Are you planning a trip to Europe soon? Not sure what to do? Well, then you are in luck because I have some of the best Europe vacation tips for you!
I have traveled to Europe several times and know how to execute Europe travel plans.
Whether it is getting a visa, booking a local stay, or figuring out public transport, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when you are traveling to Europe.
Here is my list of the 18 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Europe.
Not Knowing Your Passport and Visa Requirements
Before you book your flights or anything else, make sure that your passport has enough blank pages left and is not expiring for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date.
Many European countries require this and won’t let you in if you don’t meet these criteria.
Starting in 2024, you’ll need to apply for an ETIAS authorization online before your trip to Europe. It’s quick, easy, and worth avoiding the stress of being turned away at the border.
If you are going to the U.K. you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA) rather than an ETIAS.
If you’re not from the U.S., check your country’s requirements as rules vary.
You could be denied boarding or entry at the airport if you aren’t thorough with your visa requirements. This is why it is one of the first Europe vacation tips that I share with you.
Not Traveling with a SIM Card
One of my best Europe vacation tips would be to always have an active SIM that allows you to stay connected with your friends and family.
You can buy a physical SIM card at your destination or get an eSIM for your phone before the trip.
This will allow you to make calls, use maps, and look up information when traveling in Europe without relying solely on public Wi-Fi, which may not always be secure or available.
You can also activate roaming on your home SIM but this might be an expensive option with limited facilities.
So, check to see if your phone plan includes international roaming.
Here are some tips on how to survive a long international flight to Europe.
Europe Travel Tips: Know That Not Everyone Uses Euros
Okay, one of the most important tips for Europe travel is to not assume that Euros will be accepted everywhere.
While the euro is widely used, not all European countries have adopted it.
For instance, Hungary still uses the Hungarian Forints instead of Euros and even in Switzerland, Swiss Francs are more widely used.
Research the local currency used in each country that you plan to visit in Europe so that you aren’t blindsided once you reach there.
Europe Vacation Tips: Carry Local Currency with You
This is an extension of the earlier point.
If you find that your chosen destination accepts a particular local currency, then do carry it to make your life easier.
Don’t make the mistake of carrying USD or Euro everywhere and thinking it will be accepted.
Chances are that you will end up exchanging at Foreign Exchange offices which will charge a hefty service and Forex fee.
So, always carry local currency from your home back before you fly to Europe. Trust me, this is one of the essential Europe vacation tips that you cannot forget!
Here is information on how to avoid getting sick on a plane.
Europe Trip Advice: Cash or Credit Cards?
Another effective Europe trip advice to follow is that both credit cards and cash are used in Europe.
Most restaurants, hotels, and shops will accept credit cards but the conversion rate depends on your home bank.
If they charge a lot of local fees, then it might be advisable to carry local currency cash.
Alternatively, if you do use credit cards, then inform your bank of your travels to avoid any blocked transactions.
And always travel with a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Also, do not rely entirely on credit cards as plenty of local shops, restaurants, and transportation options only accept cash.
So, make sure you have sufficient cash on you at all times.
Your local bank can exchange dollars into international currency and give you the best available exchange rate. Contact them about a week before your trip.
Stay: Hotel Schinvelder Hoeve
Stay: Brødremenighedens Hotel
Expecting Everyone to Speak English Everywhere in Europe
One of the best tips when traveling to Europe is to remember that not everyone will speak English here.
Yes, English is commonly used in major cities and tourist hotspots but it is still not guaranteed.
In smaller towns or less touristy areas, you may encounter language barriers.
Don’t worry, I have one of the perfect Europe vacation tips for you.
Download a translation app like Google Translate and use it to interact with the locals.
You can even learn a few key phrases in the local language. A simple “hello” or “thank you” can go a long way in connecting with the locals.
Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
Stay: Kuukkeli Log Houses Aurora Resort
Tips For Travel In Europe: Know If Tap Water Is Safe To Drink
If you want to save a little bit of money, then one of the top tips for European travel is to confirm if tap water is safe to drink in your chosen European destination or not.
Tap water is safe for drinking in most European countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
However, there might be a few countries such as Turkey, Albania, and more where you may need to stick to bottled water.
You can ask the locals and research a bit online to be sure about this.
Stay: Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel
Stay: Hestia Hotel Seaport Tallinn
Vacation Tips: Purchase Advance Tickets Online for Tours
Another one of the essential Europe travel tips to follow is to buy tickets for popular Europe attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, etc. in advance.
Most of these places attract a lot of visitors and the tickets can get sold out quite early. Then, you will have to wait in line for hours to get entry inside.
