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Planning a trip in Europe is exciting and fun…but organizing the details can make it feel like a monumental chore. Don’t let planning a trip around Europe overwhelm you!
Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or the tenth time you have traveled abroad, our expert tips will streamline your Europe trip planning!
Planning a Trip in Europe
Making travel plans for Europe is a big task. Not only do travelers have to choose where to go and what to see, but they also need to consider how to get there, where to stay, and how to get around.
Additionally, a trip through Europe requires tackling language barriers, balancing foreign currency and avoiding scams.
Travelers trying to figure out the best way to plan a trip to Europe can easily get bogged down in the process. Not to worry, we’re here to help and assure you that it is all worth it!
What is the Right Way for Planning a Europe Trip?
The good news is that there is no right or wrong way to plan a trip to Europe. The best way to travel Europe is in a style that fits your budget and interests.
That said, there are a few oversights and common missteps that many travelers make when planning a trip to Europe.
To help you navigate the process, we are sharing our top tips for how to plan a European vacation so that you can have your best trip!
How To Plan a Trip in Europe
Planning a trip through Europe should be fun, not frustrating. Our Planning a Trip to Europe process shows the steps that we personally take to travel.
Additionally, we outline sample Europe itineraries and divulge our top travel hacks for Europe.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Travel to Europe Guide to plan your next getaway!
European Vacation Planning: Where To Go
The first step in how to plan a trip to Europe is choosing where to go. Because of the relatively small size of the continent, Europe travel plans can include multiple cities and several countries. That said, it is exhausting to try to see everything. Believe me, I’ve tried!
Historic European cities, stunning seaside escapes and unbelievably charming towns dot the landscape, making it difficult to decide which places to include in your Europe itinerary.
In fact, choosing where to go is often the biggest hurdle in planning a Europe trip. Again, not to fear. Our experience will give you inspiration and direction for how to pick European vacation destinations!
Plan European Vacation to One Destination
For many travelers, the best way to tour Europe is to visit one city at a time. It is certainly the simplest way of how to plan an overseas trip. Staying in one location requires less planning, which also can mean less stress.
Furthermore, devoting an entire trip to one destination allows you to explore more deeply. Rather than skipping through Europe’s top cities and only seeing the highlights, travelers can discover hidden gems, get a real sense of the culture and take excursions to nearby spots.
Multi-City Europe Trip Planner
Most travelers going abroad will opt for planning a multi city Europe trip. Overseas flights are expensive – so you want to get the most out of a single visit.
There are hundreds – thousands – of different ways for how to plan a multi city trip in Europe. Before you pick your European destinations, we have pertinent advice that will help maximize your time and enjoyment.
Multi City or Multi Country Trip to Europe
With a common currency among many EU Nations and border-free crossings within the Schengen Area, traveling through Europe to multiple countries can be nearly seamless.
Still, the benefits of staying within one country is that (usually) you will only be tested by one foreign language and it’s a shorter distance to travel between destinations. And, just like visiting one city in Europe, staying within one country can give you a more immersive experience.
On the other hand, it is difficult to resist experiencing several cultures on a single trip to Europe. Again, the best way to plan a trip through Europe comes down to your personal preferences.
Understand that More Is Not Better
When you first start the process of how to plan a multi country trip to Europe, know that more is not necessarily better.
Traveling too quickly results in ‘checklist’ sightseeing. Including too many destinations in a trip to Europe can wear you down.
Instead, limit the number of stops you include in your vacation plan so that you can truly enjoy each place.
Calculate Travel Time
If you take a multi stop Europe trip, the time it takes to travel between destinations needs to be calculated in your overall plan.
While Europe is compact, it can still take significant time to travel between locations. You don’t want to spend your entire vacation in transit!
Furthermore, before settling on specific locations, research options for how to get from one place to the next. Can you fly, take a train, hop on a bus? How long will it take? What will it cost?
Pro Tips: Investigate how you could make the journey part of the experience. Find out if there is a scenic train route connecting your two European destinations. Or, is there is a place between two cities that could be a fun stop or overnight stay?
Moving Multiple Times Can Take a Toll
While visiting several destinations can sound like an exciting way to experience Europe, it can be stressful.
Although the pack-check out-transit-check in-unpack hassle should not necessarily deter you from taking a trip in Europe to multiple cities, it is important to understand the toll it can take.
