Personal experience: I traveled six countries over 45 thousand rubles

I am traveling with 18 years. Now I'm 24 and in my list of 20 countries. Most often in foreign travel go one: dock holiday with friends turns out rarely, and can not always converge in the opinion of the destination desired location.

Search for travel vouchers per person thankless task: to find a will except that tour costs a little less than a trip for two. Therefore, the best option - to form their own trip. I do 90% of cases, including during my last journey, which took place in October 2018. At the time I had opened Schengen visa C3, which involves reusable entry.

Somewhere in August, I realized that visa expires in November, and lose the opportunity to once again do not want to visit Europe. So I started to travel planning. The budget was small - only 45 thousand rubles, too little time - two weeks. View at the same time would like as many countries as possible.

The main point for me was France. Then from it could move south towards Portugal and Spain (you get a little expensive), on north - in Belgium and the Netherlands, or the third option - a more difficult route with two stops. I chose the latter.

As a result, travel plan was as follows: Moscow - Belgrade - Paris - Lille - Brussels - Charleroi - Riga - Vilnius - Riga - Tallinn - Riga - Kaliningrad - Moscow.

Transport

travel planning, I always start with the calculation of transport costs. Usually it is the most expensive part of travel, but also the most unpredictable, because it is likely to find special offers or stumble per share from the company's carrier.

Aircraft

Plane tickets can be purchased on the airline or use the search services, for example, Aviasales or Momondo. Before you buy be sure to compare offers: sometimes the ticket price from the carrier, and a total base can vary significantly.

For two weeks I made a total of three flight:

1. From Moscow to Paris with a change in Belgrade. Due to the docking flight took 25 hours, but it has managed just 4649 rubles and gave the opportunity to see the capital of Serbia. Tip: look for flights with transfers, they usually cost less straight.
2. From Brussels to Riga. Ticket for loukosterov Ryanair cost only 19 euros (about 1600 rubles). It would seem extremely profitable, but there are pitfalls. Planes fly Ryanair from Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Is he not in the capital and in the city of Charleroi (distance - 46 kilometers). Get to the airport of Brussels is a special shuttle, a ticket which costs 13 euros. There is another way - to come to Charleroi Brussels on intercity bus for 5-6 euros, and then get to the airport by public transport for 7 euros. The price is the same, but you can see the city.
3. The third flight already in Russia: Kaliningrad - Moscow. A ticket for the low-cost airlines "Victory" - 2600 rubles.

The budget journey always have to go light, for example with a briefcase or backpack. Its no problem take with you loukostera on board and take in the luggage compartment of buses.

Important! Do not take too big backpack: usually the size of hand luggage on board are limited and permitted bag size of 55 × 40 × 20 cm or 36 × 30 × 27 cm.

buses

Most often between countries (and sometimes even cities), I moved on buses. The benefit to travel around Europe in a way - it is a pleasure: the roads are smooth, the journey takes about four hours, everyone in the salon own tablet with a library of movies and music. And sometimes even a bonus and unlimited coffee from a vending machine, for example, in Ecolines buses.

Tickets I'm looking for using the application GoEuro (Omio). This search service, which contains all the possible options for moving to Europe. Details paint each trip makes no sense, but the prices are translated into rubles were as follows:

• Paris - Lille, 480 rubles;
• Lisle - Brussels, 423 rubles;
• Brussels - Charleroi, 420 rubles;
• Riga - Vilnius - Riga, 1400 rubles;
• Riga - Tallinn - Riga, 1320 rubles;
• Riga - Kaliningrad, 1200 rubles.

Public transport

By public transport, I tried to save as much as possible and instead walk. European capitals are small in area, and from one to the other attractions can be reached in a maximum of an hour or two.

But sometimes without transport simply can not do. For example, when you need to get from the airport to the city center. Prices for transfers in all cities are different - the cheapest option in Riga (1 euro), the most expensive in Paris (17 euros). However, public transport is always the most profitable way to reach the city center.

At the time of travel by public transport I enjoyed only in Brussels (once) and Paris. In the last day I sat on the subway because it lived in the suburbs. A single ticket there costs 1.9 euros.

Housing

When choosing accommodation, I compare three characteristics: price, living conditions and the remoteness from the main attractions.

An airport

Hardly a habitation airport in the truest sense of the word. It's more of a place for the night. Ideal if you arrive late or depart early: usually at night public transportation does not work, and a taxi to the city center is expensive.

