Planning a European adventure and wondering “is a month and a half okay for a euro trip?” You’re not alone! Many dream of exploring Europe but are unsure how much time is truly needed to make it worthwhile, and importantly, affordable. As someone who has spent the better part of the last decade traveling full-time in Europe and beyond, I often encounter this very question about trip duration and budget.
Money and time are usually the biggest perceived hurdles to long-term travel. Vacations can be costly, so the thought of an extended trip might seem financially daunting. But the reality, as I’ve learned over nine years of continuous travel, is that extended travel, even in a region like Europe, doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, it can often be more budget-friendly than shorter, conventional vacations.
For over a decade, I’ve been meticulously tracking my travel budgets across the globe, and especially in Europe. Why? To demonstrate that full-time travel is within reach for many, and to provide real-world examples of what it truly costs. Travel, whether long-term or short, can be expensive, but it absolutely doesn’t have to be. Sharing my personal budget breakdowns is the clearest way I know to prove this.
So, let’s dive into whether a month and a half is “okay” for a Euro trip, and what kind of budget you might need to make it happen. We’ll explore how to make the most of your time and money, drawing from my years of experience living and traveling across Europe.
Before we get into specifics, let’s quickly touch upon different travel styles because this significantly impacts budget and experience.
What Does Long-Term Travel in Europe Actually Look Like?
First things first, there’s no single “right” way to travel Europe, or anywhere for that matter. Everyone does it differently. I’ve met people who revisit their favorite European spots year after year, and others who are constantly seeking out new destinations. Some digital nomads hop between hostels every few days, while others settle into one place for months or even years.
My own travel style, which shapes my budget and experiences, is just one approach. There are travelers who manage on far less, and others who spend considerably more. My budget breakdowns reflect my personal choices and preferences.
So, what does “my way” look like?
For many years, I traveled solo with my dog. Then, for five years, I traveled as a couple (my published budgets reflect my share of joint expenses plus my individual costs). Now, I’m back to solo travel with my canine companion.
My focus is largely Europe, although I’ve also spent time in North and South America. I prefer to spend at least a month, sometimes two or three, in each location, renting comfortable apartments in local neighborhoods. Hotels or hostels are usually only for short weekend trips or travel days between longer stays.
Food is a passion, so a significant portion of my budget goes towards fresh, high-quality, and often organic food. I enjoy eating out regularly, especially when exploring regions known for their culinary traditions.
I work part-time as a writer and content strategist. This means work occupies a good portion of my week. If you’re retired or on vacation, your spending habits might differ from mine as you might have more leisure time activities.
In my free time, I love cycling, hiking, reading, exploring, and, of course, eating. These are mostly inexpensive or free activities, which helps keep entertainment costs down. I’m not much of a museum or indoor attraction person.
Budgeting for a Month and a Half Euro Trip: Key Expense Categories
To understand if a month and a half is “okay” for your Euro trip, let’s break down the typical monthly expenses. This will help you estimate the costs for a 6-week adventure.
Accommodation: This is typically the largest expense. My solo monthly housing budget is around $1,500, aiming lower when possible. The key to affordable accommodation in Europe, especially for longer trips, is slow travel. Monthly rentals offer significant discounts compared to nightly or weekly rates. Websites like Flatio and Airbnb often provide monthly discounts from 20% to 70%. For a month and a half trip, you might be able to secure even better deals by booking for the full month plus a couple of weeks, or negotiating a longer-stay discount.
Food: As a foodie, this is my second-highest expense. I separate groceries from dining out. I prioritize fresh, high-quality food and don’t set a strict budget ceiling for groceries. In Europe, fresh markets, local butchers, and bakeries are my go-to places. I prefer cooking at home but also enjoy eating out to experience local cuisine. My recent monthly grocery budgets have ranged from around $400 to $650 in different European locations. Eating out varies significantly, from almost nothing to a few hundred dollars a month, depending on the location and my dining habits. For a month and a half trip, you can adjust your food budget based on your cooking preferences and how often you plan to dine out.
Transportation: Since I stay in places longer, my transportation costs are generally low. Every month or two, I might take a long-distance train, and flights are infrequent, maybe once or twice a year (I prefer trains for environmental reasons and personal comfort). For local transport, I walk whenever possible, which is easy in most European cities and towns. Public transport (buses, metros) is used for longer distances, bad weather, or carrying heavy items. Monthly transportation costs can range from $25 (for a monthly transit pass in a city) to $300 (for longer train journeys between countries). For a month and a half Euro trip, factor in transportation between your chosen destinations and local transport within each place.
