How to Save Money Travelling Europe: Smart Hacks for Before and During Your Holiday
28 Apr 2025
minute read
Planning a European holiday? Whether you're dreaming of sipping coffee in Paris, island hopping in Greece, or exploring castles in Prague, one thing's for sure — travelling Europe can get expensive if you're not prepared.
But don't stress. With the right tools and a little planning, you can absolutely explore Europe on a budget and still have an incredible time.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to save money while travelling Europe, with easy, practical tips for before you go and while you're exploring. Plus, discover how MyPayNow helps you manage your money on the move, giving you the freedom to travel without financial stress.
Saving money starts before your passport gets stamped. Here's how to stretch your travel budget from the very beginning.
✈️ Book Flights Like a Pro
Flights are often one of your biggest expenses — but they don't have to be.
◾ Use tools like Skyscanner to compare prices and set fare alerts.
◾ Be flexible with your travel dates and fly mid-week to score better deals.
◾ Travel in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for lower fares and fewer crowds.
🏨 Think Beyond Price with Accommodation
Accommodation eats into your budget fast — unless you plan wisely.
◾ Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels offer great value.
◾ Airbnb and vacation rentals are perfect if you're travelling with friends.
◾ Check where your accommodation is located — is it close to public transport and major sights? A cheap place 45 minutes out of the city might mean you end up paying more in taxis and Ubers than you saved.
🧳 Check Your Airline's Luggage Rules
Most internal airlines (like Ryanair or Vueling) often have stricter baggage policies than international carriers. Don't assume your international baggage will be accepted — always check size and weight limits before booking. Paying for extra baggage at the airport can be very expensive.
Once you're in Europe, it's all about making the most of every dollar (or euro).
🍝 Eat Like a Local
Dining out every night adds up fast. Balance it out with budget eats.
◾ Visit local markets and bakeries for fresh, cheap meals.
◾ Eat where the locals eat — tourist areas often charge a premium.
◾ Bring your own reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe in most European countries and public fountains are everywhere.
◾ Watch out for "extras" in restaurants — bread, water, or condiments aren't always free!
🚆 Get Around on a Budget
Europe's transport network is brilliant — and budget-friendly if you know how to use it.
◾ Fly with budget airlines (but check luggage!).
◾ Use Eurail passes for multi-country trips, or buses like FlixBus for cheap long-distance travel.
◾ Book early and look for flexible fares if your plans aren't set in stone.
◾ Use the Rome2Rio app to map out routes across Europe — it shows you all your options (trains, buses, flights, ferries) in one place, so you can compare prices and travel times easily.
📱 Use the Right SIM & Travel Card
◾ Grab a travel SIM from alo SIM for affordable data and calls across Europe — way cheaper than paying roaming fees.
◾ Get a good travel money card like WISE to save on conversion fees and access better exchange rates.
💳 Use Smart Payment Tactics
◾ At ATMs, always select "Continue without conversion" — your bank will give you a better exchange rate than the machine.
◾ Pay in local currency, not AUD, when given the choice at checkout.
Even with the best planning, travel can throw you a curveball — a missed train, a hidden fee, or a must-do experience that wasn't in your budget. That's where MyPayNow can help.
Why MyPayNow Is a Game-Changer for Travellers:
💜 Instant access to your wages — No need to wait for payday if you're short on cash.
💛 Way cheaper than a credit card, especially when you're overseas.
💜 Available 24/7, no matter what time zone you're in.
💛 Fully mobile — Manage everything from your phone while exploring Europe.
Example:
You're in Barcelona, your hostel is full, and you need to book a last-minute Airbnb. Instead of panicking or borrowing money, you use MyPayNow to access a portion of you pay, instantly — problem solved.
👉 Learn more about how it works or check out our FAQs.
Knowing how to save money while travelling Europe doesn't mean cutting corners — it means making smarter choices that give you more freedom and less financial stress.
With the right prep, some local know-how, and tools like MyPayNow in your pocket, you can enjoy every moment of your trip — without blowing your budget.
Ready to explore Europe without overspending? Download MyPayNow today and take control of your travel budget before you go and while you're abroad.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual. Before acting on the information, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
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