Looking for the best Europe Travel Hacks to plan your next vacations? Stop searching, you will find everything you need to know for your upcoming European trip right here!
Whether you are traveling to Europe for the first time or you’ve been there before, this post is for you! When traveling away from home, you want to be prepared to ensure you make the most out of your trip! Budgeting, customs, packing tips… Take a look at these Europe travel hacks and learn everything you should NOT do on your next European vacation!
This post highlights the ultimate Europe Travel Hacks you need to be aware of before your next European trip!
When planning a trip to Europe, there are some things you need to know about… And more importantly, there are things you need to know you should NOT do in order to save money, pack efficiently, and have the European trip of your dreams!
BEST TRAVEL HACKS FOR SAVING MONEY IN EUROPE
1. DON’T BUY YOUR TICKETS LAST MINUTE
Unless you’re buying your plane tickets two hours before your flight and rushing to the airport, don’t wait too long to purchase them! Usually, the best time to get the best price on a flight is 2 to 3 months before your departure date.
Check Google Flights for fares and, especially if you are traveling during peak season, don’t wait too long—prices are unlikely to go down.
If you are traveling from Europe, check out Volotea Airlines; they offer interesting prices for a multitude of European destinations!
2. DON’T PAY FOR A CHECKED BAGGAGE
If checked luggage isn’t included, don’t pay for it! You’re more likely to overpack with a bigger suitcase, and you probably won’t even use half of your clothes. In the end, that’s just wasting money… Money that you could spend on your European vacation!
3. DON’T BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN THE CENTER
I know, I know… It’s tempting to book a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower or on the beach of Lanzarote, but remember, you’re paying for the view—not necessarily for better service. So be wise about the accommodation you’re booking. My two favorite websites to compare and book accommodations are Booking and Airbnb, so make sure to check them out!
And don’t worry, moving around cities in Europe is so easy; you won’t even realize you’re not in the center!
4. DON’T FELL INTO TOURIST TRAPS
Whether we’re talking about restaurants, excursions, or souvenirs, don’t fall into tourist traps! In Europe, they are absolutely everywhere, so be aware. You don’t want to spend a ton of money on a basic lunch or pay for an excursion you could have done yourself!
If you’re not sure how to avoid them, when you have a doubt, it’s best to look things up online before making a purchase. Check restaurant reviews on Google Maps, excursion information on travel blogs, etc…
5. DON’T BOOK YOUR EXCURSIONS ONLINE BEFOREHAND
I’m not saying you shouldn’t book excursions online, but wait until you’ve arrived at your European destination so you can compare prices with local agencies. You never know, maybe you’ll find better deals there!
And if you’re worried about your excursion being sold out, don’t be, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. There’s very little chance that you won’t find an available spot for the activity you’re planning to do! But if you can’t help but stress about it, try to find information on the internet. Travel blogs are your best resource when it comes to comparing prices and planning a trip to Europe!
6. DON’T FORGET SMALLER CITIES AND NATURAL AREAS
When thinking about European vacations, most people immediately see Paris and the Eiffel Tower, the crystalline beaches of Croatia, or the mystical Canary Islands. But that’s not all there is to see in Europe!
If you want to save money, don’t overlook smaller cities or rural areas! There are a ton of hidden gems to discover while in Europe, and who knows… Maybe one of them will become your favorite European destination!
EUROPE TRAVEL HACKS FOR PACKING LIKE A PRO
7. DON’T OVERPACK
Most of us tend to overpack, and to be completely honest with you, I used to do the same! Bringing a ton of things that I might need, knowing perfectly well that they would stay in my luggage for the entire duration of my trip!
European cities have a lot of stairs and cobbled streets, plus taxis are expensive, which means you’re more likely to walk around or use public transportation… So, do you really want to kickstart your trip to Europe sweating and out of breath because your luggage is too heavy and full of unnecessary things…? Yes, I didn’t think so!
And don’t get me started on road trips… If you’re planning on discovering a new destination every few days, you definitely don’t want to overpack and carry all that weight around!
8. DON’T FORGET YOUR FIRST AID KIT
The problem isn’t that you won’t find a pharmacy or a doctor if you need one, but you might not speak the language, and depending on the area you’re visiting, they might not speak English either…
I’m not telling you to carry around a full bag pack of medication, but bring with you the essentials. Feeling unwell can really ruin your trip! So, think headaches, stomach cramps, small injuries, and you’re good to go!
