soup that went by different names. It contained coriander and was very greasy.
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:37 AM
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yorkshire - There are tons of fish dishes in Portugal - every restaurant has fish. The only fish I had when I was there was bacalau.
I only saw one Croatian island as I was on an escorted tour which was focused mostly on the towns. I had been told that the views are more spectacular from the water than from inland but I didn't get much of a water view.
I only saw one Croatian island as I was on an escorted tour which was focused mostly on the towns. I had been told that the views are more spectacular from the water than from inland but I didn't get much of a water view.
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:48 AM
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turnip...may I remind you that everyone traveling for pleasure is "on a budget"..believe me. Some may be stratospheric, others may be more moderate, and yet others would be "cheese and crackers for dinner". At least you've given some guidelines for lodging costs.
Maroc, as StCirq suggested, would be an exciting destination. It's exotic, dramatically scenic, colorful, and would at least fit your lodging budget if you do the necessary research. The same can be said for Portugal. Have you considered Ireland? Again, you can find under $100 lodgings at all of the above, but like anything else it takes some work. I'm sure you have done plenty of it for the other trips you've taken.
South America could fit well also. Chile, Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, especially. We have found that any of those SA countries would be doable for your lodging reqts.
These days, the biggest part of your budget would have to be airfare unless you are fat with ff miles. Good luck...let the forum know when you've narrowed down your destinations ...help would be on the way at that time.
Maroc, as StCirq suggested, would be an exciting destination. It's exotic, dramatically scenic, colorful, and would at least fit your lodging budget if you do the necessary research. The same can be said for Portugal. Have you considered Ireland? Again, you can find under $100 lodgings at all of the above, but like anything else it takes some work. I'm sure you have done plenty of it for the other trips you've taken.
South America could fit well also. Chile, Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador, especially. We have found that any of those SA countries would be doable for your lodging reqts.
These days, the biggest part of your budget would have to be airfare unless you are fat with ff miles. Good luck...let the forum know when you've narrowed down your destinations ...help would be on the way at that time.
Mar 6th, 2012, 10:56 AM
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time of year is crucial to low budget - like in winter - air fares hundreds of bucks lower and accommodations not only often cheaper but obviously more available. I always pay about 30-35 euros for a B & B with unlimited breakfast in both Florence and Rome in winter - in summer those places would cost about three times as much.
So off-season can even make a place like Italy cheap. And how you go about say your food - I eat largely out of supermarkets or street food, etc. In Italy in winter I spend about $60 a day total - things like cafes can cost a ton so if you have several coffees a day at a nice cafe that could run $4-5 a pop - so there are variables besides which places are cheaper.
So off-season can even make a place like Italy cheap. And how you go about say your food - I eat largely out of supermarkets or street food, etc. In Italy in winter I spend about $60 a day total - things like cafes can cost a ton so if you have several coffees a day at a nice cafe that could run $4-5 a pop - so there are variables besides which places are cheaper.
Mar 6th, 2012, 11:05 AM
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This means you have to avoid cities like Oslo, London, Venice??? Not IMO...a lot depends on where you stay in terms of costs. I agree that off-season is cheaper but there are just some places that aren't worth going to when they are loaded with snow or sleet or that other nasty stuff.
And, here's another thought...how much are you willing to give up <B>when you are at home</B> to ensure the ability to travel when and where you wish? After all, it isn't all about the costs and your spending "over there."
And, here's another thought...how much are you willing to give up <B>when you are at home</B> to ensure the ability to travel when and where you wish? After all, it isn't all about the costs and your spending "over there."
Mar 6th, 2012, 11:32 AM
#12
I definitely agree with the suggestions for traveling off-season and researching the airfare (which is normally the single largest expense of any trip).
Do you mind telling us your home airport? That would make a difference if South America, Africa, Asia, Indonesia, etc. might be good ideas, or not.
Do you mind telling us your home airport? That would make a difference if South America, Africa, Asia, Indonesia, etc. might be good ideas, or not.
