Backpacking on a budget in Europe

Backpacking through Europe on a budget is totally doable and incredibly rewarding. If you are planning to teach in the UK inevitably you are also looking forward to travel across Europe and ticking off your bucket list destinations. Most of our teachers who meet in schools, at our Induction Event or regular networking sessions end up travelling in the school breaks and often living together.

Here’s a guide to help you plan smart and save money, and still have an amazing experience in Europe:

Top Budget-Friendly Destinations

These places offer great value for money:
Budapest, Hungary – Thermal baths, ruin bars, and cheap eats.
Kraków, Poland – Gorgeous old town and very affordable.
Lisbon, Portugal – Sunny, scenic, and low-cost.
Prague, Czech Republic – Stunning architecture and lively nightlife.
Valencia, Spain – Beaches, paella, and less crowded than Barcelona.
Sofia, Bulgaria – One of Europe’s cheapest capitals.
Sarajevo, Bosnia – Rich history and very budget-friendly.
Belgrade, Serbia – Great nightlife and affordable prices.
Athens, Greece – History, culture, and cheap street food.
Porto, Portugal – Beautiful riverside city and very walkable.

Accommodation Tips
Hostels: Use Hostelworld or Booking.com. Many offer free breakfast.
Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free and get cultural insights.
Night trains or buses: Save a night of accommodation while traveling.

Getting Around Cheaply
Eurail/Interrail Pass: Great for multi-country travel if used strategically.
FlixBus/Eurolines: Dirt-cheap bus routes across Europe.
BlaBlaCar: Ride-sharing with locals; often cheaper than trains.
Budget Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet – just watch baggage fees.

Eating on a Budget
Street food & bakeries: Grab-and-go meals that cost less and taste great.
Supermarkets: Pick up local snacks, fruit, and sandwich ingredients.
Hostel kitchens: Cook your own meals with groceries.
Local lunch specials: Many restaurants offer cheaper menus at lunchtime.

Money-Saving Tips
City tourist cards: Free public transport and attraction discounts.
Student/Youth discounts: Carry your student ID or get an ISIC card.
Free walking tours: Found in almost every major city.
Use apps: Rome2Rio (routes), Maps.me (offline maps), XE (currency converter), Wise/ Monzo (no foreign fees).

Safety & Prep Tips
Pack light: One carry-on-size backpack (35–50L).
Travel insurance: Don’t skip it – it can save you a fortune.
Money: Use a mix of card and some local cash. Hide a backup stash.
Documents: Scan or photocopies of your passport, visa, and insurance.

Here’s a budget backpacking itinerary for Europe — tailored for flexibility, low costs, and high adventure.
1-Month Budget Backpacking Itinerary from the UK
Route: Western + Central + Eastern Europe
Starts and ends in London — a mix of iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Week 1 – Western Europe
1. London ? Paris (France)
How: Eurostar train or budget flight.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, picnic at the Seine.
Budget tip: Free first Sunday museum entries.

2. Paris ? Brussels (Belgium)
How: 2h by bus/train.
Highlights: Grand Place, waffles, Atomium.
Budget tip: Brussels is walkable—no transit needed.

3. Brussels ? Amsterdam (Netherlands)
How: 2.5h FlixBus.
Highlights: Canal cruise, Van Gogh Museum, street markets.
Budget tip: Stay in Haarlem or nearby suburbs.

Week 2 – Central Europe
4. Amsterdam ? Berlin (Germany)
How: 6h FlixBus or night train.
Highlights: Berlin Wall, free walking tours, East Side Gallery.
Budget tip: Many museums are free one evening per week.

5. Berlin ? Prague (Czech Republic)
How: 4h by bus or train.
Highlights: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, cheap beer.
Budget tip: Huge, affordable meals in student pubs.

Week 3 – Eastern Europe
6. Prague ? Kraków (Poland)
How: 7h FlixBus (overnight if needed).
Highlights: Wawel Castle, Jewish Quarter, pierogi.
Budget tip: Join local food tours for cheap eats.

7. Kraków ? Budapest (Hungary)
How: 6h bus or train.
Highlights: Thermal baths, ruin bars, Buda Castle.
Budget tip: Thermal baths are cheaper early or late in the day.

Week 4 – South/Eastern Europe
8. Budapest ? Ljubljana (Slovenia)
How: 7–8h FlixBus.
Highlights: Lake Bled day trip, Ljubljana Castle, riverside cafes.
Budget tip: Stay outside the center and rent a bike.

9. Ljubljana ? Venice (Italy)
How: 3–4h bus.
Highlights: Canals, St. Mark’s Square, gelato.
Budget tip: Skip gondolas—take Vaporetto (public ferry) instead.

10. Venice ? London (fly or night bus/train)
Budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet offer cheap return flights.

Packing List (Carry-On Friendly)

Clothing
• 4 shirts (2 quick-dry)
• 2 pairs of trousers/shorts
• 1 pair leggings (for layering or hiking)
• 5 underwear, 3 socks
• 1 warm jumper/fleece
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Swimsuit (for thermal baths)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Flip-flops (for hostel showers)
• Essentials
• Travel towel
• Micro daypack
• Refillable water bottle
• Lock for hostel lockers
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Power adapter (EU)
• Travel insurance docs
• Copies of passport & bookings (digital & printed)

Sample Budget (Per Day) June 2025
Item Cost (EUR)
Accommodation 20–30
Food 10–20
Transport 5–15
Activities 5–15
Daily Total 40–70

Total for 30 days: €1,200–2,100

Traveling solo in Europe is empowering, fun, and safe — here’s how to make it smoother:

Safety
• Use lockers in hostels (bring a combo lock).
• Keep copies of your passport and bookings digitally.
• Share your itinerary with a friend or family member.
• Trust your gut — if it feels off, it probably is.

Meeting People
• Stay in hostels with common areas (Hostelworld has filters).
• Join free walking tours — every city has them!
• Use apps like Backpackr, Couchsurfing Hangouts, or Meetup.
• Learn 1–2 local phrases — locals love the effort. Google translate is your friend!

Smart Solo Hacks
• Download offline maps like Google Maps offline.
• Use a packing cube system to stay organized.
• Book first night of every stop in advance — wing the rest.
• Always carry a small day bag with essentials (water, snacks, charger).

Ready to start planning your UK teaching and travel adventure? Click here!