Europe offers a blend of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty—whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, modern cities, or coastal villages. But with so many countries packed into one continent, smart planning is key. Here’s what to keep in mind:

 

✅ Things to Consider

1. Passports, Visas & Entry Rules

• Schengen Zone: Allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within 180 days for many nationalities.

• Non-Schengen countries (e.g., UK, Ireland, Croatia) may have separate rules.

• ETIAS Travel Authorization: Starting in mid-2025, many non-EU citizens will need to apply online before entering Schengen countries. Check eligibility before booking.

2. Timing Your Trip

• High Season (June–August): Best weather, longest daylight—but expensive and crowded.

• Shoulder Season (April–May, Sept–Oct): Fewer tourists, milder weather, better deals.

• Winter (Nov–March): Great for skiing, Christmas markets, and cities with indoor attractions.

3. Itinerary Planning

• Group destinations geographically (e.g., France–Belgium–Netherlands or Spain–Portugal).

• Avoid overloading your schedule—3–5 days per city is ideal.

• Consider rail passes (e.g., Eurail) for flexible travel between cities/countries.

4. Budgeting

• Western Europe (e.g., Switzerland, France, UK) is more expensive than Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland, Hungary, Romania).

• Daily costs vary by country—plan for accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and currency exchange.

5. Accommodations

• Mix hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels depending on your budget and comfort level.

• Book in advance in major cities and during peak travel seasons.

6. Transportation

• Trains are fast and scenic for regional travel.

• Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer cheap flights (but beware of strict baggage policies).

• Public transport in cities is reliable—consider local travel cards or passes.

 

❌ Things to Avoid

1. Trying to See Too Much

• Don’t try to visit 5+ countries in 10 days. You'll burn out and miss the richness of each place.

2. Not Booking in Advance

• Popular museums (e.g., the Louvre, Vatican) and trains (e.g., Eurostar) can sell out.

• Booking early often saves money, especially on high-speed trains.

3. Overpacking

• Many cities have cobblestone streets and stairs—rolling heavy luggage is a pain.

• Pack light and bring versatile clothing.

4. Assuming Everyone Speaks English

• While English is common, learning a few phrases in the local language is respectful and helpful.

• Download translation apps and offline maps.

5. Ignoring Local Etiquette

• Tipping, table manners, dress codes (especially in churches), and quiet hours vary—research basics before you go.

 

🔍 Helpful Resources to Check

✈️ Flights & Travel Routes

• Skyscanner – Compare cheap flights across Europe.

• Rome2Rio – Plan routes by plane, train, bus, or ferry.

• Eurail – Rail passes for flexible inter-country train travel.

 

🏨 Accommodation

• Booking.com – Wide range of hotels and guesthouses.

• Hostelworld – Great for budget stays.

• Airbnb – Often cheaper than hotels in major cities.

 

🚆 Trains & Buses

• Trainline – Book trains in the UK and EU.

• Omio – For trains, buses, and flights across Europe.

• FlixBus – Budget-friendly long-distance buses.

 

🗺️ City Guides & Tours

• GetYourGuide & Viator – Book walking tours, museum tickets, day trips, etc.

• Rick Steves Europe – Ideal for first-time travelers.

 

📱 Apps to Download

• Google Maps (download offline maps)

• Google Translate (with offline language packs)

• Citymapper (for public transport in major cities)

• XE Currency (for real-time exchange rates)

• WhatsApp (widely used in Europe for communication)

 

🧳 Final Tips

• Travel insurance is essential—especially for medical emergencies or lost baggage.

• Bring a universal adapter for electronics (Europe uses different plugs).

• Leave space in your itinerary for spontaneity—some of the best experiences come unplanned.