European study abroad food/drink costs?
 

I posted this on the Educational travel forum too, but thought maybe I would get more response here.

Our daughter is leaving June 12 for 29 days on a study abroad (3 credit hours) traveling course through western Europe. Going to London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Prague, Frankfort and Strasbourg. It's all-inclusive except for approximately 2/3 of the meals and of course socializing.

I assume this will be a bunch of 19-24 year olds, what should she plan/budget on needing for food/beverages each day on average? I "think" what meals she will be provided will be mostly breakfast and an occasional lunch. They will be on their own most days after 3 p.m.

Think pretty typical here, not an adventuresome eater, fast food would suit her fine if she can find it. On the other hand, her socializing/pub skills are excellent!

When I studied abroad in Ireland, I was based in one place and did my own traveling, so it is a little different, but to cover everything I would tell her to budget around $30/day since breakfast is covered. If she goes on the cheap for food, that will be fine still to cover a couple of drinks at the pub, though a pint can be pricey (paid 4 pounds for a beer in London once-yikes). At that budget, she may still end up with some free money for other things, which is always nice. And in cities with street markets, tell her to graze her way through a market if she can- cheaper and better food!

Is it good news or bad news to you that frequently beer and wine are cheaper or at least as cheap as soft drinks

In Berlin and Frankfurt there will be an abundance of inexpensive "street food", from Bratwurst (€1-2) and turkish Döner (€ 2- 2.50) to the regular McD, BK, KFC, even Dunkin Donuts favorites. Prices are more or less same as in dollars (€5-6 for a value meal), so expect a 40-50% "surcharge" due to the exchange rate.
Local eateries incl. Italian restaurants have lots of main courses for less than € 10 so she does not have to stick to fast food all the time.
Beer is somewhat inexpensive (around €2 per half liter or bottle), wine is not that expensive, longdrinks and cocktails can be pricey.
Clubs are often inexpensive since many/most don't have a cover charge or door fee, and do not overcharge on beverages.
€ 15-20 per day could be a minimum in Germany (for dinner plus all beverages for the night), € 25 per day would be bit more fun.

Hi 4k,

>what should she plan/budget on needing for food/beverages each day on average?<

Depends on the size of her bar bill. :)

She should be able to keep her budget to no more than 20% more than she spends in the US.

((I))

make sure she knows not to order Coke or bottled water with her meals... these can cost as much as the entree in some places...Most places will bring a carafe of tap water if it is specifically asked for but she'll need to know how to do that in the local language. A small bottle of Coke can run up to 6 Euros... ouch!! and water can be just as pricey.

Agree that where she needs to be careful is drinks.

Soda and bottled water can be very expensive unless bought in the supermarket, while table wine and local beer are usually quite reasonable in cafes and restaurants.

Liquor and mxed drinks should be avoided since they are generally VERY expensive everywhere due to government taxes.

If she sticks to small local cafes, sandwich shops and similar food should be fairly reasonable (but AVOID any restaurants right near tourist attractions with menus in multi languages and/or pictures of food).

$25-50 USD/day

Is this a student tour company? If so, the breaks for lunch/dinner are usually near the main sightseeing attractions and the food in those areas can be pricey.

Also, tell her that many cafes will charge much more if you take a table, and much less if you drink or dine standing at the bar.
:)>-

Maybe we should differentiate between the different cities/ countries the OP mentioned.

London and Paris are at the top end of costs.
Brussels and Strasbourg are next.
Berlin, Frankfurt, and Prague can already be much less expensive.

The $6 Coke bottle may be a common sight on the Champs Elysées but is a rare find East of the Rhine.

Bottled water is often mineral water from a source and considered a regular softdrink. So prices per bottle usually match those of Coke or Sprite.

Outside of France and Southern Europe, you won't save a cent or pay a cent more no matter if you have your coffee standing at the bar, sitting down, or tap dancing naked.

most places have menus outside (excepting KFC, BK, McD)

In England you can ask for tap water at any licensed pub or restaurant and it will be free. It is a condition of the licence that tap water is provided free on request.

In London she will probably be able to find an all you can eat Chinese or Indian buffet with a little searching. Where I live (midlands) these are £5-7, so will be more in London but still good value.

If the weather is good she might suggest a group picnic - buy from a deli or supermarket.

Does she drink wine? If so it is often cheaper to buy a bottle in a pub than two glasses. Some pubs do a "buy two glasses and we will give you the bottle"

Pubs also do two for one meals so she is better eating in a group than solo.

Using pubs, buffets and fast food and not drinking alcohol she could exist on £10 per day in London but not really live.

£30 - £50 would allow her to live well.

>Outside of France and Southern Europe, you won't save a cent or pay a cent more no matter if you have your coffee standing at the bar, sitting down, or tap dancing naked.<

I beg to differ.

In Copenhagen and Amsterdam, we got a free drink by tap dancing naked on the bar.

Thanks for all the replies... that at least gets us some realistic expectations.

Info about the bottled water and Coke was great. I know she will be glad to hear she will be better off drinking local beer. :-).

I don't know exactly where they will end up on tour. It is an international business course so I know some of their touring is of international companies, etc. so that might put them in areas where food will be a little more reasonable at times.

I would go with at least $50 a day as extras always seem to crop up. Some days she may need more and some days less but $50 per day average should work ok.