Living in Madeira, Portugal, after relocating from the USA, we embarked on a retirement and semi-retirement journey filled with exploration, discovery, and budget-friendly adventures across Europe. Despite not having a vast financial reserve, we've managed to experience incredible journeys, spanning six countries and numerous cities, including the likes of Paris, London, and Lisbon. Our secret lies in uncovering fantastic deals, and we're often asked how we make it happen.
In total, our year's worth of thrifty travel, adventures, and fun cost us a mere 3100 euros per person. Wondering how we accomplish this? Our approach begins with the flexibility of our destination choices. Having not spent our entire lives in Europe, we relish the opportunity to explore unfamiliar places. By casting aside location constraints and being open to off-peak travel times, we've discovered a myriad of affordable destinations.
Flight Strategy
Our flight strategy is equally frugal. We don't mind mid-week or early morning departures, and we're content with not bringing luggage. Sometimes we decide on one shared bag, we've found ways to make it work. Seat preferences are irrelevant, and waiting until the last minute to choose seats has never hindered our ability to sit together without incurring unnecessary costs.
To find the best flight deals, we leverage various websites and apps, starting with Google Flights. The "Explore" feature allows us to zoom in on specific regions or continents, helping us identify the most budget-friendly options. By setting filters for a one-week travel window within the next six months, we efficiently narrow down our choices.
Where To Stay
Once we have a destination in mind, our focus shifts to accommodation. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and RCI (thanks to our timeshare) become valuable resources. Aligning our lodging choices with the nature of the destination is key. For urban adventures in cities like Paris or Lisbon, we prioritize central locations this may cost a little more but minimizes reliance on transportation, maximizing the time you can spend enjoying your chosen destination. This also allows you to shorten your trip to expensive areas (big cities). When heading to the beach or the countryside, a rental car becomes a necessity, and due to the cost difference (and having a rental car), it can work out well to extend your time in these more remote, or otherwise cheaper, areas.
DiscoverCars.com has proven to be a reliable source for affordable car rentals in Europe, often costing us around 100 euros per week—a stark contrast to the higher prices in the USA. Planning well in advance has been our final tool for securing the best prices on all aspects of our trips. After having used them multiple times, and looking forward to using them again, we are proud to say that we have our own affiliate link with DiscoverCars: https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=Itllbefun
What To Eat
Upon reaching our destination, we make it a point to explore and secure reservations at a couple of quality restaurants. Utilizing apps like 'The Fork,' we uncover special discount times that have led us to discover exceptional eateries at fantastic prices. Our preference leans towards local mom-and-pop establishments, and we never pass up the opportunity to savor the diverse street foods we encounter during our travels. These culinary experiences not only enrich our journey but also contribute to our enjoyment of the locale without straining our budget.
Adventures
Certainly, we do consult the conventional top 10 lists of things to do and see in the city or region we're exploring. While we may visit some iconic landmarks without necessarily paying for the elevator ride, such as the Eiffel Tower, we also discover fun from exploring museums, churches, wineries, and any intriguing spots like parks and gardens.
Our recommendation is to select a handful of attractions to pay for and then conduct a search for complimentary concerts, events, parades, and other free activities happening during your visit. Embracing these no-cost opportunities not only broadens the scope of your adventure but also ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the local experience while staying well within your budget.
In conclusion, our mantra is not to be picky but to embrace the excitement of each adventure. With careful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to explore the unknown, budget-friendly travel becomes not just a financial necessity but a delightful way to make lasting memories. So, pack your bags and get ready for the next thrilling journey—adventure awaits!
It´ll Be Fun!
Great article, guys. We'll definitely be keeping your tips and suggestions in mind when planning trips in 2024, Cheers!