Is 50$ US Dollars a day in Europe possible?

A lot of people think that going to Europe is expensive. Well, if one plans carefully, sticks to a plan and learns to live within their limited resources, then, it is possible to see Europe on just 50US dollars a day.

First of plan, plan your route. I found it really practical to do short distance traveling using the bus instead of flying or taking the train. That way, I saw more of the country, spent less time on the road and of course, saved a ton of money as well.

Next, try to find out the rates of affordable accommodations in the area. Personally, I would look for home stays rather than hostels. Most hostels I have been to are filled with young, loud teen-agers who love to party and stay up late. If you want to have a good night's rest, this may not be the place for you.

Hostel rates can be anywhere from 10Euros (15 US dollars) to 25 Euros (35US dollars), depending on the city or country. There could be other charges as well, for example, sheets, towels, lockers, etc. So check on these things first before booking a room.

Aside from the internet, you can check with the local tourism office. I do that in some places like Germany or Spain. You give them your budget, and they see what they can offer you based on how much you are willing to spend.

I found out that staying in rural settings, for as long as there is a public mode of transportation to get to the city to see the sights, was an affordable option for accommodations. That way, you save a whole lot of money and still get to see all the attractions for a fraction of the cost.

So, even if you spent around 25 US Dollars on your accommodations, you still have half to spend on food and transportation.

Meals is a tricky thing for those who want to eat good food every single time. I am a person who can survive on sandwiches for a very, very long time. So, a large bottle of water, a loaf of bread and a pack of cold cuts goes a long, long way with me. But for those who prefer a decent meal, I do suggest asking the locals where they eat.

My cousin who traveled with me once, noticed I had no qualms about asking anyone on the street for directions, recommendations or other advise. Well, who better to ask than someone who knows their own city by heart, right?

If you do a bit of asking, you will be surprised to know, that eating on a budget is possible as well.

As for sight seeing, well, my philosophy is always, the best things in life are free. That holds true for many places in Europe. I love parks, open spaces, churches, quaint streets and open fields. These places offer great photo opportunities as well. You will be surprised to note that some of your best photographs were taken in places where you hardly spent a cent.

Finally, I suggest that you make friends in every place you go to. There is nothing like seeing the city or country the way a local sees it.

Being a Filipino, it was easy enough to spot Filipinos in every city in Europe. Thankfully, almost all Filipinos I have met were very warm and friendly. There were some who invited me to dinner, some took time to tour with me while others even offered a room for the evening. It made me totally glad to see how the kindness of Filipinos still exists even in foreign lands.

So, if you still think it isn't possible to survive on 50 US dollars a day in Europe. I've done so, and it wasn't at all like living off the streets and sleeping in train stations!

-0-