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Here are our best tips for travelling to Europe on a budget in 2026.
Do you dream of discovering Europe without breaking the bank?
Whether it’s exploring the streets of Lisbon, the markets of Provence, or the Croatian beaches, it is possible to have a memorable European experience while keeping your finances in check.
Aeroplan, Air Canada‘s loyalty program, allows you to book a round-trip to Europe starting from 60,000 points in economy class, although fares may vary depending on demand, sometimes exceeding 100,000 points. For more predictable prices, prioritize flights operated by Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, TAP, etc.), which apply fixed pricing but require advance booking.
Flying Blue, the Air France and KLM program, offers monthly Promo Rewards 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 for a one-way trip. Flying Blue also offers a 25% discount on regular child fares.
On the other hand, British Airways Club’s Avios program is interesting for reaching cities like London or Dublin, especially if you can find flights on off-peak dates in their calendar.
To quickly find the best points offers, use a tool like Roame, which allows you to visualize availability across multiple dates and itineraries. Book early, as this is the best time to purchase plane tickets with points, or watch for last-minute releases to find the best deals for a trip to Europe on a budget.
Air Transat is another popular option in Canada for reaching several European cities at good prices, notably Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, or London. The company regularly offers attractive seasonal promotions, especially in spring and autumn. You’ll have plenty of destination ideas!
What makes Air Transat even more attractive is its partnership with the VIPorter program, Porter Airlines’ loyalty program. It is now possible to earn and redeem VIPorter points on certain Air Transat flights. Take the time to learn how to use your VIPorter points to book your plane tickets for your trip to Europe on a budget.
These points can easily and quickly be earned with credit cards like the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard and the BMO VIPorter Mastercard thanks to their attractive offers.
The CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, Scene+, etc., programs offer great flexibility, as they allow you to book flights with any airline, including low-cost carriers like French Bee or Air Transat, which often offer the best prices for Europe. This is an ideal solution if you spot a flight bargain 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 and thus lower your Europe travel budget.
With Scene+ and CIBC Aventura, you can book on any site and use your points to get a travel credit on your card statement. With the generous welcome bonuses of the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card and CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, it is often possible to get up to $1,000 off your plane ticket! For its part, TD allows booking via the Expedia TD portal, to get an advantageous conversion rate of 200 points for $1 in travel credit. CIBC and Scene+ have similar portals in partnership with Expedia where you can earn more points.
These programs are perfect if you want to quickly take advantage of cheap tickets without depending on reward seat availability. They also offer more flexibility in choosing dates, itineraries, and airlines.
Low-cost airlines can be an excellent way to take a trip to Europe on a budget, meaning without emptying your points account or your wallet. For travellers who have not yet earned enough Aeroplan or Flying Blue points, or who prefer to save them for another trip at a better value, these options allow you to fly at a reduced price while keeping expenses under control. Indeed, saving on the price of the plane ticket 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 starting from approximately $300 one-way. This fare is generally accessible by booking several months in advance and being flexible with departure and return dates.
It’s a particularly interesting option for travellers who want to save their points for a more expensive future trip or who are looking for a simple way to reach Europe before using points to explore the continent.
Note that basic tickets with French Bee only include a carry-on bag. If you plan to travel light, this is ideal. Otherwise, plan for an extra fee for checked luggage or opt for a higher fare class, which is often still affordable.
Once on the Old Continent, you can continue to travel to 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 the off-season or for mid-week departures, provided you book several weeks in advance.
Here are some tips for making the most of these flights:
By combining an affordable flight to Europe with French Bee or Air Transat, or with your Aeroplan/Flying Blue points, and then using low-cost flights once there, you can easily visit several countries without spending too much.
The cost of a trip to Europe varies by season. By adjusting your dates, you can save on airfare and accommodation while avoiding tourist crowds.
Low Season (November to March): This is the cheapest period, with reduced airfare and accommodation prices. The weather can be cool and rainy, but if you enjoy museums, cafes, and Christmas markets, it’s an excellent time to discover cities like Paris, Rome, or London, away from the crowds. Some attractions may be closed or have reduced hours.
Mid-Season (April to June, September to October): This is the best compromise between pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and moderate crowds. Temperatures are ideal for visiting both cities and the countryside. Although prices are higher than during the low season, they remain lower than in summer, making it an ideal time for a balanced trip.
High Season (July and August): This is the most expensive period, with high tourist traffic and elevated prices, especially in popular destinations. However, it is the only possible period for many families. If you travel in summer, explore less touristy destinations or countries where the cost of living is lower to limit expenses.
The choice of destination remains important, as some European countries offer excellent value for money, even in high season. Indeed, if you often travel in low season, it may be more astute to choose a program offering statement credits like CIBC Aventura, TD Rewards, or Scene+ compared to Aeroplan, where you might maximize the value of points less.
Not all European countries have the same impact on your wallet, and not all are conducive to a trip to Europe on a budget. 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 multiply activities, without necessarily increasing your budget.
Here are some European countries that offer excellent value for money for travelling to 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 a very low cost. For example, you could land in Paris with an affordable flight like French Bee, then reach Lisbon or Athens via Ryanair, Wizz Air, or Vueling for less than $50.
Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses when travelling to Europe. Fortunately, several solutions can reduce the bill while maintaining a good level of comfort.
Airbnb remains a popular choice, especially for couples and families travelling to Europe on a budget. Renting an entire apartment offers several advantages: more space, greater privacy, and the option to cook your own meals, which can lead to significant savings on dining expenses.
