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The simple answer is no. It’s definitely not as cheap as you expect. Let’s break down the realistic financial costs. Getting to your weekend destination Flights This is where you hear some of the biggest lies about cheap travel, that the flights are dirt cheap. They can be, but often aren’t, especially for weekend travel. The cheapest flights I’ve purchased have been €10 - €15, but more often are €30 - €40 per leg, making the average flight budget €60 - €80 Here are some tips: Flights between big cities that are close, less than an hour flight, you can find good deals on. If you haven’t picked a city to stay in, take this into consideration. Paris, London, and Rome are some of the biggest transport hubs in Europe, so they typically have a bigger selection and more competitive prices. You can use third parties like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for flights, but I find just sticking to the RyanAir or WizzAir websites is best. The other websites will come up with flights that are way too early or late, so they’re not actually great search tools. Most likely, the cheapest flights will always be one of these two airlines, you can look for other airlines if you’re dying to go to a place that the discount airlines don’t fly. Trains Trains are not as cheap as you might expect, and it can be quite difficult to go long distances on rail. Trains from Rome to Florence can be €30 - €60 a leg, and from Rome to Milan, it can be closer to €100. Some rail lines have a discount for young people, so be sure to look that up! Tips: You should almost always purchase directly from the country’s rail website to avoid scams. Know the national rail service of the country you’re traveling in, for example in Germany it’s Deutsche Bahn and in Italy it’s Trenitalia. (Literally the country name and train in their language.) Go directly to their website or wait to buy in-person at the station, just make sure you know when you're train leaves! Long Haul Buses (Flixbus) I have never ridden a long haul bus. I will not. I have never heard of a good experience coming from a bus ride over 5 hours. You will not be able to sleep on these overnight buses, and arrive at your location exhausted. Other transport (Ubers, buses and other incidentals to get around once you arrive) Almost everywhere I’ve been you have to pay to use public transport. Be prepared to budget €10 - €15 to use the metro or buses for the weekend. If you like to go out, be prepared to add for Ubers, even if you plan on taking public transport, oftentimes you’ll end up in an Uber. Lodging Another lie is cheap hostels. The cheapest hostels in Europe are about €30, but the average is €40. Splitting an Airbnb with friends is also a great way to stay for cheap, but still plan for about €35 a night. Food This is one of the things that can add up quickly if you aren’t paying attention. I generally try to stick to €5 for breakfast and then €10-€15 for lunch and dinner. Make sure to budget for sweet treats, because you will be getting some! Depending on when you arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday, you might not have to pay for all three meals at your destination. If you’re looking to really budget, I highly recommend looking into grocery stores for meals. Oftentimes, there will be premade cold and warm meals that are essentially take-away for cheap! Romanticize your grocery store meal by taking it to a local park for a picnic. Activities It can be really hard to say no to doing something once you’ve gone to another country to have a great time and unforgettable experience. There will be more expensive trips if you want to do something fun, like a boat tour or a pottery class or a tea ceremony or skiing. There are so many cool activities around the world, and it’s important to have these experiences, while keeping your budget. The Idiot Tax This is what I call spending more money, because you made a mistake. They can come from missing a train and needing to buy a second ticket, or losing track of time, and now needing to Uber to the airport instead of taking public transport. Also, getting scammed on tickets to sites, and needing to rebuy once you’ve arrived. Be prepared to lose out on some cash because you made a mistake, but don't let it ruin your weekend! Don't let a gripe over €20 ruin a €300 trip! Overall, a general weekend budget for me looks like: Flights: €60-€80 Lodging: €60-€80 Food: €70 Activities: €50 Incidentals: €30 A real budget from Cagliari, Sardegna Flights: €65 for roundtrip Lodging: €70 (€35 per night and came with free breakfast!) Food: €70 Activities: €25 for a printmaking class, €50 for a boat tour Total: €280 Overall, it is not cheap to feed and house yourself, so at the bare minimum, you’ll be paying €60 - €80 just to live everyday you’re traveling. On the low end, a weekend trip can run you €270, which if you plan on traveling every weekend adds up to about €1,200 a month, for a four month semester that is €4,800. That is only if you’re planning to travel every weekend, but also doesn't include spring break, which can cost a lot if you’re planning to travel all week. Also, don't forget to budget for doing fun things in your home city. If you’re on a budget make sure to pick out what is most important to you, and then see where you can save. For example, if you’re visiting a coast and want to take a spendy boat tour, you can look into cheaper lodging or not going into restaurants. Or if there is a 5 star restaurant you need to try, then maybe look into cheaper travel. Pick and choose how you want to budget. I like to use Sheets to manage my budget for the semester. I put in what I'm estimating flights, lodging and food to cost, and once I book things, I change the numbers to reflect the actual cost. Take a look here, and feel free to make a copy to make your own budget.

