I will try to wrap up everything and prepare a booklet for you!
- Transportation: I definitely recommend you to download Uber on your phone, but just give public transportation a chance! It is both cheaper and more fun than Uber! You’ll get to know the country you’re travelling better! Most of the European countries have a free application that shows different public transportation vehicle’s departure times and stops when you enter your destination. For example, in Netherlands you should download the app Reisplanner Xtra and I have to say that this application saved my life thousand times. Also, you should check public transportation service providers’ websites since most of they have discounts for special occasions or groups.
Also, I have to say that in Netherlands, public transportation is a bit more expensive in comparison to the rest of the Europe. In Facebook groups, for instance for Erasmus students, you will find very cheap bicycles that Erasmus students leaving the country sell. If the prices more or less the same the country you will visit, I definitely recommend you to join such Facebook groups.
Money exchange: Never choose airport or downtown exchange offices! I recommend you to walk a little bit from the city center you will find better rates for currency exchange.
Accommodation: Check out AirBnb for great deals! It is both budget friendly and gives you an opportunity to meet local people at their houses! As another option, you can always find a safe and inexpensive hostel but do not forget to read the comments before you book a place! Sometimes photos that are uploaded by the hostel itself might be misleading.
Food: You do not have to choose fast food restaurants to fill your stomach! You can always find a supermarket where you can buy some filling and some rolls! It both saves you some money and lets you explore the city!
Flights: While purchasing your tickets, especially for flights, do not forget to cross check the prices on different websites. You can use Google Flights, Skyscanner and airline’s website itself. Also, do not forget to browse in private mode because every time that you click on a certain flight, prices tend to increase.
Other: If you are a student, you should always carry your student ID with you; there are lots of discounts that you can benefit.
I cannot agree more about keeping track of the expenses. You can, for example, download AndroMoney and I am pretty sure you will be more awake.
Another mobile platform that I can recommend is Glocalzone especially if you want to make local friends. You can bring them the items they want from your country of departure. Of course, they pay you back with some interest; it is a win-win. You both make money and friends!
Another application that I can recommend is Foursquare. You can see the best restaurants and cafes in that certain city and the same goes with CityMaps2Go Travel Guide application. It helps you to discover that city better, on your own, without paying any money to a city guide. I used all of the applications above, and I highly recommend them all. Give them a shot!