✈️ How to Travel to Europe with a Low Bank Balance (Legally!)

Dreaming of exploring Europe but worried about your bank balance? Don’t worry — traveling to Europe on a tight budget is absolutely possible and perfectly legal if you plan smartly. Here's your step-by-step guide to make your Euro trip a reality, even with limited funds.

🧭 1. Pick the Right Countries (Budget-Friendly Schengen Nations)

Not all European countries are expensive. Focus on Eastern and Southern Europe, where travel, food, and stay are much cheaper.

🌍 Budget-Friendly European Countries:

• Portugal 🇵🇹

• Hungary 🇭🇺

• Poland 🇵🇱

• Slovakia 🇸🇰

• Czech Republic 🇨🇿

• Romania 🇷🇴

• Greece 🇬🇷

• Bulgaria 🇧🇬

💳 2. Understand Visa Requirements & Show Minimum Funds

For Schengen visa, you don’t need lakhs in your account, but you do need to show enough funds for your stay.

🇪🇺 Schengen Visa Bank Balance Guidelines:

• Around €50–€60 per day of stay

• That’s approx ₹4,500/day

• 10-day trip = ₹45,000–₹50,000 in savings

💡 Tip: Show combined funds (bank balance + sponsor letter + credit card limit + hotel bookings).

🧾 3. Get a Sponsor or Invitation Letter

If you have a friend, family member, or a host in Europe, they can send an invitation letter stating they’ll host and support you.

✅ This lowers your accommodation and financial proof burden.

🛌 4. Use Free or Cheap Stay Options

🏠 Budget Accommodation Platforms:

🛫 5. Fly Smart: Low-Cost Airlines & Hidden-City Trick

🔍 Tips to Save on Flights:

• Book with budget airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair, EasyJet

• Fly to cheaper hubs like Budapest, Bucharest, Lisbon

🧳 6. Pack Light – Avoid Check-in Baggage Fees

Most budget airlines allow only 7-10 kg cabin bag. Avoid check-in fees and learn smart packing.

✅ Carry multi-use clothes
✅ Use packing cubes
✅ Wear bulky items (jacket, shoes) on flight

🍞 7. Cook or Eat Like a Local

🍽️ Budget Eating Tips:

• Shop at local grocery stores (Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour)

• Eat from street food stalls or bakeries

• Carry your own reusable water bottle and snacks

🏛️ 8. Free Things to Do in Europe

Europe is rich in culture and walkable cities. Some iconic things are completely free:

• Free walking tours (in most major cities)

• Churches and historical sites

• Museums with free entry days

• Parks, beaches, and local markets

• Festivals and street performances

✅ 9. Travel Insurance on a Budget

You must have travel insurance for Schengen visa.

✔ Use providers like whose plans start as low as ₹300–₹800 for 10–15 days.

🔐 10. Stay Legal: No Overstays, No Work Without Permit

Your visa clearly states the duration of stay — don’t exceed it.

• No illegal jobs

• Respect local laws

• Save receipts, bookings, and return tickets as proof during checks

✨ Final Tips: Turn Your Dream Trip Into Reality

• ✅ Apply early to avoid visa delays

• ✅ Be honest with embassy and documents

• ✅ Leverage student ID or youth cards (for discounts)

• ✅ Use public transport and city passes

ROAM RELAX REPEAT...