Dog Food and Care (if applicable): For Luna, my dog, monthly costs are usually under $200, including her homemade diet and occasional vet visits. Veterinary care in Europe is generally more affordable than in the US.
Entertainment/Fun Money: My entertainment spending is typically low as my favorite activities are mostly free or cheap – exploring nature, hiking, cycling.
Supplies: I spend less on supplies while traveling because I pack light and buy mindfully. Interestingly, I often purchase higher quality items but spend less overall compared to when I was stationary.
Health Insurance and Healthcare: Currently based in Portugal and using the local health system. Previously, I used GeoBlue insurance, around $268/month, for worldwide coverage (excluding the US). Healthcare costs in Europe are generally lower than in the US.
Overall Monthly Budget: I aim to keep my monthly spending under $2,500 (excluding business expenses), and often come in below that. Analyzing over 30 of my real European monthly budgets, the average came out to around $1,637 per month. This gives you a good benchmark for what’s possible.
So, is a month and a half okay? Absolutely! Based on these figures, a comfortable budget for a 6-week Euro trip could range from approximately $2,450 to $3,750 (1.5 x $1637 to $2500). This is just an estimate, and your actual costs will depend on your travel style, chosen destinations, and spending habits.
What Can You Experience in a Month and a Half in Europe?
A month and a half provides a fantastic amount of time to experience Europe in depth. It’s long enough to move beyond a whirlwind tour and truly immerse yourself in different cultures and places. Here are some itinerary ideas for a 6-week Euro trip:
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In-depth exploration of 2-3 countries: You could choose to focus on a region like Italy and Greece, Spain and Portugal, or Central Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary). Spending 2-3 weeks in each country allows for a slower pace, deeper exploration of cities, regions, and local life.
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A balanced mix of popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations: Start with iconic cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam, and then venture into less-touristed regions or smaller towns to experience a different side of Europe.
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Themed trip: Focus your trip around a specific interest, such as hiking in the Alps, exploring historical sites, indulging in food and wine in Italy and France, or island hopping in Greece.
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Slow Travel through a region: Choose a route and travel slowly by train, bus, or even cycling, stopping in towns and villages along the way. This allows for a more immersive and sustainable travel experience.
For example, with a month and a half, you could:
- Spend 3 weeks exploring Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Cinque Terre) and 3 weeks in Switzerland (hiking in the Alps, exploring cities like Zurich and Bern).
- Combine 2 weeks in Spain (Barcelona, Seville, Madrid), 2 weeks in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve), and 2 weeks in Morocco (Marrakech, Fes, Sahara Desert – just a short hop from Spain!).
- Explore Central Europe with 2 weeks in Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt), 2 weeks in Czech Republic (Prague, Český Krumlov), and 2 weeks in Hungary (Budapest, Lake Balaton).
The possibilities are vast! A month and a half gives you the flexibility to create a truly memorable and enriching European experience without feeling rushed.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Month and a Half Euro Trip (and Budget)
- Embrace Slow Travel: Spend longer in fewer places. This reduces transportation costs, allows for deeper experiences, and often unlocks better deals on accommodation.
- Choose Accommodation Wisely: Monthly rentals, apartments, guesthouses, and even farm stays can be more cost-effective and offer a more local experience than hotels for extended stays.
- Cook Some of Your Own Meals: Eating out is part of the travel experience, but balancing it with self-catering can significantly reduce food costs. European markets are a delight to explore and offer fresh, affordable ingredients.
- Utilize Public Transportation: Europe has excellent and often affordable public transportation. Trains and buses are usually more economical and environmentally friendly than flying between cities. Walk whenever possible within cities and towns.
- Free and Low-Cost Activities: Explore parks, hike trails, visit free museums (many offer free days), enjoy street art, people-watch in plazas, and attend free local events.
- Travel in the Shoulder Season: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) often offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices compared to peak summer months.
- Be Flexible: Having a general itinerary is good, but leave room for spontaneity. You might discover unexpected places you want to stay longer in, or find local events you want to attend.
Ready for Your Euro Trip?
So, “is a month and a half okay for a euro trip?” The answer is a resounding YES! It’s not just “okay,” it’s a fantastic duration to explore Europe in a meaningful and enjoyable way. You have enough time to see a good amount, immerse yourself in different cultures, and still maintain a reasonable pace without feeling constantly rushed. And as my budgets demonstrate, it can be done without spending a fortune.
Remember, these are just examples and starting points. Your perfect Euro trip length and budget will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Explore the detailed budget breakdowns linked throughout this article for more specific cost examples in various European locations and start planning your own month and a half European adventure!
