Are you dreaming of exploring the romantic streets of Paris, savoring the delicious gelato in Rome, or dancing the night away in Ibiza? If you're planning a trip to Europe, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: how much money do I need for 3 weeks in Europe?
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Well, the answer is: it depends! The cost of your trip will vary depending on several factors, such as your destination, travel style, and the time of year you visit. But don't worry, I've got you covered with a checklist of the items you'll need to budget for, so you can have an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank.
Transportation
Getting around Europe can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Consider using budget airlines or multidestination flights, also taking the train is recommended instead of renting a car which not only can blow your budget but can be challenging to drive in some locations, remember each European country has its own driving style. You can also save money by booking your tickets in advance and traveling during off-peak hours. Remember that with Tryp.com you can add not only the planes but also the trains, you can check our multidestination trips to get an idea.
And don't forget to budget for local transportation, such as buses, trams, or metro tickets.
Accommodation
The second thing you'll need to budget for is your accommodation. Whether you're staying in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, make sure to research prices in advance and book early to get the best deals. You can also save money by sharing a room with friends or opting for a cheaper location outside of the city center.
Europe is a food lover's paradise, but dining out can quickly add up. To save money, you could try to cook some of your own meals, especially breakfast or lunch. You can also eat at local markets or street vendors for a cheaper alternative. Now most mediterranean countries like France, Spain or Italy will have special offers for lunch, quite inexpensive, you can check some of those restaurant in our Paris guide and more to come!
And of course, don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine and drinks - just make sure to budget for it accordingly!
Activities and Sightseeing
Europe is full of incredible sights and experiences, from visiting museums to going on a wine tour. Make a list of the activities you want to do and research their prices in advance. Many museums and attractions offer student discounts, so make sure to bring your student ID if you have one. And don't forget to budget for souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home.
Experience it. Don't just look.
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It is also a good idea to buy the tickets in advance, some locations add extra charges if you buy at the door, not to mention that there might be limited spaces for the visit you might want to do.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Finally, make sure to budget for miscellaneous expenses such as travel insurance, visas, and unexpected expenses like a lost phone charger or a taxi ride. It's always better to have a little extra money saved up than to be caught off guard by an unexpected expense.
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So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better! But don't let a tight budget stop you from having an incredible adventure in Europe, check out multidestination trips around Europe and you’ll see it is cheaper than you think.
I hope this checklist helps you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Europe. Remember, it's not about how much money you spend, but about the memories, you create and the experiences you have. Happy travels!
Deals directly to your inbox. So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better!
On average, one person should plan around $2,000 for 20 days in Europe. You should be able to stay in a private room and eat out most of the time. But that still depends on where you plan to go. If you're on a backpacker's budget, you should be able to do it for $1,500.
You can use the costs in our table above, and the $100-per-day rule of thumb, to calculate how much money you'll need for your trip. So for a three-week trip, you'll be needing over $2,000. But it really does depend on what country you're traveling to and what you plan to do, eat and drink while you're there.
A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.
3 Week European Itinerary: The All-In-One Route: England, France, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Spain & Portugal. Whether you're a frequent flyer or you're visiting Europe for the first time, you can make the most out of your trip with this all-in-one itinerary.
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.
Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
Restaurants: Expect to spend between $15-$30 per meal in mid-range restaurants. Fine dining can easily exceed $50 per person. Cafes and Bistros: A more affordable option, with meals typically costing $10-$20. Street Food: Delicious and budget-friendly, street food can cost as little as $5-$10 per meal.
There's a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency.
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is very simple: The numbers represent the number of certain items of clothing. According to the method, five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses, and an accessory set—consisting of a jewelry set, sunglasses, and a hat—should go in your suitcase.
A thousand dollars can get you far — no matter where you want to go. While there are many ways to travel cheaply (like using points and miles or extreme budgeting), this concept is about something more middle-of-the-road. It's not about going away with no money or traveling on $10 or $20 a day.
Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates. Major banks, such as Chase or Bank of America, often offer the added benefit of having ATMs overseas. Online peer-to-peer foreign currency exchanges.
While cards are widely accepted across Spain, having some cash on hand is essential for smaller purchases, especially in rural areas or at local markets. Small businesses, cafes, and taxis might prefer or even require cash for low-value transactions.
A well-planned budget for a three-week trip to Europe should range between $2,500 and $6,000. This is a ballpark figure and having a buffer is wise. Factors such as personal travel style, destinations chosen, and current exchange rates will greatly affect the final total.
On average, a budget traveler might spend around $2,000 to $3,000, while mid-range travelers could spend $4,000 to $6,000 for the month, covering accommodation, meals, and. Countries like Spain and Portugal tend to be more affordable than France or Switzerland.
Plan to spend around $2,000 for a 3-week trip in Spain if you prefer to stay in a mid-range hotel and eat often. Accommodation costs you the most during your trip, around $40-$60 a night for a decent double room.
Traveling to some countries in Europe will soon require yet another piece of paperwork — and yet another fee. For Americans, that fee is just under $8 (7 euros) per person. Sometime in 2025, the European Commission is set to launch what's called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS.
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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