“Europe” is a giant place; a whole continent made up of fifty totally different international locations, every with their very own languages, cultures, and historical past. So to say that many individuals dream of touring to “Europe” is imprecise – but it surely’s additionally true!
The ever-present “Euro Journey,” or the “dream journey” to Italy or France or Eire is a really actual factor, particularly for the numerous Individuals who can hint their ancestry to totally different components of Europe.
I have not but traveled to each nation in Europe, however I’ve been to greater than 30 international locations throughout the continent. So I really feel like I am certified to share some common Europe journey suggestions with you to assist guarantee your first journey to Europe – irrespective of which nation you go to – is memorable (in a great way)!
Observe: Sure, I am conscious that experiences can range from individual to individual and from nation to nation; the expertise of visiting Bulgaria will not be the identical as visiting Norway, which will not be the identical as visiting Spain. Clearly that is true! However the following pointers are broadly relevant to most international locations in Europe, in my expertise.
DOs and DON’Ts for a Europe journey
I actually have visited 30+ international locations in Europe, and have spent cumulative months there over time! Listed here are my prime suggestions/issues to know for planning a giant, bucket listing journey to Europe.
1. DON’T stress about language boundaries
One of the vital frequent questions I get from readers about touring to principally any nation that is not English-speaking is: did you could have a tough time speaking?
In some components of the world, language boundaries do nonetheless exist. I’ve used my fair proportion of pantomiming all all over the world, earlier than Google Translate grew to become really easy to make use of.
In Europe, although, you need not stress out about potential language boundaries. The overwhelming majority of Europeans communicate glorious English, particularly in larger cities. And in smaller cities or extra off-the-beaten path areas the place English is not as frequent, you may nonetheless discover that most individuals who work in tourism communicate sufficient English to get by.
It is at all times good to be taught a number of fundamental well mannered phrases (like “hey” and “thanks”) in an area language, however for those who stroll as much as the typical individual in Germany or France attempting to stumble by means of German or French, it is doubtless they’re going to simply robotically begin talking to you in English. (And do not consider all the pieces you hear about French folks being standoffish; you should definitely greet them with a “Bonjour!,” they usually will not maintain it in opposition to you an excessive amount of once you swap to English.)
Should you’re in any respect burdened a few language barrier, have the native language of the nation you are touring to loaded up in your Google Translate app. You’ll be able to take a photograph of a menu or highway signal and have it immediately translated, or you possibly can even document your self (or another person) talking a phrase and have it translated in actual time. Newer variations of Apple’s iOS even have built-in text translation by means of the iPhone Digicam app.
(The one cases I’ve encountered in recent times the place somebody I used to be interacting with did not communicate ANY English often revolved round taxi drivers. And in these instances, you possibly can often simply present them the deal with of the place you need to go; no speaking wanted.)
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2. DON’T wait too lengthy to e book flights and motels
The unhealthy information concerning the improve in journey demand for sure locations in Europe is that there is probably not a “off-season” in lots of common European journey locations nowadays. Wish to wing it in Paris? Go to Rome with out crowds? Good luck.
Except you are going someplace pretty off-the-beaten path, you will not need to go away your flight till the final minute, and you’ll want to pre-book your lodging effectively prematurely.
There is no magic window for flights, however positively e book greater than 2 months prematurely. And for those who’re touring someplace throughout excessive season or round a particular occasion, you may need to e book motels as quickly as you realize your journey plans (e book ones with free cancelation if this makes you nervous!).
I’ve made the error of ready to lengthy to e book motels many instances earlier than, and it simply makes all the pieces extra annoying. (For instance… planning an Iceland road trip through the summer season months? As a result of there aren’t a ton of enormous motels outdoors of Reykjavik, loads of motels and guesthouses e book up MONTHS prematurely!)
3. DO e book points of interest/eating places prematurely
Talking of reserving issues prematurely, this is applicable to day excursions, museum tickets, and even eating places in common locations. Many museums converted to pre-booked, timed entry throughout COVID, and by no means went again to the outdated system of lengthy ticket strains for overcrowded museums/points of interest.
If there are specific belongings you KNOW you need to do in your journey, e book tickets forward of time. This goes for excursions (I like to recommend GetYourGuide in Europe for day excursions and strolling excursions) and plenty of museum/attraction entries.
A few of these (like museum entry) you possibly can go away till a day or two earlier than your journey. However common excursions (like possibly a tour of the Vatican, or a day trip to Versailles) ought to be booked additional out. (And if you wish to go to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland? Higher e book that one a month forward for those who can!)
