Here are our best tips for travelling in Europe on a budget in 2025.
Do you dream of discovering Europe without breaking the bank?
Whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of Lisbon, the markets of Provence or the beaches of Croatia, it’s possible to enjoy a memorable European experience while keeping your wallet under control.
Aeroplan, Air Canada‘s frequent flyer program, allows you to book a round trip to Europe for as little as 60,000 points in economy class, although fares can vary according to demand, sometimes exceeding 100,000 points. For more predictable prices, opt for flights operated by Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, TAP, etc.), which apply fixed fares but require advance booking.
Flying Blue, the Air France and KLM program, offers monthly Promo Awards for discounted travel using points. These offers are particularly attractive for departures from Montreal or Toronto, with tickets available from 15,000 to 25,000 miles one-way. Flying Blue also offers a 25% discount on regular fares for children.
On the other hand, the British Airways Club’s Avios program is a great way to get to cities like London or Dublin, especially if you can find flights on off-peak dates in their calendar.
To find the best points deals quickly, use a tool like Roame, which allows you to view availability across multiple dates and itineraries. Aim to book early, as this is the best time to purchase flights with points, or watch for last-minute releases to take advantage of the best finds for travelling to Europe on a budget.
Air Transat is another popular option in Canada for cost-effective travel to a number of European cities, including Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon and London. The company regularly offers attractive seasonal promotions, particularly in spring and autumn. You’ll have no shortage of destination ideas!
What makes Air Transat even more attractive is its partnership with VIPorter, Porter Airlines’ frequent flyer program. It’s now possible to earn and redeem VIPorter points on select Air Transat flights. Take a moment to learn how to use your VIPorter points to book your tickets for your trip to Europe on a budget.
These points can be accumulated quickly and easily with credit cards such as the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard and the BMO VIPorter Mastercard, thanks to their attractive offers.
The CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, Scene+, etc., offer great freedom, as they allow you to book flights with any airline, including low-cost carriers such as French Bee or Air Transat, which often offer the best prices to Europe. It’s an ideal solution if you spot a flight deal on a site like Google Flights or directly on an airline’s website.
For example, a round-trip flight from Montreal to Europe could cost as little as $600 to $700. By using flexible points like those from Aventura, TD Rewards or Scene+, you can significantly reduce the cost by redeeming your points for a Statement credit, thus reducing the budget for your trip to Europe.
With Scene+ and CIBC Aventura, you can book on any site and use your points to obtain a travel credit on your card statement. With generous welcome bonuses from the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, you can often get up to $1,000 off your flight! TD allows you to book through the Expedia for TD portal, for an generous conversion rate of 200 points for 1 dollar in travel credit. CIBC and Scene+ have similar portals in partnership with Expedia, where you can earn more points.
These programs are ideal if you want to enjoy fast, low-cost tickets without depending on the availability of award seats. They also offer greater latitude in your choice of dates, itineraries and airlines.
Low-cost airlines can be a great way to travel around Europe on a budget, without emptying your points account or wallet. For travellers who have not yet accumulated enough Aeroplan or Flying Blue points, or who prefer to reserve them for another trip at a better value, these options allow you to fly at a reduced price while keeping control of your spending. In fact, saving on flights at the source is a very good idea.
French Bee is a French airline specializing in low-cost long-haul flights. It offers direct flights between Montreal and Paris from around $300 one way. This fare is generally affordable if you book several months in advance and are flexible about departure and return dates.
This is a particularly attractive option for travellers who want to save their points for a more expensive trip in the future, or who are looking for an easy way to reach Europe before using points to explore the continent.
Please note that basic tickets from French Bee only include one piece of carry-on luggage. If you’re planning to travel light, this is ideal. Otherwise, expect to pay extra for checked baggage, or opt for a higher fare class, which is often still affordable.
Once on the Old Continent, you can continue to travel within Europe on a budget thanks to the many low-cost airlines that cover the entire continent. Among the most popular are Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Vueling and Transavia.
These carriers serve hundreds of destinations, often from secondary airports, with tickets starting from as little as 10 to 30 euros one way. These fares are often available in low season or for mid-week departures, provided you book several weeks in advance.
Here are a few tips to make the most of these flights:
By combining an affordable flight to Europe with French Bee or Air Transat, or using your Aeroplan/Flying Blue points, along with low-cost flights within the region, you can easily visit multiple countries without spending too much.
The cost of a trip to Europe varies according to the season. By adjusting your dates, you can save on airfares and accommodation while avoiding the crowds of tourists.
Low season (November to March): This is the cheapest time of year, with discounted airfares and accommodation. The weather can be cool and rainy, but if you like museums, cafés and Christmas markets, it’s a great time to discover cities like Paris, Rome or London, away from the crowds. Some attractions may be closed or have reduced opening hours.
Mid-season (April to June, September to October): This is the best compromise between a pleasant climate, reasonable prices and moderate crowds. Temperatures are ideal for visiting both cities and the countryside. Although prices are higher than in the low season, they are still lower than in summer, making this an ideal time for a well-balanced trip.
High season (July and August): This is the most expensive period, with high tourist numbers and high prices, especially in popular destinations. However, it’s the only time possible for many families. If you’re traveling in the summer, consider exploring less touristy destinations or countries where the cost of living is lower to keep expenses down.
Choosing the right destination is still important, as some European countries offer excellent value for money, even in high season. If you often travel during the low season, it might be wiser to choose a program that offers account credits like CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, or Scène+, compared to Aeroplan, where you might not maximize the value of your points as much.
Not all European countries have the same impact on your wallet. By targeting destinations where the cost of living is lower than in Canada or Western Europe, you can extend your stay, travel more comfortably or experience more activities, without necessarily increasing your budget.
