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Summer 2025 opens up new horizons for cheap travel around Europe for Russians. Despite the difficulties of recent years, European countries remain attractive destinations for budget holidays. However, many are stopped by the question of cost - is it really possible to afford a European trip without emptying your wallet?
The answer is clear: yes, it is possible! According to our experts, smart planning can reduce travel costs by up to 40%. This is especially true for the 2025 summer season, when prices in popular tourist destinations are expected to rise.
The key problem for most travelers is the lack of a savings strategy. Many choose tourist-heavy destinations, overlooking equally interesting but more affordable alternatives for an inexpensive vacation. According to statistics, vacations in Eastern European countries are 30-50% cheaper than in Western Europe.
Another obstacle is visa complications. Many Russians are unaware of the existence of simplified visa regimes with some European countries. Our experience at the First Visa Center shows that correctly completed documents increase the chances of obtaining a visa to 97%.
Let's look at the main components of a budget trip to Europe in summer 2025:
- A selection of inexpensive but interesting destinations
- Optimization of transport costs
- Save on accommodation without sacrificing comfort
- Find affordable dining and entertainment options
- Competent visa processing with minimal costs
Data analysis shows that budget travelers spend an average of 40-50 euros per day versus 150-200 euros for tourists without a saving strategy. The difference is impressive, isn't it?
Experts at the First Visa Center note a growing interest in countries offering alternative citizenship. Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Italy, Spain and other countries from our list of countries for obtaining a second passport are becoming not only a target for cheap travel, but also an object of long-term investment.
Albania, Bulgaria and Eastern European countries look particularly promising for budget travel in Europe in the summer of 2025. They combine low prices, a rich cultural program and a minimal influx of tourists.
It is important to understand that budget travel is not a rejection of quality, but its reasonable optimization. Instead of expensive hotels - cozy apartments, instead of restaurants - local cafes with authentic cuisine, instead of taxis - convenient public transport.
The numbers speak for themselves: the cost of living in cities such as Tirana or Krakow is 2-3 times lower than in traditional tourist centers. At the same time, the cultural program for an inexpensive vacation is no less rich.
Technological solutions make it much easier to plan cheap trips around Europe. Accommodation and ticket booking apps allow you to find great deals with just one click. The growing popularity of bus tours also helps to optimize costs without compromising the quality of your vacation.
It is important to remember about timely visa processing. At the First Visa Center, we offer full support for visa applications with a minimum package of documents. Our experience working with more than 50 destinations since 2015 guarantees a high percentage of visa approvals for budget holidays in Europe.
For those planning to visit Europe regularly, it is worth considering the option of obtaining a residence permit or second citizenship. This is a long-term investment that will significantly simplify budget travel in the long term and reduce costs.
So, cheap travel around Europe in the summer of 2025 is a real opportunity for Russians to broaden their horizons without excessive spending. The main thing is competent planning and a strategic approach to choosing destinations.
Affordable destinations for budget holidays in Europe in summer 2025
Choosing the right destination is the foundation of a budget trip to Europe in the summer of 2025. At this time, Russians have access to numerous options, where prices are significantly lower than in popular tourist centers.
Eastern Europe and the Balkans are becoming a real find for budget holidays. In Albania, the average cost of a night in a comfortable apartment is only $50, and lunch in a local restaurant will cost $7-10 - ideal for a cheap trip.
Tirana, the capital of Albania, deserves special attention for a budget holiday in Europe in the summer of 2025. This city combines European comfort with oriental flavor and surprisingly low prices. Here you will find unique attractions, including a museum in a Cold War bunker with an entrance fee of only $ 5.
Bulgaria continues to attract Russians with affordable package tours and independent routes. Sofia offers accommodation from 60 euros for a double room in a good hotel. At the same time, the city is rich in cultural monuments: the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the ruins of ancient Roman Serdica create an excellent program for a budget trip.
Polish Krakow is deservedly included in the rating of the best cities for cheap travel in Europe in summer 2025. Here, the daily budget of a tourist rarely exceeds 40 euros, including accommodation and food. The Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich cultural program without high prices.
For a budget holiday in Southern Europe, consider the following options:
- Portuguese Porto is an alternative to expensive Lisbon with an authentic atmosphere and prices 20-30% lower than in the capital
- Croatia's Zagreb is an underrated city with a rich history and affordable accommodation and food
- Greek Argos - ancient sights without crowds of tourists with prices 1.5-2 times lower than in Athens
The Baltic States also offer interesting opportunities for a cheap holiday in Europe in summer 2025. Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius retain their medieval charm, but the cost of accommodation and food here is 30-40% lower than in Western Europe.