It is also imperative to expertly pack your luggage – and we have advice for how to do that later in the article!
Getting Off the Beaten Path Requires Effort
Europe is home to some of the most charming towns in the world…and many wouldn’t be this way if they were easy to get to.
While traveling to out of the way places can be a highlight of any trip, consider the time required to reach far flung spots.
If your travel plans include secluded destinations, great, just understand the effort it may take to get to them.
Budget Your Planned Trip to Europe
We’ll cover the cost of a trip to Europe later, but it’s of the utmost importance to keep your budget in mind when deciding where to include on your itinerary.
Some cities in Europe are notoriously expensive, while other destinations are considered ‘cheap’ places to go.
While we believe it is possible to travel anywhere on a budget, those looking for an affordable European vacation will need to consider which locations to visit.
For example, budget travelers might find it cost prohibitive to take a trip to London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Going to Romania, Poland or Hungary is often more affordable.
How Many Days and How Many Cities?
Deciding how to divide your time is a key element to planning your Europe trip. We believe most travelers need a minimum of 3 days in a city to thoroughly enjoy it. That’s just our rule of thumb and there are exceptions.
What it really boils down to is your desired pace of travel. We’ve been traveling to Europe for 30 years, and we moved much faster then than we do now!
Trip Planner for Europe: How to Plan your Itinerary
Hopefully have an idea of how many days to plan in each destination for a multi city trip to Europe. Now we have a few quick tips on the best way to plan a Europe itinerary.
When choosing your destinations, figure out how you will travel between them – and book in advance if possible.
We also recommend transiting between locations mid-to-late morning. This provides enough time to eat a proper breakfast and pack. It should also allow for some exploration after you arrive at your next stop.
Additionally, allow at least 3 days in your first destination. You will need time to adjust to the time zone and new surroundings.
While many European countries use the same currency and allow border free travel, not all do. Before choosing your route, find out if you will be required to go through immigration and what is required for your country of citizenship.
Sample Itineraries for a 2 Week Trip to Europe
Since choosing where to go is the exciting first step in European travel planning, we are sharing a few specific itineraries that might help you decide how to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks!
London, Paris, Rome
When it comes to deciding where to go on a first trip to Europe, many travelers stick with the three most visited cities: London, Paris and Rome.
Well-connected and offering heaps of attractions, seeing three top European destinations on a single trip is understandably a popular choice!
Top Tip: For this Europe trip, we recommend spending 5 days in London, 5 days in Paris and 4 days in Rome.
Budapest, Vienna, Prague
Fascinating, historic and architecturally stunning, visiting Vienna, Prague and Budapest is an excellent trip plan!
For this Europe itinerary, we recommend staying in Budapest for 5 days, Vienna for 4 days and Prague for 5 days. This could also allow for day trips to Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov or Dresden.
Pro Tip: European travelers eager to see more places could condense this route and add Krakow as a fourth destination!
Barcelona, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon
A Europe itinerary dedicated to exploring Spain and Portugal is a fabulous trip plan and one we’ve done numerous times!
How to plan a vacation in Europe to these two countries on the Iberian peninsula can be done a multitude of ways. We suggest spending 4 days in Barcelona and 3 days in Madrid, followed by 3 days in Porto and the final 4 days in Lisbon.
Top Tip: Drop one day from each of the above and spend 4 days on Madeira or in the Azores!
Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich
Germany is a classic example of how to plan a trip around Europe within one country. What we love about Germany is that the cities are steeped in history, yet each one is unique.
Our ideal Germany itinerary would include staying in Berlin for 4 days, seeing Dusseldorf in 3 days, exploring Frankfurt for 3 days and ending with 4 days in Munich.
Alternatively, make room for a day in Wurzburg or Nuremberg when traveling from Frankfurt to Munich. We visited these cities on an Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise and they were two of our favorite places along the entire route!
London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris
A wonderful way of planning a trip to Europe for 2 weeks includes both major cities and charming towns. That’s totally possible with a London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris trip plan!
Start with 3 days in London, then spend 3 in Amsterdam (with a day trip to Haarlem). Continue on with 2 days in Brussels (or Ghent) and 2 days in Bruges – then end with 3 days in Paris.
Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel, Zurich
Another example of how to plan a two week trip in Europe visiting cities in multiple countries is a combined France and Switzerland vacation.
