The summer is coming to an end, but you want to get one more vacation in.
You might want to go somewhere more exotic like in Europe for example, maybe like Stockholm, Sweden.
But what if you don’t have much money to do so once you get there.
Here are a few tips to enjoy your stay in Stockholm while on a budget.
- Stay in a Floating Hotel: The name is just as it suggests: it is a hotel on a boat. Think of it like a cruise in a sense. These boat hotels cost a fraction of what you would pay for a hotel on land and you get to enjoy the view while you are at it.
- Take a Free Walking Tour: This is one of the oldest activities in the book. You get to see many great sights in Stockholm without having to pay a single euro. Plus, you can also get in a good amount of exercise at the same time.
- Drink tap water: Now, this might not be exactly a safe option wherever you go given the different qualities of water around the world. But, this will save you some money. Stockholm’s water is safe to drink. Take a reusable water bottle and refill it in the sink whenever you get the chance.
- Cook Your Own Food: Most people don’t like to cook in this modern age. However, this is a better alternative than going out to eat at restaurants and fast food places all of the time. Plus according to NomadicMatt.com, “Groceries in Stockholm can cost 415 SEK ($63 USD) per week per person, which is a great value when the average prepared meal is around 100–200 SEK ($15–30).” That’s actually not bad if you think about it.
- Avoid Sit-Down Restaurants: This will be painful to hear, but this is crucial if you want to save money. If you insist on eating out or you don’t feeling like cooking, NomadicMatt.com suggests, “try to stick to the small outdoor stalls you see on the side of the street. You can get everything from hotdogs ($3) to Thai food ($10) to burgers ($10). It’s a much more economical way to eat. Additionally, skip anything on Drottninggatan (the city’s main shopping street) and in Gamla Stan. Both places are very overpriced.”
- Go Check Out the Free Museums: Like any other country in the world, it would be past to indulge in the museums. You get to learn about history, drink up the art and culture, and maybe learn a little more about yourself. The Guardian offers travelers to use the Stockholm Pass Card. The site adds, “This one-four day card allows access to more than 75 attractions and museums and unlimited rides on public transport (£42 for one-day, £68 for four)”
- Take Your Kids to the Library: But what if you are a traveler with small children in tow? You will be surprised at how child-friendly Stockholm is. Parents with strollers can ride for free on the buses. Plus, there is plenty for the kids to do with free activities, workshops, children’s libraries, and museums. The Guardian adds, “Most of Stockholm’s public libraries have special children’s sections where you can also play games and take part in impromptu theatre shows.” Even without children, you can still enjoy the library in Stockholm.
- Follow the Locals at Lunch: Most countries offer tourists and travelers cheap tourist food. If you want the really good food of the country, you find the nearest local and you follow them to wherever they eat. The locals will know where all of the good things are.
- Go to the Free Parks: Human beings all love a little fresh air from time to time. The parks in Stockholm are free and if you happen to go in the winter, take advantage of the ice skating there. No matter what season you choose to go to Stockholm, the parks are a beautiful place to visit and get yourself lost in nature.
- Cut Back on the Alcohol: Let’s face it, alcohol is not cheap and can really add up if you are not care. Drinking in Sweden will eat up all the money that you have in your wallet. For all of the travelers that love to have a drink from time to time, avoid wine, skip the clubs, and stick to beer which is the cheapest thing in the country. It may be painful, but your wallet will be happy for it.