Exploring Europe on a Budget: My 9-Day Adventure Across Rome, Milan, Lake Como, and Paris

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Travelling as a student can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you're on a tight budget. But guess what? It's entirely possible to have an incredible European adventure without breaking the bank. Recently, I embarked on a 9-day vacation across Rome, Milan, Varenna (Lake Como), and Paris—all for under £400! Here's how I did it and how you can too.


Day 1-3: Rome, Italy 




Accommodation: We stayed in an affordable Airbnb in the heart of Rome. The location was perfect, close to major attractions and was convenient linked to trams and the Metro.

Travel: A budget flight from London to Rome cost around £30.

What We Did:

Colosseum and Roman Forum: You bought a combined ticket for around €12.

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps: Free to visit and great for photos!

Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica: The lines are loooooong, so make sure you queue early if that's your thing! Student tickets were €8.

Local Eats: We indulged in delicious pizzas, pastas, and gelato from local trattorias and gelaterias for about €10-15 per meal.

Day 4-7: Milan, Italy (and Lake Como)







Accommodation: Our Milan Airbnb was slightly more expensive at approx. €50 per night but still within budget.

Travel: A coach from Rome to Milan cost about €20 and took around 8 hours.

What We Did:

Duomo di Milano: Entrance to the cathedral and rooftop was €13.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Window shopping and people-watching, completely free!

Local Eats: Milanese risotto and panzerotti from local bakeries and cafes were delicious and affordable.


Varenna (Lake Como), Italy










Travel: A short train ride from Milan to Varenna for about €7.

What We Did:

Lake Como: You can take a ferry around the lake for €10, visiting towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.

Sightseeing: The views were absolutely breathtaking, we even saw a waterfall!

Villa Monastero: Entry to the gardens and museum was €8.

Local Eats: Fresh fish from the lake and local pasta dishes were affordable and scrumptious.


Day 8-9: Paris, France









Accommodation: We found a cozy Airbnb in Tremblay (a bit far, but connected to Paris via the R8) for £35 per night.

Travel: A coach from Milan to Paris via Milan cost around €40.

What We Did:

Eiffel Tower: We admired it from the Trocadéro Gardens for free, though a lift ride to the top costs €10.

Louvre Museum: Entry was €15, we didn't get to go due to it being closed on Tuesday :( but we took some cute pics from outside!

Notre Dame Cathedral: Currently under restoration, but still worth seeing from the outside.

Local Eats: We enjoyed crepes, baguettes, and cheese from local markets for just a few euros.

Arc de Triomphe: A must-see Parisian attraction. Also a stones throw from Champs-Élysées!


Tips for Budget Travel

Book in Advance: We booked our flights, trains, and accommodations well in advance to snag the best deals.

Use Public Transport: Coaches and trains are not only cheaper but also a great way to see the countryside.

Eat Local: Avoid tourist traps and eat where the locals eat. Street food and local markets offer delicious and affordable meals.

Free Attractions: Many iconic landmarks are free to visit. Walking tours and city guides can also provide great value.

Travel Light: We packed light, avoiding extra baggage fees and making it easier to move from place to place.


Final Thoughts

Travelling on a student budget requires a bit of planning and flexibility, but it's absolutely worth it. This 9-day journey across Rome, Milan, Lake Como, and Paris was not only unforgettable but also surprisingly affordable. By staying in budget accommodations, eating local, and taking advantage of free attractions, we explored some of Europe's most beautiful cities without spending a fortune. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and start planning your own budget-friendly adventure!

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