Traveling in Europe

Saving Money While Traveling in Europe
By Michael Russell

After paying for your roundtrip plane tickets, there are other expenses you will need to face. The hard fact is that Europe can get really expensive if you don't plan your trip well. It is really difficult to slum it out in Europe unless you're prepared to sleep in train stations and parks every night and face the dangers that come with them. You need to preserve your sanity and health as much as your money and you will have a better time if you choose your spending battles wisely. It is not a good idea to live entirely on crumbs while you're on vacation, so always bring a little extra cash for an occasional treat.

If you intend to cross the continent, you will need to set aside money for bus and train passes. Eurail and Busabout tickets can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run and will cost anywhere between $400 and $700, depending on the area you want to cover.

You will need travel insurance and most veteran travelers will never travel without it. If you get sick or in trouble abroad, the payment for the premium will pale into insignificance compared with the medical bills or expenses you will incur later on. Basic travel insurance costs depend on how long you will be abroad and the coverage you choose can range from $35 to almost $500.