Travel with style
Get
around
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everything
Hold nothing back
BlaBlaCar Travel App
Think Uber for long distances. This is honestly my secret to everything and I can’t wait until it comes to America. When someone is already planning on driving from point A to point B, maybe Budapest to Vienna, either for work or family, they will post their ride details. The start and end city, about where from, the time they’re going, if they’re going to take stops, and how much it’ll cost to share the ride, usually $8-15. Pros: My favorite part is you get to chat or just drive together from the front seat. They often ask if they can take a smoke break and I just ask for a pretty location. They’ve stopped in the Swiss Alps or the Lake Como. If you need a restroom break or an espresso shot they’ll stop along the way, and you can learn about their city from someone who actually lives there or nearby. Cons: Your driver may like music you don’t care for, smell like smoke, or drive worse than you expected. Don’t worry though, there are ratings and notes on music and smoke friendly/not so friendly. Hook Me Up: Just download the app - Bla Bla. I recommend doing so while you still have access to your phone number before your trip so it will go through, but 100% worth a try.
Overnight Buses
This is easily the best way to combine two of your costs: stay and transportation. This keeps your bus fare in the $20 range without having to add on an additional $10-$30 in hostel costs. Pros: Two for the price of one. Some of them have charging units, TVs, poor wifi, and reclining seats, especially when you start to learn which seats have the most room (usually at the top of the steps on the 2nd floor). Cons: You are sleeping on a bus. It can be harder to fall asleep, some people just can’t get on board with it, you don’t get a shower, and there could be loud children or someone on the phone. Look at bat houses - design and build one
> Walking Backpacks
This may sound obvious but the amount you can save by not taking Ubers or Taxis from place to place can really add up. Plus, exercise is good for the heart.
Get a good backpack. Europe is full of walking cities and hiking trails and having something that does great in both is a game changer. This is my Osprey and can easily handle a month of 14 mile days around different cities, hold a month of clothes and supplies, and fit in an overhead compartment.
If you just aren’t that into stumbling around, look into a subway day pass. After you accidentally get off at the wrong stop twice, you’ll be glad you just did this instead of try to make exact change from stop to stop.
> Espresso Breaks
Take the hottest part of the day to enjoy an espresso. Only a few dollars on average, much cheaper than your average latte, and you usually get an air conditioned room, an outlet to charge your phone or laptop, and WiFi to enjoy it with. If you walk in and notice the wifi is down or no seats.
This is also a perfect way to finish your day after it get’s dark and you’re waiting for your overnight bus!
> 7/11’s & Aldi’s
I like good food. I also appreciate food that costs next to nothing.
7/11 – When in doubt or saving for my next meal, I always hit them up. They’re very common in many locations, have WiFi, water, and hot dogs for a reasonable price. They also sometimes have a counter for you to sit at.
Aldi – I crave salads. This might be due to the amount of junk I put in my body during the other meals, but I need the vegetables every now and then. Go into Aldi and get a pre-made salad or a bag of lettuce and some dressing for your next few meals. It lasts longer than you think and can save a ton of cash! You can also get some carrots or broccoli or anything to dip in your dressing of choice!