Seven Exclusions in Affordable, All-Inclusive European Vacations
Even the most all-inclusive European vacations package has its limits. These seven exclusions are standard across Atomic Trips offerings. Our package enables you to plan a group trip with friends or family, with Atomic at the helm, offering price transparency so that you can maximize your trip abroad.
3.1 Airfare
Why it’s excluded
Airfare can vary dramatically based on origin, season, and booking lead time. Excluding flights keeps our package pricing stable and allows you to select your own preferred carrier, routing, and cabin class.
Estimating your cost
- One-way fares from North America to Europe typically range from $250 to $700 per person.
- Round-trip economy flights often cost between $600 and $1,200, depending on season.
- Use fare comparison tools like SkyScanner or Google Flights to track price fluctuations and set alerts.
Tips to save
- Book 2–4 months in advance for the best rates.
- Consider multi-city or open-jaw tickets.
- Join airline loyalty programs for potential upgrades or baggage fee waivers.
3.2 Travel Insurance
Why it’s excluded
Travel insurance needs vary depending on the traveler’s name, health status, and planned activities. Exclusion empowers you to choose coverage that matches your specific risk profile, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or baggage delays.
Typical cost
- Basic medical and baggage coverage: $40–$80 for an eight-day trip.
- Comprehensive plans, including cancellation: $80–$150.
Why you need it
Medical care in Europe can be expensive for non-residents. Cancellation due to illness or unforeseen events can result in significant costs. Comprehensive coverage safeguards your investment.
3.3 Optional Side Excursions & Specialty Activities
Why it’s excluded
While Atomic Trips delivers a comprehensive and fully curated itinerary for your adventure, any activity outside that schedule is not organized or funded by us. Excluding optional excursions allows you the freedom to choose and budget for the extra sights or experiences that interest you most without inflating our standard tour price. There is so much to see and do at these destinations that not everyone may want to experience the same things. That’s why our scheduled free days offer you the flexibility to go wherever you please, at your own pace, to see what you want to see.
Below are popular independent options by destination, along with approximate costs:
- Ireland:
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and enjoy a self-guided tour for approximately €25–€35 (roughly $30- $40).
- Book a tasting at the Jameson Distillery Bow St. or explore craft whiskey experiences €15–€30 per person (about $20-$40).
- Italy:
- Paris & Brussels:
- Spend free time wandering the Louvre Museum, with general admission at €17 (about $20).
- Explore the Paris Catacombs on a self-booked guided tour for €14–€29 (about $16-$35).
By planning these side excursions yourself, you can tailor your affordable, all-inclusive European vacations to your interests, crafting your own highlights while still benefiting from Atomic Trips’ all-inclusive logistics and support.
3.4 Alcoholic Beverages Outside Group Meals
Why it’s excluded:
While group meals include one complimentary soft drink, house wine, or local beer, the vast range of beverage preferences and prices makes it impractical to bundle every possible drink into the base package. Excluding additional beverages ensures package prices remain predictable. It allows you to choose precisely what and how much you’d like to enjoy.
Even when a Bar Crawl ticket is part of your Atomic Trips package, any drinks beyond those included with the crawl admission are your responsibility. Likewise, spontaneous stops for a coffee, gelato, or an Aperol spritz fall outside the covered meals and must be budgeted independently.