Here are a few European countries that offer excellent value for money for travelling in Europe on a budget:
By combining several of these destinations with low-cost flights from major European cities, you can build a multi-destination itinerary at very low cost. For example, you could land in Paris on an affordable flight like French Bee, then fly to Lisbon or Athens via Ryanair, Wizz Air or Vueling for less than $50.
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when travelling in Europe. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce the bill while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Airbnb remains a popular option, especially for couples and families travelling to Europe on a budget. Renting an entire apartment offers several advantages: more space, more privacy, and the ability to cook on site, which saves considerably on meals.
To reduce costs even further, choose accommodation in residential areas a little outside the city center. In most major European cities, you can reach the main attractions in 15 to 30 minutes by metro, streetcar or bus. These areas are often quieter and offer access to more affordable local shops.
Some hosts also offer discounts for longer stays or in low season, so this can be a good option if you have some flexibility in your itinerary.
Then there are several ways to use credit card points to reduce costs.
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is another reliable platform for renting out entire homes in Europe. Very similar to Airbnb in its operation, VRBO differs in that its offering is more geared towards vacation homes and spacious accommodations, often better suited to large families, groups of friends or travellers wishing to settle for several weeks in the same place.
Available rentals generally include everything you need for a comfortable stay: full kitchen, several bedrooms, laundry facilities, sometimes even a pool or garden. This not only cuts down on expenses on site (no need to eat out at every meal), but also provides a more immersive experience in local life like Airbnb.
Out of season, rates are often much lower, especially in coastal or rural tourist areas. Also, service charges can be a little lower than on other platforms, and it’s sometimes possible to negotiate directly with owners for longer stays.
HomeExchange is an original and economical solution for affordable, or even free, accommodation. The concept involves swapping your house or condo with another member of the platform, either on a reciprocal basis or through a points system (called GuestPoints). This means you can host someone in your home at one time and use your points to stay somewhere else at a different time.
Annual membership costs around CAD 220, and gives you access to a worldwide network of members. Once registered, you can make as many exchanges as you like during the year.
HomeExchange is a particularly advantageous solution for families or homeowners who want to travel frequently without blowing their budget. As well as saving on accommodation, you benefit from a complete living environment: fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious living areas, and sometimes even a car or toys for the children.
Getting around Europe can be expensive, especially if you travel a lot. Fortunately, there are a number of economical options for exploring the Old Continent without breaking the bank.
Rail Europe is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel between European cities. With rail passes, you can travel without having to buy tickets for each journey. For example, a 5-day pass to travel through France costs around CAD $300, offering great flexibility to visit several cities like Paris, Lyon or Marseille and make a European trip on a budget. These passes are ideal if you plan to visit several destinations in a short space of time.
If you prefer to buy individual tickets, it’s often more advantageous to book them in advance on the websites of national railways, such as SNCF, Trenitalia, Renfe or DB. You can benefit from significant discounts by booking a few weeks before your departure. Don’t forget to use a no-conversion-fee credit card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite on these purchases. You can even use your Scene+ points to absorb these costs!
FlixBus is also an economical option for travelling across Europe, with competitive fares. Ideal for shorter or less urgent journeys, FlixBus offers affordable prices and modern buses with features like free Wi-Fi. It’s the perfect solution for maximizing your budget while discovering new cities.
Finally, overnight transportation, whether by train or bus, allows you to save time and cut down on accommodation costs. Some companies offer comfortable sleeper options at affordable prices, enabling you to arrive at your destination in the morning ready to explore without having paid for a night’s hotel stay. It’s a great tip for saving money while travelling!
Travelling in Europe allows you to discover a rich culture without necessarily spending a fortune.
Free walking tours are a great way to discover a city on foot and learn about its history, often free of charge. These tours, led by passionate local guides, usually accept tips. You can book your tour via Civitatis, which offers both free and paid tours across Europe, led by expert guides. Book your free tour via Civitatis here.
Many European museums offer free admission days, such as the Picasso Museum in Barcelona or the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, which are free at certain times or on the first Sunday of each month. Plan your visit to take advantage of this free access and optimize your budget while exploring the local culture. If you’d like to book excursions with a guide, there’s also GetYourGuide, which can offer attractive rates.
Discovering local cuisine is one of the great pleasures of travel, and you can have these tantalizing experiences without breaking the bank even when travelling in Europe on a budget. Renting an apartment via platforms like Airbnb allows you to cook your own meals by buying fresh produce from local markets, which is more economical than eating in touristy restaurants.
In several European countries, such as Spain, Italy and France, you can take advantage of fixed-price lunch menus (between 10 and 15 euros), often including a starter, main course, dessert and drink, allowing you to sample local gastronomy at lower cost.
Street markets, bakeries and street food stalls also offer tasty, affordable cuisine, ideal for a quick lunch.
For lower-priced meals and a more authentic atmosphere, move away from tourist areas. Finally, a well-chosen credit card, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card or the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, can help you save on foreign transaction fees and offer generous rewards on your grocery and dining purchases.
Travelling to Europe on a budget is a challenge that can easily be met with a little preparation and flexibility. By using the right tools to save on flights, choosing more affordable destinations and taking advantage of the many economical accommodation and transportation options, it’s possible to enjoy a wonderful European adventure on a budget. Mastering the art of easily accumulating points for your future travels is the key to travelling for less!
Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus or low-cost airlines, every stage of your trip can be optimized to save you money. Plus, the wealth of free activities and affordable local experiences will enable you to discover Europe in a different light, while keeping your expenses under control. By applying these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your stay without compromising the quality of your experience.
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