3 Places To Visit in Europe on a Social Security Budget
For those who are dreaming of a European vacation on a fixed budget, it’s possible to make it a reality.
“Traveling in Europe on a Social Security budget may sound like a stretch, but I’ve learned that with some planning and an eye for hidden places, it’s absolutely possible to create rich, memorable adventures without overspending,” said Elaine Warren, travel expert and the founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion.
Here are three places to visit in Europe when limited by a Social Security budget.
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Seville, Spain
Warren said that what impressed her the most about Seville wasn’t just how beautiful the city was, but how little her family spent to experience it. She also pointed out that Seville is a place where culture and affordability intersect.
“We stayed in a small family run hotel for about $65 a night,” she said. “It wasn’t flashy, but it was comfortable and close to everything. Walking through the Alcázar, with its gardens that feel like stepping into a fairytale, was a highlight, and entrance fees were surprisingly reasonable. Many of the best experiences here are free — wandering the parks, people-watching in the plazas or listening to the sounds of flamenco echoing through the streets.”
Affordable food in Seville is also possible. Warren and her family found a little family owned tapas bar where they tried dishes that were priced at just a few dollars each.
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Zagreb, Croatia
“Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, was another place that surprised me with how far our budget stretched,” Warren said. “We stayed in a simple guesthouse for about $45 a night, where the owner greeted us with homemade rakija and plenty of tips for exploring the city.
“The Dolac Market became our go-to spot for fresh fruits, pastries and affordable lunches. One afternoon, we spent hours just walking through the Upper Town, discovering hidden courtyards and street art that seemed to pop up around every corner.”
Additionally, Warren said that the market stalls in Zagreb offered quick and delicious meals at prices that left them plenty of room in their budget for additional activities.
Budapest, Hungary
Warren always recommends Budapest, Hungary, for budget travelers.
“We found a cozy apartment rental for $50 a night, which gave us a home base to explore the city’s famous thermal baths,” she recalled. “Even with entrance fees, these baths felt like a luxury we could afford, and they quickly became a favorite with my family. The […] pubs and unique and quirky spots set in old buildings were perfect for a casual evening out.”
Warren explained that when planning trips to Europe, it’s possible to save quite a bit if you look for travel packages that bundle flights and accommodations.
“On one trip, we found a deal that included round-trip flights and seven nights in a small Budapest hotel for less than what I’ve paid for flights alone in the past,” she said.
And as far as cheap eats, Warren said her family had a meal of hearty goulash in a neighborhood restaurant that felt like a feast. Best of all, she said it didn’t cost much more than a fast-food combo back home.
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