Living in London has its perks; one of the best is how easy it is to hop across to Europe for a quick getaway. The downside? London isn’t exactly a cheap place to live, so affording travel takes a bit of planning.
I’ve made weekend trips to Paris, Lisbon, and Berlin without draining my bank account, and over time, I’ve learned a few budget-friendly hacks to make travelling abroad more affordable. If you want to explore Europe while living in London without going broke, here’s how I do it.
1. Finding Cheap Flights – Timing is Everything
✈️ Flights don’t have to cost a fortune; but booking smartly makes all the difference.
✔ I use Google Flights & Skyscanner – I set up price alerts for destinations I’m eyeing.
✔ Flying mid-week is cheaper – Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often half the price of Friday departures.
✔ I check alternative airports – Stansted and Luton usually have the cheapest flights compared to Heathrow or Gatwick.
✔ Hand luggage only – Budget airlines charge ridiculous fees for checked baggage, so I pack light!
Best win so far? A £15 return flight to Milan with Ryanair; cheaper than a round of drinks in Soho.
2. Off-Season Travel – The Secret to Cheaper & Quieter Trips
I’ve learned that avoiding peak season (June-August) is the easiest way to save money.
🍂 Autumn and spring are perfect for exploring cities like Rome, Amsterdam, or Barcelona; cheaper flights, fewer tourists, and better hotel deals.
☃️ Winter trips (outside of Christmas markets) are great for budget travellers; especially in places like Budapest or Prague, where costs are already lower.
The bonus? You actually get to enjoy the destination without massive crowds.
3. Budget Accommodation – Where to Stay Without Overpaying
Finding affordable accommodation in major European cities is tricky, but I have a few go-to strategies:
🏡 Airbnb private rooms – Cheaper than hotels, but still with some privacy.
🏨 Boutique hostels – I avoid big, party-style hostels and instead look for small, stylish ones (The Generator in Paris is a favourite).
🏠 House & pet sitting – Websites like TrustedHousesitters let you stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for pet-sitting; perfect for dog lovers like me!
4. Making the Most of a Weekend Trip
With limited time, I’ve learned to plan smartly:
✔ I stick to 1-2 main attractions per day – Rushing around ruins the experience.
✔ I walk or use public transport – Taxis and Ubers eat up your budget fast.
✔ Local food markets > Restaurants – I’d rather grab fresh pastries in Paris or street food in Berlin than overpay for a touristy meal.
Final Thoughts
Budget travel from London isn’t impossible; it just takes a bit of planning. By hunting down cheap flights, travelling off-season, and being smart about accommodation, I’ve managed to squeeze in affordable European getaways without sacrificing rent money.
Clarkie may not be able to come with me, but at least he gets plenty of belly rubs when I return!