To further reduce costs, prioritize accommodations located in residential neighbourhoods, slightly outside the city center. In most major European cities, the metro, tram, or buses allow you to reach the main attractions in 15 to 30 minutes. These areas are often quieter and provide access to more affordable local shops.
Some hosts also offer discounts for long-term stays or during the off-season, making it a good option if you have some flexibility in your itinerary.
Then, there are several ways to use credit card points to reduce costs when travelling to Europe on a budget.
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is another reliable platform for booking entire home rentals in Europe. Very similar to Airbnb in how it works, VRBO stands out with a focus on vacation homes and spacious accommodations, making it especially well-suited for large families, groups of friends, or travellers planning to stay in one place for several weeks.
Available rentals generally include everything needed for a comfortable stay: a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, laundry facilities, sometimes even a pool or garden. This not only reduces on-site expenses (no need to eat out at every meal) but also provides a more immersive experience in local life, similar to Airbnb.
During the off-season, rates are often much more advantageous, particularly in coastal or rural tourist areas. Also, service fees can be slightly lower than on other platforms, and it is sometimes possible to negotiate directly with owners for long-term stays.
HomeExchange is an original and economical solution for low-cost, or even free, accommodation. The concept: you exchange your house or condo with another member of the platform, either reciprocally or via a points system (called GuestPoints). This means you can host someone at your home at one time, and use your points to stay elsewhere at another time.
The annual subscription costs approximately CAD 220, and it gives you access to a global network of members. Once registered, you can make as many exchanges as you wish during the year.
HomeExchange is a particularly advantageous solution for families or homeowners who wish to travel frequently without blowing their budget. In addition to saving on accommodation, you benefit from a complete living environment: equipped kitchen, laundry room, spacious living areas, sometimes even a vehicle available or toys for children.
Getting around within Europe can be a significant cost, especially if you travel frequently. Fortunately, several economical options allow you to explore the Old Continent without breaking the bank.
Train travel with Rail Europe is one of the most convenient and affordable options for travelling between European cities. Thanks to rail passes, you can travel without having to purchase tickets for each journey. For example, a 5-day pass to travel across France costs approximately CAD 300, offering great flexibility to visit several cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille and take a budget trip to Europe. These passes are ideal if you plan to visit multiple destinations in a short period.
If you prefer to purchase individual tickets, it is often more advantageous to book them in advance on the websites of national railway companies, such as SNCF, Trenitalia, Renfe, or DB. You can benefit from significant discounts by booking a few weeks before your departure. Do not forget to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card for these purchases. You can even use your Scene+ points to offset these costs!
FlixBus is also a budget-friendly option for travelling across Europe, with competitive fares. Ideal for shorter or less time-sensitive trips, FlixBus offers affordable prices and modern buses with amenities such as free Wi-Fi. It is a perfect solution to make the most of your budget while discovering new cities.
Finally, overnight transport, whether by train or by bus, saves time and reduces accommodation costs. Some companies offer comfortable sleeper berths at affordable prices, allowing you to arrive at your destination in the morning, ready to explore without having paid for a night in a hotel. It is a great tip to save money while travelling!
Travelling in Europe allows you to discover a rich culture without necessarily spending a fortune.
Free walking tours are an excellent way to discover a city on foot and learn its history, often at no cost. These tours, led by passionate local guides, generally accept tips. You can book your tour via Civitatis, which offers free and paid guided tours across Europe, led by expert guides. Book your free tour via Civitatis here.
Many European museums offer free 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 these free admissions and optimize your budget while exploring local culture. If you wish to book excursions with a guide, GetYourGuide can also offer attractive rates.
Discovering local cuisine is one of the great pleasures of travel, but it is possible to do so without breaking the bank on a budget trip to Europe. Renting an apartment through platforms like Airbnb allows you to cook your own meals by purchasing fresh produce from local markets, which is more economical than eating in tourist restaurants.
In several European countries, such as Spain, Italy, or France, you can enjoy fixed-price lunch menus (between 10 and 15 euros), often including a starter, main course, dessert, and drink, allowing you to taste local gastronomy at a lower cost.
Street markets, bakeries, and street food stalls also offer tasty and 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, can help you save on foreign currency conversion fees and offer generous rebates on your grocery and restaurant purchases with its 2X accelerator on this spending category.
Travelling in 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 airfare, choosing more affordable destinations, and taking advantage of the many economical accommodation and transport options, it is possible to have a rich European adventure while staying within your budget. Mastering the art of easily accumulating points for your future travels is key to budget travel!
Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, or take advantage of low-cost airlines, every step of your journey can be optimized to save money. In addition, the wealth of free activities and affordable local experiences will allow you to discover Europe in a new light, while managing your expenses. By applying these tips, you can fully enjoy your stay without compromising the quality of your experience.
To travel in Europe at a lower cost, you need to combine flights with points or low-cost airlines, economical accommodation, and affordable transport like trains or buses. By choosing the right season and cheaper destinations, it is possible to significantly reduce expenses while enjoying the trip.
Booking several months in advance or monitoring last-minute promotions often allows you to get the best prices. Using loyalty points or off-peak periods, such as low or mid-season, also helps to pay less for your flight to Europe.
Destinations like Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Albania, Bulgaria, or Romania offer excellent value for money. The cost of living there is lower, which allows you to extend your stay and multiply activities on a limited budget.
Airbnb rentals, VRBO homes, or home exchanges with HomeExchange are economical and comfortable solutions. Staying outside the city center or during the low season also significantly reduces accommodation prices.
Cooking with local products, enjoying fixed-price lunch menus, and eating at street markets helps to limit the meal budget. Many cities also offer free guided tours, museums with free admission on certain days, and affordable cultural activities.
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