Okay, ladies, let’s get real for a second. Who here has ever scrolled through Instagram, seen those dreamy travel pics, and thought, “I could never afford that”? 🙋‍♀️ Same. But guess what? I’m here to tell you that you can travel on a shoestring budget and still have the time of your life. I just got back from a three-week solo trip across Europe, and I managed to spend only $20 a day. Yes, you read that right. $20. And no, I didn’t sleep on park benches or live off instant noodles (well, not entirely 😂). Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.
First things first: mindset. If you’re going to travel on a budget, you have to embrace the idea that it’s not about luxury—it’s about experiences. I used to think that traveling meant staying in fancy hotels and eating at Michelin-starred restaurants. But honestly, some of my best memories from this trip came from the simplest moments: sipping coffee at a tiny café in Prague, getting lost in the winding streets of Lisbon, or chatting with locals at a hostel in Budapest.
Speaking of hostels, let’s talk accommodations. I know, I know—hostels have a bit of a reputation. But hear me out. Not all hostels are created equal. I stayed in some that were cleaner and more comfortable than certain hotels I’ve been to. Plus, they’re ridiculously affordable. I paid as little as $10 a night in some cities. And the best part? You meet so many amazing people. I made friends from all over the world, and we ended up exploring together, splitting costs, and sharing stories. It’s like having a built-in travel squad.
Now, let’s talk food. Eating out for every meal can quickly blow your budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to survive on granola bars. I hit up local grocery stores and markets for fresh, affordable ingredients and made simple meals in the hostel kitchens. Not only did this save me money, but it also gave me a chance to try local produce and cook with other travelers. When I did eat out, I stuck to street food or small, family-run spots. Trust me, a $3 falafel in Berlin can be just as satisfying as a $30 meal at a fancy restaurant.
Transportation was another area where I saved big. Instead of flying between cities, I took buses and trains. Sure, it took longer, but it was also way cheaper and gave me a chance to see the countryside. I also walked everywhere. Not only is it free, but it’s the best way to discover hidden gems you’d never find on a tour bus. Plus, you get your steps in—win-win.
One of my biggest tips? Be flexible. I didn’t have a rigid itinerary, which allowed me to take advantage of last-minute deals and spontaneous opportunities. For example, I scored a discounted ticket to a ballet in Vienna because I was willing to go on a weekday. And in Rome, I stumbled upon a free walking tour that ended up being one of the highlights of my trip.
Of course, traveling on a budget isn’t always glamorous. There were times when I had to skip a pricey attraction or take a longer route to save a few bucks. But honestly, those moments taught me to be resourceful and appreciate the little things. Like the time I got caught in the rain in Amsterdam and ducked into a cozy bookstore to wait it out. I ended up spending hours browsing and chatting with the owner—something I never would’ve done if I’d been rushing to the next tourist spot.
So, if you’re dreaming of traveling but think it’s out of reach, I’m here to tell you it’s not. With a little creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, you can have an incredible adventure without breaking the bank. And who knows? You might just discover that the best things in life—and travel—are free.