Dream trip to Europe for ₹1.5k? Mumbai Man Shares Expenses, Money Saving Tips

Dreaming of a vacation in Europe but worried about the budget? From flights and accommodation to food, sightseeing and hidden expenses, planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming. Pashupatinath Tewari, who spent 15 days in what he called a “dream destination”, said he had completed the trip around ₹1.5 million.

Tewari, who traveled to Europe from October 5 to 19, 2025, spent his 15-day vacation visiting Turkey (Istanbul, during a stopover), Hungary (Budapest), Austria (Vienna and Salzburg), Germany (Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen), the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam), Italy (Amsterdam and Rotterdam), Belgium and Belgium (Antnice) and Belgium (Ant.

Tewari, General Manager – Infrastructure Business at Time Technoplast Ltd, Mumbai, provided a detailed cost breakdown.

Hostel offer

“Staying in a hostel is not only affordable but also provides an opportunity to socialize with other travelers and locals,” said Tewari.

Tewari, who describes himself as a travel enthusiast and has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, also shared some tips on how to save money while exploring Europe on a budget.

He recommended planning your trip about three months in advance to make the trip more affordable and stress-free.

Transportation section

To travel between cities, Tewari relied primarily on trains and FlixBus services. This helped him save money while traveling efficiently across different countries.

He also highlighted several destinations that exceeded his expectations. The German city of Aachen stood out for its rich history and cultural significance, while Rotterdam in the Netherlands impressed him with its modern architecture, innovative urban design and unique cityscape.

Tips section

Another key tip was to plan a clear itinerary when visiting multiple countries. Proper planning can reduce unnecessary travel and avoid costly backtracking.

“Use hostel breakfast buffets strategically to reduce your daily food expenses.

Mistakes to avoid

Tewari also highlighted a few mistakes that travelers should avoid. He said many people underestimate small but recurring expenses, such as utility charges, which can add up to the total cost of a trip over time. He also advised travelers to find a balance between saving money and saving time when planning a multi-country itinerary. Another common mistake, according to Tewari, is waiting too long to book flights, trains and accommodation, especially during peak travel seasons when prices tend to skyrocket.