It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.

In 2026, Europe is rapidly moving toward a "cashless" society, particularly in the Nordic countries and major metropolitan hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin. For most travelers, carrying a small amount of "emergency" cash—roughly €100 to €200—is sufficient for the entire trip. Most transactions, including those at small cafes and street markets, are now handled via contactless "Tap to Pay" or mobile wallets. However, if you are visiting rural areas in Southern or Eastern Europe (such as parts of Greece, Italy, or Poland), cash is more frequently required for small purchases. Legally, if you carry €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it at customs when entering or leaving the EU. For a daily budget, plan to use your card for 95% of expenses and keep a few small-denomination bills for public restrooms (which often cost €0.50–€1.00) or small tips in regions where service charges are not automatically included.