Where to go in Europe on a budget?

I would consider buying a return ticket. It is going to work out cheaper than two open jaw tickets.

I'm assuming your budget does not include flights and insurance?

Transatlantic return is going to work out about 800 Euro (flying into a major city). That leaves you around 400 Euro. That is going to get you about 10 days in Western Europe. Eastern Europe is cheaper, but you are going to spend more money getting there. You are not going to be able to afford activities like scuba on that budget. You could do something like fly into Paris, a few days there then travel to the French countryside for some hiking/outdoors stuff.

My honest suggestion would be to re-think your plans. Save up some more money and visit Europe when you can afford to spend 3-4 weeks minimum. Spending 800 Euro on flights to spend 10 days somewhere does not seem economical.

Actually it's 1,200 Euros total that I'll have to spend over there after I buy my flights. Sorry, I should've included that in the post.

If you have an oen jawed, then go home when you have little money left.

No kayaking on your budget.:(

Eat at little mom and pop cafes in paved alleyways. Its where locals shun tourist prices. Also kabob shops. They have other great dishes too.

have fun, not schedules.

BTW museums can cost $12.

I would choose Spain and Portugal.

Travelling from A to B internally will take a fair bit of your budget and visiting museums galleries that charge an entry fee will also kill you.

I would suggest between 14 to 21 days. It really does depend on what you do/drink/eat. Do not listen to the naysayers that say wait until you save enough money as it is not long enough. A short time is better then not going at all.

In Spain compare trains to Buses as buses can be a fair bit cheaper (not always). As our Universal Bacpacker friend said, dorm accommodation in Hostels will be cheapest and breakfast is mostly included.

Thank you guys so much for your input on my trip! I appreciate it a lot!

Gawkabout: that's ok about the kayaking, as long as I get to go travel for a little while I'll be happy :)

Backpackeruniverse: The hostels with dormitories was kind of what I had been looking at, I just wasn't sure if I should book in advance or not. But I'll definitely check out hihostels.com...thanks for all your tips! Greatly appreciated!

Gerardkenny: I agree, a short time is definitely better than not going at all! Any suggestions on what cities to go to in Spain and Portugal?

In Summer definitely book your hostels ahead. The good and cheap ones usually book out the earliest. Read reviews on site like www.hostelworld.com to get an idea on which ones are better to stay at.

Have a look at overnight trains for some longer distances also as it will save on paying for accommodation and not waste a day travelling when you only have a short amount of time.

In Spain my favourites are Seville in the heartland of Flemenco dancing. great archetecture and a fantastic vibe to the place. But it can be 40 degrees celsius or more during summer.

San Sebastian in Basque country. Packed with little Tapas bars, great beach and the independent fighting spirit of the Basque people.

Porto in Portugal I found really photogenic. Portugal makes me feel like I am back travelling in South America for some reason.

Barcelona is a favourite with most people and Madrid is under rated. A day trip out of Madrid to Segovia i would also recommend. Even Toledo on a day trip is good.

Have a great trip

Portugal is cheapest. go there if you're tempted. its off theusual tourist routes, between other countries.

Thanks for the tips, gerardkenny! That gives me a lot to think about for my trip!

Thanks again to you too, gawkabout!