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?
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