In need of tips for traveling to Europe soon? Stop looking! Here are the 11 most important of them!
You are looking for the best tips for traveling to Europe? Lucky you, after growing up there and traveling all around the continent for years, I’ve managed to learn the most important things there are to know to plan your European trip!
How to prepare for a trip to Europe, traveling Europe on a budget, traveling in Europe by train… All the questions you are asking yourself will be answered here, so keep reading and get ready… You are going to Europe soon!
This post highlights the most important tips for traveling to Europe and make the most of your trip!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TRIP TO EUROPE
Before traveling to Europe, make sure all your paperwork is in order. You might need a visa, depending on your home country, and a passport if you are not from Europe. As I am not an expert nor a lawyer, you can check here all the modalities before planning a trip to Europe.
If you are from the Schengen area, you won’t need anything more than your ID to travel through different countries in Europe.
If you are flying to Europe, make sure to compare the flights between different airport and even different countries. Prices can be so different, and making good research before buying your flight to Europe can save you SO MUCH money!
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE
What’s the best time to travel to Europe?
This is a hard one when planning a trip to Europe. Depending on the season you chose, your experience won’t be the same. I believe they all have their pros and cons. Here is what you need to know before making your choice.
Summer in Europe
Summer in Europe can be REALLY hot. 40° hot! So if you don’t do well in the heat, it might not be the best time for you to travel to Europe. Plus, European summer is really popular amongst tourists, so touristic places will be crowded and prices tend to be higher. But for most people it is easier to travel during summer and if that’s your case, don’t worry. You will still have the time of your life.
If you are traveling to Europe during summer, you should opt for less touristic areas and avoid the bigger crowds!
Fall in Europe
Fall and its warm colors… If you are traveling to Europe during the Fall, you will be amazed by the sceneries you will witness. For the best weather, you should travel there early Fall (October). It would normally still be warm and not rain too much. The later you go, the more chance for the weather to be colder and rainier.
Another pro of traveling to Europe during Fall? There will be much fewer tourists as most people will be back to work or school after summer break.
Winter in Europe
The same way summers in Europe can be really hot, winters can be really cold. But if you’re lucky, you will see snowy sceneries, and that’s worth being cold for a few hours. Plus, if you go during the month of December, you will enjoy the European Christmas Markets, and even though it will be crowded, it is a unique experience to live at least once in your life.
If you are visiting Europe during winter, don’t forget to bring layers, and the warmest clothes you own!
Spring in Europe
I believe spring is the best season for everything! The weather is getting warmer, the days longer, there are not too many tourists in Europe yet… Either you are visiting Europe for its best cities or for the beauty and diversity of its landscapes, spring is a good time!
Try to get out in the wild at least once to see the nature come back to life and the plants blossom, you’re going to love it, I PROMISE!
PACKING FOR A TRIP TO EUROPE
One of the most important tips when traveling to Europe is: DON’T OVERPACK!
I know, I know… You want to have your best and cutest outfits to live the European dream. But you are more likely to travel around Europe by public transportation, and carrying huge luggage is exhausting and annoying. Plus, Europe as a lot of stairs and not always lifts, so you might have to carry your stuffs to the fifth floor of a building all by yourself.
The best way to avoid overpacking is to create a capsule wardrobe where all the pieces go together. This way, you will be able to mix and match your outfits without bringing your entire closet to Europe. And if you realize you really need something you forgot, you can still buy it there!
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EUROPEAN TRIP ITINERARY
DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR ITINERARY!
So many people go to Europe and want to see EVERYTHING, and I get it! There is so much to see, and so many cultures and history to learn about, that it can be hard to chose which part of Europe you want to visit. But to make the most of your trip, you HAVE TO pick. Because believe me, you don’t want to spend most of your vacations in public transportation. It’s not fun and it is EXHAUSTING.
First, decide which part of Europe you want to visit. The Eastern part or the Western part? Then, what kind of activity you want to do there. Are you more into long walks in the nature or city sightseeing?
Finally, make a list of your non-negotiable stops and plan your itinerary.
To keep it enjoyable, here is an easy rule. You shouldn’t spend more than 1/4 of your days in Europe, traveling between places.
TRAVELING EUROPE ON A BUDGET
Europe is an amazing destination, but it can be really expensive. And if you are on a budget, it can feel overwhelming to plan your trip there.
But don’t worry, it is totally doable! Here are my best tips for traveling to Europe on a budget.
VISIT EASTERN EUROPE
When people think about Europe, they tend to think about Western Europe and the big capitals. If you are on a budget, you will definitely want to avoid this part of Europe as it is the MOST EXPENSIVE.
Instead, visit Eastern Europe, it will be cheaper, less crowded, and you will have the time of your life! Some countries over there are gorgeous and the locals are the nicest!
VOLUNTEER WITH WORLDPACKERS OR WORKAWAY
If you haven’t heard of Worldpackers or Workaway before, here is how it works.
First, you have to create an account and subscribe to a membership to be able to apply to the job offers. Then just scroll around the opportunities in the area you are looking for. You will see in the description of each stay what they want from you, how many meals a day they will provide you and the kind of accommodation you will sleep in.
Nothing easier really, and it can be a good way to meet new people if you are traveling by yourself!