The specialists of the First Visa Center note the growing interest in countries where one can combine a budget vacation with studying the possibilities of obtaining a residence permit. This is especially true for Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.
In Montenegro, the cost of a week's vacation is about 500-600 euros per person, including accommodation in apartments and meals. At the same time, the country offers residence permit programs for investors, which is relevant for those planning regular cheap trips to Europe.
For lovers of beach holidays, the Bulgarian coast will be an excellent choice. The resorts of Golden Sands and Sunny Beach offer accommodation in 3* hotels with meals from 35 euros per day per person - a great option for an economical holiday in the summer of 2025.
If you prefer cultural and educational tourism, pay attention to the route Prague-Brno-Bratislava. These cities combine rich historical heritage and affordable prices for budget travel. In Brno, the cost of visiting the main museums does not exceed 5-7 euros.
Nature lovers should consider the national parks of Slovenia and Romania for a budget holiday. Here, accommodation in small hotels starts from 30 euros per night, and the beauty of the natural landscapes is not inferior to the famous Alpine routes.
It is important to remember that by traveling to less popular destinations, you not only save money, but also get a more authentic experience. Locals are more open to communicating with tourists, and prices are not inflated due to the mass influx of vacationers.
Before planning a cheap trip to Europe in summer 2025, we recommend consulting with our visa specialists to optimize all aspects of your trip.
Transport Strategies: How to Save on a Trip to Europe in Summer 2025
Flights to Europe in summer 2025 offer a variety of savings. Low-cost airlines Pegasus Airlines and Wizz Air offer great deals via Istanbul or Yerevan, with prices starting from €43 per segment – a great start to a budget holiday.
Here are some specific examples for planning a budget holiday in Europe: a flight to Berlin will cost about 221 euros, and to Prague - 214 euros. Remember that these amounts are indicated without additional fees, which can significantly increase the final cost.
To save as much as possible on airfare when planning a budget trip, follow these proven rules:
- Book your tickets 6-8 months before your expected departure date - this reduces the cost by 25-40%
- If possible, skip the checked baggage and limit yourself to hand luggage - saving 15-20%
- Use ticket aggregators (Google Flights, Skyscanner) to search for combined routes with transfers
- Consider flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when prices for travel within Europe are usually lower
Ground transportation opens up additional opportunities for cheap travel around Europe in the summer of 2025. Bus tours from Moscow offer visits to 9-11 cities for 335-890 euros, including accommodation and some meals.
The FlixBus network covers almost all of Europe with attractive fares for budget travel: a trip from Berlin to Prague will cost 15-20 euros, from Paris to Amsterdam - 25-30 euros. Buy tickets in advance via the mobile app for maximum discounts.
Rail travel in Europe is a comfortable alternative to short- and medium-distance air travel. The Eurail Pass, which costs €320 and is valid for 7 days, gives unlimited use of trains in 33 countries. Additional discounts of up to 25% are available for students and young people under 27, making this option attractive for budget travel.
Car sharing and carpooling are becoming increasingly popular for cheap travel around Europe. In the Baltics and Poland, daily car rentals through apps like Bolt cost 25-35 euros. Platforms like BlaBlaCar and BeepCar help find travel companions for trips between cities, splitting fuel costs.
Ferries are an interesting option for inexpensive travel between the Baltic and Mediterranean Sea countries. An overnight crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki costs from 19 euros, saving you money on accommodation and getting new experiences.
Consider city tourist cards for savings on your trip. For example, the Berlin WelcomeCard for €23 (48 hours) includes unlimited travel on public transport and discounts of up to 50% on museums and attractions.
A hot topic for summer 2025 is new EU rules on the use of "smart tachographs" on buses. This will increase the cost of group tours by about 5-7%, but will have a positive effect on the safety and comfort of budget travel.
Combining different modes of transport is often the best option for cheap travel. For example, flying to Vienna, then taking a train to Budapest, and then a bus from there to Bratislava can cost 30-40% less than direct flights between the cities.
For independent travelers planning a budget vacation in Europe in the summer of 2025, we recommend considering renting a bicycle in cities with developed cycling infrastructure (Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna). Daily rent will cost 8-15 euros, while you will get mobility and the opportunity to see the city from an unusual perspective.
Important: When planning your budget travel itinerary, consider not only the cost of travel, but also the travel time to make the most of every day of your budget holiday in Europe.
