Travel tips for Europe on a college budget

Eiffel Tower -- Paris, France

By Katie Cook

March 24, 2005 | Have you ever entertained the thought of traveling to Europe...and then think of the cost and discard the idea? When you're living on cold cereal and the dollar menu, the cost of a trip to Europe can be overwhelming. Optimistically, there is hope. With some simple, yet effective tips, a European vacation can be set in your future forecast.

"Budget travel can still mean a high-quality, comfortable trip," writer Owen Robinson said. "It's no longer the commonly held stereotype of eating nothing but stale baguettes and sharing a filthy hostel bunk with a drunken sailor named Hans."

As with any trip planning, the passion about the destination must be present. If you're not enthused about where you're going, the preparation will be just as tedious. Enthusiasm for the destination will create motivation and ease the stress of the planning process. Select a destination suited to your personality that fulfills a life-long dream.

The first step in the planning process is research, research, research. Although research is the most vital part of the planning process, don't be warded off by the word. There are a plethora of resources to assist your planning woes. One of the best resources is the Internet's search engines.

"Online Web sites are a great place to start a research," said Kay W. Forsyth, director of Utah State University's Study Abroad Program.

Special interest group posts and blogs can connect you to experienced travelers who have great tips and advice. Books and resource guides are another great source. One suggested book is Let's Go Europe . This inexpensive book is a great guide to assist itinerary planning, suggested restaurants, transportation, and any other information you might need. Other books, suggested by experienced traveler Tara Maginnis, include Eurail Guide, Europe Through the Back Door 2004: The Travel Skills Handbook, Europe by Eurail 2004, 28th: Touring Europe by Train, and Cheap Eats. With the assistance of these books, as well as hundreds of others, it can help to estimate costs and reduce expense curiosities. Effective research will also minimize unexpected costs and assist you in budgeting.

If you're under 26 you can take advantage of many worldwide discounts. Students and other young adults can apply for a discount travel card to receive savings around the world. The cost of acquiring a card is under $25 a year. Students can receive discounts on accommodations, museums, cultural events, entertainment, food and shopping in over a hundred countries. All are administered by the International Student Travel Confederation, a travel service company that promises discounts any young traveler might need.

Once you have selected your destination, the fun begins. This is when you make the trip happen. First, consider the number of people you plan on traveling with. Although some like to travel solo, larger groups can land you some great discounts. Your flight can be one of the most expensive costs of your trip. Researching far in advance, a suggested six months, can grant you some incredible deals. Check online for flight discounts and group rates. Maginnis suggests checking your Sunday newspaper's travel section. This is where many discounted rates and packages can be found. This is also where you can find information on travel agencies. Look for the cheapest price to your destination among the ads for "bucket" shops. These tickets are bought wholesale from large airlines and then they're sold for cheap. These tickets are usually mid-week, indirect flights on crammed planes, however they are usually 1/3 to 1/2 the price of tickets bought through conventional channels. When you are absolutely certain of your travel dates (these tickets can't be changed), buy these tickets on your credit card to protect yourself in case of a dispute with the ticket agent.

When booking your hotel, you must consider two things: the location of the attractions and the transit spot. You want a hotel that will accommodate to these two areas. This will eliminate transportation expenses. If the luxuries of a hotel are not as important to you, consider looking into a hostel. Hostels are inexpensive lodgings, typically in dormitory/communal style. This will save you a great deal on accommodations and can connect you with other travelers.

"Staying in a hostel is a lot cheaper than a hotel. Plus I think you get more of a cultural experience in one because they are not in touristy areas," David Tibbs, Spain resident of two years, said.

Picking the sites and attractions of your destination can be the most exciting aspect of your planning. With the research you've conducted, you gain a better idea of where and what you would like to see. Maps of visiting areas are beneficial. Study sites and locations you are planning to explore. Highlight those routes and destinations. Maps will help to determine what means of transportation are appropriate. Know where your transit spot is located. Many forms of transportation, like the Eurail, give weekly discounted rates.

"If you buy Eurail tickets and passes online in advance, it's cheaper," avid student traveler Marci Muhlestein said.

"Look at what cities you plan on visiting and see what is the best way to get there," Tibbs said. "If most of the cities require train transportation, a Eurail pass would be worth it. Otherwise, buses are pretty cheap and can save you money that way."

Studying books and maps will be the most cost efficient in acquiring the transportation needed at a bargained price. Make clumps of the places you plan to see. Many museums are closed on certain days for cleaning and other various reasons. Check the times of operating hours and admission costs. Some attractions have a cheaper price on specific days than others.

Currency exchange can be a headache to an amateur traveler. With the help of online sources, you can become familiar with exchange rates. According to currencysource.com, the Euro is losing value compared to the U.S. dollar, with a 76 percent exchange rate. ATM's are a great way to retrieve money in Europe, with a significantly higher exchange rate.

With the Euro's value declining, the thought of spending money on food can be disappointing. Restaurants located in the heart of large cities, typically catering to tourists needs, are expensive.

"Go to a normal restaurant farther away from the touristy areas," Tibbs said. "They are a lot cheaper, more authentic, and you can get all the culture. The only problem you might find is that these restaurants rarely speak English. It will save you a lot of money on food though."

Now that you have the bulk of your trip planned, the little details come into play. Make a list of daily expenditures, such as meals, hotel, travel, and attractions. Add in snacks, souvenirs, events, etc. Writing a list will give you a general idea of what you're going to spend per day. This will also keep your costs down because you are more restricted to stay within your budget. Once this list is constructed, mark up the price at least 1/4 to 1/2 more. This will give you flexibility if you need to spend more or if emergencies arise. Also, major credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most areas, so take a card as a precaution.

"Always have cash, or coins, on hand," said Muhlestein.

Plan your day, hour by hour, in a hand-held log book. This may seem tedious, but it will save time in the end. Attach maps, directions, costs, and any other information you might need onto each day's page. Study the language of the areas you'll be visiting. Write down common questions and phrases into your log book. Your log book will eventually become your travel guide, directing you successfully throughout your trip.

Pack light. Clothes can be re-used by simply packing a small bottle of laundry soap. Wash shirts and other clothing in a sink. Not only is this a cost-efficient way of keeping your clothes clean, but it leaves more room in your suitcase for all of those souvenirs you'll be bringing home!

Lastly, have confidence in your planning. With adequate research and preparation, you'll be surprised at what you can achieve. All of the work and cost will pay off once you've experienced the thrill of a frugal and valuable European vacation!

NW
MS