Meet Tonia Hope, a UK based traveler whose adventures captivate a global audience. Tonia has turned her passion for exploring new destinations into a dynamic career. With her keen sense of storytelling, she shares her travels through stunning visuals.
Tonia recently added authorship to her accomplishments with her new book, Traveling in Europe on a budget. Below, she shares more about her journey to becoming an author.
What inspired you to start traveling and how has it shaped your outlook on life?
Initially, I started traveling out of pure curiosity and interest. I was a student and heard about some funded opportunities to travel to India and China on immersive programs. I jumped at the chance to visit a completely different place than where I lived. Travel really opened my eyes to how big the world is. I love the feeling of being in an unknown place and discovering its traditions, its history, its people and its way of life. Travel is an opportunity for me to question my beliefs and push my personal limits.
Your new book focuses on budget travel across Europe. What motivated you to write specifically about this topic?
Travel has changed my life in many ways. One of my main goals through my content is to encourage people to travel as much as they can. However, one of the biggest obstacles people face in realizing their travel dreams is financial constraints. Over the years, I have traveled on different budgets. It really is a misconception that it always has to be expensive, especially when it comes to sailing in Europe. Every summer, we joke that it's that time of year when everyone on social media wonders how people finance their trips to Europe. I decided to tackle this phenomenon head on. Their dream vacation to Europe doesn't require breaking the bank; thus, the book was born.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about budget travel?
A misconception about the budget travel across Europe you have to have a limited budget. In my book, I offer a wide range of options for those who are. However, I've also gone out of my way to include practical options for those with more flexibility in the mid-range.
Could you share one of your most memorable budget travel experiences in Europe?
The answer to this question is very simple: it was a trip to Croatia that I made somewhat by accident. It was a country that wasn't on my radar before, but after the pandemic it was one of the first countries to open its doors. Back then, Croatia was a true hidden gem. During my visit, I felt so safe. There was so much to do and everything, like accommodation, transportation, and activities, was affordable compared to other places in Europe. It really changed my approach to travel. I started choosing my next destination based on ticket prices rather than knowing where to visit. Skyscanner has an amazing “anywhere” feature where you can check flight prices and locations based on price.
What do you think are the most underrated budget destinations in Europe that travelers should consider visiting?
I would definitely say Budapest, Hungary and Lisbon, Portugal, are still very underrated cities when it comes to travel in Europe. Having visited both several times, they are some of my favorite cities, and they are very affordable compared to cities like London and Paris. Visiting Budapest is like stepping into a fairy tale. Visitors can expect to be treated to castles, thermal baths and cozy meals. Likewise, in Lisbon, the epic views are endless, the cuisine is divine, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities. All this can certainly be experienced at affordable prices.
What strategies do you recommend for finding affordable accommodation, transportation and dining options in Europe?
I would start by looking for places in Europe known to be more economical for travelers, like Hungary. Then I would look for accommodation slightly outside the city center if there are good transport links at an affordable price or the location is walkable. I also compare accommodation prices on comparison sites to make sure I get the best deal. In terms of transportation, public transportation tends to be the most affordable way to get around in Europe. Downloading an app like CityMapper provides the best routes and prices. Finally, for dining options, I usually use apps like Instagram and TikTok or check travel blogs from people who have already visited the place to find the most economical dining options. These sources often include exact prices, so I know the average amounts to set aside for meals.
How to reconcile discovery of the culture and authenticity of a destination while respecting a budget?
My goal is to be both financially disciplined and slightly flexible with my budget when traveling. I always have a set amount that I plan to spend, but I also keep some money in reserve for the unexpected. If there is a must-do experience that is more expensive, I would always tend to do it, especially if it is unique to the place. This additional fund also comes in handy when residents recommend hidden gems which require a few extra pounds. Additionally, I tend to save on areas that are less important to me, like transportation, and spend a little more on areas that matter more to me, like activities and experiences.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I would like readers to use my book as a practical guide to start booking their dream trip to Europe. I cover everything a person would need to start planning, such as general city information, safety, accommodation, food, transportation recommendations, and suggestions for things to do. Plus, I cover many ways people can prepare financially for a big trip.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