Mar 6th, 2012, 11:39 AM
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Using B&Bs can lessen the costs greatly as well. In London I stay in a B&B a 20-minute train commute from the center and pay 25 pounds ($40), unlimited breakfast included - commuting costs about 4 pounds a day so for 30 pounds you can have a safe, clean place to stay and leave with your stomach so loaded you need not eat for hours.
Mar 6th, 2012, 11:50 AM
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We have also been to most of the countries you listed - on a budget. Besides staying in apartments and B&B's, eating as reasonablly as possible, traveling in shoulder season, spending most of our time in small villages, etc., I think our biggest budget tip is using miles for flights. We started charging on a miles/points card a number of years ago. We charge every dime we can and pay it off monthly. This allows us to book trips using our miles and makes our trips much more reasonable.
Our next trip to Europe is in September/October to France. We have been to France numerous times and find it to be the best fit for us. We love Paris and usually spend a few days at the beginning or end of our trip in Paris, and then spend the majority of our time in the villages, i.e., Normandy, Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Burgundy, Alsace, or Provence to name a few areas.
If there is a country that you particularly enjoyed, why not return and explore some more. We usually find much more to see even in areas we've been to several times. We enjoy slowing down and just being in another place/culture as much as seeing the "big" sights. Whatever you decide to do, hope you have a great trip!
Our next trip to Europe is in September/October to France. We have been to France numerous times and find it to be the best fit for us. We love Paris and usually spend a few days at the beginning or end of our trip in Paris, and then spend the majority of our time in the villages, i.e., Normandy, Brittany, Loire, Dordogne, Burgundy, Alsace, or Provence to name a few areas.
If there is a country that you particularly enjoyed, why not return and explore some more. We usually find much more to see even in areas we've been to several times. We enjoy slowing down and just being in another place/culture as much as seeing the "big" sights. Whatever you decide to do, hope you have a great trip!
Mar 6th, 2012, 12:52 PM
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How about Romania? While we did it by car, we came across an American woman traveling solo who was using public transportation and local guides. I wrote a trip report, but prices have undoubtedly changed; click on my name to find it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...01926246/show/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...01926246/show/
Mar 6th, 2012, 04:28 PM
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Two of the places mentioned - Croatia and Portugal - I did find them to be very economical. We easily stayed in very nice double accommodation for under $100 (not 100€, 100$) and found the food, especially in Portugal to be very economical. But I can travel pretty cheaply to most places in Europe if you are OK with 2 star places or small B&B or guest houses which it sounds like you are. I have only found a few places that were difficult to be a budget traveler in - Scandinavia and the UK and rural England is not that bad and even in London, you can, it just takes more effort.
I've never tried to pick a location just because I thought it would be cheaper. I decide where I want to go and then see what it looks like it's going to cost - obviously you can see hotel and transportation prices on line before you start booking anything. Food you can almost always do as cheap as you want - or as expensive. Other than avoiding the most expensive destinations I would just pick where you want to go and then post questions here for tips on how to do those specific places as economically as possible.
I've never tried to pick a location just because I thought it would be cheaper. I decide where I want to go and then see what it looks like it's going to cost - obviously you can see hotel and transportation prices on line before you start booking anything. Food you can almost always do as cheap as you want - or as expensive. Other than avoiding the most expensive destinations I would just pick where you want to go and then post questions here for tips on how to do those specific places as economically as possible.
Mar 7th, 2012, 07:27 AM
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I second the recommendation of going to Spain. We were there in October 2010 & found the prices to be reasonable. We didn't spend a fortune on food & yet we had delicious meals every day. You could visit one of the major cities, then travel through the countryside to visit smaller towns/villages. Traveling during the shoulder season helps, too. We spent 5 days in Barcelona, then rented a car for a 3 night/4 day roadtrip along the Costa Brava & into the Pyrenees.