On this route, visit Paris in 4 days, Strasbourg for 3 days, Colmar in 2 Days, Basel for 2 days and Zurich in 3 days.
Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Zagreb
Croatia is a fascinating and beautiful country – and one of our favorite places in the world. In fact, the region offers so much, spending 14 days here is quite possibly not enough!
To plan a 2 week trip to Croatia, start in Dubrovnik for 4 days and take an excursion to Kotor, Montenegro.
Next, stay in Hvar Town or Stari Grad on Hvar Island for 2 days enjoying the sun and sea before taking a ferry to Split.
Then plan to stay in Split for 5 days – allowing plenty of time for a day trip to Mostar, Bosnia and additional Croatian Island Exploration.
Finally, travel to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park for 1 night and spend the last 2 nights in lovely Zagreb.
Pro Tip: Read more in our guide on How To Plan a Trip to Croatia and get alternate ideas for a 1 Week Croatia Itinerary.
Plan Trip to Europe: What Type of Vacation?
Before we dig even deeper into the details of how to plan a Europe trip, you will want to decide what kind of vacation you want.
Are you interested in popular sights or local experiences? Architecture and culture? Active excursions or beaches and parties? The answers to these questions may dictate when and where you choose to go in Europe.
If you want a fast-paced itinerary with loads of sightseeing, big cities are likely the best choice. If a leisurely trip is more your style, smaller spots and resort towns might be a better fit.
Personally, we like a bit of everything. We schedule some days of seeing the major sights and others for immersing ourselves in the local culture.
If you are taking a solo trip to Europe, choosing what to do is fairly simple – as it is all up to you! However, if you are planning a family trip to Europe, a group vacation with friends or a European honeymoon, you will want to make sure the location suits everyone.
Book a Trip to Europe: With or Without Guide
As you consider the best way to travel through Europe, determine if you want to go on your own or have a guide lead the way.
Throughout this travel guide to Europe Trip Planning, we share steps to travel independently – but do want to mention a few benefits of hiring a guide instead.
Traveling on a guided trip is quite a bit more expensive, but it alleviates the hassle of making plans and decisions. Rather than worrying about where to go next and how you will get there, you get to sit back, relax and enjoy your hard earned vacation.
How To Plan a European Trip that is Partially Guided
Travelers can opt to join a complete tour of Europe – or plan part of their vacation on their own and join a guide for the rest.
For example, plan your own time in London and Edinburgh, then head to the Scottish Highlands and take a multiday tour.
Likewise, plan your own trip to Athens, then set off to see other parts of Greece on a 4-day guided tour before catching a ferry to the Greek Islands.
Travel Plan for Europe: Getting There
After choosing your destinations, the next step is determining how to get there. For most, the best way to travel to Europe affordably and quickly is by flying. Before you book your round trip flight to Europe, we have tips that will save you money and time!
Round Trip to Europe
Typically, round trip tickets to Europe depart and arrive from the same airport. The problem with this is that they limit your flexibility and creativity.
In the case of visiting multiple cities and countries, travelers will need to spend precious time backtracking to their European gateway city.
One Way Flights
Purchasing one way tickets to and from Europe can solve that problem. The downside is that they are usually outrageously expensive.
However, it’s not always true, so pricing out the different options well in advance is always a great idea.
Open Jaw Flight Tickets
Open Jaw Tickets are a somewhat secret way to save time and money. These are purchased together on the same ticket, so it’s usually much cheaper.
When searching for Open Jaw Tickets using an airfare search engine, like Skyscanner, select the Multi City option to find the best routes and prices.
Finding the Best Fares
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to how to plan a vacation to Europe, is the cost of the flight – and rightly so. Plane tickets to Europe are at an all time high!
We feel it’s best to price out different flights by numerous carriers to several destinations before booking.
You can also use all our tips on How to Find Cheap Flights to make sure you are getting the best deal!
Surviving the Long Flight to Europe
From the US, the plane trip to Europe is typically an overnight flight. You want to be as rested as possible to start your Euro trip off on the right foot.
From what to bring on the plane with you to what to wear for the flight, we share our honest advice in our article, Long Haul Flight Tips.
How To Travel Europe: Best Way to Get Around
When you plan a vacation to Europe, one thing to also consider is how to travel in Europe. There are several factors to ponder – like time, budget, comfort and overall experience.
Overall, there is not just one ‘best way to travel in Europe.’ However, there are several ways to get between cities and most journeys take just a few hours.
