How to Plan an Extended Stay in Europe: Tips for Long-Term Travel, Budgeting, and Living Like a Local

Did you know that more than one in five visitors to Europe stays longer than two weeks, making this continent a prime hotspot for slow travel and immersive experiences? Europe’s intricate web of cultures, landscapes, and urban environments makes it an ideal choice for extended stays: think savoring a morning espresso on a leafy Roman terrace, learning conversational Spanish at a Barcelona language café, or volunteering at a Provençal vineyard for a whole season. Whether your long-term European adventure is for work, study, or play, a little preparation goes a long way in maximizing your stay and your budget.

Europe is home to approximately 750 million people, spread across more than 40 countries, each with their own traditions, languages, and quirks. The population is remarkably diverse: the continent ranges from cosmopolitan urban centers such as Paris (city population 2.2 million; metropolitan area over 10 million), Berlin, and Madrid, to small towns nestled in the Alps or along the Dalmatian coast. With 24 official languages in the European Union and hundreds spoken on the continent, there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a local dialect in a Tuscan village or Turkish conversation in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.

1. Choose Your Base Wisely

Long stays are all about location. Consider what you want most: fast-paced city life, rural retreats, coastal calm, or mountain adventure. Major hubs like Amsterdam, Vienna, or Lisbon offer fantastic infrastructure, international communities, and endless entertainment, while smaller towns can provide a more affordable, authentic, and peaceful experience. Some regions, like Andalusia (Spain) or the Peloponnese (Greece), offer mild winters and lively local communities, making them popular with long-term visitors and digital nomads alike.

2. Get Smart with Transportation

• Trains: Europe boasts one of the world’s best rail networks. Consider investing in a Eurail or Interrail pass if you plan to explore multiple countries or even regions.
• Budget Airlines: For longer trips, mix train travel with occasional budget flights on carriers like Ryanair or EasyJet. Book tickets well in advance for the lowest prices and pay close attention to luggage restrictions.
• Local Transport: Most European cities have extensive tram, bus, and metro systems. Many offer monthly passes—with some cities (like Tallinn, Estonia) even providing free public transport to residents.
• Biking: Cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Berlin are bicycle-friendly and often have affordable bike-sharing programs. Living like a local can mean (literally) pedaling your way through daily life.

3. Save Big With Accommodation Alternatives

• Short-term rentals: Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo let you live like a local and often give discounts for stays of a month or more.
• Hostels: Modern hostels offer private rooms, coworking spaces, and kitchens. Great for solo travelers or meeting fellow adventurers.
• House sitting & volunteering: Platforms such as TrustedHousesitters or HelpX offer accommodation in exchange for looking after a home or helping on a farm or hostel.
• University housing & sublets: If you’re in a university town, students often rent out their flats during holidays at appealing rates.

4. Stretch Your Budget

• Eat like a local: Avoid tourist hotspots and instead discover local markets, food halls, and bakeries. In Italy, try neighborhood trattorias. In France, visit boulangeries for bargains.
• City tourist cards: Many cities offer passes that cover transport and free or discounted entry to museums and attractions. Research options like the Paris Museum Pass or Berlin WelcomeCard.
• Free days & events: Many major museums have free admission on specific days—plan your visits to take advantage of these.
• Daily deals: Check local sites for lunch specials, happy hours, and discounted events—many cities have apps or WhatsApp groups for daily tips.

5. Blend In—And Live Like a Local

• Learn the language basics: Even a handful of words in the local language can open doors—download Duolingo or Google Translate, and don’t be afraid to practice every day.
• Adjust to the rhythm: In Spain and Italy, plan around the siesta: shops and restaurants may close mid-afternoon. Use this time to rest or explore quieter attractions.
• Local customs: From Italy’s “aperitivo” culture to Germany’s recycling rules or Sweden’s “fika” coffee break, adapting to local norms shows respect (and helps you make friends).
• Get involved: Long-term stays are an opportunity to join clubs, volunteer, or take workshops, from language exchanges to cooking classes or hiking groups.

6. Practical Essentials for Long Stays

• Stay connected: Get a prepaid local SIM card or eSIM for affordable, reliable mobile data and calls.
• Banking: Open a multi-currency account (like Wise or Revolut) to avoid excessive fees and make contactless payments (which are accepted nearly everywhere).
• Healthcare: If you’re an EU resident, apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For others, travel insurance covering extended stays is a must.
• Packing: Europe’s weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. Pack layers, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes for urban and countryside exploration alike.
• Safety: Europe is generally safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and carry photocopies of important documents.

7. Don’t Overplan—Embrace the Unexpected

One of the greatest joys of a long European stay is the freedom to slow down, linger in a cozy café, take spontaneous day trips, or discover hidden neighborhoods at your own pace. Resist the urge to over-schedule. Give yourself time to explore, relax, and make your own discoveries. Some of the most memorable experiences—a street festival in Porto, a conversation over wine in an Athens taverna, a stunning hike in the Scottish Highlands—can’t be found in any guidebook.

8. Europe at a Glance: Demographics & Diversity

*Approximate population as of 2024

9. Stay Inspired & Connected

• Follow local influencers and news outlets on social media to keep up with city happenings, festivals, and hidden gems.
• Use apps like Citymapper or Rome2Rio for real-time transport options, especially when exploring new neighborhoods or planning multi-modal routes.
• Be open to changes in your plan. Weather, strikes, or festivals might shift your day—see these as opportunities for new discoveries.

Whether you’re seeking an alpine retreat, a cultured city fix, or a quiet seaside haven, your long European stay is yours to shape day by day—and the team at Henry Nicholson is here to help you every step of the way, from planning your route to unlocking authentic local experiences.