The Best Tips for Sacramento Travelers to Explore Europe on a Budget — No Hostels Required
A budget trip to Europe doesn’t have to mean bunking in a hostel full of rowdy twentysomethings. For Sacramento-area travelers navigating California’s high cost of living, stretching every dollar overseas matters even more — and the savings strategies start before you leave the ground.
Start With Your Flight Strategy
Sacramento-area travelers heading to Europe face a first decision: fly out of Sacramento International Airport or make the drive to San Francisco International or Oakland. Factoring in gas, parking and potential overnight costs near a Bay Area airport is essential when comparing fares. A cheaper ticket out of SFO may not save money once the full trip cost is calculated.
Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
- B&Bs: Book directly rather than through third-party websites to avoid extra fees. According to European travel expert Rick Steves, “B&Bs are generally small, warm, and family-run, and offer a personal touch at a reasonable price. While B&Bs often lack the conveniences of a hotel — such as fancy lobbies, restaurants, and in-room phones — I happily make the trade-off for the personal touches that they do offer, whether it’s joining my hosts for tea in the afternoon or relaxing by a common fireplace at the end of the day.” He also clarifies, “unlike American bed-and-breakfasts, which are usually frilly, fancy places that cost just as much as hotels, B&Bs in Europe are generally cheaper than comparable hotels.”
- Swap your home: A variety of home swapping websites and apps can help you exchange homes with someone in your desired destination. Sacramento homeowners may find California’s appeal to European travelers works in their favor on these platforms.
- Gamping, or “garden camping”: Online platforms can help you connect with locals who will allow you to camp in their garden with varying amenities such as bathroom access or fire pits.
- Stay outside city centers: Accommodations farther from the city center will almost always be cheaper. Just be sure to calculate transportation costs to main attractions, so the total price actually works in your favor.
When and Where to Go
Travel in shoulder season — the month or two just before or after peak season. The weather will likely still be decent, but crowds and prices drop.
Destinations like Albania, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey remain more affordable than popular spots like England or France. Choosing underrated cities — Burgundy instead of Paris, for example — can also cut costs on food, accommodations and flights.
Getting Around
Budget buses like FlixBus offer cheap routes throughout France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia and more. They also have train service in Germany and Sweden.
The Eurail Pass can help you save on multi-country trips. “In Europe, trains are a quick and comfortable substitute for expensive flights, especially if you’re traveling to several locations,” Roger Sands shared with Forbes.
Eating Well for Less
Sacramento residents who already shop at local farmers markets will feel right at home browsing European market stalls. Pick up food at local markets and grocery stores for quick, affordable meals. Street vendors offer authentic food at a fraction of sit-down restaurant prices in tourist areas.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Many museums throughout Europe have days when they allow free or reduced price entry. Plan your trip dates accordingly. Websites such as freetour.com list free walking tours in major European cities, many operating on a pay-what-you-wish or tipping basis.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