During this trip, I stayed overnight at the airport only once - in Belgrade. The flight to Paris was very early in the morning and reached by public transport in time would not have been possible.

During spending the night at the airport you need to follow two rules: Find a place near a power outlet and make provision of food from the supermarket. If you are already registered for the flight, it is better to go to the waiting room. Usually, it is equipped with more comfortable than the arrivals hall.

Kauchsorfing

Couchsurfing - a great international network of travelers who are looking for a place to spend the night, and people willing to accept the alien for free at home. Kauchsorfing makes it possible to make new contacts, exchange of cultural experience and also not go broke in the major cities such as Paris.

Search host I always start in advance, at least a month before the trip. Then remains the possibility of a last resort to find a workaround in a hostel, hotel or rented apartment.

Choosing Couch, pay attention to ratings and reviews: they do not necessarily have to be a lot, but it is desirable that they were all good. In Paris Couch I was very lucky. He agreed to take me in for four nights, gave the keys to the apartment and treated their food. So breakfast and dinner, I was assured. But sit on the neck and over-use hospitality Frenchman did not want to, so a couple of times cooked food from their products and to treat him.

Bring rubber product souvenir from Russia. Not necessarily large and expensive, but it is advisable associated with Russia. For example, chocolate "Alenka" or buckwheat.

My Couch lived in a suburb of Paris - in the commune of Vincennes. Location of property on the map I greatly frightened. And in vain. To get to the center of the capital city of Vincennes was very simple: by subway, train or even on foot - to the Place de la Bastille to go all 40 minutes. So if you will be going to Paris, do not be afraid to stop in the suburbs.

hostels

Hostels in Europe I am always looking for using the service Hostelworld. By comparing several options for each other, pay attention to the services offered Hostel. Homes at the same price may vary very nice bonus - a bathroom in the room, for example. During a recent trip I stayed in three hostels:

1. Brussels Hostel Generation Europe. The latter is a 20-minute walk from the center and from the southern bus terminal, to which I came. Bonuses: ensuite bathroom and breakfast included in the room. Per night in a hostel, I paid 2000 rubles.
2. In Charleroi in the Generation Europe. Hostel of the same network, as in Brussels, conditions and payment of the same.
3. In Vilnius B & B & B & B & B. Wonderful hostel, located near the bus station and the historic center. It was possible to use the refrigerator and stove. For three nights in a hostel, I gave about 1700 rubles.

hotels

For multiple trips I could understand that two weeks during busy travel can not be carried out without a peaceful and restful sleep. Therefore, I try to travel in the middle of turn one or two nights in a hotel. In this case, be sure to choose something for special offers.

To find them simply, in a search engine sites for booking hotels usually have the same name of the graph, clicking on which you can see all the promotional options in the selected city in the desired date.

This time I stayed in hotels only in Riga, but in two:

1. Skanste. Located near the main sports stadium and concert venue "Arena Riga". The hotel is old, the room has a bed, wardrobe, desk and bathroom. The price includes a modest breakfast buffet type. For two nights in the hotel I paid 2000 rubles.
2. Dodo. Located next to the Latvian Academy of Culture and a 15-minute walk from the bus station. The hotel is modern, the room has a television, a bed and a bathroom. I booked it on the action and for two nights in a single room paid 1800 rubles.

Food

supermarkets

Cheaper to eat, buying food in supermarkets: Prices are from the Russian differ slightly. For me the ideal in travel - to buy a pack of granola and then add it to the continental yogurt or pour milk or juice. One box of granola costs about 2 euros, while it will last for four meals. Yogurt is worth approximately euro, the juice can be found for the same amount. As a result, one meal will cost 1.5 euros.

Budget can buy fruit, vegetables, cheese, pastries. And if the room has a kettle, it is easy dinner cereal or instant noodles.

Be sure to bring your home a spoon, a container for food and a bottle or thermos for water. Then snacks will be convenient to carry with them throughout the day.

Public catering

Catering establishments in Western Europe the budget traveler can not afford: a cup of cappuccino costs about 4 euros, sandwich - 5, and the set lunch - 15. Therefore, in the cafe where I did not go. Catering used only in the Baltic States. In Riga and Tallinn, for example, has a budget dining Network Lido. For 5 euros where you can buy a portion of soup, dessert and tea.

Vilnius I can advise cafe chain with traditional cuisine Šnekutis. The price tag in it average: soup you can eat for 1.5 euros and hot 3.

sights

To see as many attractions, budget travelers can only advise a lot of walking. Usually the old town alone are enough picturesque, contains many monuments and sculptures that can be seen on the street for free.

