Tips: Going to Europe
I will be honest with you, I am sharing you this guide so you can get this most of your trip! So, I will try to condense all my and other fella travelers experiences, in the most realistic, practical and helpful way!
Let's Go!
Staying in Hostels
Hostels would be probably the cheapest way to get accommodation, when you are traveling through Europe, but it's not the only factor why you should take hostels in consideration...
I feel, is actually in these unique places, where I've met the most amazing people for all over the world, (travelers and locals).
Also hostels usually run activities so you can connect with other fellow travelers, and have a great time!
The truth is, Hostels are often overlooked, but some Hostels are truly special, in fact, I had unforgettable memories, which I surely wouldn't have... If I hadn't stayed in one!
A list of some of my Favorite Hostels:
Always compare prices and deals before booking
When about to book your hostel, make sure you are getting the best possible price! Sometimes you might have a better price or a better deal in a particular platform. (For example, a price or deal difference between HostelWorld and Booking)
Some Hostel chains, might have their own booking system or app, where they ensure you a better price or possible discounts in future bookings!
Other Tip! Check AirBnB from time to time, it's possible you start avoiding AirBnB believing it will be way more expensive, but at some locations in Europe, a Bed in AirBnB might be cheaper or at the same rate than a Hostel bed per night ;)
Moving Inside Cities
First, Walk when you can! After all is the best way to experience a city, remember to stay hydrated in summer months, and to use a good pair of comfy shoes! You will need it.
Second, whenever you are try to get the Local transportation system. Most of the major cities are well connected between Metro, Tram, and Buses. By using it, you will SAVE a lot of TIME, and most of them are PRETTY AFFORDABLE.
Now, when I say "Get the local transportation system", the most important thing is to know how it works...
How you can pay and If you need to validate your ticket.
In the majority of stations you can find digital boxes where you can buy tickets, some of them will still have someone who can help you and sell the pass to you. If you know that you need to validate your ticket, be sure to learn and validate them.
Try to always avoid a fine by traveling without ticket. Save yourself the bad moment and an expensive fine!
If you are going to use the Transportation Network a lot, or for a specific amount of time, check if they have:
- 24H, 48H or 72 Hours Tickets
- Multiple Trips Tickets
You can save a lot of money and time using these options, compared to buying single ticket every time you need.
Staying by Volunteering with Workaways
Have more time and you are fancying an even cheaper option of accommodation! Do a Volunteering Job through: Workaway, Worldpackers, TrustedHouseSitters, etc.
In my case, I use Workaway and I'd volunteered 7 times so far, and they have been really good experiences, 2 of them were in Capitals (Prague and Sofia) and the other 5 were at beautiful remote locations.
Some quick benefits! You might learn about the region, the culture, the food in a more personal level, you might learn some activities you aren't familiarized with, and what I find the greatest is that you will get to places you probably never imagine going!
I believe Workaway and volunteering are a good way of traveling, specially if you like Slow Paced Traveling and most culturally immersed experiences :)
Here, some example of my top 3 Volunteering Locations:
The home for unique & authentic travel
