8 Europe Travel Hacks to Save Money and Be Fancy Without Going Broke | Popgen Tech
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Europe travel hacks to save money
Admit it, we’ve all wanted to go to Europe for a holiday to admire the breathtaking sights and indulge their fancy, ooey-gooey, cheesy food, fascinating cultures, and taking the most amazing photos for the ‘Gram.
You might think, “What I wouldn’t give to be there right now!” But let’s face it, traveling there usually equates to setting a big budget – no, thanks to conversion rates. But that shouldn’t stop you from fulfilling your wanderlust. Here is 8 Europe travel hacks to save money so you can have a boujee vacation without breaking the bank.
– Accommodation –
1. Choose an Airbnb outside the city center
Image Credit: @arientosuite
The cost of hotels can be a killer, especially if you are planning a long stay. That’s why many people traveling to Europe choose Airbnbs that can be just as cozy and aesthetically pleasing.
For more affordable options, choose one located away from the urban bustle. The prices of these accommodations are lower compared to those in the city due to their proximity which is further away from tourist attractions. The good part is that you will get there really experience the city outside the usual hotspots.
Pro tip: Go for an Airbnb with a kitchen to save money on meals at expensive restaurants or on delivery programs.
2. Stay in a hostel or student residence instead of a hotel
Image Credit: Famous residences
While hostels aren’t all that luxurious, they make up for it in charm and utility, with amenities like laundry rooms and communal kitchens. This budget-friendly accommodation is well suited for younger or more frugal travelers. You might even make some new friends while you’re there who will share even more tips on how to stretch your dollar.
Image Credit: Famous residences
These hostels are often located along the streets, so you’ll still be able to experience elements of the city and its local culture without traveling too far. Be sure to check the reviews before booking your stay. Sift through sites like Famous residences to find a hostel in the city you are going to visit, based on your duration of stay.
– Travelling –
3. Get a Eurail pass for cheaper train rides
Image Credit: @eurrail
If you plan to hit a few different cities during your Europe travel adventure, we recommend a night train for domestic travel. Local trains come with different types of accommodation such as the Sleeper, Couchette, or sit-up-all-night seat. This way you don’t miss out on beauty sleep or precious time during your trip.
We recommend getting train tickets from companies like Eurail offering discounts and best value packages such as their Global Pass. This gives you unlimited train access for 2 months from anywhere in Europe, as well as an additional 10% discount on attractions.
Image Credit: @eurrail
Pro tip: Carry your train passes with you DBS Visa Debit Card to get 5% cashback on foreign exchange and online spending; what a deal. Make sure you register for this promotion via DBS PayLah! Before it ends on December 31, 2022.
Country-specific passes such as the Swiss travel pass also comes in handy if you plan to visit the different regions of Switzerland. These train passes come at a discounted price and include accommodation bookings as well as priority bookings for the attractions you want to see.
4. Take budget flights when traveling through Europe
Image Credit: @alex.planespotter
Another convenient way to travel between different cities in Europe is to take budget flights. They are much cheaper than your average domestic European flight, with return airfares for approx S$50–$250.
Image Credit: @thetravelstamps
There are many budget airlines in Europe, such as RyanAir and Germanwings, but they come with some trials. For example, they are non-refundable and may end up in less “mainstream” cities. But this is a plus for those who want to explore European regions that are less touristy.
– Attractions –
5. Look out for lesser known free activities or tour bundles
Time to get it all fancy nonsense without spending a cent – or Euros to be exact. Sightseeing in Europe can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free activities and attractions to check out too without paying a huge price.
The National Museum of Finland offers free admission on Fridays from 16:00-18:00.
Image Credit: @kansallimuseo
Some landmarks that are free to enter include Palace of Versailles in France and Prague Castle in Prague. Even a number of museums in London such as the Natural History Museum is free, giving visitors the option to donate. Some museums in Helsinki, Finland and Madrid, Spain offer free admission to the public on certain days, so check before planning your itinerary.
PS If you’re looking for paid attractions, look for tour bundles as they tend to cost less. Not only will you get a tour guide to show you around, but you’ll also be able to hit all the must-sees efficiently.
