Traveling to Europe on TIGHT budget PLEASE help
Apr 17th, 2013, 12:03 PM
#21
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Interesting on how different people look at expenses. One poster saying Paris is very expensive, another saying it's very budget friendly but Italy is not. But really you can figure this out by looking at lodging costs on line. Personally I think both Paris and Italy can be pretty budget friendly. But go to the main booking sites and see how many places you can find in your budget.
However, the OP says she has budgeted $450 for hotels. That's only about 27€ a night. Assuming she is splitting a double with her sister that's still only 54€. Pretty damn close to 'undoable'. I don't think you need anywhere close to $190/145€ a day (which is what $8000 over 6 weeks comes to) - but I do think 27€ is gonna be really hard. Maybe you have more budgeted for food/admissions/ local trans. and can transfer some of that to lodging.
Any way you can beg or borrow more money. Have all your relatives give you this year's birthday/Christmas/etc. gifts early and in the form of cash. Get a temporary part time job for the next few weeks. Sell something. But nytraveler has a point in that there are plenty of stories of people who miscalculate and run out of money. Hopefully your sister will be willing to help, but you do need to be reasonable with your planning. However if this is a dream you've had, it most likely will be worth it to scrimp and save both before and after to make the trip happen.
However, the OP says she has budgeted $450 for hotels. That's only about 27€ a night. Assuming she is splitting a double with her sister that's still only 54€. Pretty damn close to 'undoable'. I don't think you need anywhere close to $190/145€ a day (which is what $8000 over 6 weeks comes to) - but I do think 27€ is gonna be really hard. Maybe you have more budgeted for food/admissions/ local trans. and can transfer some of that to lodging.
Any way you can beg or borrow more money. Have all your relatives give you this year's birthday/Christmas/etc. gifts early and in the form of cash. Get a temporary part time job for the next few weeks. Sell something. But nytraveler has a point in that there are plenty of stories of people who miscalculate and run out of money. Hopefully your sister will be willing to help, but you do need to be reasonable with your planning. However if this is a dream you've had, it most likely will be worth it to scrimp and save both before and after to make the trip happen.
Apr 17th, 2013, 12:08 PM
#22
I agree, even most hostels may be more than 27 euro a night per person for a bunk.
As I think has also already been mentioned above, shortening the length of the trip is the easiest way to make it cost less.
As I think has also already been mentioned above, shortening the length of the trip is the easiest way to make it cost less.
Apr 17th, 2013, 01:29 PM
#23
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Good decision on the flight.
You need to look at Youth Hostel or private hostel which can be more reasonable. For example MIJE which is in the Marais near my apartment is only 32 euro per night in a four bed room with breakfast, plus I think there's a kitchen you can use.
http://www.mije.com/uk-paris-individuels.asp
For a splash out in Paris try Court Bouillon for steak and frites for 11 euro or the Rue Rosier for falafel. However, I agree with nytraveler I'm not sure how your budget stretches to food activities, transport and accommodation.
I agree with someone above who recommended Lonely planet, there are people here who spend your budget on lunch
You'll need to focus on seeing the museums/events that are free, eg all the city museums in Paris, Notre Dame, looking at the Eiffel Tower rather than going up it. The Haute Coutre show at the Hotel du Ville which is free and will still be on in May. http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.fr/2...-du-ville.html
The art museums in London will be great for you. Download Rick Steve's free walking tours.
Ask friends and family for help and or early birthday/Christmas presents, don't be proud.
Bring a refillable water bottle and use the free public fountains which you'll see in Paris and Rome.
Sign up forParis Greeters. These guys will show you the city for free, really! It's an amazing program and a great way to meet locals.Highly recommended, you need to do it a few days before you arrive.
http://www.parisgreeters.fr/?lang=en
Not sure when you're here but if it's the last two weeks of May I'll be in Paris, drop me a line on my blog http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.fr/p/contact-me.html
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps.
You need to look at Youth Hostel or private hostel which can be more reasonable. For example MIJE which is in the Marais near my apartment is only 32 euro per night in a four bed room with breakfast, plus I think there's a kitchen you can use.
http://www.mije.com/uk-paris-individuels.asp
For a splash out in Paris try Court Bouillon for steak and frites for 11 euro or the Rue Rosier for falafel. However, I agree with nytraveler I'm not sure how your budget stretches to food activities, transport and accommodation.