My friend who is studying abroad came to visit this weekend, so I have the perfect plan for a few days in Rome! Some things to remember is that public transportation in Rome is not the best, the buses often come late and the city center has crowded streets, so many buses don’t run through them. There is a metro, but there are only three lines, and it shuts down early, around 9pm. Metro line A can be used to go East-West from the Vatican and Spanish Steps. Walking through the city is enchanting, as you can stubble upon many ancient Roman ruins or beautiful apartment blocks. Friday The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are a must see for anyone in Rome! If you’re short on time and budget, don’t feel that you have to go inside. You can see many of the ruins from outside the gates. Il Vittoriano or the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the king who unified Italy. This is actually one of the youngest buildings in Rome, built between 1885 and 1935. It’s a grand ode to the neoclassical style. It's a very impressive building. You can also go inside and see the colosseum from its rooftop. Right next door to the Vittoriano is Trajan’s Column. A short walk away from the Vittoriano is the Pantheon, built in the 1st century AD by emperor Hadrian; it's the oldest masonry dome in the world. You can go inside and see the oculus, the skylight, and the tombs of the old kings of Italy. Right by the Pantheon is the famous sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio. These large with lots of authentic ingredients will sure to have your mouth watering no matter what you order. They also have a lot of veggie options! From the Victoriano you can head to the Trevi Fountain. Make sure to have a coin ready to throw into the fountain. There are many superstitions around the luck of throwing a coin in, to make sure you return to Rome or that you’ll find love in the city. For sure, you’ll be donating to Caritas, Rome’s Catholic charity. Saturday Start in Vatican City, technically another country, although you won’t need your passport to get in. Make sure to book tickets early if you want to see the Sistine Chapel! You’ll go through the entire Vatican museum collections to see the chapel, and it’s an impressive display of art. From ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculptures to renaissance paintings it’s great for art lovers. If the line isn’t too long, make sure to go inside St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s massive with so many awe-inspiring sculptures, murals, and marble. You can head to the top of the dome for 5-8 €, depending if you want to take the elevator. A short distance from the Vatican is Castel Sant’Angelo, a medieval fort built on ancient foundations. Directly in front is the bridge of Angels. Head into the Prati neighborhood for lunch and some shopping. This neighborhood is known for its wide streets and more modern buildings. It also has metro stops that you can use to see the western half of the city. You can hop on the metro at Lepanto and take the metro towards Anagnina until Spangana to see the Spanish steps! If you’re not overloaded with art or tired of walking, you can walk to Villa Borghese. The Borghese Museum has an amazing collection of Bernini sculptures that seems so real, they were scandalous for their time. After some rest, make sure to check out the neighborhood of Trastevere. It’s known for its charming streets Sunday If you have time, check out Piazza Navona, it’s a beautiful Piazza with Bernini fountains and an obelisk from ancient Egypt. There are lots of cool Sunday markets, from Flaminio in Northern Rome to Porta Portese in Trastevere you can find vintage items and great deals in these famous Roman street markets. Other things Rome is known for Carbonara, Amatriaciana, and Cacio e Pepe, make sure to try at least one of these while in Rome! Scholars Lounge is a very popular bar for Americans. It is often very crowded, but lots of fun For modern art lovers I’d recommend the Galleria Nazionale dell’Arte Moderna, with a collection of the old modern art masters from the early 20th century it’s sure to impress For contemporary art lovers, check out the MAAXI, with lots of rotating collections, it’s usually displaying amazing Italian contemporaries and art from around the world. Most churches in Rome are open to the public as long as they are not holding service. Make sure to pop in. Chiesa del Gesu is my favorite, but many churches are equally stunning. Near the Vittoriano and Chiesa del Gesu is Largo Argentina, ancient temple ruins that now host many street cats! Stop by to pet a cat and see some ruins. It can seem hard to do Rome in a weekend, but you can do it. You’ll need to prioritize what parts you want to see from art museums, to antiquity and all the beauty in the Roman streets.

