Europe is too expensive,” they said. “Too complicated, too far, too whatever,” they warned.
But deep down inside me, some spark of wanderlust just wouldn’t be extinguished.
Cobblestone streets, the scent of fresh pastries, history echoing in the stones – there was a magic there that I couldn’t find at home.
So, with my backpack and a healthy dose of “screw you,” I booked that flight!
Every bite of flaky pastry, every photo I snapped in front of an iconic landmark, every awkward conversation with a friendly local – pure, sweet revenge.
It was my way of proving that dreams don’t always have to fit inside someone else’s definition of “possible.”
Why Revenge Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
- The Surge is Real: With demand high, airlines, hotels, and tour companies are battling with enticing offers and last-minute deals.
- Knowledge is Power: A little strategy and searching goes a long way in unlocking affordable adventures.
- Re-Defining Luxury: Who says revenge travel has to be five-star resorts? It’s about the experience, not always the price tag.
Tips for Scoring Budget-Friendly Revenge Travel:
Embrace Flexibility:
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- Shoulder Season: Travel just before or after peak times for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Mid-Week Flights: Score cheaper flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Open Mind on Destinations: That trendy hotspot has a budget-friendlier twin with a similar vibe.
- Become a Search Ninja
- Deal Alert Sites: Set alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper, or Agoda to snag price drops.
- Flash Sale Fanatic: Follow websites like Secret Escapes or Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
- Don’t Forget Travel Credit Cards: Points and miles can add up! Hilton, or Delta.
- Trip Advisor and Viator are great for booking inexpensive activities or hotels for cheap or pay later.
- Think Outside the Hotel
- Apartment Rentals: Perfect for a local feel and sometimes even a kitchen to save on meals (Airbnb, VRBO).
- House Swaps: Trade homes for a unique and often free stay.
- Hostels Re-Imagined: Chic hostels offer private rooms and cool social areas. Check out Hostel World.
- Go for the Long Game… Or the Short One
- Booking Early: Sometimes snagging flights and accommodations in advance scores the best deals. Try booking.com or hotels.com
- Last Minute Luck: For spontaneous types, hotels and tour companies may slash prices to fill vacancies.
- DIY Your Adventure
- Self-Guided Tours: Research and plan your own itinerary instead of pricey packaged tours.
- Local Transport: Embrace buses and trains instead of tourist-trap taxis.
- Free is Your Friend: Walking tours, museums with free days, and simply soaking up the atmosphere in historic plazas won’t cost a dime. Check out sites like Freetour.com for walking tour options.
Proving Them Wrong, One Budget-Friendly Adventure at a Time
Remember that flight I booked when everyone said I couldn’t? Well, guess who flew to Scotland solo,
Who discovered an incredible budget-friendly pub tucked away in Dublin?
And who managed to practice their rusty high-school French with the most welcoming locals? This girl!
Revenge travel is about the experiences, not the price tag.
It’s about proving – to yourself and those doubters – that the world is yours for the exploring.
If Ireland is on your bucket list, be sure to check out my Ireland Dream Trip post.
Check out my blog post on apps to help find affordable flights.
Your Turn!
What’s your dream European destination? Are you a budget travel pro?
Share your tips and inspire your fellow adventurers in the comments below!
Happy Travels!
This is not a sponsored post. These are the websites and companies I use and recommend for my travels. Some of these links are affiliate links and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps run this website — keeping it free for all to use!