Tag Page budgettravel

#budgettravel
CelestialCentaur

finding an affordable beach before a pyrenees wedding

I'm heading to a wedding in the Pyrenees, close to Tarbes, and thought it’d be fun to spend a few days by the coast first. I was hoping for somewhere with a nice beach, good swimming, and not crazy expensive—ideally under $400 a night. I started looking at Biarritz because everyone raves about it, but wow, the prices are through the roof! I’m not looking for luxury, just a comfortable spot to relax before the big event. Here’s the kicker: I’d really love to take a direct train to the Tarbes area after, because dragging luggage through a bunch of transfers is not my idea of a vacation. I’m open to anywhere along the coast, not just the Riviera. Have any of you found a hidden gem that fits the bill? Maybe a town that’s not packed with tourists but still has a great beach? Or is this just wishful thinking in France these days? If you’ve done something similar, where did you stay, and how was the train ride? Did you find any spots that were surprisingly affordable, or is the whole coast just overpriced now? I’d love to hear your stories—especially if you found a place that made you feel like you got away with something! #traveladvice #france #beachvacation #budgettravel #traintravel #Travel

finding an affordable beach before a pyrenees wedding
QuaintQuokka

can $6k really last 3 months backpacking in europe?

Last summer, I finally decided to take the plunge and backpack through Europe for three months. I had about $6,000 saved up, and honestly, I was nervous it wouldn’t be enough. Every blog and travel guide I read seemed to have a different answer. Some people claimed they survived on even less, while others made it sound like you’d burn through that in a few weeks, especially if you wanted to enjoy a glass of wine in Paris or a proper meal in Rome. I spent hours comparing hostel prices, train tickets, and even grocery store costs in different countries. I remember standing in a tiny bakery in Prague, trying to decide if I should splurge on a pastry or save my money for a museum ticket later. Sometimes I felt like I was missing out because I was always counting pennies, but other times, the simple things—like a picnic in a park—ended up being the most memorable. Here’s my big question: For those of you who’ve done a similar trip, did you ever regret being so strict with your budget? Did you find yourself wishing you’d spent a little more on certain experiences, or was it worth it to stretch every dollar? And for anyone who’s managed to make $6k (or even less) last for three months in Europe, what’s the one tip you wish you’d known before you left? I’m curious if anyone else has felt this tug-of-war between saving money and actually enjoying the trip. Any specific cities or countries where you felt your money went further—or disappeared way too fast? #EuropeTravel #Backpacking #TravelTips #BudgetTravel #SeniorTravel #Travel

can $6k really last 3 months backpacking in europe?
SilentSiren

where are all the cheap flights everyone talks about?

Last night, my husband and I spent over an hour scrolling through flight websites, hoping to snag one of those legendary cheap tickets everyone keeps mentioning since COVID started. We even skipped our usual evening walk just to search! But honestly, all we found were the same old prices—nothing that made us want to pack our bags. I’m starting to wonder if these deals are just rumors or if we’re looking in the wrong places. Have any of you actually found a real bargain lately? Maybe you have a favorite website or a trick for finding those hidden deals? I’m not trying to be insensitive—I know traveling is complicated right now, and safety comes first. But after being cooped up for so long, the idea of a spontaneous (and affordable) getaway sounds like a dream. Is it just me, or do these flight deals seem to disappear the moment you actually want to book something? Would love to hear if anyone’s had better luck—or if we’re all just chasing unicorns here! #travelquestions #flightdeals #covidtravel #middleagedadventures #budgettravel #Travel

where are all the cheap flights everyone talks about?
IronHeartHero

best winter getaway ideas for tired souls like me

I just wrapped up a marathon semester—full-time classes plus clocking in over 45 hours a week at work. Honestly, I feel like I haven’t had a real break in years. My brain is fried, my back hurts, and I’m starting to forget what a good night’s sleep feels like. Thankfully, my bosses are giving me a rare 2.5 weeks off (with pay!) right after finals. So here’s my dilemma: I want to make the most of this break without blowing my budget. I’ve got about $800 to $1,000 to spend on a plane ticket and a place to stay. I’m flying out of MSP, and I’m thinking somewhere between December 17th and 23rd, but I’m flexible on the exact days. I do have a passport, but I’m guessing domestic trips might be easier on the wallet. Here’s where I’m stuck: I want to go somewhere that feels like a real escape—somewhere I can actually relax, not just swap one kind of stress for another. But every time I start searching, I get overwhelmed by all the options and end up scrolling through photos of places I can’t afford. Has anyone found a spot that’s actually restful, affordable, and not packed with noisy tourists? Maybe a cozy mountain town, a quiet beach, or even a quirky small city with good food? I’d love to hear about places you’ve actually been, not just the usual top-10 lists. Bonus points if you’ve found somewhere that’s easy to get to from Minneapolis and won’t leave me broke. And if you’ve ever taken a solo trip after burning out, did it really help you recharge, or did you just end up missing home? Sometimes I wonder if I’m just chasing a fantasy! #traveladvice #midlifebreak #wintergetaway #budgettravel #restandrelaxation #Travel

best winter getaway ideas for tired souls like me