It’s about that time of the year, when people are itching to book their year-end and new-year travel plans, and what better way to escape the heat of Asia than to fly across to Europe for some much-needed crisp, chilly autumn/winter air? Since we’re also inching towards the peak travel season of the year, KAYAK has some handy tips for you to keep your accounts in check while still being able to make the most of your long-haul adventure!
Choose Cheap Destinations Around Europe
As most Europeans also plan their holidays according to the seasons, don’t be surprised to find many of the major cities overflowing with tourists during the peak periods (e.g. summer and around the New Year’s holiday period). For an end-of-summer trip, consider hitting coastal cities like the Portuguese beach resorts on the Algarve coast, which won’t be as populated during that time. Sure, it will be chillier, but quiet coastlines, quaint towns and reduced prices make up for the cooler weather – and the lack of crowds doesn’t go amiss either. Another recommended destination would be Provence, France, where it is still beautiful in October. You can find rentals of great apartments at just a fraction of the high-season cost, making budget travel highly possible. If you’re a member of an airline mileage programme, using your points for long-haul flights are always more worthwhile than short-haul flights. If not, start searching and comparing using our links below!
Pro Tip: KAYAK’s Explore tool lets you decide on how much money you’re willing to spend on flights and will tell you how far you can go on your budget. Super nifty!
Book Cheap Flights Around Europe
To make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of popular budget airlines from and around Europe. The easiest way to find tickets is of course to simply search via www.kayak.sg, but if you’re keen to learn their routes, here are some good ones:
- Jet2 – Rated 7.3 on KAYAK
- Norwegian – Rated 7.2 on KAYAK.
- Eurowings – Rated 6.9 on KAYAK
- Wizz Air – Rated 6.5 on KAYAK
- EasyJet – Rated 6.4 on KAYAK
- RyanAir – Rated 6.1 on KAYAK
- Vueling – Rated 6.2 on KAYAK
- WowAir – Rated 5.8 on KAYAK
- Niki – Rated 5.8 on KAYAK
Cost-Saving Options of Getting Around
Moving around in Europe can get expensive very quickly. If you’re travelling in a large group or with family, renting a car can save in the long run, as well as allowing you more flexibility in planning with regards to pit stops and being able to see more remote places of interest. It’s also good to take note of affordable transport options from the airport to the city. For example, a return fare on the Heathrow Express costs £36, compared to the £10 you’ll pay if you take the tube. This is a good way to save on hefty taxi costs. Not to mention the free or cheap shuttle buses from most major airports to city centres!
Pro Tip: Search for the best bargains on safe and reliable car rentals here.
Cheap car rentals in Edinburgh Cheap car rentals in Munich
Cost-Effective Places to Stay in Europe
Needless to say, accommodation located in the heart of the city will cost you the most, so if possible, try to choose a cosy bed & breakfast on the outskirts of town or a rental apartment and take the bus or train to move around the city. Small family-run hotels are also a great alternative, as they can provide insight into the neighbourhood, share with you the must-see landmarks as well as offer a homier level of comfort than some major hotel chains might be able to provide. Alternatively, if most of your travels are traversing through the countryside, farm stays or even camping is an amazing way to get in touch with nature as well as meet the locals. A recent Swedish tourism campaign recently put the entire country up for ‘rent’, as it is common knowledge amongst locals that anyone is allowed to live off the land and camp wherever they may please – as long as they avoid trespassing on private land and are mindful of preserving the flora and fauna.
Pro Trip: Use KAYAK’s Hotel Heat Maps function here to check popular areas and sights.
Cheap hotels in Athens from S$ 15 a night* Cheap hotels in Berlin from S$ 11 a night*
Tips to Save Cash on Sightseeing
Most major cities these days have hop on-hop off bus tours that trawl the main roads, and the all-day tickets are well-worth the investment, as you’ll get to see the most interesting spots as well as save on commuting by walking to your destinations from each drop-off point. Even if you’re taking public trains and buses, many cities offer tourist passes which might last anywhere from several hours up to a week’s worth of getting around. The perfect example would be the Vienna Card, which will set you back €24.90. It allows unlimited free public transport for 72 hours, and discounts or other offers at more than 210 museums and sights, theatres, concert halls, shops and restaurants. For children (usually under the age of six), students and senior citizens, it’s well worth to take note of special discounted rates for the tickets of attractions like parks, museums, galleries and the like. Most museums offer free entry on particular days. The Louvre offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month for example, (but you’ll have to be prepared for big crowds – so it’s best to arrive early). If you can swing your schedule to allow for it, avoiding entrance fees for various attractions is a great chance to stretch your budget further. Alternatively, book those entrance tickets online to save time on queuing up. Time is money too!
Avoid buying snacks at the airport – buy them elsewhere and bring them along with you on the plane! Also, most airports provide free water, so just remember to bring a water bottle with you. It’s also very tempting to book your hotel stay with the option of an inclusive breakfast. But we say, don’t miss out the chance to taste (sometimes) better and cheaper options just around the hotel’s vicinity! Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to try a different breakfast every morning, as opposed to the staple buffet line-up from the hotel. Europe is famous for its café culture, so rise bright and early and get your fill of coffee and freshly baked pastries! When lunchtime hits, you’ll be spoilt for choice with delis that make incredibly satisfying sandwiches and pies. Maybe a picnic in the park? As for dinner, if you’ve rented an apartment with kitchen facilities, your meal ideas are endless; buying groceries and prepping a feast for a large group is not only a smart way to cut costs, but it also builds even more lasting memories.
Pro Trip: Use KAYAK’s City Heat Maps function here to check popular areas for dining and nightlife. Opting for cheaper options would mean dining outside of these hot spots.
You would think these bits of advice are common sense, but you would be surprised at how much people can save, even if the holiday is just a week or two! Who knows, you might have enough saved for some shopping, or better yet, returning home to a healthy bank balance and some amazing memories of Europe!
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on kayak.sg on 20 October, 2017. The prices are quoted in SGD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
