Can you still visit Europe for less than $10,000?

Low-cost holiday spots like Japan and Vietnam are becoming increasingly popular for Aussies, but that doesn’t mean a Europe trip isn’t still a dream holiday for people.

Though Europe has a reputation for being expensive – especially once you pay for the long-haul flight to get there – there are ways to see the country on a budget.

So, is the dream of a $10,000 Europe holiday still something that Aussies can achieve? Let’s break it down.

Cheapest way to get to Europe from Australia

Your flights to Europe will easily be your biggest expense, but there are ways to secure a cheaper fare. 

If budget is your absolute priority, look past the premium carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates. You can nab deals with Chinese carriers that stop over in places like Guangzhou, which offer the best fares from Australia to Europe.

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Otherwise, Etihad and Oman Air often run excellent sales (cheaper than Emirates and Qatar) while still offering top-tier on-board experiences.

Or, you can DIY a ticket by booking a low-cost flight (on an airline like Jetstar or Scoot) to an Asian hub like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. From there, book a separate low-cost flight on to Europe. 

If you do this, give yourself a huge buffer time in your stopover destination – ideally overnight – as you won’t be protected if you miss your flight due to delays.

Finally, don’t just search ‘Sydney to London’. Look for flights into Istanbul (IST), Rome (FCO), Athens (ATH), or Paris (CDG), which can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than those into Heathrow. 

Best time to travel to Europe for cheap

During the shoulder seasons (so, avoiding Christmas and European summer), you’re more likely to find cheaper fares. 

Aim to travel in February/March or October/November if possible. Return flights during these months can drop to $1300 - $1800, compared to $3000+ fares in peak season.

For slightly warmer weather, if you’re looking for a sunny beach holiday, aim for the shoulder seasons of May and September, though these are slowly becoming more popular as well. You will pay slightly more than the cooler months, but you’ll catch great weather without the summer price gouging.

How to travel Europe on a budget

The main thing here to consider is your destination. Yes, Italy, France, the UK, and Spain are all dream destinations. But your money is going to run out here a lot faster. 

Instead, look for less popular destinations that offer the same vibes but still have great tourism infrastructure.

Countries like Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Albania, Montenegro, and mainland Greece are perfect holiday destinations, will cost a fraction of a trip to more popular Western European spots. 

Europe is so well-connected by bus and rail that it’s easy to get around on your own, with relatively short travel times between major cities. 

Some inspiration for you:

• Albania, instead of the Amalfi Coast or the Greek Islands. It’s got the same white sand beaches and Mediterranean climate, but meals cost under $10, and accommodation is under $100 a night. 
• Kraków, Poland or Budapest, Hungary instead of Rome and Florence. If you want grand, cobblestoned European old towns, incredible history, and castles, Central Europe is unmatched. Neither Poland nor Hungary use the Euro, so prices stay low here. 
• Portugal instead of Spain and France. If you’re set on Western Europe, Portugal is the best value by far, with incredible food, wine, surfing, and history. 

How to keep costs down on a Euro trip

There are a few things that can keep costs down, if you’re willing to put in the work. 

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Major change coming to the way travellers book flights to Europe

Though trains are easy, buses can be way, way cheaper. A train from Paris to Amsterdam might cost $150, while a FlixBus might only cost $25. Yes, they take longer, but they have Wi-Fi, power outlets, and are very reliable.

Avoid flying unless you’re travelling with the bare minimum – low-cost European airlines charge heavy fees for carry-on bags and checked baggage. 

Look for hostels with kitchens. Don’t worry, you don’t need to sleep in a 10-bed dorm; many modern hostels offer cheap private rooms. The communal kitchen really comes in handy here, cooking even just one meal a day at your hostel can save you a lot. 

Avoid pricey tours, and instead search for “free walking tours + city”. Almost every major European city has them, run by local guides who work for tips. It’s the cheapest way to get your bearings, learn the history, and while you’re there, get some great local food recommendations. 

Where can I find cheap accommodation in Europe?

First of all, avoid major touristy hotspots.

Nightly rates in countries outside the classic Western European destinations will cost you about a quarter of the price. 

Some out-of-the-box places to look for accommodation in Europe:

• Private rooms in a hostel. Always read the reviews to make sure you’re not staying in a party hostel or somewhere loud.
• Monastery and convent stays. Particularly in France, Spain and Italy, you can stay in a historic monastery. Check Monasteries.com for availability. 
• Farm stays. Accommodation on working vineyards or farms, for a really authentic local experience. Search ‘agriturismo’ for more information. 
• University dorms. During the European summer, major universities across the UK, Ireland, Spain, and France open up their empty student accommodation to the public; search on UniversityRooms.com.
• Outside the main city or old town. Look for neighbourhoods that are 3 to 5 train stops outside the city centre to save heaps on your nightly rate – as long as you’re on a train/bus/metro line. 

How much do I need to budget a day for Europe?

Europe has so many different destinations, so your daily budget depends entirely on how you travel and where you go. A dollar in Poland or Albania buys you roughly three times what it’d get you in Switzerland or Italy.

For mid-range travel, when you want comfort and privacy but aren’t looking to splash out on luxury, you’re probably looking at a daily spending of about $150 – $250 per day.

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The best European destinations that won't break the bank

In the expensive areas (Switzerland, the Nordic countries, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and the Amalfi Coast), you’ll easily spend more than $250 a day. And that’s just on accommodation alone. 

To really make your money stretch as far as possible, bargain areas include Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and Bosnia. Dinners out in nice restaurants cost $15 - $20 AUD, and you can get great accommodation for a fraction of Western European prices. Here, you’ll probably spend $60 to $100 a day. 

If you don’t want to miss out on Europe’s main drawcards (Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and Croatia), just be smart with how you plan your trip. 

You can find world-class food and culture without a huge price tag if you step outside the main tourist centres (eg. visiting Seville instead of Barcelona, or Bologna instead of Rome).

Can you still visit Europe for a 10,000 holiday?

Yes. But you have to be diligent with your planning and be ok with missing out on some of the ‘quintessential’ European experiences. No €100 gondola rides, Northern Lights tours, or luxury weekends in Switzerland.

Once you’ve booked your flights, you’ll probably have about $7000-$8000 in the kitty. If you’re travelling as a couple or with friends, that makes things even easier, as you can split accommodation costs.

Following the tips above, $8000 in Europe can last about two weeks if you head to Western Europe, or even stretch to a good four-week stint in Central and Eastern European countries.

Though it can be tempting to go wild with city-hopping, you’ll spend much less if you stay in places for 4-5 days rather than 2-3. Every time you switch cities, you pay for transport, plus taxis or transfers. Plus, the more you spend in a place, the better you get to know the local spots (and find great low-cost gems!)