I agree with someone above who recommended Lonely planet, there are people here who spend your budget on lunch
You'll need to focus on seeing the museums/events that are free, eg all the city museums in Paris, Notre Dame, looking at the Eiffel Tower rather than going up it. The Haute Coutre show at the Hotel du Ville which is free and will still be on in May. http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.fr/2...-du-ville.html
The art museums in London will be great for you. Download Rick Steve's free walking tours.
Ask friends and family for help and or early birthday/Christmas presents, don't be proud.
Bring a refillable water bottle and use the free public fountains which you'll see in Paris and Rome.
Sign up forParis Greeters. These guys will show you the city for free, really! It's an amazing program and a great way to meet locals.Highly recommended, you need to do it a few days before you arrive.
http://www.parisgreeters.fr/?lang=en
Not sure when you're here but if it's the last two weeks of May I'll be in Paris, drop me a line on my blog http://somuchmoretosee.blogspot.fr/p/contact-me.html
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps.
Apr 17th, 2013, 02:46 PM
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Dog-walking, gardening chores, running errands for an elderly friend or busy mom- these will all garner you a bit of cash. Every little bit helps.
I know, Jazz, that these posts may deflate you. Don't let them. As indicated, perhaps a shorter stay, or moving money to lodging from your food budget (or any combination thereof) should be looked at. I realize this could be a great opportunity for you- and the bonding time with your sister would be worth it. I lost a brother 13 years ago and I cherish every minute with my remaining sibs.
Is there any chance your sister/parents could swing you a loan that you can pay back when you find your next job?
Good luck, Jazz! Stick with it! (If you haven't booked rooms yet, also look at http://www.monasterystays.com/. Nothing fancy- a clean bed and bathroom. No phone/no tv. Maybe no A/C. But safe and affordable!)
I know, Jazz, that these posts may deflate you. Don't let them. As indicated, perhaps a shorter stay, or moving money to lodging from your food budget (or any combination thereof) should be looked at. I realize this could be a great opportunity for you- and the bonding time with your sister would be worth it. I lost a brother 13 years ago and I cherish every minute with my remaining sibs.
Is there any chance your sister/parents could swing you a loan that you can pay back when you find your next job?
Good luck, Jazz! Stick with it! (If you haven't booked rooms yet, also look at http://www.monasterystays.com/. Nothing fancy- a clean bed and bathroom. No phone/no tv. Maybe no A/C. But safe and affordable!)
Apr 17th, 2013, 02:56 PM
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As mentioned above, be sure to visit the Thorntree forum at Lonelyplanet.com. That site has many more students and backpackers traveling on a budget similar to yours, so there should be some helpful info for you there.
Apr 17th, 2013, 05:27 PM
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It all depends on how you are willing to live. I'm not sure the OP is prepared for very basic hostels with no AC - even in places with temps in the upper 90s - and sharing a bath with a bunch of other people. (Some hostels are fine institutions but there are a number that are dumps and have problems with theft and drugs - and you need to know which kind you are in.)
I read $450 as covering everything for the time she was there - no just hostels. And frankly - there is no way that can cover hostels, local transit, food and entrance fees. And I fear that budget will not cover the cost of convents or even simple pensions.
And this trip is coming up soon - so they had best get reservations immediately - or risk taking whatever no one else wants.
And, there is a significant difference between trying to go on a very small budget (but having more in the bank if you need it) and having to live on a very minute amount. Do realize that most things (hostels, food - even in markets - local transit and entrances will cost more than they do in the US.
I read $450 as covering everything for the time she was there - no just hostels. And frankly - there is no way that can cover hostels, local transit, food and entrance fees. And I fear that budget will not cover the cost of convents or even simple pensions.
And this trip is coming up soon - so they had best get reservations immediately - or risk taking whatever no one else wants.
And, there is a significant difference between trying to go on a very small budget (but having more in the bank if you need it) and having to live on a very minute amount. Do realize that most things (hostels, food - even in markets - local transit and entrances will cost more than they do in the US.
Apr 17th, 2013, 06:53 PM
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Do you have overdraft protection with your bank?? You might get by if you have it and can access it via ATMs. Check it out. Use it sparingly if you do have it as it will be a cash advance and interest will be charged..
