Traveling Europe on a Military Budget

One of the biggest regrets families have when leaving Germany is not traveling enough. The most common excuse? "It's too expensive." But European travel can be remarkably affordable with the right strategies. Here is how to see the continent without draining your savings.

Getting There Cheap

Budget Airlines

Budget airlines are the backbone of affordable European travel:

Ryanair — Flights from Frankfurt-Hahn (45 min from Ramstein) to destinations across Europe from as low as 15-40 EUR one way. Strict baggage rules — pack light to avoid fees.
EasyJet — Fly from Frankfurt or Basel-Mulhouse. Good network across Europe.
Eurowings — Lufthansa's budget carrier. Flies from many German airports.
Wizz Air — Great for Eastern European destinations at rock-bottom prices.

Tips:

Book 6-10 weeks in advance for best prices.
Be flexible with dates — midweek flights are cheapest.
Pack carry-on only. Budget airline checked bag fees can double your ticket cost.
Set up price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner.

Train Deals

Deutsche Bahn Supersparpreis — Advance booking tickets for as low as 17.90 EUR for intercity travel within Germany.
Deutschland-Ticket — A monthly pass (currently 49 EUR) for unlimited travel on all regional trains and local transit in Germany. Incredible value for day trips.
BahnCard 25 — 25% off all DB tickets for approximately 56 EUR/year.
Night Trains — OeBB Nightjet trains connect German cities to Vienna, Venice, Rome, and other destinations. Save on a hotel night while you travel.
Interrail/Eurail Pass — Can be cost-effective for multi-country trips, especially the 4-day or 7-day flexipass options.

Driving

For families, driving is often the most economical option when you split the fuel cost across 4-5 people:

Use the BlaBlaCar rideshare app or fill your car with friends to split costs.
Fill up at on-base gas stations (tax-free fuel) before departing.
Research toll costs — France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria charge highway tolls.

Affordable Accommodation

Airbnb / Vacation Rentals — Often cheaper than hotels, especially for families of 4+. Kitchens let you cook some meals and save on restaurants.
Hostels with Private Rooms — Modern European hostels offer private family rooms for a fraction of hotel prices. A&O Hostels and Meininger are family-friendly chains across Europe.
Military Lodging — US military installations across Europe have lodging available. Rates are below market. Check with each installation's billeting office.
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort — US military-only resort hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria). Stunning Alpine location at military rates. Book well in advance.
Camping — Europe has fantastic campgrounds. The ODR office rents camping equipment. German campgrounds (Campingplaetze) are clean, well-equipped, and affordable.

Eating on a Budget

Cook — Book accommodation with a kitchen. Buy groceries at local markets and supermarkets. European supermarkets are an adventure in themselves.
Lunch Specials — Many European restaurants offer a "menu du jour" or "Tagesgericht" at lunch that includes a multi-course meal for a fraction of dinner prices.
Street Food — Doener Kebab, crepes, pizza al taglio, and market food are cheap, delicious, and authentic.
Pack Snacks — Bring snacks and water bottles from home. Tourist-area snack prices are inflated everywhere.
Picnics — Buy bread, cheese, cold cuts, and fruit from a local market. Picnic in a park or plaza. Some of the best travel meals are eaten outside a grocery store.

Free and Cheap Activities

Walking Tours — Many European cities offer free walking tours (tip-based). An excellent way to learn a city's history and orient yourself.
Free Museum Days — Many museums offer free admission on certain days (first Sunday of the month is common). Research before your trip.
Parks and Nature — Europe's parks, gardens, beaches, and natural areas are free and spectacular.
Churches and Cathedrals — Most are free to enter and are architectural masterpieces.
City Cards — City tourist cards (Paris Museum Pass, Roma Pass, etc.) bundle museum entry and transit for significant savings if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Military Discounts — Always ask. Many European attractions and tour operators offer military discounts when you show your ID.

Smart Booking Strategies

ODR Trips — The Outdoor Recreation office organizes trips to European destinations at excellent prices that include transportation, lodging, and activities. The value is hard to beat.
USO Tours — The USO organizes day trips and multi-day tours. Well-organized, affordable, and social.
Travel Off-Season — September-October and March-May offer the best combination of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices.
Book in Advance — Flights, trains, and accommodation are almost always cheaper when booked 4-8 weeks ahead.
Use Points and Miles — Military credit cards (USAA, Navy Federal, Chase Military) earn points that work internationally. Government Travel Card points are particularly useful.

Sample Budget Weekend Trips

Paris (3 days) — Ryanair flight 40 EUR + Airbnb 150 EUR (2 nights) + food and activities 200 EUR = ~400 EUR per person, ~250 EUR/person for a family splitting costs.
Amsterdam (2 days) — Drive (fuel ~50 EUR) + hostel private room 120 EUR + food 100 EUR = ~270 EUR total for a couple.
Swiss Alps Day Trip — Drive 3.5 hours, spend the day hiking, pack a picnic = fuel cost only (~40 EUR round trip).

Europe is more accessible and affordable than you think. Set a monthly travel budget, plan ahead, and start checking destinations off your list. You will never have this opportunity again — make the most of every weekend and school break.

Günstig durch Europa reisen: Military Family Edition