Flights in Europe
Flying between cities is an easy way to get around Europe. If flying within the Schengen Area, travelers will not go through customs and immigration.
European low cost carriers – like Ryanair, Easy Jet, Vueling and Wizz Air – offer inexpensive and direct flights from major cities to top vacation spots.
They do, however, charge a bundle for baggage (even carry-on) and seat assignments, so plan accordingly or prepare to pay a lot more than the low base fare.
Train Trip Europe
For many thinking about how to travel around Europe, trains are what come to mind. It can be an excellent way to get around the continent.
Often, we prefer train travel to flying in Europe. Stations tend to be in the city center and there is no need to be there 2 hours before departure. Plus, there is no extra fee for bags and the seats are usually more comfortable!
Because there are numerous types of services, check a specific route to determine if traveling by train in Europe is the best option for you.
Traveling Europe by Bus
Buses can be a simple and economical way to get from one destination to the next – especially for places that are close in proximity.
While not as fast as flying or as comfortable as a train, it is often the most affordable method of travel in Europe.
FlixBus is our preferred company – as they offer exceptionally low early-bird fares between major cities. Plus, their buses tend to be newer, comfortable, and clean.
Car Rental in Europe
Although we prefer not to drive, renting a car is a popular way to plan a Europe trip. This is especially useful when traveling to smaller towns or through picturesque regions.
Those who plan a road trip in Europe will have the freedom to get off the beaten path and move at their own pace.
The downside is that parking can be problematic in many European towns, tolls can add up and travel times are often longer than anticipated.
Additionally, if you plan to drive in Europe, you may also need to get an International Driving Permit. For US citizens, this is done through AAA before you depart on your trip.
How To Get around European Cities Using Public Transit
Most cities in Europe offer an impressive public transportation network. Even better, fares are generally quite affordable.
Tickets methods vary by location, of course. Sometimes single tickets are purchased on board, while other systems require pre-loaded transit cards.
Unlimited travel passes and European tourist cards might save money on transportation, too. Many transit systems in Europe now accept payment with contactless credit cards, as well.
If you plan on using public transit (and we highly recommend that you do), research how to buy tickets in advance. There’s typically a Tourist Information Desk at your arrival airport/station, too.
How To Decide Where To Stay in Europe
Determining where to stay is a big part of how to plan your Europe trip. Travelers can choose from a range of accommodations – from hotels to hostels to vacation apartments.
Hotels in Europe
Nearly all hotel chains are represented in major cities across Europe. So, if you are loyal to a particular brand, you will likely find it at your destination.
However, chain properties do tend to be outside of the city center, near airports or in business districts and they typically lack European charm.
We recommend seeking out smaller, independent hotels that offer a unique experience. It’s an added bonus if they have a typical breakfast included in the price.
Also keep in mind that hotel rooms in Europe tend to be smaller than most US hotel rooms. Bathrooms can be especially cramped, but it’s all part of the experience!
Our tips for Finding Great Hotels at the Best Price can help you choose one that is right for your trip to Europe.
European Hostels
With the right mindset, staying in hostels can be a very fun experience. Much more popular in Europe than the United States, hostels are an excellent place to meet people. For solo travelers to Europe, Hostels also keep your budget in check.
Most hostels now offer a wide choice of room types. Guests can choose to stay in bunkbed dorm rooms, a private room with a shared bathroom or a hotel-style room with ensuite.
Airbnb in Europe
For decades we have used Airbnb as our go-to resource for accommodations in Europe and around the world.
What we love about staying in vacation rentals is that they usually offer more space, a kitchen where we can prepare simple meals and a washer for doing laundry.
On shorter stops – 3 days or less – Airbnb is not always the best choice. Not only can the fees dramatically increase the price-per-night, but the extra amenities are unnecessary and getting an early check-in is unlikely.
International Housesitting
House and Pet Sitting can be another way to find European accommodations. As International Housesitters, we have stayed in top cities in Europe for free!
There is, of course, a big responsibility that comes with watching someone’s house and pet while they are away. However, if you are interested in Long Term Petsitting, it could be a great fit for you, it is for us!
Choosing When To Go to Europe
When you go to Europe can have a big impact on how to plan your trip. There are pros and cons to traveling to Europe in every season. Knowing what to expect may help you decide when to go, and when not to go.
