How You Can Travel Europe Like I Did Without Emptying Your Wallet

Europe sounds expensive, right? Flights, hotels, food, trains, and all those day trips add up fast. For a lot of people, just hearing the word “Europe” makes them think, “I can’t afford that.” But here’s the truth—it doesn’t have to be out of reach. The difference comes down to preparation, strategy, and knowing which credit cards belong in your wallet.

When I planned my three week adventure, I didn’t win the lottery or save for years. I used points. That’s it. The right cards turned what should have been a six thousand dollar trip into a journey I could actually enjoy without worrying about the bill. If you want to replicate what I did, start with three key players. The American Express Gold Card is your everyday earner because it racks up points quickly thanks to big multipliers on dining and groceries, plus a killer welcome bonus. The American Express Platinum takes care of the extras that make travel luxurious such as lounge access, travel protections, and concierge services. And finally, always carry a Visa with no foreign transaction fees as your safety net because Europe doesn’t always love American Express.

Along the way, I noticed a huge gap between prepared travelers and everyone else. Some were burning cash on ATM fees. Others paid full price for hotels when they could have redeemed points. Too many were stuck in long lines because they didn’t have Global Entry or lounge access. Meanwhile, I breezed through customs, stretched out in lounges, and saved thousands all because I had a plan.

Traveling with points shifts your entire mindset. Suddenly, Europe isn’t this impossible dream, it’s a trip you can actually take. It’s about deciding what matters most to you, whether that’s flying first class, staying in boutique hotels, or dining at unforgettable restaurants, and then letting your cards do the heavy lifting.

What I love most is the confidence it gives you. I didn’t just hop from country to country, I did it stress free. I knew I had lounge access during long layovers, concierge support if I needed reservations, and backup cards if something went sideways. Instead of stressing about logistics, I focused on soaking in every moment from standing beneath the Eiffel Tower at night, to paragliding in Switzerland, to eating my weight in pasta in Rome.

At the end of the day, smart travel isn’t about cutting corners, it is about playing the game differently. Europe doesn’t have to mean flying economy, staying in hostels, or pinching pennies. With the right credit cards and a little intention, you can create an adventure that feels luxurious without being expensive. If I could do it with seventy thousand points and some planning, so can you.

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