Practical tips for budget accommodation in Europe in summer 2025
Accommodation takes up a significant share of expenses in a budget trip to Europe in the summer of 2025. Competent optimization of this item will significantly reduce the overall cost of the trip and make your vacation truly inexpensive.
Apartments with a kitchen are a great alternative to traditional hotels for cheap travel. In Eastern Europe, double apartments cost from 30-40 euros per night, which is 40-50% cheaper than hotel accommodation. Having a kitchen allows you to cook for yourself, saving significantly on restaurants.
To find budget accommodation, use not only the popular Booking and Airbnb, but also local platforms. For example, in Poland, this is Nocowanie.pl, in the Czech Republic – Previo.cz. Local services often offer options 10-15% cheaper than international aggregators, which is important for an economical vacation in Europe.
Hostels remain popular among those planning a cheap trip to Europe in summer 2025. The average cost of a place in a shared room will be:
- Eastern Europe – 10-15 euros
- Central Europe – 15-25 euros
- Western Europe – 20-35 euros
Many modern hostels offer not only shared rooms, but also private rooms at prices 30-40% lower than hotel prices. For a comfortable budget trip, choose hostels with a high rating (from 8.5) on specialized resources.
Capsule hotels are a relatively new format that is gaining popularity for budget holidays in European cities. The cost of a night in a capsule starts from 25 euros, while the level of privacy is higher than in hostels. Several chain capsule hotels are already operating in Prague, Budapest and Warsaw.
Camping is an ideal option for those planning an economical trip by car or with a tent. In the summer of 2025, a night in a campsite will cost:
- Place for a tent – 8-12 euros
- Place for a motorhome – 15-25 euros
- Rent of a house – 25-45 euros
In Scandinavia and parts of the Alps, there is an "everyman's right" rule that allows you to pitch a tent for free in certain natural areas - ideal for cheap travel in Europe. Check the local rules beforehand.
Monastic accommodation is an unconventional but interesting option for a budget holiday. Many active monasteries in Italy, Spain and France offer rooms to pilgrims and tourists for 25-40 euros. This is not only economical, but also provides a unique cultural experience.
Home exchange programs are becoming increasingly popular for low-cost travel. HomeExchange and LoveHomeSwap allow you to temporarily exchange your home with locals. The annual fee is around €100-150, after which you can make an unlimited number of exchanges.
Volunteer programs offer the opportunity to get free accommodation and food for a budget vacation in Europe in the summer of 2025, in exchange for a few hours of work each day. Services Workaway, HelpX and WWOOF connect travelers with hosts in need of help. Typically, 4-5 hours of work per day are required.
Book accommodation with free cancellation for flexible planning of cheap travel. Even if you are sure about your travel dates, this will allow you to take advantage of better deals that may appear closer to your arrival date.
Sign up for loyalty programs with major hotel chains, even if you're only planning a budget stay for a few nights. The points you earn can translate into significant savings on future trips.
Choose accommodation close to public transport, but not in the very center of the city. Areas located 2-3 stops from the center usually offer accommodation 20-30% cheaper while maintaining good transport accessibility - a great life hack for an inexpensive vacation.
Long-term rentals are better than short-term rentals for budget travel in Europe. If you plan to stay in one place for a week or more, ask for a discount. Many hosts offer a 10-20% discount for longer stays.
Lifehacks for cheap food and entertainment while traveling in Europe 2025
Food and entertainment are key expenses on a cheap trip to Europe in the summer of 2025. With the right approach, you can cut these costs in half while maintaining the quality of your budget vacation experience.
For budget dining, local markets offer fresh produce at prices 30-40% lower than supermarkets. Try Riga's Central Market, Warsaw's Hala Mirowska, or Budapest's Great Market Hall for authentic, budget-friendly food and a chance to chat with the locals.
Menu del DÃa in Spain or Tagesmenu in Germany are a great way to try local cuisine while saving up to 50% when traveling on a budget. Most European restaurants offer set lunches at special prices: from 8-10 euros in Eastern Europe to 15-20 euros in Western Europe.
Street food is the perfect option for cheap travel in Europe in summer 2025:
- Polish casseroles (4-5 euros)
- Czech trdelniks (3-4 euros)
- Hungarian Langos (3-5 euros)
- Greek Gyros (4-6 euros)
- Portuguese Pasteis de Nata (1-2 Euro)
For budget-friendly eating, use the Too Good To Go and Food for All apps, which allow you to buy unsold dishes at a 50-70% discount at the end of the day. By the summer of 2025, these services will be available in almost all European cities.