By purchasing tickets online in advance, you can often skip the lines, secure your preferred time slot, and sometimes even get discounts!
Book Tickets Here: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access
Book Tickets Here: Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Tour
Europe Vacation Mistakes: Visiting Only in Summer
Another underrated Europe trip advice that I would like to share with you is that summer in Europe is quite overrated.
The prices are high with lots of crowds and hot weather which doesn’t make for the best traveling experience.
Instead, consider visiting Europe during the shoulder seasons—spring (April to June) in Europe or even fall (September to October) is a magical experience.
The weather is pleasant, and you’ll face fewer crowds which will allow you to fully enjoy your experience.
Travel Guide: Know If Travel Insurance Is Right for You
I hear a lot of people say that they have health insurance and don’t need travel insurance but that is incorrect.
Most American health insurance policies don’t cover you abroad.
This is why you must buy good travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more.
It is not fun to get stranded in a foreign country with no money when you need it.
Stay: OREA Hotel Pyramida Praha
Stay: Hotel ANTARES
Travel To Europe Tip: Each European Country Has Its Own Culture
Europe is not one whole big country!
Multiple countries make up Europe and each of these countries has its own distinct culture, traditions, and etiquette.
So, tipping customs, greetings, and dining etiquette vary from country to country.
This is why one of my top Europe vacation tips is to learn a bit about local customs for your destinations.
This will improve your experience and help you avoid accidental faux pas.
Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
Stay: Pension Linder
Tips When Traveling To Europe: Do Not Pack Too Much
When you are planning a trip to Europe, I am sure you will be thinking of taking lots of amazing dresses and essentials.
But, do not pack too much for your Europe trip. Why?
Well, the cobblestone streets, stairs in subway stations, and narrow alleys will be a pain if you don’t have carry-on luggage.
Pack light and choose versatile pieces that can be layered for different climates.
Trust me, you don’t want to lug around your heavy suitcase everywhere when you are on vacation in Europe.
For packing tips, read my post about how to pack light on your next trip in a carry-on.
Not Packing the Right Shoe
Even if you ignore all my Europe travel tips, don’t ignore this one.
Pack a pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for your Europe trip.
Trust me, you will be walking a lot here and there will be plenty of uneven surfaces like cobblestones or steep hills.
If you aren’t prepared, you will end up with sore feet every night.
There are plenty of stylish yet comfortable footwear available that can ensure you enjoy exploring while looking fashionable at the same time.
Europe Travel Mistake: Only Visiting Cities in Western Europe
I know that when you have Europe travel plans, you might want to do all the major cities like Paris, Rome, and London.
But Europe has so much more to offer.
Eastern Europe is home to several hidden gems such as Budapest, Ljubljana, Poprad, and Prague.
These destinations are not only beautiful with rich history and culture but also more affordable than Western Europe.
Travel Tips To Europe: Do Not Forget An International Travel Adapter
When you are in your Europe travel planning phase, the first thing you must do is buy an international travel adapter.
There are a variety of plug types and voltages in Europe.
So, if you bring a universal travel adapter, you don’t have to worry about charging your devices regardless of the plug type available.
Also, check if your electronics support the voltage in the countries you’re visiting to avoid damaging your gadgets.
How To Travel In Europe: Book In The Best Location For You
After my multiple trips to Europe, I have learned that your accommodation location is extremely important.
Central locations may cost more but often save you time and money on transportation.
However, staying slightly outside the city center can provide a quieter and more authentic experience.
So, depending on your budget and what you are looking for in your stay, you can research the neighborhoods and then make a choice.
Stay: Hotel Aldi
Stay: Maison Sofia – MGallery
Travel Mistake: Only Visiting The Most Popular European Destinations
I know the urge is to visit popular European destinations such as Paris, Venice, London, etc.
But what a lot of people don’t realize is that the offbeat locations can be much prettier and relaxing in Europe.
Slovenia’s Lake Bled, Romania’s Transylvania, and Croatia’s Krka National Park are just a few examples of hidden gems that most people miss on their Europe trip.
Europe Vacation Tips: Do Not See Too Much In One Trip
The harsh reality is that you cannot see all of Europe in a single trip.
There are too many cities and just not enough time unless you are planning a long trip (4-5 months long).
So, one of the best Europe vacation tips is to focus on a few destinations and give yourself time to enjoy them.
Keep a few days to recharge and soak in the local ambiance during your Europe trip.
Stay: Aparthotel Gaja
Stay: Lisbon Country Villa
Europe Vacation Tips: Packing List
Here are some tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Europe.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for when exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
Not all beaches are created equally and these quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will come in handy!
These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Traveling To Europe: 15 Things You Need To Know