COOK YOUR OWN FOOD
Eating out in Europe, and especially in the Eastern part, can be really expensive and quickly add up. When booking your accommodation, make sure there is a kitchen area where you could cook your own food.
You will save so much money this way, and if you want to try local food, you can still treat yourself with going to a restaurant once in a while!
CHOOSE LESS TOURISTIC PLACES
The most touristic is a place, the most expensive. I believe this applies in every part of the world. So if you are on a budget and want to spend as little money as possible, look for less touristic places.
Less touristic doesn’t mean less interesting or less beautiful. I believe there are some hidden gems in Europe that are worth a visit!
PLAN YOUR EXPENSES BEFOREHAND
I know, it’s not the most fun part of planning a trip but, by planning your expenses beforehand, you will be able to know what you can and can’t afford. And believe me, you will feel much more relaxed traveling in Europe knowing what your budget is for every kind of expenses.
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TRAVELING IN EUROPE BY TRAIN
Usually faster than other kind of public transportation, traveling in Europe by train can have both, good and bad sides.
Lets start with the bad sides of it… Traveling in Europe by train can be expensive if you don’t plan it well, or don’t have much flexibility.
Some countries and cities in Europe can be connected with Ouigo. They are the cheapest on the market but, as they are fairly new, they don’t have many routes yet.
The other option to travel by train without spending too much money would be to get an Interrail pass. Basically, Interrail allows you to take a certain amount of train in a certain amount of time depending on which pass you purchased. If you plan your trip well, it can be really worth it!
Other downside of traveling Europe by train? They are never on time! I’ve traveled a lot by train around Europe and believe me, they will either be delayed or get to your final destination later than they were supposed to.
Now, the best sides of traveling Europe by train! You will get the best views of the backcountry as trains often go through less inhabited areas. And even though they are regularly late, it will still be much faster than traveling by bus and more relaxing than driving a car.
TRAVELING IN EUROPE BY CAR
Honestly? Traveling Europe by car isn’t the best idea! Hear me out:
- Renting a car, if you’re not using your own, can quickly add up depending on how many days you will be renting it for.
- Gas in Europe is EXPENSIVE! Around $2 per liter. So if you are planning on driving a lot, this can quickly become a huge expense.
- Tolls on the highways are, also, expensive and can quickly add up if you are not taking national or departmental roads.
- Driving in the big cities can be a nightmare, and you will spend more time trying to find a place to park your car than actually enjoying the city.
The only upside of driving through Europe is the freedom it gives you. You can go anywhere you want, leave at the time you want or even make as many stops as you want to explore the little unknown places.
TRAVELING IN EUROPE BY BUS
Often the cheapest option to go around Europe, it can be quite exhausting, though, if you are going on long distance trips. But if you do want to travel Europe by bus, my favourite bus company is Flixbus. I’ve traveled A LOT with them, and never had a problem. They are on time, reliable, safe… Everything you might want from a bus company.
For long distance trips, try to travel during the night! It will seem shorter as you will be sleeping and save you to pay for a night in an hotel.
TRAVEL EASTERN EUROPE
I’ve already talked about it earlier in this article but YOU HAVE TO visit Eastern Europe.
Often overlooked by toursits when they come to Europe, the Eastern part of Europe is, not only cheaper, but also beautiful and culturaly rich!
Although, in the past few years, it has became more popular, it remains less toursitic than the Western part. So don’t be a sheep and follow where the masses go, visit Eastern Europe and I promise you, you won’t regret it!
My favourite countries in Eastern Europe ? Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Montenegro.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO EUROPE
A commun misconception about Europe is that it is super safe. Of course, it is safer than other parts of the world but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be careful while traveling to Europe.
Here are some safety tips for traveling to Europe that you should know about.
- Pickpockets: Europe is (sadly) famous for its pickpockets. If you are in acrowded area keep an eye on your bagpack and even carry it on the front. And don’t keep your phone or wallet in your pockets if they are accessible. Loosing all your ID papers or your phone will ruin your trip!
- Don’t tell strangers where you are staying: Especially if you are traveling by yourself and, sadly, even more if you are a woman. There are bad people everywhere and you don’t want to be taken advantage of or assaulted.
- Don’t tell people you are traveling by yourself: If someone is asking you who you are traveling with, lie to them. Tell them that your friends are coming, or that you are meeting them and that they are waiting for you.
- Avoid sketchy areas at night: I know, this seems logical. But when you don’t know a place, you are not aware of the sketchy parts of it. Make some research on the area you are staying in or ask your hotel receptionist the places you should avoid. Better be safe than sorry.
BRINGING SOUVENIRS FROM YOUR EUROPEAN TRIP
We are all the sames when it comes to bringing back souvenirs from our trips!
My go to souvenir to bring back home is MAGNET. I know, that’s not original. But you can get them in any part of the world and they don’t take much place in your luggage or your home.
But if you want something more original, here is a short list of the most popular items to bring back from Europe.
- Food: European food is so diverse and tasty, you might want to bring back home your favorites ingredients to be able to recreate your favorites dishes.
- Alcohol and drinks: From French wine to Italian Limoncelo or Turkish coffee, every country in Europe as its special drink. Bring some home to feel like you’ve never left Europe. (If you are flying, just remember to check the reglementation about liquids!)
- Craft and home decoration: Craft markets are really popular all over Europe. And sometimes you will find the perfect little thing that you didn’t know you needed!