Summer Trip to Europe
Summer is the most popular time for travelers to visit Europe. The warmer weather and longer days are ideal for sightseeing, exploring and dining outdoors.
However, traveling to Europe in the summer means thick crowds, long lines and high prices. It can also mean little to no air conditioning and ice is used far more sparsely.
If traveling to Europe in the summer months, it is imperative to book flights, tours and lodging well in advance.
Europe in the Fall
Autumn is an ideal time to travel to Europe. The days tend to still be warm and sunny, but the crowds have thinned.
That said, traveling to Europe in the fall is becoming increasingly more popular every year. Prices can still be near the peak, so also plan well ahead.
Winter in Europe
Winters can be cold, but there are several magical reasons to go. Of course, we mean the amazing European Christmas Markets!
Still, Europe can be somewhat of a mixed bag in winter. Cities with popular holiday markets actually see an increase in tourism, while popular summer destinations are all but completely shut down.
Overall, winter can still be a great time to travel to Europe. Travelers from North America are choosing more and more to visit countries like Italy, Portugal and Spain in winter.
Even our trip to Iceland in Winter was spectacular! Plus, during January and February, prices are at their lowest – which is fantastic for budget travelers.
Going to Europe in Springtime
Spring in Europe can bring largely unpredictable weather, but it can still be a wonderful time to go.
Cherry Blossoms in France, Tulips in the Netherlands and Poppies in Tuscany are all in bloom and there’s a sense of a renewed spirit for the upcoming season.
Overall, costs are relatively low and there are minimal crowds compared to summer. Just bring an umbrella and raincoat!
Trip to Europe Cost
One of the most common questions asked about planning travel overseas is “How much does a vacation to Europe cost?”
Generally speaking, your flight and accommodations will account for the biggest portion of your European trip cost.
Where you go and the season you travel in will also have a big impact on your overall Europe trip budget. However, you can easily spend a bundle on dining out, drinks and activities, too.
How Much is a Trip to Europe?
Those wanting to know how to budget for travel in Europe need to consider all expenditures. We break down these costs into the following categories: Flights, transportation, accommodations, activities, meals, and souvenirs.
For an example of what a 2-week trip to Europe in the summer might cost (per person), we are providing some figures based on 2024 data.
- Flight: $750
- Local Transport: $200
- Accommodations: $2000 (less if sharing/hostel dorm)
- Activities: $450
- Meals & Drinks: $1500
- Souvenirs: $100
- TOTAL: $5000
Tips for How To Plan a Europe Trip on a Budget
Don’t panic! In our experience, if you price out your options, plan ahead and make conscious decisions about your spending, you can plan a budget trip to Europe well below those numbers above.
When planning a trip to Europe on a budget, it’s also important to remember that the cheapest is not necessarily the best option.
The cheapest flight might look like a great deal, but not if there are multiple connections, long layovers or inconvenient times.
Likewise, the price for a budget hostel might be appealing, but not if it’s uncomfortable or at an inconvenient location.
Planning an affordable trip to Europe does not mean missing out! In fact, travelers will likely find that some of the very best things to do in Europe are free.
Gathering picnic fare from a local market and eating it with a view of the Eiffel Tower can be more memorable than a restaurant meal. Discovering a destination on your own self-guided walk might be more enjoyable than paying for a tour.
Backpackers Trip to Europe
For many considering how to travel Europe on a budget envision taking the backpacker route.
Staying in hostels, eating spaghetti every night, and drinking cheap lager are signatures of a classic European backpacker trip. For many young travelers – it’s a fantastic way to experience Europe!
Just bear in mind that planning a cheap trip to Europe does not necessarily mean that you have to stay in dorm rooms or eat all your meals in. Do research and find a balance that will fit your budget!
Preparation for a European Vacation
While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of deciding where to go and what to see, a little preparation is required for planning a European vacation that will be truly enjoyable.
Passport and Visa
For US citizens, a passport is required to enter all countries in Europe. If you do not currently have a passport, get one as soon as possible and consider paying the expedited fee if your trip is approaching.
Before you pay for flights and book accommodations, check the expiration date of your passport. It needs to be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your European trip.
Currently there are no visa requirements for US citizens traveling to Europe. However, starting in 2025, Americans will be required to complete an online application to enter the EU and the UK.
US travelers will need to obtain a ETIAS travel authorization to enter European countries within the Schengen Zone. The application process includes completing an online form and paying a fee of €7. The exact start date is still unconfirmed.
