Do you fantasize about wandering Italy's charming boulevards, tasting Rome's exquisite gelato, or losing yourself in Berlin's electric nightlife? If a European getaway is on your horizon, you're likely pondering the essential question: What budget is necessary for a three-week adventure across Europe?
Firstly, Let’s Talk About Transportation
Your major expenditure will be transportation. Intercontinental flights from the US to Europe can range from $600 to over $1,300 depending on the season, point of origin, and how far in advance you book. Continental flights will cost cheaper but again, it will depend on the season, and other factors. Once in Europe, consider regional low-cost airlines, trains, or buses for intercity travel. Moreover, if you plan to visit several countries, check every option a few months in advance. From my experience, I can assure you that bus tickets can increase slightly but not so much as train or flight tickets. If you need more ideas about budgeting transportation - check our previous blog postHow To Afford To Travel.
Moving within cities via public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services can add up. Budget around $150 to $300 for local travel. Miscellaneous expenses like phone data plans or laundry services should also be factored in, say another $100.
Accommodation
Accommodation costs can vary wildly. Hostels, budget hotels, luxury hotels, and Airbnb offer different experiences at different prices. Assuming a blend of these options, a nightly stay could average $50 to $210. For 21 nights, this totals approximately $1,050 to $4,410.
Naturally, living in hostels may not be for everyone, but it’s the cheapest option. If you want to find a better hotel but at the lowest price - I recommend you check the RatePunk browser extension. It’s free to use (unless you want to have a RatePunk membership and have access to RatePunk hotel deals - this way, a yearly subscription costs $11.88), and it is easy to navigate. The tool has many useful features: price tracking, rebooking, highlighting the hotel’s most mentioned words from reviews, showing safety index, wifi & hotel quality, shows the lowest price providers,etc.
If you've got Europe in your travel plans, be sure to know these must-have travel apps. They're designed to maximize your time, minimize your expenses, and have the best travel experience.
Meals || The Flavor of Europe
Food is both a necessity and part of the cultural experience. From $15 a day for budget-conscious, supermarket-sourced meals to $60 a day indulging in modest restaurants, your food budget could range from $315 to $1,050.
Attractions and entertainment will add to your costs. Museums, guided tours, and experiences can cost about $10 to $30 each. Allocating $300 for attractions seems prudent. Of course, it depends on your age: if you are less than 26 years old, many museums, galleries, and attractions are free in Paris. The same goes for other cities, but you must check it before traveling.
Unforeseen Splurges and Spontaneity
It's Europe; there will be temptations. From a spontaneous gondola ride in Venice to that irresistible French perfume or wine tasting, setting aside an additional $200 to $400 gives you the freedom to indulge. Moreover, sometimes you can arrange tours and do some sightseeing independently. Yes, you can, but after visiting Porto, I understood that sometimes there are better options than this one. Sometimes, paying more for guided tours is a way better investment than doing everything yourself, spending slightly less but missing opportunities to visit hidden places or experience local activities.
Putting It All Together
A well-planned budget for a three-week trip to Europe should range between $2,500 and $6,000. This is a ballpark figure and having a buffer is wise. Factors such as personal travel style, destinations chosen, and current exchange rates will greatly affect the final total. Planning and early booking are crucial in getting the best deals.
To ensure your trip is both memorable and financially manageable, start saving early, monitor travel deals, and set a daily budget. Remember, Europe is not going anywhere, so if costs seem daunting, consider a shorter trip or visiting fewer destinations. After all, it's about the quality of your experiences, not just the quantity of stamps in your passport.
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FAQs
A well-planned budget for a three-week trip to Europe should range between $2,500 and $6,000. This is a ballpark figure and having a buffer is wise. Factors such as personal travel style, destinations chosen, and current exchange rates will greatly affect the final total.
How much to budget for 3 weeks in Europe? ›
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So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better!
How much cash should I bring for 3 weeks in Europe? ›
A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.
Is 3 weeks enough for Europe? ›
It's made for independent travelers who want to shape their own Europe itinerary. Three weeks gives you enough time to spend 2 nights in all these famous cities. In each destination, you have the freedom to make your own plans.
How much money do you need to go to Europe for 1 month? ›
While it is definitely possible to do a month-long Europe trip on a tight budget, it isn't exactly cheap – unless you do hostels, don't take taxis/ubers, and don't eat out. Even then, it'll still most likely be over $1,000 USD and closer to $2,000 USD.
How much should you budget for a Europe trip? ›
How much does a European vacation cost?
| Expense | Estimated cost |
|---|
| Local transportation | $0 to $30 per day, depending on whether you walk, drive, or use public transportation |
| Food & drink | $25 to $100 per day, depending on whether you are cooking or eating out |
| Attractions | $0 to $100 per day |
| Spending money | $0 to $100 per day |
2 more rowsEurope Packages
| Europe Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|
| Spectacular Portugal & Spain - Summer (Guided Tour) Package | 15 Days/14 Nights | ₹2,27,853 |
| Splendid Spain Getaway Package | 15 Days/14 Nights | ₹2,80,282 |
| Fantastic France, Swiss & Austria Trip Package | 15 Days/14 Nights | ₹3,89,791 |
2 more rowsIt all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.
Is it cheaper to get euros in the US or in Europe? ›
You can usually get cash from ATMs easily, but still it is worthwhile having a backup in cash of emergencies. It's often more cost-effective to exchange a small amount of euros in America for initial expenses and then withdraw euros from ATMs in Europe for a better exchange rate and lower fees.
Should you carry cash in Europe? ›
Don't Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash
There's a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency.
3 Week European Itinerary: The All-In-One Route: England, France, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Spain & Portugal. Whether you're a frequent flyer or you're visiting Europe for the first time, you can make the most out of your trip with this all-in-one itinerary.
How many countries can you see in 3 weeks in Europe? ›
If you have 3 weeks in Western Europe, you will get to see at least 3-4 different countries, visit historical spots, try out local dishes, and enjoy the scenic locations. All these countries are sought-after by international visitors for different reasons.
What is the best time to visit Europe? ›
Although Europe is a year-round travel destination, the best time to visit Europe is during the summer months of June to September.
How much money should I take to Europe for 9 days? ›
The amount of money you should bring on a trip to Europe for two weeks can vary depending on your travel style and destination. However, a general rule of thumb is to budget around $100-150 per day for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.
How much cash do you need for 2 weeks in Europe? ›
Here is an overview of what two weeks in Europe on a high budget may look like: Accommodation: 200 Euros per night for 14 nights = 2,800 Euros. Food: 80 Euros per day for 14 days = 1,120 Euros. Transportation: 30 Euros per day for 14 days = 420 Euros.
How much does food cost per day in Europe? ›
The average cost of food per day for a couple traveling in Europe can vary greatly depending on the destination, type of meals, and personal preferences. However, a rough estimate would be around 50-100 euros per day, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How much does a 7 day trip to Europe cost? ›
Europe Packages
| Europe Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|
| Swiss & Italian Spotlight - Summer (Guided Tour) Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹1,54,946 |
| Wonderful Prague, Munich & Austria - Summer (Guided Tour) Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹1,49,757 |
| Wonders of United Kingdom with Dublin - Summer (Guided Tour) Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹1,99,103 |
7 more rowsAs a rough estimate, a budget-conscious traveler could expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 for a week-long vacation in Europe, including the cost of flights, accommodations, food, transportation, and activities.
How much to bring to Europe for 2 weeks? ›
The amount of money you should bring on a trip to Europe for two weeks can vary depending on your travel style and destination. However, a general rule of thumb is to budget around $100-150 per day for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.