Apr 17th, 2013, 08:00 PM
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It's not the best idea that's for sure but it would be very good in an emergency..Didn't mean to imply or suggest this as the main source of $ for the trip. In fact unless there is a job waiting on arrival home that will help pay bills the trip perhaps should be postponed until more $ if on hand..Or the trip shortened to accomodate the lack of funds..
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:32 AM
#34
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@Sassafrass, Thanks so much! those are some really good points! I realize that my budget is really low... when I came up with the figure it was after calculating "speculated costs" However As i've gotten more into planning the trip its really starting to feel impossible. The reason for me flying into London was because it was a whole lot cheaper vs. flying into Paris, The original plan was to come into London a day earlier (and as early in the day as possible) so that I would at least be able to see the city for 24 hours... however I will be arriving in London Mid-Day (which is still time to see somethings... but not a whole lot) then I will be sleeping in London and taking the mega bus which had tickets as low as 4 pounds to get from London to Paris.. I figured the bus ride would give me the opportunity to see a lot of scenery which is something I am looking forward to.
As far as food I was really hoping my sister and I would be able to get groceries and prepare our own food for the majority of the time... which I was hoping would give us a lot more money to maybe have a couple of nice meals... But then again im not sure if I am being realistic.. Most/I think all of our accommodations have a kitchen and fridge that we will be able to use..
As far as food I was really hoping my sister and I would be able to get groceries and prepare our own food for the majority of the time... which I was hoping would give us a lot more money to maybe have a couple of nice meals... But then again im not sure if I am being realistic.. Most/I think all of our accommodations have a kitchen and fridge that we will be able to use..
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:34 AM
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Oh to correct my previous comment the bus was 4 pounds but because I waited to buy it the cost shot up to 22 pounds which cost me somewhere around 34 us dollars... But that was still the most inexpensive way into Paris from London...
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:42 AM
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@ Isabel
Thank you sooo much for all of the tips you have given me! I will be looking into that hotel, I believe it may be a better deal then the hotel that we already booked which is the "Hotel Alfa Nation" I believe that is the name.. They had (for the most part) good reviews and was conveniently located to a metro station... however they aren't really in the "thick of things"...
We were def. counting on doing mostly walking... especially in Paris and Venice where everything seems so close together...
@Sarge
Thanks so much for your comment! We have already found all of our accomodations and have made reservations... However we will still consider something better if they come along.. In Paris we will be staying in the hotel Alfa Nation, In venice we will be staying in Downtown Backpackers Hotel which is in the cannerigio neighborhood on the island and in rome we are staying in a hotel called speedy bed which we found after lots of frustration... We actually are still considering maybe finding a place in Rome that is much closer...but aren't having much luck... we would prefer hotels or rentals vs. hostels because we will save more money that way...
Thank you sooo much for all of the tips you have given me! I will be looking into that hotel, I believe it may be a better deal then the hotel that we already booked which is the "Hotel Alfa Nation" I believe that is the name.. They had (for the most part) good reviews and was conveniently located to a metro station... however they aren't really in the "thick of things"...
We were def. counting on doing mostly walking... especially in Paris and Venice where everything seems so close together...
@Sarge
Thanks so much for your comment! We have already found all of our accomodations and have made reservations... However we will still consider something better if they come along.. In Paris we will be staying in the hotel Alfa Nation, In venice we will be staying in Downtown Backpackers Hotel which is in the cannerigio neighborhood on the island and in rome we are staying in a hotel called speedy bed which we found after lots of frustration... We actually are still considering maybe finding a place in Rome that is much closer...but aren't having much luck... we would prefer hotels or rentals vs. hostels because we will save more money that way...
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:49 AM
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@ nytraveler
Hey! Thanks for responding!
I really appreciate everyones input!
we have already booked all of our hotel/hostel accommodations So far I will only be staying in one hostel for my overnight stay in London. Otherwise we are staying mostly in budget hotels that got relatively good reviews on tripadvisor, a lot of them provide access to a fridge/ or kitchen. I def. don't want to put myself into any difficult situations. So at this point I am doing as much research as possible and asking as many questions as possible to avoid that. I plan on paying for everything with my own money However I will be bringing along a credit card that has a sizeable credit limit in case of emergencies... And with the debit card that I am brining I have it connected to another account so that if I need to I can transfer money over to myself. Im really hoping to not have to do either but I have them there just in case...
