In November of 2012, I went to visit my sister in Europe. My sister Polly had been living in Italy, and we had schemed up a delightful plan to do meet up in Germany and do some traveling together. We spent 4 days in freezing but adorable Germany, then flew to Greece and spent 4 delightful sunny days on the island of Crete.
Our trip was 10 days. And here's the kicker…
Typically, a trip like this should cost around $2000-$3000 because you have international airfare, trains, rental cars, food, lodging, etc.
But….
I only spent about $500
Ready to see the breakdown in action? Here we go…
1. International Flights- Surprise…I used my Delta card and got a FREE flight with points! I flew from Los Angeles to Amsterdam (which was the cheapest destination with 60,000 points). From Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, I took a train to the border of Germany where our family picked us up! In total, my international flight only costs me $60 (for the airline tax on my free ticket), and then i'll add my $40 train ticket to Germany, for a total of $100.
2. Lodging- In Germany, we stayed with family, so lodging was FREE! Our most generous hosts were so kind in driving us around the city, feeding us, and providing the most cozy little apartment for us to call a home base. In Greece, we found a REALLY cheap and gorgeous B&B that was $40 a night {which Polly and I split, so $20 a person} In total, I paid $60 for lodging our entire trip!
3. Food- In Germany, our most generous family paid for everything. We could not believe how kind and good they were to us! {they even took me to a gluten free store! wow!}. In Greece, the first place Polly and I went after getting settled into our hotel was the local grocery store! We picked up tons of fresh fruits and veggies, and some snacks for our day trips! We ate out for dinner, and went to places the local recommended (instead of the super touristy areas where they charge more). We were able to get the most delicious dishes for a fraction of the price! In total, my food expenses were $60!
4. Transportation- From Germany to Greece, Polly and I scored some awesome Ryan Air tickets for $160 a person roundtrip from Dusseldorf, Germany to the island of Crete in Greece. We made sure to only bring a carry on bag (so we didn't have to pay the luggage fee!), and left our big bags at our family's house in Germany. Once in Greece, our biggest expense was the rental car! We paid $200 (which we split) for 4 days with the rental car, plus gas (which was $18 a person). The rental car allowed us free reign to explore the island, stopping off at the most gorgeous beaches, hill caves, and other adorable and quaint cities on Crete! While in our home base town of Hania, we took advantage of using our legs and walking the city!! Transportation, in total for me, costs $278.
SO as you can see…traveling for CHEAP can be done, but it takes some planning and forethought! The biggest expense I saved on was the international flight ticket (take THAT $2000 flight!!), and of course, lodging! To see each of my tips as described in further detail, see the link below…
Part 1- Prioritize your spending
Part 2- Travel Credit Cards
Part 3- Food
Part 4- Teach Abroad
Part 5- Accommodations
Part 6- Transportation
You can see more pictures of our time in German {here and here} and Greece {here and here}
Happy Traveling Friends,
love Katie
A few sister shots below:) THe first in Germany the second in Greece:)