Paris is one of the best and most visited cities in the world! It’s a bit difficult to fit everything in, especially for art lovers, so having a plan is essential. I’ve stayed in Paris for much longer than a weekend, I’ve actually spent about two weeks in Paris. My best advice is to do plenty of research beforehand, so you can tailor the City of Lights to your tastes. Friday: Depending on when you land, you can fit in a lot on your first day in Paris Seine boat tour! See all the sights without wearing yourself out! You can book during the day or after sundown. I’ve done it both ways, and don’t have a favorite. Typically starting at the base of the Eiffel Tower, and continuing along the Seine until turning around just after Ile Saint Louis Island. You’ll see the Les Invalides, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Grand Palais, and more! See the Arc de Triomphe, and walk down the Champs-Élysées. I love doing this after dark, because they light up the street. Go to a grocery store, and pick up picnic materials to dine out by the Eiffel tour for dinner. It starts sparkling at dust, and then on the hour every hour for one minute, so be sure to plan accordingly to see the tower sparkle. Saturday: Pick a museum or two! At the bottom, I’ve detailed my favorite sites in Paris below. I would also reserve this day for North Paris Visit Montmartre, the arts district in the 17th arrondissement (this is the name of Parisian neighborhoods) This is where the romantics, writers, and artists made Paris their own. Many licensed street artists will be around, so this is a great place to pick up a souvenir, but it is handmade one of a kind art, so be prepared to pay for the artists, time, talent, and materials. A painting this size costs €100. Also come with cash! Also in this area is the Moulin Rouge! Be sure to stop by From Montmartre, you should go up the hill to The Sacré-Cœur, a beautiful basilica. The view from the hill and the stunning church are worth the hike up. Sunday: If you didn’t see the Louvre on Saturday, make sure to stop by and marvel at the 18th century palace along with the Jardin Tuileries Sundays are always the hardest for me, because of the stress of getting to the airport or train station on time. When planning for Sundays, either plan to go back to your accommodation on your way to leave to pick up bags or plan activities where it won’t be a hassle to bring your backpack or will have storage. My personal favorites Museums The Louvre is the most famous museum in Paris, and for good reason. It holds many artifacts from across time and cultures. At minimum you need a good three hours. I spent close to 6 hours inside the museum! You also need to book the first opening slot of the day and arrive early (About a half hour before) to get in before it gets too crowded. The Musée d'Orsay is also a prominent museum. Situated inside a train station built for the same World’s Fair as the Eiffel Tower, it’s a spectacular tribute to the impressionist and post impressionist art movements. They often have amazing exhibitions, that are ticketed, so I recommend looking at their website, and getting these tickets beforehand, because they often sell out. The Centre Pompidou has a controversial reputation, as many Parisians hate the garish pipes that run along the outside of the building. I think the building serves as an interesting talking point of putting the inside out. If you’re a modern and contemporary art lover, this is your scene. The Picasso Museum in Paris is a testament to the later part of the artist’s life. It holds most of his later works that he is most famous for. Unless you’re a die-hard Picasso fan, I wouldn't stop by, because you can see Picassos around the world, and in other museums in Paris, specifically the Orsay. The Musee l'Orangerie is loved by many Parisians, but is quite small, and does not hold the most famous works by the impressionists. It’s notable for its 360 room view of Monet’s water lilies. I would not recommended going, unless you are an avid lover of impressionists, and also plan to go to the Orsay. My favorite thing about French Museums is that they offer a wide variety of discounts for students! If you’re not worried about waiting in ticketing lines, and are okay with being turned away in case of capacity, don’t book ahead, and instead wait in the ticketing line the day of. Other sites A grand jewel of Paris is Palais Garnier, or the Paris Opera House. If you have extra time on Friday or Sunday, I would highly recommend going inside to see the incredible art and architecture. The Jardins du Luxembourg is a beautiful park and perfect for a romantic stroll, you’ll often find typical Parisians visiting as well. Hotel Les Invalides is a stunning gold building that was built in the 1700s. It's currently a military museum, so unless you're interested in French military history, I would recommend to see it from the outside. The Palace of Versailles is a lifetime must see, but it can be very hard to see all of Paris and Versailles in just a weekend, because it is an hour- long train ride outside of Paris, and the Palace and gardens combined at minimum are a three to four hour experience. I would recommend leaving on a Thursday, so you have a full day Friday or Saturday to make it to the palace. Tips on the Metro: The metro in Paris is one of the best in Europe. The city is well connected, and the trains run often. The first time you use the metro, you’ll need to find a RATP machine to purchase tickets. You can either purchase single journey fares or day passes. They are phasing out single use paper tickets, so most likely, you’ll also be purchasing a reusable RATP card to scan as you go into the metro. I also recommend following RATPgroup on X or downloading the app for updates! Oftentimes, train announcements are only made in French, so it’s good to have a way to double check information. As with many metros, different lines shut down at different times, so be sure to plan ahead on how to get back before going out!