9. DON’T NEGLECT THE UNEXPECTED WEATHER
This travel hack especially applies if you’re traveling during summer! European summer is known to be hot. And I mean really hot. But with the weather, you never know…
“You said not to overpack and not bring the “maybes” with you!” you’re thinking. I know, I know.
But just bring a raincoat in case it starts to rain and a pair of sneakers so you can walk around without being scared of slipping on the pavement. That’s it! No overpacking!
10. DON’T FORGET TO BRING AN ADAPTER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
If you’re traveling from outside of Europe, don’t forget to bring an adapter for your electronic devices. Arriving somewhere after a long day of traveling and having to search for one without knowing where you’re going can be a bummer…
Soooo… just order one from Amazon or buy one from a local shop a few days before leaving for your European trip, and you’re all set! One less thing to worry about.
TO LEARN how to pack like a pro, HERE IS the perfect blog post!
TRAVEL HACKS FOR PLANNING THE BEST EUROPEAN ITINERARY
11. DON’T OVERLOOK EASTERN EUROPE
Even though Eastern Europe has become more popular over the last few years, this part of the continent is still overlooked by most tourists. And let me tell you, it’s a shame!
These countries have so much to offer and are home to incredible hidden gems… So consider adding some of them to your European itinerary and discover new cultures and ways of living!
I promise you, it’s worth it!
12. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE TRAVEL TIME BETWEEN DESTINATIONS
If you’re planning a road trip through Europe, don’t underestimate the travel time between two destinations. If Google Maps shows a 5-hour drive or your plane ticket indicates a 2-hour flight, add a few hours to your schedule to avoid rushing and feeling overwhelmed.
The same goes for exploring a city. If Google Maps suggests a 30-minute subway ride between two attractions, plan for an hour of travel time.
It might seem to be a weird, or necessary, travel hack but believe me, not everything always goes as planned!
13. DON’T PLAN TOO MUCH TO DO
Just as you shouldn’t underestimate the travel time between destinations, don’t underestimate the time you’ll need for each of your activities!
There’s nothing worse than having to rush all day long because you’ve packed three days’ worth of activities into one. Remember, you’re on vacation; the goal isn’t to visit all of Europe in a week, but to enjoy European culture, scenery, history, and way of living!
14. DON’T BE TOO STRICT WITH YOUR SCHEDULE
Your friends want to stop for a drink because they’re tired and thirsty? That’s okay. You didn’t have time to see the ultimate church out of the 15 churches on your Europe itinerary? That’s okay too.
Relax, enjoy your European vacation, and don’t stress about the schedule you had planned beforehand. Planning is great; it can save you a ton of money and time, but leave some space for the unexpected! Traveling is about surprises too!
TIPS TO TRAVEL AROUND EUROPE AND BE SAFE AT ALL TIMES
15. DON’T BLINDLY TRUST STRANGERS
Tourists, especially those coming from Third World countries, tend to think that Europe is like heaven. Everything looks pretty, everybody is nice… Let me tell you, it’s not. There are bad people everywhere, and even when you’re traveling to Europe, you shouldn’t drop your guard.
Don’t tell random strangers which hotel you’re staying in, and don’t ask them to watch your stuff while you go to the bathroom… In brief, don’t do what you wouldn’t do back home!
16. DON’T TRAVEL WITH EXPENSIVE BELONGINGS
I’m pretty sure bringing your expensive gold watch isn’t necessary for having the best time in Europe. Sadly, Europe is known for its pickpockets, and believe me, they’re excellent at it. They can make your things disappear without you noticing!
So, don’t carry around your most valuable accessories or a ton of cash, be safe, and don’t take unnecessary risks! You don’t want to ruin your European trip memories!
17. DON’T THINK EVERY PLACE IN EUROPE IS SAFE
There are sketchy places all over Europe, and obviously, you want to avoid these places! So before venturing out, check on the Internet or with your hotel’s staff if there’s anything you should know about where you’re going.
And always remember… If you feel unsafe somewhere, trust your gut and turn around. Even if you’re just being paranoid, it’s better to be safe than sorry!