My niece lived & worked in Extremadura, Spain, for 2 years & loved it. Very reasonable. She described it as old world Spain. I saw her photos & would love to go there. You could combine that area of Spain with a trip to Portugal. I haven't been to Portugal yet, but my daughter spent only an overnight in Lisbon (en route home from Barcelona) & had a day to wander around & she really liked Lisbon. I have a cousin who was there for a week & they loved it.
Hope this helps.
Don't know where you live, but what about Costa Rica? It was reasonable when we went, but not sure about now. Food & lodging was very reasonable.
My niece lived & worked in Extremadura, Spain, for 2 years & loved it. Very reasonable. She described it as old world Spain. I saw her photos & would love to go there. You could combine that area of Spain with a trip to Portugal. I haven't been to Portugal yet, but my daughter spent only an overnight in Lisbon (en route home from Barcelona) & had a day to wander around & she really liked Lisbon. I have a cousin who was there for a week & they loved it.
Hope this helps.
Don't know where you live, but what about Costa Rica? It was reasonable when we went, but not sure about now. Food & lodging was very reasonable.
Mar 7th, 2012, 10:24 AM
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Wow. Some awesome suggestions. I apologize if I gave the impression that cost was the overriding factor for our trips.
We are totally on board with the B&B plan as well as using FF miles. Triple miles with Capitol One and we pay the darn balance off every month.
Our normal airport is MSP (Minneapolis/St.Paul). Our last trip however we drove the 8 hours to Chicago and flew direct to Warsaw via LOT airlines. (My son said they call it LOT airlines because it left a-LOT to be desired. Gotta say he hit the nail on the head with that comment. WORST seats ever!) It was over $400 per person cheaper to do it that way and there was six of us travelling together. For over $2400 we sucked it up and made the trek.
"blh" your comment really hit home. Pick a spot we loved and explore more. We LOVED Italy. We've been there 2 1/2 times but I think I could go back there tomorrow. The Roman history fascinates me, the food is AMAZING and there is so much more to see.
PalenQ - I think I'll check the Italian weather even further off from shoulder season and see what it looks like, especially inregards to how much less expensive things are. If we can handle winter in MN we can deal with cool weather. Rain and sleet - I'm not so crazy about it.
Still on the radar, Portugal, Romania & Croatia. Will add Spain and even France. It's not fair to judge all of France based on Parisians but that is the one spot in all of our travels we have felt unwelcome and even outright hostility.
Half the fun for me is in the planning so the search will continue.
We are totally on board with the B&B plan as well as using FF miles. Triple miles with Capitol One and we pay the darn balance off every month.
Our normal airport is MSP (Minneapolis/St.Paul). Our last trip however we drove the 8 hours to Chicago and flew direct to Warsaw via LOT airlines. (My son said they call it LOT airlines because it left a-LOT to be desired. Gotta say he hit the nail on the head with that comment. WORST seats ever!) It was over $400 per person cheaper to do it that way and there was six of us travelling together. For over $2400 we sucked it up and made the trek.
"blh" your comment really hit home. Pick a spot we loved and explore more. We LOVED Italy. We've been there 2 1/2 times but I think I could go back there tomorrow. The Roman history fascinates me, the food is AMAZING and there is so much more to see.
PalenQ - I think I'll check the Italian weather even further off from shoulder season and see what it looks like, especially inregards to how much less expensive things are. If we can handle winter in MN we can deal with cool weather. Rain and sleet - I'm not so crazy about it.
Still on the radar, Portugal, Romania & Croatia. Will add Spain and even France. It's not fair to judge all of France based on Parisians but that is the one spot in all of our travels we have felt unwelcome and even outright hostility.
Half the fun for me is in the planning so the search will continue.
Mar 7th, 2012, 10:41 AM
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Depending on how much time you travel and where you end up in Italy, you can combine with Croatia. Ferries make the trek from Bari, Ancona, and Venice. Happy planning!
I'd take a week in a tiny village in Italy over just about anything right now.
I'd take a week in a tiny village in Italy over just about anything right now.