For the UK, from January 8 2025, citizens of the US will need to have submitted an ETA. Similar to the ETAIS, the application is completed prior to traveling and cost £10.
For the most current European entry requirements, immigration details and customs information, always check your country’s state department website before making any travel plans.
European Currency and Exchange Rate
Before setting off on your journey to Europe, make sure you know what currency is used in the countries you plan on visiting.
Also check the current exchange rates – and then do a little math so that you have a rough idea of how much things should cost.
The Euro is the form of currency used by many European nations – but not all. In the United Kingdom, it’s GBP, commonly called the Pound and in Switzerland they use the Franc – and those are just two common examples.
Pro Tip: Prices in non-euro countries are sometimes quoted in euros and they may even accept them, but it’s usually better to pay in the local currency.
Exchanging Cash, ATMs and Credit Cards
To obtain the local currency in Europe, we recommend taking cash out of an official Bank ATM (not EuroNet or any other non-bank ATM machine).
Check with your bank about fees associated with withdrawing cash from a foreign ATM and if they want notification of your travel plans.
Possibly consider exchanging a small amount of money ($100 or less) before you leave for your trip. This way you will have a little money when you arrive and can avoid using high-priced airport ATMs.
In most cases, the best way to pay for things during your trip is with a credit card. In fact, a lot of Europe is largely cashless now.
We use this Chase Sapphire Card – which is excellent for world travelers. Not only do they waive foreign transaction fees and offer consistently good rates, you also earn extra points to book future travel!
European Languages
Visiting a foreign country can be intimidating if you don’t speak the local language. However, there are ways you can confidently travel without being fluent in a second language.
First, learn a few basic words. Hello, goodbye, please and thank you are a good place to start. Also, keep in mind that smiles are universal and can go a long way!
English is widely spoken in Europe – especially by those in the travel industry. However, it’s a not a bad idea to pick up a phrase book before you go.
Understand the Schengen Zone
We have referred to the Schengen Zone (or Schengen Area) a few times throughout this article – but what exactly is it?
In Europe, more than 20 countries have banded together to create the Schengen Area. The zone allows people to cross borders from one Schengen country to another without going through immigration and customs. Travel between Schengen countries is typically as seamless as traveling from one state to the next in the US.
There are a maximum number of days travelers can stay within the Schengen Zone; but tourists from many countries (including US citizens) can stay 90 days within a 180 day period.
Notable European countries that are not in the Schengen Area are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Final Travel Tips for a Trip to Europe
We have covered the major aspects of how to plan a trip across Europe, but there are some general tips that will help you have your best European holiday!
Euro Trip Organization
There are a lot of things to think about – especially if you are deciding how to plan your first trip to Europe. Staying organized is key. We make it easy to keep track of all the details with our Travel Planning Printables!
Plan Down Time
One downfall of many Europe trip plans is not allowing an time to relax. It is all too tempting to fill every single minute of your Europe trip itinerary with sights, attractions and activities.
We highly recommend leaving some space for relaxation. Plan to spend time sitting at a café on a square or just wandering through a park.
Research Local Culture
Once you choose your destinations, spend a few hours researching not just sights to see, but the local culture. Understanding a little more about the people that live in the place you are visiting will make your trip more meaningful.
Jet Lag
Starting a trip with jet lag is no fun! If you’re traveling to Europe from the US, the time change will be anywhere from 5 to 11 hours later.
Travelers can do their best to avoid jet lag by adjusting sleep patterns prior to the trip, staying hydrated and trying to sleep on the plane (ear plugs and an eye patch can help).
However, if you are feeling the drag of jet lag when you arrive, have a plan to conquer it. Do your best to stay active during day light hours and try to acclimate to the new sleeping schedule as quickly as possible.
European City Passes
When sightseeing on a short trip to a city, we love to take advantage of money saving passes. We usually opt for the multiple day, all-sights-included passes – and it is even better if the card provides skip-the-line access and public transportation.
Before buying a pass, however, review what sights are included and if there are any special requirements for use. Compare different options to find one that will be most useful and cost efficient. We prefer to search on Viator to find tourist passes in European cities.
Join Tours
We are fiercely independent travelers, but we do enjoy joining excursions – like free walking tours and affordable food groups – on occasion. On a guided tour, participants can get a local perspective, insider tips and meet fellow travelers in Europe!
