How to Save for a Trip to Europe (And Why Now Is a Great Time to Start)

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2020

So you want to take a trip to Europe when this whole pandemic thing is in the rearview mirror.

But you’re not exactly Warren Buffet or Jeff Bezos.

Well in this post I’m going to offer up an array of tips on how to save for a trip to Europe — even if you aren’t making a lot of money.

Because now is a fantastic time to start saving.

So that come 2021 or 2022 — when Europe begins opening up more and we have COVID-19 figured out —you are ready to go.

Now I realize that because each person’s situation is different and unique, not all of these tips will apply to you.

And, naturally, we are all bringing home varying paychecks and have different monthly expenses.

But below you’ll find some helpful tips for saving for that dream trip to Europe.

Some will work for you and some won’t.

Pick and choose and start saving!

Set up a travel savings account

This is your first task and one everyone should do.

You can’t save for a trip to Europe without a specific account designated for this purpose.

At the very least, use your regular savings account for your trip fund.

But sometimes it’s helpful to have a completely separate account.

If you are not to be trusted and will steal your own money from that account and put it into your checking account for living expenses, open a savings account with another bank —something you won’t think about.

Have money automatically deposited into this account each month.

Often you can have your regular paycheck split up so you can put a portion of it into this travel fund.

You won’t see it.

You won’t think about it.

And you won’t miss it.

But you’ll have it when you’re ready to start booking that trip to Europe.

Yay!

Set up a savings account for your European adventure!

Stop eating dinner/lunch/breakfast out or ordering take out and stick to your grocery list

I feel a bit bad about this one as I know so many restaurants have struggled during the quarantine time.

But eating out will cost more than going to the grocery store, buying your own food and cooking it at home.

I’m not saying to not go out at all, but if you go out once a week or twice a week, drop it to once or twice per month.

Stop buying your fancy coffee drinks every day.

Think of this: If you are buying one a day at $5 that’s $150 a month!

Make it a treat and buy it once a week.

And when you do your grocery shopping, make a list — and stick to that list.

Look for sales and buy those items only if you need them.

DO NOT go to the grocery store on an empty stomach.

You know what happens then — you buy too much food that you don’t need.

We’ve all done it!

Figure out your food budget per month and try to adhere to it.

I bet you’ll save more than you know.

And trust me, having a delicious meal in a restaurant in Italy is worth it!

A meal in Tuscany is worth not going out to dinner back home. Trust me!

Get rid of cable/dish/Netflix/Hulu/Disney Plus or whatever your TV poison is

Do you really need to be watching all that TV anyway?

I get it.

I now have Netflix and I do enjoy it.

But I don’t eat out and I color my hair myself (see below).

So that’s my one treat.

But I don’t have 5 streaming services!

If you have several streaming services/TV services, at least cut back to one.

This will help you save for a trip to Europe — even if it’s simply adding $10 to $25 per month to your travel fund.

Want to go cold turkey?

Pick up dvd’s at the library — it’s free!

And there are ways to watch some shows free online.

Take a good hard look at what you are spending and see what you can cut back on or cut out completely.

You can do this!

Fulfilling your travel dreams is worth a bit of sacrifice now. I promise!

Stop buying books and magazines

Use the library.

It’s free.

You can get e-books and magazines for your e-reader or tablet.

You can check out dvd’s for your movie and/or TV series fix.

I realize the library may not have the latest releases.

But I find it fun to watch a movie from a couple of years back that I find in the library.

This is a wonderful way to discover some great flicks.

I am a definite fan of checking out books on my tablet from the library.

In fact I rarely, if ever, buy books any more — paper or digital.

Spending time in a beautiful European city such as Ljubljana, Slovenia is worth cutting back now.

Sell your shit

Do you need all those clothes?

All those books?

All of those (fill in the blank)?

I’m sure there are items in your house or apartment that you can get rid of.

I have a bag full of clothes sitting here right now that I’m planning to send to a consignment store.

I may not get a ton of money, but every $20 or $50 adds up.

Believe me, there is someone out there who will want your stuff.

If you have enough to sell, have a yard sale.

Furniture is especially popular as is kids’ stuff (clothing and toys).

There are all kinds of ways to save for a trip to Europe that can also help you declutter your life.

Sell some stuff now, go to Paris later. Yay!

Cut back on your mobile phone plan

Is there a way to cut back on your mobile phone plan?

Maybe you don’t use all your voice minutes.

Maybe you can cut back on your data plan.

I know the data plan is what we love.

We are so attached to using our phones as mini-computers.

That’s what they are after all.

But if you try to stick with using wifi hotspots more then you can use less data.

Be smarter than your smart phone.

Wouldn’t you rather have a trip to Ireland?

Cut back on your haircuts/colors

Yes, ladies, this applies more to you.

But, seriously, do you need to spend that much on your haircut?

Your color or highlights?

Didn’t the quarantine teach you that yes, you can do without expensive cuts and colors/highlights?

Find a friend who can cut hair or go to a school for stylists and get a color for a fraction of the cost.

Or color your hair yourself.