Belgrade

In general, the sights of Belgrade can easily look for a day, so my short stay there was enough off. Shuttle bus A1 from the name of Nikola Tesla airport goes to Slavija Square. It is the center of the city, and from here you can walk to most places of interest. Most of all I remember the four:

1. Temple of Saint Sava. Orthodox church, which looks very nice from the outside. Inside, too, kind of like, but I do not evaluate the result: during the trip were reconstructed. Free admission.
2. Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. The main attraction of the city and its historic center. In the evening there is very crowded: the inhabitants of Belgrade come relax with friends and family. Incidentally, in the Kalemegdan park there is a small souvenir market with reasonable prices.
3. Prince Michael Street - Belgrade's main pedestrian street. Located next to the fortress.
4. The building of the General Staff of the armed forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were destroyed in 1999 by NATO and are still standing in the city center without the repair and restoration.

Bonus: In Belgrade, many places is named after Nikola Tesla. If you get bored, you can try to find them all. :)

Paris

Paris - a city with a rich history, so to see everything you need to spend at least a week here. I was only four days, but managed to visit quite a lot of interesting places. By the way, Paris - the only city in which I have spent money on cultural programs.

1. The Eiffel Tower. Paris's main attractions is best viewed from the Champs de Mars. In the evening, tourists gather here, and some citizens to sit on the lawn and look at how the tower lights illumination.

   

2. Triumphal Arch. To get close to it, or stand under the arch, you need to pay. Budget tourist can afford to look at it only from the outside, but it's enough.
3. Notre Dame de Paris. Incredibly beautiful Gothic cathedral, you should definitely see. Entrance is free, but, unfortunately, now take advantage of it will not work. In April, the roof and the spire of Notre Dame burned, so the cathedral shut down for visits of five years. But to reach it should in any case: Notre Dame and the outside looks impressive.
4. Montmartre. District of Paris, where they lived and worked many famous paintersIncluding Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec. Here is the famous "Moulin Rouge", a steep wall of love, a monument to a person passing through the wall, and so much more interesting.
5. Basilique du Sacre Coeur. The highest point of Paris, which offers an excellent view of the entire city. Basilica itself stunningly beautiful. Entrance to it is also free.

   

6. Louvre. Visit Paris and do not go to one of the most famous museums in the world would be an unforgivable mistake. The entrance ticket I bought in advance at the official site of the Louvre. It costs 17 euros, plus you can choose the time of entry to the museum. With the passage of this ticket to the Louvre without queuing (or rather, with a short burst of the people who also buy tickets online).
7. Center Georges Pompidou. The museum, which I advise you to see. This center contemporary artWhich from the outside looks very industrial and contrasts with the whole surrounding area. Inside you can find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Malevich and other artists. The Center has paintings, sculpture, composition, video works and do a lot of interesting things. You spend three hours there, not less. If you are between 18 and 25 ticket will cost only 11 euros if older - 14 euros.
8. Tuileries Gardens. Great place to relax next to the Louvre. Steep find the French not to put benches and movable chairs in the parks. You can take any and put in a convenient location in the shadow of or next to the fountain.

   

9. Luxembourg Gardens. It is also a place of rest. Located next to the beautiful Luxembourg palace.

Brussels

In Brussels I have stayed all day. I had time to look, of course, not everything, but only the basic free attractions.

1. Three peeing monument. The main star of Brussels - Manneken Pis Monument - located in the city center. Next to him - just a ten minute walk - located two more peeing monument: a girl and a dog.

   

2. Grand Place. Most gothic area in the city center, where the Town Hall and the King's House.
3. Atomium. Hundred-meter steel imitation crystal lattice of iron fragment. It looks impressive. We put the Atomium in Brussels in the late 50s for the World Exhibition.

   

4. Cinquantenaire Park. A large green space with fountains and waterfalls. In the park there is a triumphal arch, and several museums. Log in them is paid.
5. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudule. The beautiful Gothic building is situated near the central bus station. Inside is decorated with stained glass windows and sculptures.

Riga

IN Riga I spent three days. During this time, you can get around the city far and wide: it is small, but interesting.