A significant saving on a budget holiday is to use tap water, which is safe in most European countries. A reusable bottle will save 10-15 euros per week. Drinking fountains in large cities are marked on special maps.
Free Walking Tours are a great way to get to know a city while traveling on a budget. A guide leads a 2-3 hour walk, and tourists leave an optional tip (usually 5-10 euros).
For an economical vacation, it is important to know the days of free admission to museums:
- Louvre (Paris) - first Sunday of the month
- Prado Museum (Madrid) - daily from 18:00 to 20:00
- British Museum (London) - permanent collection always free
- National Museum (Sofia) - last Monday of the month
For cheap travel, buy city tourist cards. The Prague Card (60 euros for 3 days) includes entry to 60+ sites and unlimited transport, saving up to 40% with active use.
In the summer of 2025, many free cultural events will take place at festivals and city celebrations. Calendars of free events are published on the official tourist portals of cities.
Natural attractions are an ideal option for an economical holiday. National parks in Slovenia, beaches in Bulgaria, mountain routes in Romania are available for free or for a symbolic fee of 3-5 euros.
Spotted by Locals helps you plan a budget holiday with locally-sourced itineraries that include budget spots and lesser-known attractions. The annual subscription (€10) pays for itself within the first day of use.
When planning a cheap trip to Europe in summer 2025, don't forget about student discounts (for travelers under 26). The international ISIC card (15 euros per year) provides discounts of 10-50% on transport, museums and entertainment.
Free concerts in parks and city squares will complement the budget holiday program. Information about such events can be easily found at tourist information centers or through local online posters.
Visa aspects and documents for an inexpensive holiday in Europe in the summer of 2025
In 2025, Russians will have access to various types of visas for inexpensive holidays in Europe. The Schengen visa remains the main document for most popular destinations. The cost of a standard tourist visa is 80 euros, for children from 6 to 12 years old - 40 euros, children under 6 are exempt from the fee.
When planning a budget trip to Europe, it is wise to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Although obtaining one requires a certain visa history, such a document significantly expands the possibilities for spontaneous travel during the validity period.
For a budget trip in the summer of 2025, take a look at the countries whose visas are cheaper than the Schengen visa:
- Bulgaria - 35 euros
- Croatia - 35 euros
- Romania - 35 euros
- Serbia - visa-free travel for up to 30 days
- Montenegro - visa-free regime up to 30 days
To save on visa fees, submit documents directly to the consulate, it is cheaper than through visa centers, which charge an additional service fee (about 20-30 euros). However, when planning an inexpensive holiday, keep in mind that visa centers offer the convenience of an appointment and additional consultations.
An insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa and organizing a cheap trip to Europe. Apply for insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros through online services, comparing offers from different companies. Annual insurance with a multi-visa is cheaper than several short-term policies.
For an economical holiday, it is important to correctly confirm your financial security with a bank statement. The required amount varies from 40 to 100 euros per day of stay, depending on the country. Use debit cards without a currency conversion fee - this will save 2-5% on each transaction abroad.
Preparing documents for a budget trip on your own requires attention, but it allows you to reduce costs. The basic package includes:
- International passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip)
- Internal passport (copies of all pages)
- Color photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, on a light background)
- A certificate from the place of work indicating the position and salary
- Bank statement
- Accommodation reservation (free cancellation possible)
- Confirmation of transport tickets
To successfully obtain a visa and organize an inexpensive vacation, fill out the application form very carefully. Discrepancies between the specified data and the documents provided may lead to a refusal. Travel plans must be logical and reasonable.
Some consulates require you to be present in person to provide biometric data. Plan your visit in advance by booking through official booking systems. Increased demand for visas is expected in the summer of 2025, so make sure to apply 1-2 months before your planned cheap trip.
For Russians planning to regularly visit Europe on a budget, it is worth considering the possibility of obtaining a residence permit or second citizenship. The First Visa Center offers programs for obtaining a residence permit in countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal. This is a long-term solution that eliminates the need to constantly obtain visas.
When planning a budget trip to Europe in the summer of 2025, keep in mind that some countries have introduced additional requirements for Russian applicants. More detailed evidence of the purpose of the trip or additional letters of guarantee may be required. Consulting with specialists will help you take into account all the nuances and save on paperwork.
Are you planning a cheap trip to Europe in the summer of 2025? Don't let visa issues spoil your preparation for an inexpensive vacation! The experts at the First Visa Center will help you complete the necessary documents with minimal costs and maximum efficiency.
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