<p class="ingestion featured-caption">I spent thousands of dollars on my first trip abroad. Kelly Nguyen</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I spent $4,700 on a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxurious-trip-paris-what-worth-extra-money-and-not-2023-6">trip to Paris</a> for one week and a few days in London.</li><li>I thought I had mastered public transit, but I needed more time to space events out properly.</li></ul><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paris-2024-olympics-opening-ceremony-important-moments-explained-2024-7">2024 Olympics</a> seemed like a great time to explore Paris, so my friends and I began booking our trip over a year in advance. </p><p>Then, in late July to early August, I embarked on a 10-night trip to Europe, including seven nights in Paris and three nights in London.</p><p>This was my first time <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/traveling-full-time-not-worth-it-wouldnt-do-again-2024-4">traveling outside the United States</a>, and venturing throughout Europe during such a monumental time was both chaotic and insightful. </p><p>Here's roughly what I spent on my 10-night trip:</p><ul><li><strong>Transportation</strong>: $1,298 for a flight from Los Angeles to Paris, a flight from London to Los Angeles, public transportation, and rideshares </li><li><strong>Hotels/Lodging/Hostels</strong>: $761 for six nights at an Airbnb in Paris (split with six people), one night at a hostel in Paris, and three nights at a hostel in London</li><li><strong>Food</strong>: $421</li><li><strong>Activities</strong>: $921 for tickets to Olympic events (soccer, gymnastics, tennis, and volleyball), the Dior museum, a trip up the Eiffel Tower, a Catacombs tour, and a Seine River cruise</li><li><strong>Shopping:</strong> $1,310 </li><li><strong>Total</strong>: $4,711.</li></ul><p>Since it was my <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-travel-things-to-know-before-first-trip">first trip abroad</a>, I learned from rookie mistakes I tried hard to avoid and got money-savvy tips from my well-traveled friends.</p><p>Here are ways I spent my time, money, and energy well — plus mistakes I hope to avoid on my next trip. </p>