There are many ways to save for a trip to Europe, ladies, and still look good.

Want to see something like Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye, Scotland? Save a bit on those salon visits!

Stop buying new clothing

Do you really need that new dress?

That new shirt?

Those new heels that you’ll wear … never?

While it might be fun and make you feel good at that moment, taking a trip to say, Paris or Prague, will be more rewarding.

Trust me.

And if you do need to buy clothing, can you buy from a consignment or thrift shop?

I’m a fan of Thred Up, an online used clothing store.

I’ve bought a couple of pairs of jeans that I saved a ton on.

This is a great way to save for a trip to Europe.

Wouldn’t you rather have money so you can experience Venice?

Get rid of the expensive gym membership

GO OUTSIDE!

Did you know that walking or running or cycling or hiking or paddling outside is good for your brain?

This is probably what you were doing during quarantine time when gyms and fitness centers were closed — because you didn’t have a choice.

And I bet you realized how fabulous it is to run, walk or bike outside.

Who needs a stinking treadmill?

Not you!

And while I get that maybe the weight training piece is harder at home, it’s not impossible.

You can do body weight exercises or even pick up some used dumbbells and get your strength training at home.

So get rid of the gym membership and put it into your travel fund.

See, you can save for a trip to Europe!

Get outside for those workouts. By saving money on your gym membership you’ve got that much more to put toward your trip.

Drive less

I know fuel prices have gone way down.

But by walking or cycling instead of driving you can still save for a trip to Europe.

Even if it’s an additional $25 per month.

More than likely fuel prices will begin to rise.

So why not get into the habit now.

Besides, the exercise will do you good.

And you’ll be doing your part for the environment.

Remember: every little bit helps.

Can you cycle or walk to work? the store? to visit family or friends? You can save some money for your European adventure if you do so!

Stop buying alcohol

Okay, I know.

This coming from the girl who loves her wine…and whiskey…and an occasional beer.

But stop buying it.

Or at least cut back.

Save that money for having a lovely Barolo in Barolo, Italy.

Save it for having a Belgian beer, in Belgium.

And save your money so you can have a wee dram of Scottish whisky (or 2) in Scotland.

Trust me — the Guinness tastes far better in Ireland than it does here in the US.

You know your alcohol buying habits.

So try to save for a trip to Europe accordingly.

Not a fan of adult beverages?

Then you are already saving money!

A glass of wine in Northern Italy is worth not having some wine now. Save now, drink later!

Skip movies and concerts

I know right now, concerts are not happening.

But movie theaters are beginning to open.

If these are events you like to attend, think twice.

How much money do you spend in a month or a year on movies or concerts?

Maybe you like the theater or museums or art galleries.

Or perhaps you’re someone who likes amusement parks or water parks.

I bet you could save for a trip to Europe by cutting these out of your social life.

Instead look for free events to attend in your city or town.

There are always things like concerts in the park or poetry readings or museums that don’t charge.

I know here in Cincinnati, we are fortunate that our wonderful art museum is free to visit.

Look at how much you spend on these events and see where you can at least cut back if not cut out completely.

Another good way to save money for your trip to Europe.

London has some free museums such as the National Gallery. I bet you can find free things to do in your city or town so you can save for that trip to Europe!

Rent out a room or get a roommate

This is an extreme way to add some money to your travel fund.

And I get that this is not for everyone — probably not even for many of you.

But if you have some extra space, this is a wonderful way to earn some additional money that you can save for a trip to Europe.

And it’s possible you may be helping someone out.

You may be able to rent out a room in your house to a friend or family member who needs some help right now, especially if they’ve been hit by the economic fall out from the pandemic.

You rent her/him your spare bedroom in exchange for some cash for your Europe travel fund.

By charging a small amount, your friend doesn’t have to lock into an expensive place to live.

Your friend saves some money as they get back on their feet.

And you get a bit of money for your Europe travel fund.

It’s a win-win!

Experiencing coastal Ireland is worth some sacrifices. It’s even more awing in person!

It’s not always easy to save for a trip to Europe

It takes discipline.

It takes patience.

I get it.

Some of you will be able to save money quickly due to your individual circumstances.

Your paychecks might be bigger and/or you have fewer expenses.

And there are some who will need a couple of years to save what you need.

That’s okay.

Just stick to it.

If you really want this, then you have to say NO to some things in order to say YES to that trip to Italy or Germany or Spain or Norway or Greece.

Friends and family will tempt you into going out for drinks or dinner or to a movie or to the club or to a concert or to buy that beautiful new shirt or those cool new jeans.

Say NO.

Will any of these items or events be life changing?

Probably not.

But I bet that trip to Europe will.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Your true friends will understand.

Those who don’t?

Fuck ‘em.

You don’t need friends like that.

And your family, well, they should always have your back.

Put it out there.

Let people know you are saving for this trip.

Be accountable.

You’ll be surprised that most folks will be super supportive.

And it will help you stay on track.

You can do this!

So get that account open and start saving for that trip to Europe.

I’m rooting for you!!

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places are slowly opening up. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home, or close to home, and stay safe!

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