Barcelona is a great weekender city! With plenty to do from art museums, to sightseeing, and clubbing. Barcelona is a great weekend trip for those who love to be in the city. Barcelona has a very consistent grid system, with everything except the Latin quarter being in equal blocks, so it’s hard to get lost. I found the public transportation system very easy to use, and lining up well with the Google Maps directions. Friday Las Ramblas is a street famous for its wide walking path, street performers, and architecture. Make sure to take a walk down the street, but beware, this is a pickpocket hot spot! Don’t forget that Barcelona is on the beach! Make sure to stop by. The boardwalk and area around the beach is great for dining and shopping. I also had the opportunity to take a boat ride around the beaches at sunset. The boat tours are pretty popular, especially during the high season, so be sure to check them out! I booked mine through AirBnB Experiences, but you can also check out places like Get Your Guide or Tripadvisor. Saturday Park Güell is a spectacle a little outside the city center, but still accessible via public transportation. You go up the hill to what Antoni Gaudí imagined as the perfect retreat from city life. Wander the park filled with landscape and architectural creations in his whimsical style. Head back into the city to check out his other famous work, La Sagrada Familia. It’s unlike any other building I've ever seen, but the inside is just as, if not more impressive than the outside. Make sure you book tickets to see the inside beforehand, as they often sell out. For lunch or a snack, I’d recommend checking out La Boqueria. A local market with many food and drink options to share with a group or friends or just by  yourself. After a lunch break, I’d walk around the city and enjoy the atmosphere. Pick a museum or another Gaudí building to visit. The Latin Quarter is also fun to explore with its small winding streets, there’s a certain charm to the ancient part of the city. Sunday Parc de la Ciutadella is a must see. Parks are one of the best ways to get the atmosphere of the city, as many locals will also be there. Families with kids, or couples taking a stroll all help to create the character of a city that you can see in a local park. Near Parc de la Ciutadella, there is the Arc de Triomf! A great photo destination. Other Suggestions Grab some Paella. It’s this rice based dish that is often seafood based, but you can find it with other meats or even vegetarian. Patatas Bravas is another great cultural food to grab. Go inside one of the buildings created by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí was the premier architect of Barcelona in the early 20th century. His most famous work is La Sagrada Familia, which means sacred family in Spanish, but there are many others around the city. Check out Casa Mila, Casa Batllo or one of his other creations! If you’re a modern art fan make sure to check out the MOCO. One of the most moving museums I've been to is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The pieces span history from the medieval to modern times. It sits in the Palau Nacional, which is off a large square, Plaça d'Espanya. Even if you don’t go in the building, I’d highly recommend taking the time to check out the Plaza and the outside of the palace. Another great building to check out is the Palau de la Música Catalana. If you love performances, make sure to check out their show times. Barcelona has a great night life! Razzmatazz is a huge club with multiple floors! It’s pretty touristy, so you don’t have to worry about dress codes or getting in. You can purchase tickets the day of. In Catalonia, the clubbing doesn't really get started until about 1 or 2 in the morning, so be aware if you show up before then, you’ll show up to an empty building. There are many other fun clubs around Barcelona, but Razzmatazz is my favorite. If you decide not to club or do a sunset boat tour, I’d recommend going up to The Bunkers. A great sunset lookout point. This one is a great option for budget travelers  because it’s free!