Below are approximate beverage costs in both US dollars and euros for each destination:
- Ireland (Dublin)
- Pint of Guinness: €6 – €7 ($6.50 – $7.50)
- Whiskey shot: €8 – €10 ($9 – $11.50)
- Coffee (latte or Americano): €3 – €4 ($3.50 – $4.50)
- Paris
- Glass of house wine: €5 – €7 ($5.50 – $8)
- Craft beer: €6 – €8 ($6.50 – $9)
- Espresso or café: €2.50 – €4 ($3 – $4.50)
- Aperitif (spritz): €8 – €10 ($9 – $11.50)
- Brussels
- Belgian beer (330 ml): €5 – €6 ($5.50 – $7)
- House wine: €5 – €6 ($5.50 – $7)
- Coffee: €3 – €4 ($3.50 – $4.50)
- Chocolate or waffle with hot chocolate: €4 – €6 ($4.50 – $7)
- Rome
- Espresso: €1.50 – €2 ($1.75 – $2.25)
- Cappuccino: €3 – €4 ($3.50 – $4.50)
- Aperol spritz: €7 – €9 ($8 – $10)
- Local beer: €4 – €6 ($4.50 – $7)
- Florence
- Glass of Chianti or house wine: €5 – €7 ($5.50 – $8)
- Negroni or spritz: €7 – €9 ($8 – $10)
- Cappuccino: €2.50 – €3.50 ($3 – $4)
- Venice
- Bellini (Prosecco & peach): €10 – €12 ($11.50 – $14)
- Spritz: €8 – €10 ($9 – $11.50)
- Coffee: €3 – €4 ($3.50 – $4.50)
Daily Budget Recommendation:
Plan on allocating approximately €9 – €23 ($10 – $25) per day for any extra drinks or snacks you choose. Use free time slots to visit your favorite local cafés, bars, or markets. Arrange and pay for these on your own to personalize your affordable, all-inclusive European vacations experience.
3.5 Gratuities for Guides & Drivers
Why it’s excluded
Tipping customs vary by country and traveler preference. We leave gratuities to your discretion so you can reward exceptional service.
Suggested amounts
- Tour Guides: €6–€10 per person per day.
- Drivers: €3–€5 per person per day.
- Atomic Guides: $20-50 per person per day. (Atomic Team members can only accept tips in US dollars).
Pooling strategy
- Collect contributions at the start of the trip in a communal envelope.
- Distribute collectively on the last day or at the end of the tour/activity to simplify the process.
3.6 Personal Expenses & Miscellaneous Fees
Why it’s excluded
Every traveler’s shopping habits and comfort preferences differ. Whether you’re hunting for artisan leather goods in Florence or picking up artisanal chocolates in Brussels, personal expenses fall outside the standardized package. Of course, this one should go without saying.
Common out-of-pocket expenses
- Laundry services: Hotel launderettes typically charge €12–€20 ($13–$22) per load. Hand-washing essentials in your sink with travel detergent can cut this to near zero.
- Spa treatments and massages: In-destination wellness experiences range from €60–€150 ($65–$165) per session.
- Souvenirs and shopping: Expect to spend anywhere from €30 ($35) on postcards and magnets to €200 ($220+) on handcrafted ceramics or leather goods. It all depends on you.
- Communications and connectivity: A local prepaid SIM or additional data top-up costs €10–€30 ($11–$33). Many cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. We recommend using e-SIMs or SIMs for maps and messaging apps.
Money-saving strategies
- Pack travel-size detergent and wash basics overnight.
- Shop at local markets, where souvenirs are often 20–40% cheaper than those found in tourist areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi and local SIM cards for data-intensive activities, such as video calls or map downloads.
3.7 Extra Luggage Beyond the Standard Allowance
Why it’s excluded
Atomic Trips allows one checked bag (up to 20 kg) plus a daypack/backpack or a carry-on (up to 7 kg) plus a daypack/backpack per traveler. Any additional luggage may incur fees, which we leave for you to manage, ensuring our package rates remain consistent for all participants.
Potential fees
- Additional checked bag: €50–€100 ($55–$110)
Cost-effective alternatives
- Ship items in advance: European postal services or courier companies like DHL can deliver baggage for less than airline fees if booked ahead.
- Optimize packing: Use compression packing cubes and roll clothes to maximize space within your standard allowance.
4. How to Budget for Exclusions
Creating a realistic budget before departure ensures your affordable, all-inclusive European vacations remains stress-free. Follow these steps when you plan a group trip:
Itemize exclusions.
List airfare, insurance, excursions, beverages, tips, personal expenses, and extra luggage in a spreadsheet or budgeting app.
Research average costs.
Use recommended external resources, such as GoogleFlights for best prices and Allianz for insurance, as well as destination-specific sites for local costs.
Calculate per-person and group totals.
Multiply estimated per-person costs by your group size. Share this with all participants to set clear expectations.
Allocate contingency.
Add a 10-15% buffer to cover currency fluctuations or unexpected purchases.
Monitor spending in real-time.
Use notes, pictures, or messages to track expenses and stay informed about spending decisions, which can also help prevent overspending.
