Last summer, I finally ticked off one of my biggest bucket list dreams: visiting Europe. Like most travelers, my very first question was simple: how much does it cost to go to Europe for an average person or family? I had seen friends post about their trips, but nobody ever explained the breakdown of costs or how to plan smartly.
After weeks of saving and research, I booked a 12-day trip that covered Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. I didn’t go through a local agent; instead, I booked online through a travel deal I found after browsing Money We Have’s Europe travel cost guide. It helped me understand expected expenses and gave me confidence to move forward.— similar to how I planned my Overseas Adventure Travel experience, where I focused on balancing comfort with cost while exploring multiple countries in one journey.
Why I Chose This Booking Site for My Europe Trip
I booked my trip through an international travel website after comparing multiple sources. Another site I found useful was Insider Villas’ breakdown of Europe trip costs.If you’re planning family vacations, my guide on Affordable Family Trips to Europe can help you plan smartly by understanding how to balance fun, comfort, and budget across multiple destinations. Their detailed explanation of accommodation and food costs in different countries helped me decide which destinations were affordable and which ones I should avoid.
The main reason I booked online instead of through an agency was transparency. I could see the airfare, hotel pricing, and city taxes all up front. Plus, the site allowed me to compare various packages. It was convenient, safe, and much cheaper than what local agencies quoted.
Why I Bought This Europe Travel Package
The greatest stimulus was the mere fact that I wanted to be informed on how much money you ought to budget before actually stepping onto the aircraft to take your trip to Europe. Airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, and sightseeing make it expensive.
The one I selected was a combination of pre-planned accommodation and free discovery days. This suited me well since I was not made to be bound to a strict routine, and it eliminated stress. It was a mixed experience of guided tours in Paris and Rome and self-planned days in Barcelona that presented me with the best of the two worlds.
My Story: From Booking to Boarding for My Europe Trip
I will not tell you before reserving that I was nervous. What about the flights, would they be uncomfortable? Would the hotels be like the descriptions? Would I run out of cash midway?
When the time came, I moved lightly and boarded my plane in New York to Paris. I flew with Frontier Airlines, which made my travel more budget-friendly and allowed me to save extra money for experiences in Europe instead of spending too much on airfare.
After moving to Paris, I soon came to realize that Europe is as costly or as cheap as you make it out to be. I avoided taking cabs and used trains, which helped me save hundreds. We ate croissants and baguettes at the local bakeries with only a few euros as opposed to eating in the costly tourist establishments.
Here’s how my budget trip to Europe looked in numbers:
- Flights: $650 (roundtrip)
- Hotels: $80–$120 per night (3-star family-friendly hotels)
- Food: $25–$40 per day per person
- Transportation: $100–$150 for trains, buses, and metro passes
- Attractions: $200 total (Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Sagrada Família)
In total, for my 12-day trip, I spent about $3,500 as a solo traveler. If you’re traveling as a family, expect around $8,000–$10,000, depending on your destinations, as confirmed by Emily Krause’s family cost breakdown.
The Pros and Cons of My Trip Package
Like any product or service, booking a trip package has both good and bad sides.
Pros:
- Cost Transparency: I knew the exact price before traveling.
- Convenience: Hotels and flights were pre-arranged.
- Flexibility: Free days allowed personal exploration.
- Stress-Free Transfers: Airport and city transfers were smooth.
Cons:
- Hidden Costs: City taxes and extra meals weren’t included.
- Crowded Tours: Some guided tours were too rushed.
- Exchange Rate Issues: The dollar-to-euro fluctuation added unexpected expenses.
- Expensive Cities: Visiting Paris and Rome stretched the budget more than expected.
Overall, the pros outweighed the cons, especially since I learned exactly how to manage costs next time.
Research: How Much Does It Cost to Go to Europe?
My research gave me valuable insights into the average cost of a trip to Europe. The truth is, there’s no fixed answer. It depends on where you go, how long you stay, and your travel style.
- Flights – Airfare is often the biggest cost. From the U.S., average roundtrip flights range from $500–$1,200, depending on the season.
- Accommodation – Budget travelers can find hostels for $30–$50 per night, while mid-range hotels average $100–$150. Luxury hotels can exceed $400 a night.
- Food – Eating like a local (street food, markets, cafés) costs around $20–$30 per day, while sit-down restaurants can double that.
- Transport – Trains and metro passes are budget-friendly, but renting cars in some countries can be costly.
- Sightseeing – Major attractions charge $15–$30 per ticket. Museums often have free days, which can save money.
During my trip, I realized that knowing how to plan a budget trip to Europe is just as important as saving money. This was similar to my insights from Travel Without a Passport, where smart planning saved time and money. Booking in advance, avoiding peak summer months, and choosing affordable destinations made all the difference.
The Most Expensive and Affordable Countries to Visit in Europe
Through experience and research, I learned what are the most expensive countries in Europe and which are easier on the wallet.
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Most Expensive: Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland are known for high food and accommodation costs. A simple meal can cost $25–$40. Instead, choose affordable options like Turkey — my Things to See in Istanbul guide highlights budget-friendly attractions there.
More Affordable: Portugal, Spain, Hungary, and Greece offer budget-friendly lodging and meals without sacrificing cultural experiences.
Popular Destinations in Europe – Best Places to Visit on a Budget
As I explored, I understood what are some popular destinations for a Europe trip and why everyone loves them.
- Paris, France – For romance, history, and iconic landmarks.
- Rome, Italy – A living museum with food that’s worth every penny.
- Barcelona, Spain – Beaches, architecture, and family-friendly vibes.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals, bikes, and vibrant nightlife.
- Prague, Czech Republic – Affordable, beautiful, and full of history.
Each city has its own charm, but combining a few budget-friendly destinations with one or two expensive ones is the best way to balance costs. You can also check out Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit for another destination planning example.
My Honest Feedback After My Europe Trip Experience
Looking back, my biggest learning was this: how much it costs to go to Europe depends entirely on how you plan. If you’re flexible with destinations and travel dates, you can make it affordable. If you want luxury hotels in Switzerland during the summer, be prepared to spend a fortune.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Next time, I’ll include more affordable countries like Portugal and skip the expensive guided tours. I’d also plan further in advance to lock in cheaper flights.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to go to Europe? The 12-day trip cost around $3,500 as a solo traveler and would be closer to $9,000 for a family of four or five. It’s not cheap, but it’s also not impossible if you plan smartly.
By learning how to plan a budget trip to Europe, identifying the most expensive countries in Europe, and knowing how much money you should allocate for your trip to Europe, you can make your dream of visiting the continent a reality without draining your savings.
FAQs
Q1: What is the average cost of a trip to Europe?
On average, expect to spend $3,000–$5,000 per person for a 10–12 day trip, depending on destinations and travel style.
Q2: How to plan a budget trip to Europe?
Book flights early, stay in mid-range hotels, eat at local bakeries, and travel off-peak (spring or fall) to save money.
Q3: What are some popular destinations for a Europe trip?
Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Prague, and Amsterdam are among the most visited cities offering culture, history, and fun.