6. Get an ISIC pass if you are a student
Image Credit: @isicnl
Students will studydie knowing that there is an all-in-one card that will help them save big when in Europe. Apply for the ISIC pass – short for International Student Identity Card – to enjoy free entry to the first 2 museums you go to, as well as free use of city-wide transport.
Image Credit: @isicnl
Students can also use the ISIC pass to get great discounts across Europe, from attractions such as the Forchtenstein Castle to eateries such as Davinci Artisan Gelato. Check out the full list of ISIC discount to see how you can fit these partnership businesses into your travel plan.
– Other –
7. Go cashless with a multi-currency map
We’ve all heard cautionary tales that it’s safer to travel without a ton of cash on hand; a good alternative is to have a multi-currency map instead. They allow you to travel seamlessly across countries without having to stop by money changers.
Image Credit: Sing count
A good way you can enjoy a comfortable and cashless shopping experience overseas is through primary linking of a DBS Visa Debit Card with the DBS multi-currency account. You will even be able to earn money back on your overseas purchasesso you can shop to your heart’s content.
Enjoy 5% cashback just by topping up DBS multi-currency account of now until the end of December 2022. You can also factor in favorable exchange rates before your trip so you get the most out of your desired currency, with 11 foreign exchange rates available for replenishment. These include USD, Euro, Pound and even Thai Baht for those quick regional trips.
Another big advantage? None of those pesky transaction fees for any of your foreign currency purchases.
8. Travel during off-peak seasons such as spring or autumn
Europe is a hot favorite for summer travel. However, it’s best to avoid flying there during the summer months from June to August, if you really want to travel on a budget. The cost of accommodation and attractions is significantly cheaper during peak season, and an added bonus: fewer crowds.
In addition to flowers galore, festivals like Frühlingsfest also have live music and kid-friendly activities.
Image Credit: @dizzyriders
A top tip is to look at countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Greece in April instead. A chilly temperature of around 8°C-17°C will be enough for us summer-bound Singaporeans to assimilate with. Since April is the spring season, be on the lookout for beautiful blooming flowers. Munich also has a Spring Festival called Spring Festival at the end of April.
Image Credit: @elizadeer
You can also go to Europe around September to December to admire the very vibrant colors of autumn in Europe. At around 10°C-20°C degrees, it still makes a great break from the sweltering Singaporean heat. Check out countries like the Netherlands, France and Switzerland for beautiful autumn sights and try pumpkin-spiced treats on a whole other level.
Save money on your next trip to Europe
Traveling to Europe can be a fun and beautiful experience, but there’s no way we’re going to go build on broken because of a trip. From free attractions to student saver cards, there are tons of ways to save money on your European vacations.
The DBS Visa Debit Card is a great way to save when you travel, offering up to 8% cashback for users. This includes a 5% cashback when you link your DBS Visa debit card to your DBS multi-currency account and top up your foreign currency wallet for the first time, and a further 3% when you make travel purchases to your multi-currency – bill charged afterwards.
DBS Visa Debit Card holders will enjoy too not pay any fees for their foreign exchange spending. Talk about the ultimate money saver, especially for people who like to go on shopping trips abroad.
The ability to includes ideal currency conversion rates via digibank might just be our favorite bonus. They really said Comfort with a capital letter ‘C’ with the function of lock in the rates before you even travel, thereby achieving some savings and check another task off your pre-holiday to-do list.
Set up alerts via digibank to always be notified when the exchange rates are ever in your favour. You’ll also save time and effort on trips to the money changer, a definite plus when you’re already planning a great European escape.
You don’t have to worry about spending during your vacation. With DBS travel mode via digibank, you can manage your overseas expenses with just a few taps.
Shopaholics will be happy to know that you can set a spending limit via digibank’s payment control feature so you don’t burst your budget – and your bubble – while shopping. You can also block a card to manage your spending habits, or in case of any accidents overseas.
Whether you’re planning European travel or any overseas destination this year-end period, the DBS Visa Debit Card is a must for any financially savvy traveller.
Learn more about the DBS Visa Debit Card
This post is brought to you by DBS.
Cover image adapted from: @eurrail, @arientosuite
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