Europe is equipped with some of the world’s best hotels, and you could blow a month’s budget (and then some) on a single night in any one of them. (One Swiss Hostel has a suite that goes for over EUR20,500) At this planning stage, one of the best things you can do to save money on the road is prepare yourself for sleeping in no-star accommodation. That means sleeping in dorm rooms when available, trying to share a room with another traveler if there are doubles with lower rates, and not let yourself be put off by places described in your guidebook as basic, or even grungy. If you’re armed with earplugs and good sleep sheet, you’ll be fine. Other money-saving ideas for bottom end digs are:
1) Stay in small towns and rural areas – hostels and pensions in large cities pay the most rent, and pass the cost on to travelers
2) Make a point of getting addresses of travelers you meet, then stay with them if you’re heading to their home town or city. Try to give a few days’ or week’s notice with an email. Taking a digital camera is good in this respect – it’s nice to attach a photo of you together when you request a place to stay. They might have offered their addresses to dozens of travelers or had a bit too much too drink and have trouble remembering your name when you make contact
3) Cram the rooms full. Go for a quad and find three other travelers to take up the extra beds so you all get a better deal than sleeping in a single or double room.
4) Head to campgrounds just out of town and rent their walk-in tents (with real beds).
5) Check out housing at universities over the summer. Empty dorm-rooms are often rented out at cut-rate prices
6) Hang out around the students union and look for a friendly group. Introduce yourself and ask if you can crash on someone’s floor or sofa in exchange for a beer or two, plus free accommodation at your parents’ home if they ever get there. Women can do this safely as well (and will likely have an easier time with it) by approaching a group of women
7) A few places may offer sleeping on the roof for half the price if you have a mat and sleeping bag. It doesn’t hurt to ask
8) If staying in private rooms, accepting one without a private WC and shower can save you EUR17-34 per night.
Hope all the tips above can really help you to have a really enjoyable yet affordable Europe holiday. Au-revoir!
