With 15+ countries on my backpacking itinerary, keeping our transportation costs down was very important for keeping our trip on budget. Our itinerary was mainly planned based on proximity and cost. We all sat down with a map in front of us and looked up the hypothetical cost to get from neighboring country to country.

Traveling by train is usually seen as the quintessential way to backpack through Europe, and for good reason! Trains allow you to relax and soak in your new surroundings without any hassle during the journey. The infamous Bergensbanen, or Bergen Rail, from Oslo to Bergen is considered one of the the most beautiful train rides in the entire world. The seven hour journey across Norway felt like a winter fairy tale as we traveled through Europe’s highest mountainous plateau.

As wonderful as the rail system in Europe is, it’s still important to look into other methods of transportation as a way to save money. Surprisingly enough, our main form of transportation between countries became budget airlines. Ryanair, easyJet, WOW air, and Vueling now hold a weirdly special place in my traveling heart.

I’ll agree that there is absolutely nothing magical, romantic, or adventurous about an airport- but often the transportation time saved was worth the hassle of the airport.

Even if you calculate in the early arrival and security checks, a flight typically saved us time, money, and allowed much more time to spend at our destinations.

Many travelers turned off from budget airlines because of the baggage limitations and crowded seating.  Everyone is my group traveled with only a carry-on size approved backpack so we never had to pay any fee to check a bag, or wait at baggage claim. And yes, the seats are crowded, and maybe the entire plane rattles during landing a little more than anyone would like.

Budget airlines exist to operate as many flights as possible. Boarding is quick and efficient; they waste no time trying to make sure everyone is comfortable, and if your bag doesn’t fit they will unceremoniously put in the cargo hold. All the check-in is done ahead of time online so you don’t have to waste any time at the airport.

Below are some of our best budget flight finds throughout our trip. These prices still seem crazy to me, especially when I think about how much money it takes just to fly from my town to the closest major airport in Washington, D.C. (Tickets run anywhere from $150 to $550 for a 50 minute flight.) These prices include tax.

• Flight from London to Lisbon, Portugal– $61.07

• Flight from Lisbon, Portugal  to Barcelona – $39.40

• Flight from Barcelona to Rome – $43.30

•  Flight from Paris to Oslo, Norway – $69.04

• Flight from Bergen, Norway to Reykjavik, Iceland– $69.72

 

We booked all our flights ahead of time using Expedia. If we did not find an affordable flight ahead of time, we waited and booked a train or bus during the trip. Booking these ahead of time also saved money for longer journeys.

The best part of saving money?  It means more to spend on new experiences…and desserts.