Search the forum for tips on saving money on bus/train/accommodations. A couple key things I’ve done to save money in the past:
1. Eurail train passes don’t usually save you money. For cheapest way to book certain train routes check out http://www.seat61.com. It’s kind of a cheesy/dated site but, so far, the information has been good.
2. Hostels are great, when I’m with my family they don’t really work out, but I’ve done a few guys trips and it’s a great option to save and meet people. Check out digitalnomad’s hostel datasheet - it is game centric, but other good info in there that could be useful for you.
One more reference for hostels - last year a very central hostel in Amsterdam cost me €34/night, while a very central hostel in Tallinn cost me €11/night.
As far as destinations go...
That’s a long and cold winter in the north...get down to the Mediterranean. You talk about cuisine and culture - go visit Rome. When I think culture, I think history/tradition - very few cities worldwide pack so much history/tradition within their boundaries. In my opinion, Italian food is the best in the world. It’s not a cheap city, but certainly cheaper than many big northern euro cities. Do the homework on which neighborhoods are more geared toward locals and you’ll find eating out is roughly half the price v the touristy areas. Trastavere had many reasonably priced (€6 dinner) eateries last time I was there.
Anyway, the following google search should get you to a page with detailed write up on costs (it’s been helpful for me on my travels) in different European cities, ordered from cheapest to most expensive:
‘56 European cities by price’
Good luck and enjoy. Europe is an incredible place.
1. Eurail train passes don’t usually save you money. For cheapest way to book certain train routes check out http://www.seat61.com. It’s kind of a cheesy/dated site but, so far, the information has been good.
2. Hostels are great, when I’m with my family they don’t really work out, but I’ve done a few guys trips and it’s a great option to save and meet people. Check out digitalnomad’s hostel datasheet - it is game centric, but other good info in there that could be useful for you.
One more reference for hostels - last year a very central hostel in Amsterdam cost me €34/night, while a very central hostel in Tallinn cost me €11/night.
As far as destinations go...
That’s a long and cold winter in the north...get down to the Mediterranean. You talk about cuisine and culture - go visit Rome. When I think culture, I think history/tradition - very few cities worldwide pack so much history/tradition within their boundaries. In my opinion, Italian food is the best in the world. It’s not a cheap city, but certainly cheaper than many big northern euro cities. Do the homework on which neighborhoods are more geared toward locals and you’ll find eating out is roughly half the price v the touristy areas. Trastavere had many reasonably priced (€6 dinner) eateries last time I was there.
Anyway, the following google search should get you to a page with detailed write up on costs (it’s been helpful for me on my travels) in different European cities, ordered from cheapest to most expensive:
‘56 European cities by price’
Good luck and enjoy. Europe is an incredible place.