She Strengthens

Planning a Budget-Friendly Getaway to Berlin

This May, I’m embarking on a six-day adventure to Berlin with my boyfriend, Peter. The idea sparked four months ago when Peter suggested we plan a European escapade. After researching various destinations, we settled on Berlin, drawn by its affordable flights, charming Airbnb options, and rich history.

Why Berlin?

Peter’s fascination with Germany, stemming from his high school German classes, played a significant role in our decision. I, on the other hand, preferred exploring one city thoroughly rather than rushing through multiple destinations. Berlin’s budget-friendly atmosphere sealed the deal.

Budgeting for the Trip

Initially, I estimated flight costs to be between $600-$800. However, Peter discovered that May tickets were significantly cheaper, prompting him to book our flights. To make it more manageable, Peter paid for everything upfront, and I reimbursed him in installments over a few months. This approach wouldn’t work for everyone, but it allowed us to take the trip sooner.

Breaking Down the Costs

So far, we’ve spent $656.37 per person, covering:

• Airfare: $399.94 with WOW Air, a budget-friendly airline with a short layover in Iceland.
• Airbnb: $195 for a spacious studio near Richardplatz, complete with fees.
• Transportation: $61.43 for a six-day Berlin WelcomeCard, offering unlimited public transportation and discounts on local attractions.

The Rest of the Budget

I’m aiming to keep daily expenses around $90, totaling $1,200 for the entire trip. To stay within budget, I’ll limit cash withdrawals and prioritize experiences over material purchases. Food will likely be our biggest expense, but we’re looking forward to trying authentic German cuisine.

Activities and Excursions

We’ve planned a few paid activities, including a visit to Charlottenburg Palace and a bike tour. If time permits, we might take a day trip to nearby Potsdam. I prefer not to overplan, allowing for flexibility and spontaneity during our trip.

Lessons Learned

This experience has taught me that budget travel requires research, planning, and discipline. By resisting impulse purchases and allocating our funds wisely, we’ve made this trip a reality. Stay tuned for a follow-up article detailing our actual expenses and takeaways from our Berlin adventure!