Hey! Thanks for responding!
I really appreciate everyones input! we have already booked all of our hotel/hostel accommodations So far I will only be staying in one hostel for my overnight stay in London. Otherwise we are staying mostly in budget hotels that got relatively good reviews on tripadvisor, a lot of them provide access to a fridge/ or kitchen. I def. don't want to put myself into any difficult situations. So at this point I am doing as much research as possible and asking as many questions as possible to avoid that. I plan on paying for everything with my own money However I will be bringing along a credit card that has a sizeable credit limit in case of emergencies... And with the debit card that I am brining I have it connected to another account so that if I need to I can transfer money over to myself. Im really hoping to not have to do either but I have them there just in case...
Apr 18th, 2013, 07:05 AM
#38
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@ Gretchen
I was very surprised as well when I found the very inexpensive one way tickets. I found them on the website statravel.com which is a student travel site that that also caters to teachers and those under 26. So I was really able to get a good deal. I have already purchased my ticket to London and it is with Virgin Atlantic for $395 and for the return trip if I flew into Dublin I was looking at somewhere around $450 where as a flight straight out of Rome cost about $600 the added cost of the whole Dublin idea was the ryanair flight which was going to cost me somewhere near $84
I have seen a noticeable increase for tickets as it approaches to June So I am grateful we are going in May otherwise I would not be able to afford the trip.. or I would really have to consider seriously expanding my budget.
@Suze
The total for the flight to Dublin was about $450 and the total I would pay to get to Dublin was about $84 so in total I was looking at spending $534 for my entire return trip. compared to spending somewhere near $600 for a one way ticket from rome to cali. So the $64 savings had all modes of transportation included. I however did not factor in the cost to eat at the airport while I was there because I would have to eat either way....
But you are right, when I first started planning for this trip and saw the cost of an open jaw flight I was pretty determined to find some way to bring it down by exploring other options as far as getting there.. some places I have found are cheaper to fly into.. like London and Dublin and once in Europe I have found a lot of inexpensive options to getting to my actual destination... However by choosing to just go ahead and leave from Rome I am still paying close to what I would have paid for the open jaw flight.. the cost of an open jaw was somewhere around 1070 and right now I will be paying 996 so I still saved around 70 dollars with my two one way tickets compared to a savings of 130 had I opted for leaving out of Dublin...
I was very surprised as well when I found the very inexpensive one way tickets. I found them on the website statravel.com which is a student travel site that that also caters to teachers and those under 26. So I was really able to get a good deal. I have already purchased my ticket to London and it is with Virgin Atlantic for $395 and for the return trip if I flew into Dublin I was looking at somewhere around $450 where as a flight straight out of Rome cost about $600 the added cost of the whole Dublin idea was the ryanair flight which was going to cost me somewhere near $84
I have seen a noticeable increase for tickets as it approaches to June So I am grateful we are going in May otherwise I would not be able to afford the trip.. or I would really have to consider seriously expanding my budget.
@Suze
The total for the flight to Dublin was about $450 and the total I would pay to get to Dublin was about $84 so in total I was looking at spending $534 for my entire return trip. compared to spending somewhere near $600 for a one way ticket from rome to cali. So the $64 savings had all modes of transportation included. I however did not factor in the cost to eat at the airport while I was there because I would have to eat either way....
But you are right, when I first started planning for this trip and saw the cost of an open jaw flight I was pretty determined to find some way to bring it down by exploring other options as far as getting there.. some places I have found are cheaper to fly into.. like London and Dublin and once in Europe I have found a lot of inexpensive options to getting to my actual destination... However by choosing to just go ahead and leave from Rome I am still paying close to what I would have paid for the open jaw flight.. the cost of an open jaw was somewhere around 1070 and right now I will be paying 996 so I still saved around 70 dollars with my two one way tickets compared to a savings of 130 had I opted for leaving out of Dublin...
