Amid ancient cathedrals, modern bullet trains, bucolic farmlands, bustling cities, artistic masterpieces, thumping nightlife, and the almighty euro, traveling in Europe can be the experience of a lifetime; but it can also wipe out your savings. However, with a little resourcefulness, you can stick to your budget without missing out on all Europe has to offer.

The best thing you can do before setting out on a trip is to learn as much of the local language as possible. It may not be possible to become fluent, but every additional word you know helps free you from the tourist traps and brings you closer to the real life going on all around you.

Student Discounts

Doing your homework before you leave can save both money and logistical headaches. Plan your itinerary, get a guidebook, and go online to find specific information about transportation and lodging options. If you are a student, a $20 investment in an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) will more than pay for itself in student discounts.

If you will be going to several cities, decide ahead of time how you will travel between them. Rail passes offer unlimited train rides for a certain number of days, but there is a wide array of options. You'll probably need to sit down with a calculator to figure out which is best for you. Buses are generally a little slower, a little cheaper, and more uncomfortable than trains, but in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, they have more extensive networks, and in much of Scandinavia, they are the only option.

Major cities are more expensive and often require travel strategies different from those for small cities or towns. Because prices in cities are often higher, you may want to make the outskirts your base, where both food and lodging are cheaper. Double check for convenient transportation from the center to avoid losing more than you save on cab rides back after a night on the town.

Making lodging reservations online is also a good idea, and it doesn't have to stifle your freedom to be spontaneous. Hostelling International runs reliable, basic hostels across Europe, as well as offering membership discounts. Many hostels charge for linens, so avoid this expense by bringing your own sleepsack - a flat sheet folded in half and sewn on the bottom and side. Also, be aware that if you are traveling in the high season, prices will be higher; but in the low season, many accommodations may be closed. Prices are also higher during festivals and local holidays. Avoid unintentionally becoming a pilgrim at a local saint's day by planning ahead.

Transportation Tips

On arriving in a new town, make your first stop the tourist information office. In addition to answering any logistical questions you may have, the tourist office can also help save you money. Many cities offer some sort of visitor discount pass. These often include unlimited public transportation for a certain number of days or discounts at major museums and sights. In addition, the tourist office may rent bikes at good rates, tell you about free Internet access at the public library, or offer coupons from local establishments. In fact, it never hurts to ask for discounts anywhere you go. Student and youth (up to age 26) discounts are very common in museums, theaters, and even on some transportation.

Seek out your own adventures. Instead of paying twice what locals do for a meal at a restaurant with an English menu, go to the grocery store or market and have a picnic. Instead of taking a packaged walking or bus tour, just go explore. Taking a commuter rail or bus out of town and spending the day hiking or lying on the beach will provide some rest and relief for both you and your wallet.

At the end of your vacation, you probably won't remember when that medieval castle was built or which building was the only one in the world made of igneous sandstone. But if you haggle with an old lady in the marketplace, get caught up in a crowd of children heading home after school, and eat some local food hot of a street cart, you'll always remember what it was like to be immersed in the sounds, smells, and movement of the place you were visiting.

Finally, never forget that you will enjoy your trip most by doing what you love. While travelers are often drawn to the sights that make destinations famous, be your own tour guide. My uncle once told me that one of the most interesting travel experiences he ever had was one afternoon in Seville, Spain, when he (willingly) observed the proceedings of a traffic court. In my own travels, I've learned that some of the best memories often emerge from the most unexpected experiences.

Virginia Fisher is an editor for Let's Go Europe 2006, which is available at bookstores everywhere for $14.99. For more information on Let's Go, visit www.letsgo.com.

© 2006, InCharge® Education Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.