How to go to Finland for the weekend if you do not have extra money
Travels / / December 19, 2019
Finland, with its wonderful nature and cozy, perfectly adapted to life in the city - the perfect place to relax. And yet this is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. In addition, the euro - a piece mercilessly. Nevertheless, it is better not to give up travel, and looking for ways to save money on travels, accommodation and shopping.
How to go
If you live in the Northwest, the road is greatly simplified. From other regions also sometimes cheaper and easier to get to the first St. Petersburg than to fly in Finnish cities directly.
Train, plane and ferry will cost more than the car ride. For those traveling by car, you need to consider the cost of a green card, and gasoline. In addition, without payment of a fee, you can bring only 10 liters of fuel. Next will have to refuel with gasoline already Finnish.
The most amazing way to get to Finland - bus. A ticket for him to the closest to the border cities - Lappeenranta and Imatra - costs from 700 rubles. Helsinki is usually a little more expensive. However, everything depends on the day of the week and whether you take a ticket at the last minute or in advance (the latter, of course, more profitable). In addition, in modern buses major carriers have a toilet, hot tea, and sometimes even the plates with a selection of movies in different languages.
Ticket for a minibus will cost a bit more expensive - from 1500 rubles. But the driver can call the specified address, and you will not have to get up before dawn and go to the place of origin.
How to eat
Ready meals in Finland are quite expensive. even a small snack the city could significantly hit by the budget. So if you're a poor student or just really do not like to overpay, do not go to hipster cafe, where a sandwich can cost 10 euros, and the same - a glass gloga. Unfortunately, in street stalls and with sausages kebabnyh slightly cheaper.
Go to the restaurant which operates on the principle of a buffet. At the entrance to it will need to pay a fixed amount for a plate on which you will be free to put anything you want. Even if one of us wants a pizza with grilled wings, and someone is on a diet, it will be possible to collect two completely different meal. The main thing - do not overdo it. The most popular snack of this kind - network edalni Rax Buffet, which can be found in many Finnish cities. The entrance ticket to will cost 12-13 euros, drinks are also included in the amount.
Another universal magic wand - McDonald's. Finnish restaurants almost never work round the clock, so at night or early morning fast food restaurant may be the only place where you can enjoy a coffee and a snack in just a couple of euros.
If you are coming to the festival or the city hosts the festivities, you can look for a cheap traditional food on trays. For example, open Karelian pies, which are made of rye dough, kneaded with dairy products, and are filled with rice or potatoes. In Helsinki, these pies are sold on the marketplace. They can also be found in the cozy establishments in small towns. For example, in the cafe maritime center "Vellamo" in Kotka.
You can always take food with them. In one day, homemade lunchbox sandwiches do not have time to lose freshness, and you will save significantly. In addition, the kitchen in the hostel or apartment, you can cook food bought in a store.
where to stay
The most profitable - to settle with Finnish friends. If there are none, it is not a problem: you can always find a host c via CouchSurfing service. Finns tend to be welcoming, but at the same time discreet people and chat with the locals will help tighten languages and learn non-touristic side of life. Most likely, those who provide accommodation for the guests themselves will not mind to visit your city.
The most inexpensive option to stay for the money - it's camping, where you can put tent or to settle in a small wooden house with no amenities. There is also offer a few euros to rent a bike or a boat for trips on the lake. Cottage economy for four costs about 65 euros per night and one bed in the cottage - from 15 euros.
You should not shun hostels with toilet and shower on the floor. As a rule, Finnish service is good and the rooms will be clean and tidy, and in the non-touristic season (fall and spring) you will rarely meet the neighbors on the floor. It offers free Wi-Fi, and in some places, the rate includes use of the sauna. Prices per room with two beds start at about 35 euros.
What to buy
Despite the fact that Finnish design is worthy of respect in the world, with a half-empty wallet by inviting stores with designer things better to stay away. But we advise to pay attention to the flea market of Helsinki, as well as thrift shops and Second Hand, On the shelves which sometimes get real treasures. If you support the concept of conscious consumption, Relove shop you can buy in excellent suite state (and at the same time to drink coffee), and UFF - find a bright coat of an unknown brand or old school sports footwear.
The Duty Free at the border need to take cheap liqueurs from local fruits, there are also serious discounts on perfume. We consider it our duty to warn you that you can be in possession of alcohol, only when arriving in Finland if you are traveling for more than 72 hours.
When shopping budget - the main purpose of the trip, you can not avoid a hike on a large Mall, which serve as places of pilgrimage for Russian tourists. There, take the goods for sports and recreation, household goods, household chemicals and products. One of the characteristic features of Finnish Industries - great packaging, which will last a long time. The main thing that in the car there was a place for a five-kilogram package with detergent and a few liters of liquid soap.
And, of course, do not forget Contents TaxFree - this will return the tax on goods purchased in the European Union.
see also
- How to plan the perfect trip: the most complete guide Layfhakera →
- 20 tips for those who plan independent travel →
- How to travel around the world and not go broke: detailed instruction →