Rick Steves Recommends Traveling Faster In This Part Of Europe To Save Money

When it comes to understanding the best ways to navigate Europe smartly and affordably, travel expert Rick Steves is the right person to listen to. Whether you need helpful advice as a first-time visitor in a place like Paris or you just want to know what to avoid, Steves remains a go-to person. Over the years, he has consistently shared practical tips that help travelers save money without sacrificing enjoyable and meaningful experiences. One of Steves' top cost-saving travel strategies, shared in an article on his website, is his advice to "travel faster in the more expensive north and hang out in the cheaper southern and eastern countries."

In other words, if you're on a budget, don't linger too long in Northern Europe. This is because countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland are among the most expensive destinations you can visit in Europe. These Northern European countries are known for their high living standards, which rub off on the costs of hotels, meals, and other activities. So, what Steves encourages is that you still experience the beauty of these places, but make sure to spend just enough time to see the key spots. Then, move on to the countries in the south and the east to spend the majority of your stay. This helps you stay strategic, with both your time and your money wisely spent.

After moving through the pricey north (perhaps with a satisfying experience of the fjords and clean cities), the Southern and Eastern regions of Europe are there to welcome you with a more affordable stay. From food to accommodation to entertainment to transport, costs tend to be much lower in countries like Poland, Albania, Hungary, Portugal, Greece, and the like. Yet, you still get to experience the vibes of the cities, the cultures of the people, their unique cuisines, and their history.

If you'd like to visit Eastern Europe, Budapest, the "Paris of the East," is a top spot famous for its thermal baths (like the Széchenyi), and its affordable public transit. In Poland, you can go to Kraków to witness its cobblestone streets and savor the local food without breaking the bank. Down in the Balkans, spots like Tirana and Sarandë in Albania are growing more popular. Here, you can walk almost everywhere, with daily expenses staying low, and you get easy access to beaches, ruins, and fresh seafood — all for a way lower price than you'd typically spend up north.

As for Southern Europe, Portugal's Porto and Douro Valley bring you beautiful countryside vibes, riverside views, and good food that won't drain your budget. In Greece, you can visit a place like Thessaloniki or a quieter island like Naxos; you'll pay less for rooms and meals there than you would in more famous and crowded islands like Santorini or Mykonos. These places indeed let you enjoy Europe in a way that doesn't strain you too much financially.