1. The old center. All major sights of Riga are gathered here: the Dome Cathedral, the Swedish Gate, Cat House, street Jauniela, which filmed the Soviet film "Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson." You can walk for a long time and consider every building. The main thing that lucky with the weather and it was sunny, not rainy.
2. Latvian War Museum. It is here, in the city center. Relatively interesting, the entrance is free. A great way to escape from the weather, keep warm and learn a little bit of new information.
3. National Library of Latvia. Library in Riga is very cool and modern. The building is constantly working any exhibition. For example, I got to the exposition dedicated to the digitalization of society and tracking systems.

   

4. Riga's parks. They're in town at every step. They can relax, enjoy the peace and snack.
5. Latvian Academy of Sciences. For fans of Stalinist architecture or who collects photographs of the same building with the former Soviet Union.

Vilnius

Vilnius - also small capitalSo to see the city for three days easily.

1. History Center. In the old Vilnius must-see church of St. Anne, the Town Hall and Cathedral Square.
2. Užupis. Artist Quarter and artists. In 1997, residents of Uzupis declared the area an independent republic with its own flag, anthem, currency. Very unusual place.
   

   

   
3. Bernardine Cemetery. Walking through the Užupis, be sure to work up to this old cemetery. The place will be interesting for those who like to consider the beautiful tomb crosses and sculptures.
4. Hill of Three Crosses. Located in the city center, so it is easy to find. On top of the mountain is a monument "Three crosses". In general, he appeared in the XIV century, but was destroyed during the Second World War. It recreated in the image of the old in 1989. You can climb to the top of the stairs and make it worthwhile, not only for the sake of the monument: out excellent views of Vilnius.
5. New town. Located on the other side of the River Neris. Worth a visit, despite the fact that, as such sites are not there. It looks the area contrast in comparison with the old city and it is no less interesting walk. Be sure to visit the Swedbank terrace: modern viewing platform, where you can relax and have a snack.
   

   

   Swedbank terrace

   Swedbank terrace

Tallinn

IN Tallinn I spent a total of 14 hours and around the city on foot. That's what route I got:

1. Park Tammsaare. Small modern park near the town center.
2. Old city. It is divided into two parts: before the bottom of the craftsmen lived and the top members of the nobility. Taking a walk through the historic center, look at the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church. By the way, from the top of the old town and offers an extraordinary view of the entire Tallinn.
   

   
3. Memorial to the Victims of Communism. It opened in 2018. Looks like a big black corridor, the walls of which suffered list repressed Estonians and various facts about the political prisoners.
   

   
4. Kadriorg Park. The palace and park complex, in whose territory the greenhouse, Japanese garden, a small artificial pond and actually he Kardiorgsky Palace. It was created on the orders of Peter I.
5. Pirita Convent. Catholic monastery, which was destroyed in the XVI century, during the Livonian War. Now the monastery there were only walls that became a monument under the open sky. Login - two euros.
6. Pyrite. Quay Tallinn Bay, along which can be a long, long walk and breathe fresh air.

Souvenirs

The item, without which no cost travel - souvenirs. When you're a budget traveler, not much will roam. The best option gift to friends or family in this case - a postcard. It is worth it inexpensive, and supplemented his words becomes a personal souvenir. By postcard, you can add some local sweets or snack.

From a trip I want to bring something to remember, and for themselves. As a typical tourist, I collect magnets. You can find them in two places:

1. In the gift shop. Drop in all Souvenirs: the rule of "the farther from the center of the cheaper" rarely works. For example, in Paris, the most inexpensive souvenirs I found in a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame.
2. Bookstores. Often it is they are selling very nice and original magnets and postcards.

conclusions

View a few countries, with a small amount in your pocket, it is realistic. Of course, the rest of the two weeks of constant trips will not work, but the experience of this trip will be very much. To budget the trip was successful, follow a few rules:

1. Plan the route yourself. Browse applications, compare several transportation options and choose the most profitable. Start looking for tickets in advance - at least a month before the trip.
2. Do not take a lot of things. Try fit everything you need in one bag - then you will not need to pay extra for luggage.
3. Do not be afraid of hostels and kauchsorfinga. These housing options will save, will provide an opportunity to make new friends and learn how foreigners live.
4. Prefer supermarkets, dining and inexpensive cafes. In the menu, check the page with special offers and promotions.
5. Explore the city. Try not to use public transport, but instead you walk a lot. During walks, you can soak up the spirit of the city and come across cool attractions that are not listed in the popular tourist guides.
6. Set aside a small amount for unforeseen needs. The journey can happen: from the torn socks to meet with scams or street thieves. In such cases, the hidden one thousand or two will be very useful.