A trip to Europe is the ultimate dream vacation for many travelers, but high prices may lead you to believe that visiting these popular destinations isn't realistic. Don’t stop dreaming: Membership with Hilton Grand Vacations can help you make the most of your European getaway.
We asked six Members how to plan a European vacation that’s unforgettable and affordable. Here are five of their expert travel tips.
1. Considering Flying Via Multiple Airports
Expensive airline travel to Europe is one reason why so many travelers don’t make the trip across the Atlantic. But you can be creative to save money, like Raeanne V., a Member since 2019. Along with searching Google Flights, one of her budget travel tips involves beginning and ending her Europe vacation at different airports. The New Jersey native always considers flight prices from Newark’s, New York City’s and Philadelphia’s airports.
“Also, I recommend checking one-way flights from one airport and return flights to another," she added. "My parents once saved $300 by flying out of LaGuardia Airport but back into JFK.”
Remember to check European airports for the same deals. You might be able to save money by flying into Paris then taking the train to fly out of Brussels or London.
2. Book Tours And Train Tickets In Advance
Most inexpensive European vacations require a budget-friendly Europe travel itinerary. Like plane tickets, European train tickets often increase in price over time; routes or schedules that you want may sell out. The same goes for guided tours, which is why Members like Marla S. plan ahead as much as possible when visiting Hilton Grand Vacations locations in Europe and the United Kingdom.
“I booked and prepaid a train trip from Milan to Verona and then Verona to Pisa for our December trip to ensure we had seats,” Marla S., a Member since 2015, explains. “We booked our tours ahead of time, especially for destinations we wanted to visit, like Lake Como. It’s also wise to make reservations for restaurants.”
3. Ask Your Concierge About Available Experiences
The concierge at a Hilton Grand Vacations property is happy to help any way they can. But what most Members don’t realize is that one of the best international travel tips and tricks is to use the concierge’s expertise to your advantage. That’s what Member Laurie L. unknowingly did.
Laurie enjoyed a private winery tour while in Tuscany, an experience that was organized by the concierge at Borgo alle Vigne, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Winery tours weren’t available during Laurie’s trip, but that didn’t stop the concierge from inquiring. One phone call later, Laurie had an experience that was as intimate as it was unforgettable.
"Speak with the concierge. We never would’ve had these experiences if the Hilton Grand Vacations concierge hadn’t organized them for us."
4. Be Open To Exploring New Destinations
Borgo alle Vigne, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is set in a picturesque location, close to charming towns and relaxing beaches. With spacious Suites, full kitchens and a resort-style pool, this property is so popular that it was at capacity during Sue M.’s preferred travel dates. Instead of a European vacation in Italy, she and her husband enjoyed a memorable trip in Scotland at Craigendarroch Suites, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club.
“We waffled a bit because we had never considered going to Scotland,” Sue M. confessed.
“But, as we thought about it more, we decided that visiting a place less traveled for our first European trip might be the best way to ease into visiting far-flung destinations. We were even able to spend a few nights in Frankfurt, Germany, where we used our Hilton Honors™ Points to stay at a hotel in Mainz.”
Members have access to Hilton’s portfolio across Europe, just one of the many perks of timeshare with Hilton Grand Vacations.
5. Consider Using Hilton Honors Points, Too
Don’t forget that you can exchange HGV ClubPoints for Hilton Honors Points. That’s how Erin W. took the European excursion of her dreams. Her vacation included touring Trinity College in Dublin, spending the day at Disneyland Paris and exploring the Scottish Highlands.
"Although I did not use any of my HGV ClubPoints on this trip, I took advantage of my Diamond status with Hilton and used tons of Hilton Honors Points."
Did you know that you can start saving for your next European trip before your first vacation ends? The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire credit card is a useful complement to a Hilton Grand Vacations membership. It’s an easy way to get the best bang for your buck, which is why Todd H. always uses it while he travels.
"Each dollar you spend is a Hilton Honors Point that counts towards a Hilton hotel stay anywhere on planet Earth. You get resort credits, flight credits and free night rewards after reaching spending thresholds — along with Diamond status at Hilton properties for even more perks."
Plan your next vacation and read “Your Go-To Guide On How Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints Work” so you can maximize your experience and minimize your expenses.