Pack your bags and prepare for an epic European vacation that won’t hurt your wallet with the most affordable month-to-month destinations.
Many dream of adventuring through Europe, but high travel costs can prevent your trip from becoming a reality. Knowing the best months to visit top European countries will help you save on transportation, lodging, and activities. With some flexibility and preparation, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe without overspending.
These are the most affordable European countries to visit according to month:
January: Switzerland
Switzerland is a premier European destination during winter. In addition to experiencing the Swiss Alps, visitors can embark on a scenic train ride or indulge in cheese and chocolate food tours. Switzerland is a postcard-worthy place to explore charming Old World cities without massive crowds.
You can save big on travel costs by visiting in January, which is low season, according to Travel + Leisure. Since there are fewer tourists this time of year, you can often score deals on accommodations, as hotels will likely be under capacity.
February: Austria
Winter is the ideal season to escape to the Alps for a snowy adventure. Since February is an off-peak time for European tourism, it’s a relatively cheap time of year to travel. Consider booking a skiing or snowboarding trip to Austria in February. Many ski resorts offer discounted passes, while flights and accommodations will likely be lower in price than usual.
March: United Kingdom
Hop across the pond to spend March in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Famous areas like London, England, and Edinburgh, Scotland, are significantly more affordable in spring. The weather is also typically pleasant, and you’ll avoid the surge of summer tourists. Book your trip to the U.K. in March for cheaper airfare and lodging options.
April: Germany
April is an excellent time of year to visit Germany on a budget. Not only is April an off-peak travel month, but it’s also in the heart of Germany’s vibrant spring season. Admire beautiful wildflower fields while traveling to wallet-friendly cities like Berlin and Hamburg. April crowds will be light at most popular things to do in Germany, and Hotels.com shares it’s one of the cheapest times to visit for low hotel prices.
May: France
France is a notoriously expensive destination, but you can save by booking in May. The weather tends to be warm yet mild, making it ideal for wandering the Paris streets or a luxury river cruise down the Seine. Flights to France are often cheaper in May, which is a shoulder season for tourism. As a result, U.S. News Travel shares that travelers can frequently score hotel room price cuts throughout the month.
June: Croatia
Croatia is a fantastic summer getaway for budget-conscious travelers. Its location on the Adriatic Sea is famous for its vibrant coastlines and rich cultural heritage. A road trip down the coast will allow you to tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dine on fresh local cuisine, and enjoy the scenic waterfront views. Add Split and Dubrovnik to your sightseeing itinerary for low-cost activities like wandering the city plazas and enjoying the public beaches.
July: Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an underrated place to travel for a July vacation. There’s much to discover, from scenic coastlines overlooking the Black Sea to mountainous regions of rolling forests. The country experiences a hot summer ideal for hiking, boating, and touring cities. Sofia, the capital, is a haven for art and history, appealing to all visitors. Meanwhile, The Times named Sunny Beach one of the most affordable summer destinations in Europe.
August: Hungary
Consider Hungary if you’re craving an end-of-summer trip that won’t break the bank. Cities like Budapest and Debrecen are budget-friendly throughout the year. You can find extra savings on transportation and lodging by visiting in August. The summer crowds will thin out, offering excellent deals on hotels and car rentals.
September: Italy
A trip to Italy can quickly become expensive, but visiting in September can help cut costs. Thanks to lower tourist numbers, September is one of the cheapest months for Italy travel. In addition to fantastic prices, you’ll also be rewarded with pleasant weather. From Bologna to Turin, there are numerous affordable cities to spend your vacation in Italy.
October: Spain
Discover Spain’s beauty without overspending by planning a trip in October. This time of year can be cold and rainy, resulting in cheaper travel costs. Many accommodations in Spain have discounted October rates since it’s an off-peak month. Explore the bustling Madrid city life or unwind on a tasting tour of Spain’s famed wine regions.
November: Poland
Transportation and lodging prices follow suit as temperatures drop throughout Poland in November. If you don’t mind the cold, it’s an excellent place to spend a week in winter. Due to the weather, flights are considerably cheaper in November. While you must bundle up to stay warm, planning a November trip to Poland is an unforgettable adventure.
December: Czech Republic
Get into the holiday spirit with a December vacation to the Czech Republic. Prague, the capital city, is world-famous for its festive winter markets and events. Budget travelers can save by focusing their time on charming villages and historical sites found throughout the country. Consider flying into Prague before escaping the hustle and bustle in favor of smaller and more affordable cities like Brno and Olomouc.
Hack your next family vacation to save big
The cost of a family trip can quickly skyrocket between transportation, accommodations, food, and activities. Money-saving travel hacks can help you budget for family vacations without sacrificing fun.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