Hop On Hop Off Buses
There’s much debate about these massive, double-decker, open air tourist buses, but we have found them occasionally useful for getting quickly acquainted with a new destination.
They can also be helpful in traveling to the top tourist spots in a short period of time and the onboard commentary, while corny, is insightful.
Look Beyond Tourist Sights
Seeing the top tourist sights when visiting Europe is essential – but be sure to seek out attractions beyond the typical track.
For example, theater tickets in some destinations are incredibly affordable. Check to see what is playing and you might be able to catch a great production inside an epic theater!
Finding a local farmers or flee market can be insightful and fascinating. Likewise, you can learn a lot by just sitting at a corner cafe in a typical neighborhood and observing the life of the community.
Always Carry Small Change…and Tissues
In many European cities, public toilets are few and far between. Those that do have public restrooms often charge – usually about .50c to 1 euro.
Sometimes you can pay with a credit card, otherwise you’ll need to feed the coins into a machine or pay an attendant directly.
Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have small change for bathrooms – and carry tissues just in case there is no toilet paper!
Tipping in Europe
The tipping etiquette in Europe is very different than the United States. For sit down meals with good service, tipping 10% is considered sufficient.
Before adding a gratuity, check to see if a service charge has already been included. If you wish to tip, you may have to ask to have the amount added on before you pay.
At a café where you only have a coffee or glass of wine, you can just leave the small change. If there wasn’t any, or you paid with card, don’t worry about it.
Tipping tour guides and hotel staff is appreciated – especially if they did an excellent job. Consider leaving 5 to 10 euros per person, depending on the situation.
Be Aware of Common Scams
Distracted tourists are prime targets for scammers. Before your Europe trip, do a quick search of common scams so that you can identify one immediately.
While traveling in Europe is generally safe, pickpockets are common. Keep wallets, phones and cameras zipped up in your day bag and out of reach of sticky-fingered thieves.
Be Patient
Trying to figure out the nuances and how things work in another country can feel overwhelming. Remember to be patient – with yourself and everyone else.
Not everything will go exactly as planned. Be prepared for things to go awry and roll with it, you are on vacation after all!
European Trip Insurance
While it’s unlikely something major will go wrong on your trip in Europe, if it does, travel insurance may help.
Not only may it reimburse for cancelled flights and lost luggage, but could assist with costs if you get sick or injured abroad. Check the affordable plans and coverage with a trusted travel insurance provider – we use World Nomads.
What To Pack for Europe
Deciding what to pack for a trip to Europe can be a real conundrum. In addition to choosing what to wear, travelers will need a few specific accessories for a trip abroad.
Best Luggage for a Trip in Europe
We prefer carrying backpacks instead of roller suitcases. Dragging a rollaboard over uneven streets and up flights of stairs is never fun, and there are loads of cobblestones and very view elevators in Europe. Read more in our breakdown of the Suitcase vs Backpack debate.
Packing Cubes
When planning a trip to Europe to multiple cities, you will be packing and unpacking several times. Find out why Packing Cubes are our little traveling all-stars.
Passport Holder and Digital Copies
International travel requires additional documents – and keeping those precious items organized and easy to reach is essential. We keep everything neat and accessible in a zippered document holder.
Making digital copies of your most important documents, as well as your travel confirmations, is always a good idea. In fact, we store backups on a flash drive and in the cloud!
Adapter
There is no doubt that an universal adapter needs to be on your list of what to bring to Europe. Most of Europe uses a 2-prong outlet, but in the UK and Ireland, the outlets are a flat 3-prong style.
Portable Charger
Google Maps, Apple Pay, QR codes and paperless tickets make exploring Europe easier than ever…but it also can drain your phone battery fast. Bring a reliable portable charger to top up your devices during long days of sightseeing.
Walking Shoes
We absolutely love walking in Europe! Exploring atmospheric streets and lush landscapes requires a lot of steps and durable shoes. We have three basic requirements for the best travel shoes – lightweight, comfortable and versatile. I wear these trainers that go with everything, Kris prefers Merrell Trail Shoes.
Travel Camera
Europe is incredibly photogenic and you will want to capture the sights with a real camera. We carry a DSLR Canon Rebel, as it takes high quality photos and is great for all conditions. Use our tips to help you decide what camera to bring on your trip to Europe.
Start planning your vacation to Europe! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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