Travelling around Europe doesn’t have to break the bank or be overly complicated. When many of us think about a European holiday, we imagine splashing out on flights, expensive hotels, and daily costs in a single, pricey destination. This can make it feel like seeing Europe is only for those with deep pockets.
However, you can absolutely explore Europe in a much more budget-friendly way without compromising on quality, incredible experiences, or the sheer number of places you can see.
The secret? Look beyond the traditional single-destination trip. By considering Mediterranean cruises and Europe cruise and tour packages, you can unlock a unique, cost-effective, and hassle-free way to see multiple destinations in one incredible journey.
Why Europe is perfect for budget travellers
Europe is a treasure trove of culture and diversity, with neighbouring countries offering dramatically different experiences. This proximity means you can see and experience a lot without spending a fortune on long-haul travel. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, stunning coastlines, or vibrant city life, there’s a place for you.
When planning your travels, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly transport links and great cruise options that allow you to get the most for your money. It’s an ideal continent for travellers who want variety and value, allowing you to visit some of the best cities that Europe has to offer without emptying your wallet.
How to tour Europe cheaply
There are several ways to tour Europe cheaply. You might consider relying on budget modes of transport like intercity trains, coaches, or budget airlines to hop between countries. While these can certainly save you money on transport, the costs of booking separate accommodation in each destination, sorting out daily meals, and managing all the logistics quickly add up.
This is where a Mediterranean or European cruise really shines. These holidays offer multi-country travel with a single, upfront cost to simplify your budget and planning.
A cruise and tour holiday allows you to visit destinations that would typically be very expensive to stay in for a prolonged period, giving you a wonderful taste of each one without the hefty hotel bill. For example, imagine sailing past the French Riviera with stops in Villefranche, Roses, or Marseille, before heading to iconic Spanish spots like the bustling streets of Barcelona or the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza.
Further south, you might find yourself exploring Italian gems like historic Genoa, the ancient wonders of Rome, or the unique charm of Palermo, Venice, or Lake Garda.
Cruises let you experience the best of these typically costly destinations without the logistical nightmare or high expense of independent travel.
Why Mediterranean cruises are a budget-friendly option
If you’re after unbeatable value, our Smart Packages are the savvy holiday-goers’ secret weapon. Get two unforgettable holidays for the price of one, combining your cruise with flights and a free hotel stay across 31+ Mediterranean destinations. Sail and explore over 100 ports, discovering iconic landmarks, cultures and cuisines in hotspots like Italy, Spain, Greece and beyond, all in one effortlessly charming coastal holiday.
Keep an eye out for cheap cruises and deals, including shoulder-season (April to June, and September to October) cruises or repositioning cruises, as these often provide the best value. To explore how much you can save, take a look at our current Mediterranean cruise deals.
Budget tips for European travel
Even if you choose a cruise, there are always ways to be even more savvy with your money. Here are three general tips to help you save:
- Be flexible with your travel dates: The absolute best way to get deals is to avoid the peak summer holidays (July and August). Travelling in the shoulderseasons or even the winter often means lower prices for flights, cruises, and attractions, and you’ll find the crowds far more manageable.
- Book attractions smartly: Look for city passes or combined tickets if you plan on visiting multiple museums or sites. Sometimes, visiting a museum on a specific day or time offers a discount. Don’t be afraid of asking about pensioner or student discount, either.
On top of this, many major European cities offer fantastic free walking tours which are a brilliant way to get acquainted with a place. Of course, you can still give a discretionary tip to the tour guide.
- Travel light to save on baggage fees: If you’re using budget airlines for any pre- or post-cruise travel, stick to a carry-on bag. Checked luggage fees can drastically increase the cost of a flight. You’ll also find it much easier to navigate public transport and cruise terminals if you aren’t lugging around massive suitcases!
It is absolutely possible to travel Europe on a budget, and you don’t have to sacrifice the quality or variety of your holiday to do it.
By exploring Mediterranean cruises or a tailored Europe cruise and tour package, you can benefit from a cost-effective, all-in-one alternative to traditional European travel. It’s the smart way to get the most value and experience for your money, ticking off some of the continent’s most incredible sights and places to travel cheaply in Europe in one unforgettable holiday.
Ready to see how many amazing destinations you can visit without overspending? Booking a Cruise and Tour with Cruise Nation is the perfect way to get the most value and experience for your money.
