Behind CheapWanderlust

Welcome to CheapWanderlust — your budget travel blog

I’m Mihai, the traveler behind CheapWanderlust. I started this blog to share real-world tips for exploring Europe affordably, without missing out on the good stuff. I only write about countries I truly love and have visited myself — no generic lists, no guesswork.

My travels focus on culture-rich cities and Mediterranean islands. I’m happiest wandering through Italian piazzas, exploring Spanish coastlines, or finding hidden beaches in Greece. These are the places I return to again and again, and the ones you’ll see most on this blog.

To make travel accessible, inspiring, and smart for everyone — no matter your budget.
I share practical guides, travel tips, and trusted resources so you can explore the world without overspending. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive — it just needs to be intentional.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a good trip is about moments, not just destinations.
Like the time I arrived in Venice and hated it within the first hour — too crowded, too busy — but by the end of the trip, I didn’t want to leave. Or the night I sat in San Siro stadium, watching a game I’d dreamed of for years, surrounded by the energy of thousands of fans.
I’m a planner at heart, and I always map out my trips in advance. But once I’m on the ground, I leave room for unexpected turns — because that’s often when the best memories happen.

For me, budget travel isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about unlocking a different kind of magic.
It’s finding the €3 street food stall that’s better than any fancy restaurant.
It’s wandering down side streets you didn’t plan to visit, finding a café that feels like it’s been waiting just for you.
It’s sitting in a quiet square in the evening, letting the atmosphere sink in, and realizing that these small, unplanned moments are what you’ll remember most.

I’ve developed a habit of packing for almost every trip — whether it’s a few days or a week — in under an hour. Years of practice have taught me to travel light, and that freedom is something I’ll never give up.
If you’re looking for the same practical tools I rely on when planning my trips, you can find my top picks on the Resources page