Having relatives in Europe is ridiculously convenient. I can usually stay with them so hotel costs and most meals are a non-issue. This led me to believe Europe was much cheaper than it actually is. So, imagine my surprise when I visited Russia and parts of Scandinavia this past summer. Russia, Finland, and Sweden are just plain expensive! Finland has something like a 22% tax on everything. That makes even a simple coffee way pricier than it needs to be. But luckily, I developed a strategy on this last trip that kept my Rubles/Euros/Kronor in my pocket while actually losing a couple pounds in the process.
-First off, plan ahead. I was able to get Euros at one of my bank’s branches without any conversion fee which saved me money and also saved me the $5 fee I usually get charged for using another bank’s ATM. Call your bank and ask them if they offer this service for their customers. From my experience, they keep “normal” currencies like Euros and Pounds in stock and only require a couple days to get less common currencies.
-If breakfast is included at your hotel, make the most of it. After I enjoyed a normal-sized meal, I filled up a water bottle and grabbed a couple pieces of fruit for my daytime snacks. Bananas, apples, and oranges are usually readily available and easy to tote around. If you’re like me and don’t like your banana to get smashed in your bag, check out the Banana Saver. Great for every day use–even if you’re not on vacation!
-For lunch, dinner, and snacks, I tried to eat one meal at a restaurant and the other at the grocery store. Grocery stores are magical! You can run in and grab a loaf of fresh-baked bread, some cheese, and some chips and, for almost nothing, you can have a meal. A ready-made sandwich at the corner cafe will easily cost two to three times as much.
-Grocery stores are also good for grabbing reasonably-priced beverages and fun souvenirs for your friends. Chocolate and candies abroad always seem to have better packaging and make great, inexpensive gifts.
-To save money on transportation, try renting a bike, walking, or taking public transportation during the day. At the Scandic brand of hotels, there are bicycles in the lobby that you can use for the day. It is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time. But, please, put safety at the top of your list—don’t try to save a couple dollars and compromise your safety! Be smart: travel in groups, use taxis after dark, and be mindful of your belongings on public transport.
Who knew a European vacation would shed a couple pounds?? Got other tips for a European trip–post them here or email [email protected]