Apr 18th, 2013, 07:26 AM
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@ Isabel
sorry lol I am just now seeing your second comment. We have already booked all of our accommodations to stay in all locations and we have been lucky enough to pay just about 54 euros a night. We have found some really good deals without skimping to much.. All the locations have about a 7 or 8 rating out of 10, most of the reviews on them have been good, except for a few that say the places are small, and all the places are in, for the most part, good locations somewhat close to each cities center (maybe not so much for our rome location)..
I think now my biggest worry is figuring out how much it will cost to eat and "play" while we are out there... for some of the museums in Paris (at least the ones we really want to see) we will be able to get in for free. I figured we would spend no more than $25 in paris on public transportation if we split the cost of buying 3 books of 10.. Im hoping that if we decide to make our own food and shop at grocery stores we will be able to save a lot of money vs eating out EVERY night... We are bringing a lot of snacks from home as well...
But you are right, it just occurred to me that since this is a dream of mine I shouldn't rob myself of having a good time on account of a budget... I think this whole trip has just kind of caught me off guard because I did just leave my job with enough savings (I thought) to last me enough time to really spend sometime focusing on what it is im passionate about... However because of the trip im having to tap into that savings... and although I dont mind to an extent, it just puts a damper on my original plan...
... I think the idea of getting a temporary job is a good one... So I will see what I can do...
sorry lol I am just now seeing your second comment. We have already booked all of our accommodations to stay in all locations and we have been lucky enough to pay just about 54 euros a night. We have found some really good deals without skimping to much.. All the locations have about a 7 or 8 rating out of 10, most of the reviews on them have been good, except for a few that say the places are small, and all the places are in, for the most part, good locations somewhat close to each cities center (maybe not so much for our rome location)..
I think now my biggest worry is figuring out how much it will cost to eat and "play" while we are out there... for some of the museums in Paris (at least the ones we really want to see) we will be able to get in for free. I figured we would spend no more than $25 in paris on public transportation if we split the cost of buying 3 books of 10.. Im hoping that if we decide to make our own food and shop at grocery stores we will be able to save a lot of money vs eating out EVERY night... We are bringing a lot of snacks from home as well...
But you are right, it just occurred to me that since this is a dream of mine I shouldn't rob myself of having a good time on account of a budget... I think this whole trip has just kind of caught me off guard because I did just leave my job with enough savings (I thought) to last me enough time to really spend sometime focusing on what it is im passionate about... However because of the trip im having to tap into that savings... and although I dont mind to an extent, it just puts a damper on my original plan...
... I think the idea of getting a temporary job is a good one... So I will see what I can do...
Apr 18th, 2013, 07:40 AM
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@ Welltraveledbrit
LOL (at your comment on some spending my budget on lunch) Well despite that you all have been really very helpful and I do appreciate it. I have also signed up for lonely planet however I haven't posted in their forum yet SOO I am going to go do that and see if I can get any nice ideas.
In Paris We have been focusing in on a lot of the free entertainment options we will have out there.. I think some of the only attraction we will be paying for is to go to Versailles and see the Palace and the Hamlet and the catacombs... we will luckily be there at a good time to enter some of the museums for free... In Venice we dont plan on really going to museums etc. we just plan to walk around and really explore the city.. I have not gotten to Rome yet so im not too sure of what we will be doing out there...
thank you for the awesome ideas you have given me for Paris we will be looking into the haute coutre show.
we found a really good walking tour company that is free called discovery walks... they have tours in all locations we are visiting... But I will be looking into the Parisgreeters as well! I will be sure to drop you a line! thanks so much!
LOL (at your comment on some spending my budget on lunch) Well despite that you all have been really very helpful and I do appreciate it. I have also signed up for lonely planet however I haven't posted in their forum yet SOO I am going to go do that and see if I can get any nice ideas.
In Paris We have been focusing in on a lot of the free entertainment options we will have out there.. I think some of the only attraction we will be paying for is to go to Versailles and see the Palace and the Hamlet and the catacombs... we will luckily be there at a good time to enter some of the museums for free... In Venice we dont plan on really going to museums etc. we just plan to walk around and really explore the city.. I have not gotten to Rome yet so im not too sure of what we will be doing out there...
thank you for the awesome ideas you have given me for Paris we will be looking into the haute coutre show.
we found a really good walking tour company that is free called discovery walks... they have tours in all locations we are visiting... But I will be looking into the Parisgreeters as well!
I will be sure to drop you a line! thanks so much!
