I asked ChatGPT if I could travel to Europe for ₹1.5 lakh. The AI’s 15-day itinerary left me excited
ChatGPT stated that a 15-day solo trip within ₹1.5–2 lakh is possible with hostels, budget airlines and trains, supermarket meals, and selective paid attractions.
I asked ChatGPT how to travel to Europe on a budget of ₹1.5–2 lakh. The AI provided a detailed itinerary.
My ChatGPT prompt:
“I am a 30-year-old Indian wishing to go on a solo tour across Europe. I wish to cover the major European cities and don't mind staying in hostels. Make me an itinerary and budget, taking into consideration food, travel to and from India, and expenses such as gate passes for museums and parks. I can spend 15 days on my trip. It has to be a budget trip. I can cut costs on food and accommodation.”
ChatGPT advice:
ChatGPT stated that a 15-day solo trip within ₹1.5–2 lakh is possible with hostels, budget airlines and trains, supermarket meals, and selective paid attractions. The key is to avoid expensive combinations such as Switzerland, Paris, and London together.
Is a 15-day Europe trip possible within ₹1.5–2 lakh?
Quick answers to key questions
Yes, ChatGPT suggests a 15-day solo trip to Europe is possible within ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh by utilizing hostels, budget airlines and trains, supermarket meals, and selective paid attractions. It's advisable to avoid expensive destinations like Switzerland and London.
ChatGPT recommended a route starting from Delhi, covering Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam, before returning to Delhi. This route offers good connectivity, affordable hostels (except in Amsterdam), and a mix of culture and history.
To reduce food costs, ChatGPT suggests eating hostel breakfasts, purchasing lunch from supermarkets, and having only one proper dinner per day. This strategy can potentially save ₹20,000–30,000 over the trip.
Indian travelers will need a Schengen visa and travel insurance. It's also recommended to maintain a bank balance of around ₹2–3 lakh when applying for the visa and to apply in the country where you plan to stay the longest.
Travel insurance premiums for destinations like parts of Europe are generally higher due to the significantly high costs of healthcare and emergency medical treatment. Other factors include the traveler's age, trip duration, and the chosen coverage amount.
According to ChatGPT, a 15-day solo Europe trip within ₹1.5–2 lakh is possible with careful planning. The AI suggested relying on hostels, budget airlines and trains, supermarket meals, and select paid attractions.
It also advised avoiding expensive destinations such as Switzerland and London if travelling on a limited budget.
ChatGPT recommended the following 15-day backpacking route:
Delhi → Budapest → Vienna → Prague → Berlin → Amsterdam → Delhi
According to the AI, this route works well because:
- It has excellent train and bus connectivity
- Hostels are affordable in most cities except Amsterdam
- It covers several major European cities
- The route offers a mix of history, nightlife, museums, architecture, and culture
- All destinations fall under the Schengen visa region
What did the Budapest itinerary include?
Days 1–3: Budapest
ChatGPT described Budapest as one of Europe’s best budget-friendly capitals.
Must-visit places:
- Parliament Building
- Buda Castle
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths
- Danube river walk
Estimated budget:
- Hostel: ₹1,800–2,500 per night
- Food: ₹1,500 per day
- Attractions: ₹3,000 total
Travel to Vienna:
- FlixBus or train (around three hours)
- ₹1,500–2,500
Days 4–5: Vienna
ChatGPT suggested spending two days in Vienna.
Must-visit places:
- Schönbrunn Palace
- St Stephen’s Cathedral
- Vienna State Opera area
- MuseumsQuartier
Estimated budget:
- Hostel: ₹2,500–3,500 per night
- Food: ₹2,000 per day
- Attractions: ₹3,000–5,000
Travel to Prague:
- RegioJet or FlixBus
- ₹1,500–2,000
Days 6–8: Prague
The AI called Prague one of Europe’s best-value cities.
Must-visit places:
- Charles Bridge
- Prague Castle
- Old Town Square
- Astronomical Clock
- Beer gardens and free walking tours
Estimated budget:
- Hostel: ₹1,500–2,500 per night
- Food: ₹1,500 per day
- Attractions: ₹2,500–4,000
Travel to Berlin:
- Overnight bus or train
- ₹2,500–4,000
What did ChatGPT suggest for Berlin?
Days 9–11: Berlin
ChatGPT described Berlin as one of the best cities for solo travellers.
Must-visit places:
- Berlin Wall Memorial
- Brandenburg Gate
- Museum Island
- Reichstag
- East Side Gallery
Estimated budget:
- Hostel: ₹2,000–3,500 per night
- Food: ₹2,000 per day
- Attractions: ₹4,000–6,000
Travel to Amsterdam:
- FlixBus or train
- 3,000–5,000
Days 12–14: Amsterdam
According to ChatGPT, Amsterdam is the most expensive stop on the itinerary, so travellers should keep their stay short.
Must-visit places:
- Canal cruise
- Anne Frank House
- Rijksmuseum
- Cycling around the canals
- Zaanse Schans day trip
Estimated budget:
- Hostel: ₹4,000–6,000 per night
- Food: ₹2,500 per day
- Attractions: ₹5,000–7,000
What was the total estimated budget?
Estimated solo travel expenses:
| Return flights between India and Europe | ₹45,000–65,000 |
| Schengen visa and insurance | ₹12,000–15,000 |
| Hostels (14 nights) | ₹35,000–45,000 |
| Intercity travel | ₹15,000–25,000 |
| Food | ₹20,000–30,000 |
| Attractions and museums | ₹15,000–25,000 |
| Local transport | ₹7,000–10,000 |
| Miscellaneous and emergency expenses | ₹10,000–15,000 |
Total estimated cost:
- Budget backpacker trip: ₹1.45–1.7 lakh
- Comfortable backpacker trip: ₹1.8–2 lakh
How can travellers keep the Europe trip under ₹1.7 lakh?
1. Why should Switzerland and London be avoided?
ChatGPT warned that Switzerland and London can significantly increase travel costs.
2. When is the best time to travel?
The AI recommended travelling during the shoulder season:
- April–May
- September–October
Flights and hostel prices are generally cheaper during these months.
According to ChatGPT:
- FlixBus and RegioJet are usually cheaper
- Eurail passes only make sense for travellers taking several expensive train routes in a short period
Good hostels often provide:
- Free walking tours
- Pub crawls
- Community dinners
- Shared kitchens
These help reduce both travel costs and loneliness for solo travellers.
5. How can food costs be reduced?
ChatGPT suggested:
- Eating hostel breakfasts
- Buying lunch from supermarkets
- Having one proper dinner daily
This strategy could save travellers ₹20,000–30,000 over the trip.
What visa advice did ChatGPT provide?
Indian travellers will need:
- A Schengen visa
- Travel insurance
The AI also recommended maintaining a bank balance of around ₹2–3 lakh while applying for the visa.
Travellers should apply in the country where they plan to stay the longest.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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