A city break or weekend getaway to Europe means experiencing centuries-old major cities, world-famous cuisine, and plenty of cultures. Europe offers a variety of experiences, from secret islands to capitals to breathtaking countryside.
You can experience a better trip by avoiding the most common travel mistakes, whether you’re travelling to Europe for the first time or for the thousandth time! If you plan a little, you’ll be a more confident and relaxed European traveller. Here are 12 Europe travel tips to know before your first trip!
1) Review Visa Requirements
You can ruin your trip if you don’t have a tourist visa if you’re visiting Europe from a country like the US. Even though other European countries do not require visas for short stays, it’s advisable to know which ones do.
If you conduct a quick online search before your trip, you will be able to determine whether you need to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport or before you arrive. It is possible to check visa requirements online on several websites, so make sure to do so in advance. Also, it’s worth noting that, it will still be important to get travel insurance even if you’re crossing the pond to France as anything can happen on your holiday.
2) Travel to Europe during the off-season
There is a lot of competition for sunbathing on Mediterranean beaches in the summer months, which leads to overcrowded beaches, long queues at tourist attractions, and higher prices. This could prove to be one of the essential Europe travel tips if you want to have the best holiday experience.
Off-season travel can offer the best savings on accommodations, airfare, train tickets, and tours. Some tourist attractions may have shorter hours during off-peak travel seasons, so make sure to check before you visit.
3) Book budget airlines
European travellers know that numerous budget airlines are operating throughout Europe, so they can fly almost anywhere on the continent for a reasonable/cheap price. Train travel tickets are usually cheaper than airfare, but the cheapest seats tend to go fast.
When searching for cheap airfare, don’t forget to check for additional fees and taxes that may not be included in the advertised price. Research each airline’s hand baggage and luggage size rules to avoid hefty baggage fees. If you pack light, you will be able to avoid baggage fees at the airport and travel more smoothly!
4) Travel Europe by train and Bus
Travelling by bus or by coach is relatively easy as the distances are short and the costs are cheap. So there is no need to use a budget airline every time you need to visit a different country even though it could potentially be better to fly with cheap flights. Public transportation like trains and buses are better for the environment, cheaper and you get to the destination’s landscape. Europe is well connected by rail, especially in Western Europe, and from each train station it only takes a few hours to travel between countries if you’re looking to visit the main tourist attractions. You should consider purchasing an Interrail card if you’re going to travel for a few weeks.
If you’re travelling in Eastern and Central Europe, buses would be the better option to travel between countries. That is one of the best Europe travel tips you’ll hear as they are significantly cheaper!
5) Download Apps like Google Translate & Maps
The ability to communicate overseas is rarely an issue these days. People have spoken English more and more in the past 15 years (especially among the younger generation). Google Translate (Android and iOS) has been among many technological innovations. There are over 108 languages you can translate with this free app.
Instant camera translation is also available in the app: Simply point your camera at the text and translate the local language instantly. Hold up the camera to translate anything, from street signs to menus and in an instant, the translation appears on the phone’s screen.
6) Book in advance
In peak travel seasons, booking accommodations (hostel, hotel room, private housing etc.) and tours in advance is essential. By booking in advance, you can also make sure that you get the best price on airfares, hotels, train tickets, and tours when you travel.
7) Check Your Phone Plan
Ensure that your cell provider doesn’t bankrupt you before you start using all your apps. Contact your provider before leaving on your trip to find out if you are covered in the countries, you will be visiting. Put your phone in aeroplane mode if you do not have Wi-Fi and turn your phone off.
8) Pack comfortable shoes
If you’re looking to explore Europe, it will consist of lots of walking, so you should wear comfortable walking shoes. Walking is one of the best ways to see multiple major attractions. Walking around many European cities all day will tire out your feet, so make sure you take care of them afterwards.
9) Take the right suitcase
Packing light in a suitcase you can carry is essential while navigating the railway station, walking on cobblestone streets, dragging your bags up multiple flights of stairs at your accommodation, or accruing extra baggage fees. You won’t need to pack too many clothes and if you need to do laundry while travelling in Europe, there are many laundromats available.
10) Visit one place for a longer period
The benefit of staying in a place longer is that you will have the chance to get to know the city or neighbourhood as a local would. To create interesting travel stories and to have some of the most memorable travel experiences, you must get to know the locals from major European cities, find local restaurants, venture off the beaten path a little bit and maybe even squeeze in an historical site.
11) Visit lesser-known attractions
If you are in a city, you should definitely check out some of the most popular attractions. Visit lesser-known sites as well as the most popular attractions, even if your heart is set on visiting the most prominent ones. Often you can get a better understanding of the local culture by asking the locals for recommendations. Travel books and the internet are also reliable resources to find off-the-beaten-path experiences.
12) Cut down your use of credit cards
Despite most places in the world accepting credit cards, it is not uncommon to only be able to pay with cash in Europe. Having euros on hand will make your transactions easier and help you save money by avoiding foreign transaction fees for tips, taxi rides, restaurants, and local market purchases.
Order foreign currency before your trip or visit an ATM at the airport once you arrive. The exchange rate at airport ATMs isn’t always the best, but it’s better than being stuck without cash or trying to find an ATM and being jetlagged. It’s also wise to notify your bank and credit card company before travelling to avoid a frozen account.
