IITian Kanak's 35-day Europe trip cost her an iPhone. Here's how she did it

Traveling through Europe is glamorous, expensive, and normally out of one's league—but not necessarily. For IIT alumna Kanak Agrawal, making the journey to four European countries for over a month cost her an iPhone. Her key: a resourceful, creative, and adventurous spirit to take risks or two beyond the comfort zone. Kanak's story verifies that one doesn't need to blow expensive budgets on adventures—meaning that smart planning, engaging with individuals locally, and living experiences over agendas is the way to proceed.

In 2017, having quit her job, Kanak traveled alone to Euro with a paltry sum of money. She visited the Netherlands, France, Prague, and Budapest in 35 days for a mere INR 1 lakh—inclusive of flights. It wasn't about saving money; it was about experiencing the people, culture, and food at each place in a real sense.

Volunteering

Kanak volunteered with an eco-village in the Netherlands, where she had food and accommodations taken care of for two weeks. "I didn't want to be a 'tourist' ticking things off a list," she said. Living in daily life, she was able to get around the countryside around Amsterdam for free, offering her time.

Couchsurfing

She then moved to couchsurfing and lived with locals in the Netherlands and Prague. She not only saved money but also met wonderful people who toured her around and who remain her friends for life.

Spontaneity and old friendships

Just 20 days before leaving Netherlands, she quickly booked a bus, and her friend happily hosted her. "Even if you’re planning everything, it’s always a good idea to visit an old friend in a new country, " she said.

Cheaper destinations

She also deliberately chose lower-cost regions. Budapest and Prague offered historic depth at non-European prices. Prague was an added 4-day extension from Paris to Budapest, so it made it stretch her dollars without giving up experiences.

Kanak quotes that her experience was a learning curve in flexibility and courage. She had no pre-formatted plans or pre-formatted itinerary—she started small, stayed normal, and let things occur naturally.