Summer travel is an expensive undertaking, but it’s one of the best times to visit many places, when the weather is warm and you can feel the heartbeat of a city or destination with the influx of activities that come during the warmer months. 

With careful planning and a few tips and tricks under your belt, you may be able to prevent a complete blow out of your bank account. 

First off, with your heart set on Europe, make sure you are choosing one of the more affordable destinations on the continent if money is an issue. 

Next, follow this advice from U.S. News & World Report, which has a handy guide to saving on summer travel in Europe. One of the most important is to not rely on U.S. legacy carriers to get you around Europe. If you are flying within the continent, look to budget operators such as RyanAir and EasyJet. However, make sure you read the fine print when traveling with these carriers. Everything from a printed boarding pass to checked luggage will add up fast. They really only provide big savings if you follow all of the rules. 

READ MORE: Add These Books to Your Summer Reading List 

Another tip: don’t just rely on planes. According to U.S. News & World Report, travel by train and bus can save time and money abroad. 

For more tips on items such as lodging, click here.

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