🌍 UK, France, Switzerland, Italy | 24 days | $2,400
💰 All-inclusive: flights, trains, accommodation, tickets, shows, meals! Who else can offer such a deal?!!
I always thought that traveling to Europe would be a budget-buster, and the prices quoted by travel agencies only reinforced this belief. But after diving into my own research, carefully selecting hotels, booking flights and train tickets, purchasing discount cards, and taking advantage of free admission days, I realized that an affordable European adventure was within reach💪
🙋♂️ How did I pull it off?
Theme: Budgeting
Method: Treat the trip as a project
1️⃣ Confirm the route and attractions📍
To start, I scoured numerous online reviews and tapped into the wisdom of friends who had lived or worked in the region. This helped me handpick the cities and attractions that were both cost-effective and captivating. I also discovered hidden combo tickets and free open days, which I strategically integrated into my itinerary, dividing them into manageable daily segments.
2️⃣ Confirm transportation
✈️ Flights: I meticulously planned my entry and exit points based on the geographical layout, ensuring no backtracking. By comparing flight prices, I selected the most economical dates.
🚄 Trains/Buses: I researched various ticket purchasing platforms between countries and compared the costs of trains and buses.
While prioritizing efficiency and safety, I avoided exhausting myself just to save a few bucks.
🌟 Money-saving tips:
A. Invest in a Railcard for UK trains
B. Purchase long-distance tickets well in advance (though this requires strict control over your itinerary)
C. Avoid peak hours on the London Underground
D.
Utilize various types of travel cards like weekly or monthly passes for maximum savings
3️⃣ Book accommodation🏨 Compare prices across multiple platforms
Once the itinerary was set, I turned my attention to accommodation. I scoured all online guides and booking platforms, reading countless reviews, and considering factors such as price, environment, transportation, comfort, and whether there was a kitchen.
Since part of the UK trip was with my parents, I had to ensure their Chinese food cravings were satisfied! I found great places at low prices, maximizing value for money.
Plus, I even spent a night in a dormitory in Oxford [Shy R], adding a unique twist to my stay!
4️⃣ Meals🍽️
Eating can be as luxurious or frugal as you like. To save money, I bought groceries and cooked my own meals, cutting costs by up to five times. I’ve included my meal expenses for reference, showing how it’s possible to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.
5️⃣ Shows🎭
I splurged a bit on entertainment, spending over 200 euros on shows like the popular horse show, Moulin Rouge, and the Versailles Palace ball. While it wasn’t entirely a budget trip, these experiences added a touch of luxury and enjoyment to my journey.
[Disappointed R] This entire plan took me two whole months, but the effort was incredibly rewarding! My travel companion praised me as a budgeting expert to everyone! [Cute R][Cute R]
💰 Travel agency quotes are at least around 60,000 yuan, which is a huge difference compared to my plan! Whether you’re a graduating student or someone who quit a high-paying job, wouldn’t it be better to use the saved money to buy a designer bag or dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant?
🙋🏼 For those eager to dive into the guide, feel free to grab it from the bottom left corner! 📖
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Wishing you all an amazing journey ahead! 🌟
