How to budget a two-week Central Europe trip at $50/day?

[Aubrey9]

I'm planning a two-week solo trip through Central Europe next spring and I'm determined to keep my daily budget under fifty dollars, not including flights, by focusing on hostels, local transit, and street food. I've found some great deals on trains and buses between major cities, but I'm worried about hidden costs and missing out on meaningful experiences by being too frugal. For seasoned budget travelers, what are your best strategies for finding affordable yet safe accommodation in smaller towns, and how do you balance saving money with splurging on a few key activities or tours that are truly worth it? What common budget travel mistakes should I be sure to avoid on a trip of this length?