From Curious Student To Travel Guru: How Tonia Hope Is Making Europe Affordable For All

Meet Tonia Hope, a UK-based traveler whose adventures are captivating a global audience. Tonia has transformed her passion for exploring new destinations into a vibrant career. With her keen eye for storytelling, she shares her journeys through stunning visuals.

Tonia recently added author to her accomplishments with her new book, Traveling Europe on a Budget. Below, she shares more about her road to becoming an author.

What inspired you to start traveling, and how has it shaped your perspective on life?

Initially, I started traveling out of sheer 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 somewhere completely different from where I lived. Travel has really opened my eyes to how big the world is. I love the feeling of being in an unfamiliar place and learning about its traditions, history, people, and way of life. Travel is an opportunity for me to challenge my beliefs and push my personal boundaries.

Your new book focuses on budget travel across Europe. What motivated you to write specifically about this topic?

Travel has changed my life in so many ways. One of my main aims through my content is to encourage people to travel as much as they can. However, one of the main barriers for people living out their travel dreams is financial constraints. Over the years, I have traveled on a range of budgets. It’s truly a misconception that it always has to be expensive, particularly when navigating Europe. Every summer, there’s a joke that it’s that time of the year when everyone wonders how people on social media afford their trips to Europe. I decided to address this phenomenon head-on. Their dream European vacations don’t have to break the bank; thus, the book was born.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about budget travel?

One misconception about budget traveling around Europe is that you have to be on a shoestring budget. In my book, I provide a wide range of options for those who are. However, I have also made every effort to include practical options for those with more flexibility in the mid-range area.

Could you share one of your most memorable budget travel experiences in Europe?

The answer to this is super easy: It was a trip to Croatia that I took kind of by accident. It was a country that had not previously been on my radar, but post-pandemic, it was one of the first countries to open. At the time, Croatia was a complete hidden gem. When visiting, I felt so safe. There was so much to do, and everything, such as accommodation, transport, and activities, was affordable compared to other places in Europe. This really changed my approach to travel. I began choosing my next destination by ticket prices rather than being set on where to visit. Skyscanner has an amazing “everywhere” feature where you can check flight prices and locations according to price.

In your opinion, what are some of the most underrated budget-friendly 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 European travel. Having visited both numerous times, these are some of my favorite cities, and they’re very affordable compared to cities like London and Paris. Visiting Budapest is like entering a fairytale. Visitors can expect to be treated to castles, thermal baths, and cozy meals. Similarly, in Lisbon, the epic views are endless, the cuisine is divine, and there are so many low-cost or free activities to enjoy. All this can certainly be experienced for budget-friendly prices.

What strategies do you recommend for finding affordable accommodations, transportation, and dining options in Europe?

I would start by researching locations in Europe that are known to be more budget-friendly for travelers, such as Hungary. Then, I would look for accommodation slightly outside the city center if there are good, affordable transport links or if the location is walkable. I also compare accommodation prices on comparison websites to ensure I’m getting the best deal. In terms of transportation, public transportation tends to be the most affordable way of getting around in Europe. Downloading an app like CityMapper provides the best routes and pricing. Lastly, for dining options, I usually use apps like Instagram and TikTok or check travel blogs from people who have previously visited the location to find the most budget-friendly eating options. These sources often include exact prices, so I know the average amounts to put aside for meals.

How do you balance experiencing the culture and authenticity of a destination while sticking to a budget?

I aim to be both financially disciplined and slightly flexible with my budget when I am traveling. I always have a set amount that I aim to spend within, but I also keep some money in reserve for unexpected occurrences. If there’s a ‘must-do’ experience that’s on the pricier side, I would always lean towards doing it, especially if it is unique to the location. This extra fund also comes in handy when locals recommend hidden gems that require a few extra pounds. Additionally, I tend to save on areas less important to me, like transport, and spend a bit 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 love 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 background city information, safety, accommodation, food, transport recommendations, and suggestions for bucket-list activities. In addition, I cover many ways people can get financially ready for a big trip.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.