Look for boutique hotels just outside tourist hotspots—they’re often more stylish and better priced

Guesthouses and B&Bs give you charm and comfort for less

Booking in the shoulder season (spring or fall) can get you high-end stays at half the summer price

Try sites like Booking.com or Plum Guide, and compare across a few platforms for deals

Premium economy often offers a big upgrade for a small price bump—especially on long-haul flights

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to watch for sales or mistake fares

Flying into a less popular hub (like Lisbon instead of Paris) can save a lot

Don’t forget open-jaw flights—fly into one city and out of another to save time and money

Go fancy at lunch—many top restaurants offer fixed menus at a fraction of the dinner price

Head to local neighborhoods instead of tourist-packed squares

Check out wine bars or aperitivo hours—you’ll get great drinks and small bites

Hit up markets like Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon or Mercato Centrale in Florence for local food and atmosphere

Join a small food tour—they often include multiple tastings and insider spots

Train tickets in countries like Spain, France, and Italy can be affordable if booked early

Europe is extremely well connected by train, making trips between London, Paris, Madrid and Berlin fairly quick, and sometimes quicker and more comfortable than flights

Try slow travel options like ferries in Greece or river cruises in Germany for a relaxing break between cities

Thermal spas in Budapest or Ljubljana offer full wellness experiences for under €30

Book a wine tasting at a vineyard—you’ll get quality time and usually meet the winemaker

Try a cooking class in someone’s home for a cozy, memorable evening

Head to a rooftop bar just before sunset—buy one drink, and you’ve got a view better than most paid attractions

April to early June and September to November are ideal—lower prices, milder weather, fewer crowds

Spain for example and particularly Costa del Sol with Seville, Cordoba and Malaga, or Costa Brava with Barcelona have very mild temperatures in the winter as well, making them perfect destinations for sun lovers

In winter, cities like Paris, Vienna, or Prague still sparkle – and hotels drop their rates

Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends

Avoid big festivals or holidays unless they’re part of your plan

Stick to neutral, mix-and-match outfits

Bring one dress-up option for a special dinner or night out

Add polish with small touches: a scarf, good shoes, a compact steamer

Pack light—you’ll thank yourself when walking through cobbled streets or jumping on a train

Don’t forget your power bank and universal adapters

Splurge on what matters most to you—a great hotel for a night, an amazing meal, a spa day

Save on what doesn’t matter: skip overpriced tours, pack snacks, walk more

Focus on experiences over things – memories last longer than souvenirs

Set aside a little “just for me” budget, so you don’t feel bad saying yes to something special

Portugal + Southern Spain: Charming hotels, tapas culture, and scenic train rides. Think Seville, Lisbon, and the Algarve.

Budapest + Vienna: Elegant cafés, operas, historic spas, and fancy architecture—all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Northern Italy + Slovenia: Lakes, wine regions, boutique farm stays, and plenty of slow moments. Try Lake Como, Verona, and Ljubljana.

France (Off the Paris Path): Skip the capital and head for places like Lyon, Annecy, or the Loire Valley—castles, vineyards, and great food, with way fewer crowds.