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Europe can prove to be quite a travel bargain if you choose your lodging, meals and transportation carefully. It may end up being less expensive that visiting some cities in the United States.

Transportation in Europe
Getting around in Europe, there are three choices – bus, train and air. Renting a car is not practical, with the different road types, different laws and road signs in various unfamiliar languages.

Just like the rail passes, Europe’s intercity bus lines offer passes, as well. These passes can be purchased for various time lengths and allows you to travel unlimited amount of times. Single city-to-city bus tickets are often quite reasonable too. Of course, travel by road is a little slower compared to rail or air.

Some people would prefer to pay a little extra for train. Train passes are still quite affordable for students and others on a budget. In addition to being faster, trains provide such amenities as toilets, and also sleeping quarters on overnight trains. Take note that there are extra charges for sleeping cars and other first class accommodations.

In Europe, air travel is quite cost effective compared to train and bus travel. There are a number of low-cost air carriers all around Europe. These air fares are often comparable to train tickets between the same cities.

Inexpensive Lodging In Europe
There are a number of excellent low-cost lodging options in Europe, ranging from hostels to hotels to bed and breakfasts. The average bed-and-breakfast in Europe is different than its American counterpart. Europeans regard bed-and-breakfast hotels as inexpensive places to stay, and they can be much more affordable than hotels in similar locations. Most bed-and-breakfast hotels in European destinations are small, family run hotels.

There are many places to look for European bed-and-breakfast hotels – the Internet, travel guides, Internet news groups and travel review websites. There are also booking services that will book the bed-and-breakfast hotel for you for a small fee (usually around 10%). These booking services can be very valuable especially if you do not speak the local language.

For those who arrive without reservations, there are hotel booking services available at most major train stations and airports. These booking services can usually find you a place to stay, even if the city is very crowded. For this service, they usually charge a small fee, either a set fee or a percentage of the room charge. Just be sure you have a local map handy so you don’t get stuck with a hotel in the middle of nowhere.

Below is a list of things to consider when booking lodging for your cheap travel in Europe.

• Your budget lodging will probably be clean, functional and basic. Don’t expect fancy or luxurious surrounding.
• Rooms at a budget hotel or bed-and-breakfast will probably be small. Closet space may be limited or even non-existent.
• The least expensive rooms will have bathroom and shower facilities located down the hall, while more expensive rooms may have an in-room bathroom and tub.
• A room that has only a shower will usually be less costly than one that includes a bathtub as well. Ask about the bathroom facilities if you are particular about this.
• Rooms equipped with a double-bed are generally cheaper than those with twin beds.
• If you are driving, there may be extra charge for parking. Again, ask when making your travel reservations.
• Buy a good map and make sure the cheap lodging you choose is centrally located. Choosing a centrally-located hotel or bed-and-breakfast will save you time and money for transportation.
• When booking your Europe lodging, ask if the price quoted includes all local taxes and applicable fees.

Cheap Travel Tip 1 – Shop Around
You must shop around if you want to be successful in getting the budget travel you want. Shop on the Internet or visit your local travel agents. Different travel websites, and different travel agencies often have access to various specials and sales. So be sure to shop around for these hidden travel deals. Sometimes booking accommodation directly with a hotel may be more costly than booking with a travel agent or online hotel booking agent. So be sure to check out third-party hotel booking agents for more competitive room rates!

Airlines may also offer travel packages (air tickets and accommodation). However, it is best to check the hotels and do a little research. This is because booking the air tickets and accommodation separately may actually save you some previous money. All it takes is a little of your time.

Cheap Travel Tip 2 – Picking The Right Season
Consider traveling during the off-season. The hotels that are overbooked and expensive in the high season are often available at really attractive prices once the high season is over. Off-season travel also offers the advantage of smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cheap Travel Tip 3 – Group Travel
Many airlines and hotels offer discounts to groups. So if you are traveling with your friends and family, you may be able to save some money.

Cheap Travel Tip 4 – Last-minute Travel
If you have flexible employment, you should take advantage of some fantastic last-minute deals. Cruise lines, airlines and hotels often offer discounts to avoid the expense and lost revenue of an empty cabin, airline seat or hotel bed.

Cheap Travel Tip 5 – Package Travel Deals
For many destinations, especially exotic locations, airfare tends to be expensive. So package travel deals can be significantly less expensive than making your own arrangements. Many travelers also like the safety and security of traveling with a group.
Opting for cheap travels doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice fun, excitement and adventure. There are many opportunities waiting for budget travelers who are willing to put in the time and effort to seek them out.

You can learn how to travel smart, avoid getting scammed, and what to do when things go wrong. Don’t you think its time you learn how to save hundreds, perhaps even thousands, on your next trip or vacation? It’s up to you to make your cheap travel or budget travels happen.