In late Aug/early Sept I'm traveling w/ 3 others in Europe for 15 days, 5 in Switzerland (2 in Zurich and 3 in Gimmelwald) and 10 in Italy (5 in Chinque Terre & 5 in Florence). All lodging/transportation has been arranged but we're uncertain how to budget for daily expenses (tastes are fairly modest, nothing elaborate re: dining). Suggestions re: how much money we should budget per day per person? Can we depend on cash access thru ATMs? Thanks! Mark
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Huge range here, but 50E should do it. ATMs are everywhere if you splurge.
Posted by
OP
Cedarburg, WI, USA
5 posts
thanks Bob, that helps!
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Switzerland is expensive. Rick's tour book gives a few suggestions for eating in Gimmelwald. There is also a small COOP and several restaurants in the town of Muerren, which is up the hill from Gimmelwald. In my check-in luggage, I pack a small soft-sided, collapsible cooler, a serrated knife (which you could buy there), a plastic cutting board and a wine bottle opener. We always like to have bread, salami, cheese and beer/wine available for a picnic lunch/supper. This helps with our daily food expenses. Note that grocery stores are not open on Sundays and sometimes close early on Saturdays. We generally stay at a pension/hotel that includes the breakfast, we have a picnic lunch (10-12 euros total) and then eat out (10-15 euros each depending on drinks) or have a picnic dinner. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Keep in mind that Switzerland uses francs, not euros, although you can pay for things in euros you will get francs back. Just a tip for calculating your Swiss trip - I was unaware of this for a few days.
Posted by
OP
Cedarburg, WI, USA
5 posts
thanks for the advice!
Posted by
Eureka, IL
65 posts
Mark,
As others have stated that the prices can very quite a bit depending on area and taste. The thing with Europe that always continues to amaze me is the restaurant prices. I think that Grocery stores are a little higher than you would be used to in WI but not a whole lot. The COOP's have good breads and fresh foods. We usually have a breakfast at the place we stay included in the lodging, a picnic and snack from COOP, and dinner out. I would say it costs us about what eating all three meals out in the States. The 50 euro estimate above is probably on the high side of accurate for the way we travel. Have a Great Trip.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I think 50 Euro/person/day is a pretty good estimate considering you're visiting some of the most expensive areas in Europe. And that needs to cover more than 3 meals/day: don't forget the daily gelato in Italy (a must!!) and fees for museums and such.