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Europe is a dream destination for many travelers, but that dream doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can explore historic cities, coastal escapes, and cultural capitals across the continent without breaking your budget. Expedia makes it easier than ever to find low-cost flights, affordable hotels, and travel packages tailored to value-conscious adventurers.

Whether you’re backpacking through the Balkans, enjoying street food in Portugal, or catching a budget flight to Berlin, Expedia helps you stretch your travel dollars further, without compromising on experience.

Here’s how to explore Europe on a budget in 2025 with Expedia.

1. Target Budget-Friendly Destinations

While cities like Paris and London are undeniably iconic, they’re not the most cost-effective places to spend an entire trip. Consider basing your European travels in destinations known for offering exceptional value.

Top affordable cities to consider on Expedia:

• Budapest, Hungary – Thermal baths, Gothic architecture, and great food at wallet-friendly prices
• Lisbon, Portugal – Colorful neighborhoods, affordable seafood, and free public viewpoints
• Krakow, Poland – Stunning medieval squares and low-cost accommodations
• Valencia, Spain – Less expensive than Barcelona but with equally great beaches and cuisine
• Prague, Czech Republic – Romantic, walkable, and filled with budget hotels and street markets

Use Expedia’s filters to sort hotels by nightly price or guest rating to find great stays under $100 per night.

2. Book Flights Strategically

The site partners with both major carriers and budget airlines, allowing you to compare flight prices across different European hubs. Use the “Flexible Dates” tool to spot the cheapest departure and return dates within your travel window.

For added savings:

• Fly into less busy airports such as Porto instead of Lisbon, or Milan-Bergamo instead of Milan-Malpensa
• Use Expedia’s bundled vacation packages to combine airfare and hotel stays for additional discounts
• Travel midweek—Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often significantly cheaper

3. Stay in Affordable Hotels or Vacation Rentals

Offering a wide selection of hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels at budget-friendly rates. In most European cities, centrally located 3-star hotels are clean, well-rated, and under $80–100 USD per night.

Vacation rentals are ideal for groups or longer stays, providing kitchen access and more space at a lower per-night cost.

Look for properties with included breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or walkability to major sights to reduce daily expenses.

4. Travel Light and Use Public Transit

In Europe, traveling with only a carry-on can save you significant fees, especially when flying budget airlines. Expedia makes it easy to filter baggage policies when searching for flights.

Once in-country, public transit is your best friend. Cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Prague have efficient metro systems, and many smaller cities are easily explored on foot.

Look for transit-inclusive city passes during checkout when booking hotels and tours through Expedia. These often include metro, bus, and museum access at a reduced rate.

5. Plan Low-Cost Experiences

Europe’s charm lies in its open-air markets, historic architecture, scenic parks, and cultural immersion—all of which don’t cost a thing. Use Expedia to book free or low-cost experiences like walking tours, public museum entries, and local tastings.

Popular budget-friendly activities available on Expedia:

• Free guided walking tours in Athens and Berlin
• Skip-the-line tickets to major landmarks
• River cruises on the Danube or Seine under $25
• Cooking classes or tapas tours under $50

Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Europe Trip on a Budget

Travel during shoulder seasons
April–June and September–October offer lower airfare and accommodation rates, with great weather and fewer crowds.

Use Expedia’s “Member Prices” filter
Sign into your Expedia account to unlock special rates on thousands of hotels, many of which are 10–15 percent off.

Book in advance but stay flexible
Securing flights and major stays early helps avoid price surges. But leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries.

Bundle train travel with hotels
If you’re using rail, some Expedia hotel packages include station proximity or intercity transport links. Booking your base cities strategically can minimize expensive train segments.

Pack strategically
Avoid extra baggage fees and make room for local finds by traveling with a capsule wardrobe and packing laundry supplies.

Look for free cancellation options
Plans can change, especially if you’re country-hopping. Expedia lets you filter for accommodations with flexible policies for added peace of mind.