They said it wasn’t possible—5 countries, 14 days, low budget, solo traveler. But I did it.
Let me take you through an unforgettable journey that proves you don’t need to be rich to see the world, just a little courage, smart planning, and the hunger to explore.
Why I Decided to Travel 5 Countries in 2 Weeks
I always believed that travel changes perspectives. But like many others, I was caught in the loop of “maybe someday.” Until one day, I decided to stop dreaming and start moving.
My mission? Explore Europe on a budget.
My tools? A backpack, a plan, and endless curiosity.
I chose Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands — a perfect blend of scenic beauty, culture, food, and history.
Planning the Dream: My Budget Travel Strategy
✅ Set a realistic daily budget:
I planned to spend no more than $40/day, including food, travel, and accommodation. That’s under $600 for 2 weeks (excluding flights).
✅ Used Skyscanner and Google Flights to book cheap flights.
Round trip from my home country to Lisbon: $220 (booked 2 months early)
Intra-Europe travel: used budget airlines like Ryanair & Wizz Air (avg. $25 per ticket)
✅ Stayed in hostels and with locals:
I booked dorm beds through Hostel world and Couchsurfed in two cities. Great way to save money and make new friends.
✅ Choose night buses:
FlixBus was a lifesaver. Overnight travel saved me money on accommodation and gave me more time to explore in daylight.
Day 1–3: Lisbon, Portugal—The Warmest Welcome
Lisbon felt like an embrace. The cobbled streets, yellow trams, and pastel buildings—it was like a dream.
Highlights:
Explored Alfama district and Lisbon Cathedral
Took a day trip to Sintra (cheap train ride + free walking tour)
Ate pastel de nata and sipped espresso with locals
I spent just €18/day here!
Day 4–6: Madrid & Barcelona, Spain—Passion & Energy
From Lisbon, I took a €20 night bus to Madrid.
Madrid was about energy. Flamenco, tapas, late nights, and morning churros.
Then to Barcelona—Sagrada Familia left me speechless.
Budget tips:
Used free museum days
Took a walking tour
Ate bocadillos and local snacks from markets
Total Spain spend: €85
Day 7–9: Paris, France—The Unexpected Surprise
Everyone says Paris is expensive. But with planning? Totally doable!
I stayed 2 nights in a cozy hostel outside central Paris (€22/night) and used a daily metro pass (€7/day).
What I did:
Saw the Eiffel Tower at sunrise (free!)
Walked Champs-Élysées
Had a picnic with €5 wine and a baguette at the Seine River.
Paris didn’t break my budget. Total cost: €75
Day 10–11: Brussels, Belgium—Waffles, Streets, and Surprises
Brussels was a quick but sweet stop. Took a €14 FlixBus from Paris.
Highlights:
Grand Place—magical at night
Ate authentic Belgian waffles and frites (under €10)
Met fellow travelers at the hostel who shared their day passes!
Total spent: €45
Day 12–14: Amsterdam, Netherlands—Peaceful Farewell
Amsterdam felt like a calm goodbye. Bikes, canals, coffee shops—it was a fairytale ending.
My best memory:
Renting a bike and riding through the Jordan neighborhood
Visiting local art museums (used the I Amsterdam card)
Watching sunset from a canal bridge—just soaking in the moment
Total spend in Amsterdam: €60
What I Learned on This Journey
This trip wasn’t just about ticking countries off a map. It taught me things I didn’t know I was missing.
Key takeaways:
Kindness is universal—locals helped, even when I didn’t speak the language.
Comfort zones are traps—every fear disappeared once I started.
Travel doesn’t need money; it needs mindset.
My Total Trip Budget Breakdown:
Expense Total Flights (intl. +a) $320 Accommodation $180 Food $120 Transport (bus, metro, bike)$60 Misc. & entry Fees $50 Total $730
Yes, 5 countries. 2 weeks. Under $750.
How You Can Do It Too—Budget Travel Tips That Work
Book flights 2-3 months early.
Use hostel kitchens, shop at local groceries
Travel overnight when possible.
Use city cards for museums/transport.
Avoid tourist traps—go local.
Walk more, taxi less.
Final Thoughts
This trip changed how I see life. And I want the same for you.
Don’t wait for the perfect time. Travel teaches you more than any classroom or course ever could.
If a regular person like me can see the world on a tight budget, so can you. Start small, start now.
