Backpacking on a Budget 101

By Max Berman on July 2, 2016

Beginning to backpack can be a difficult thing. You have to choose somewhere within your budget, but that will also keep you entertained and awestruck as you soak in the experience of a new culture. Europe is full of amazing countries with cities that have so much to offer the modern backpacker, it’s astounding!

I always found that no matter what, as a backpacker, I’m drawn back to Paris time and time again. Everyone’s immediate thought is, “But what about the price?” Paris can be as cheap or as expensive as you’d like it to be! Depending on which neighborhood you’re staying in, a hostel can be as low as ten Euros per night, and for one of Europe’s most frequented cities, this is a great deal for someone on a college budget! Along with this, Paris has a wonderful market culture as well as various boulangeries and groceries, and of course fast food. Between all these options, you could dine for as little as five Euro for a decent lunch. Most supermarkets have lunch deals, where you’re able to get a juice, sandwich and chips for around four euros! When you have to factor in metro tickets and general expenses during your trip, this can save you money in the long run and even help you extend your trip! As far as spending time there, Paris has an abundance of free and cheap things to do. Going down the the catacombs beneath the city is an amazing way to see something off the beaten path, and admission is only around ten euro! You can stroll through the countless parks Paris has to offer, and go celebrity hunting in various cemeteries that dot the city. If you don’t feel like going out to a bar or spending money on a show, grab a bottle of wine for two euro and head down to the Eiffel tower for the nightly light show! No matter what you decide to do, whether it’s strolling through the Louvre or walking along the Seine, you’re guaranteed a great time in Paris!

Image via the Odyssey Online

While not as well known, Budapest is a great place to get away from the typical tourist attractions at a great price. Lodging here is relatively inexpensive, as I was able to rent an apartment for the week for only a little more than twenty euros a night. Besides this, beer costs less than an american dollar, and meals are priced accordingly, costing between five to ten euros, and the grocery stores much cheaper. Transportation is extremely inexpensive, with metro tickets being less than a euro for a one way fare. Budapest is full of amazing architecture and European charm, with a wonderful Parliament house that sits on the banks that divide Buda and pest.

Even more off the beaten path, Slovakia is one place not many people venture to when in Europe. While being more far east than London or Paris, Slovakia is a place full of charm and is extremely cost efficient for travelers. A hostel here will cost you about five euros a night. Staying inside of the Old City, right outside of the castle gates, you feel as if you were brought back into time. While the city may be quaint, it’s a vibrant place that is cosmopolitan in all senses. You can enjoy some of the best thai food in all of Europe here, as well as traditional Slovak dishes.

Image via www.theactivebackpacker.com

One of the most accommodating places for backpackers in Europe may surprise you, but Venice is an incredible place to stay for a few days. You can stay at one of the many hostels in the mazes of alleyways, and just spend your time getting lost in the charm and wonder that is Venice. While many of the restaurants won’t be friendly to your budget, there’s an array of stands and little shops with sandwiches and ice cream to keep you full for your entire stay. Besides gondolas and canals, there’s a rich history with a wonderful Jewish quarter, as well as amazing architecture to gaze at all day.

The last place to check off your list as a budget backpacker is Warsaw, Poland. One of my absolute favorite places, it’s a slower paced city with a lot to offer a backpacker. Accommodations here are ridiculously cheap, we had booked two nights in a hostel for less than ten US dollars. After searching around online, we were able to book 5 star hotels for the next four nights for less than seventy five dollars! Food is even cheaper, with fruits and vegetables being in the low cents and boxed goods not costing much more. The nightlife is vibrant here, with lots of clubs and bars to soak in the local culture.

Image via The Odyssey Online

 Whether it’s Europe or America, now is the time to travel more than ever!

 

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format