Professional tip: Should you want a instrument that will help you maintain observe of all these bookings you are making, I swear by the TripIt app for organizing all my journey plans!
And in some cities, making restaurant reservations prematurely can be extremely really helpful. (In Paris, for instance, it is just about required if you wish to dine at a sit-down restaurant for dinner. Use TheFork app to make bookings straightforward!)
4. DON’T eat close to large vacationer points of interest
In terms of eating places, you’ve got in all probability already heard this tip earlier than: keep away from eating places instantly subsequent to large vacationer points of interest.
This implies skip the eating places round St. Mark’s Sq. in Venice; spots instantly close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris; the eating places surrounding Praça do Comércio in Lisbon and alongside La Rambla in Barcelona; and so forth.
Eating places in essentially the most touristy areas of any metropolis are going to be geared in the direction of vacationers. They will not have nice (or genuine) meals, the costs will probably be larger, and repair could be missing. Skip these spots, and as a substitute head one or two streets over from the vacationer attraction for significantly better meals choices.
5. DON’T be stunned by restaurant variations
The restaurant expertise in Europe is NOT the identical as what you discover in, say, the US. Within the US, servers depend on suggestions for his or her wages, and repair could be very hands-on. You additionally get loads of free issues at US eating places that you simply will not discover in Europe!
Right here are some things you may discover all through Europe at eating places that could be shocking:
- Water is not at all times free – Whenever you go to a restaurant in Europe, it’s possible you’ll be requested whether or not you like nonetheless or glowing water. Should you select one in every of these, you may often be introduced a bottle of water after which charged for it in your invoice. If you would like *free* water, you may must ask for faucet water (which, sure, is secure to drink all through Europe).
- Refills usually are not a factor – Should you order a soda or different drink off a menu in Europe, you may doubtless be introduced a bottle of stated drink. Fountain drinks usually are not a factor in eating places, and due to this fact free refills will not be provided. If you would like extra Coke, you may must pay for an additional one. (Additionally, issues like iced tea and lemonade usually are not frequent in Europe.)
- Do not count on ice – Ice in drinks? Probably not a factor in Europe. In addition they are likely to serve beer at room temperature, which I do know my beer-loving mates usually complain about.
- Servers might not examine on you – Servers in Europe typically make a residing wage, and tipping shouldn’t be relied upon (and even anticipated, in some international locations) the way in which it’s within the US. Some say this makes servers in Europe much less attentive, however I believe it is only a cultural factor. Your server might not examine on you in any respect after your meal has been delivered.
- You will must ask for the examine – Nobody will attempt to hurry you alongside at most eating places in Europe. Meals are presupposed to take some time in locations like France and Greece and Spain. So once you’re able to go, you may doubtless must flag down your server and ask for the examine. (After which for those who’re paying with a card, they’re going to convey the machine proper to your desk.)
Eating out in Europe is a special expertise. It is often not rushed (some will say service is sluggish, truly), and you will not really feel such as you’re being offered to or pressured to go away a giant tip.
6. DO pay attention to pickpockets
The largest threat in touring to Europe for many vacationers is the specter of petty crime – often theft through pickpocketing.
Crowded trains and areas round well-known vacationer points of interest are sometimes the place the overwhelming majority of pickpocketing occurs, however there are additionally frequent scams to concentrate on in sure cities (like folks with clipboards in Paris, or males handing you flowers on the Trevi fountain) the place theft is the top purpose.
Concentrate on your environment, do not maintain your pockets in a again pocket, and skim up on frequent scams within the metropolis/cities you intend to go to so you realize what you look out for.
I additionally am a giant fan of theft-proof purses and backpacks (I am a Pacsafe fangirl by means of and thru!), which will help provide you with some additional peace of thoughts. (This anti-theft purse and this theft-proof backpack are good buys.)
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7. DON’T carry an excessive amount of money
The easiest way to keep away from being robbed is to not be carrying flashy valuables or an excessive amount of money once you’re out and about. Nobody can steal what you do not have on you. (You additionally need not carry your passport round in Europe!)
However greater than this, many international locations in Europe (and particularly in western Europe and Scandinavia) have moved to an nearly cashless society. You should use contactless fee on the Tube in London, and plenty of locations I lately visited in Iceland, Norway, and Finland particularly stated “no money” or “credit score/contactless solely” once you went to pay for one thing.
Having somewhat money on you could be helpful if you wish to purchase a soda or handmade memento, however generally, plastic (bank cards) is king all through a lot of Europe*.
*This is not common in Europe but, although, so you may nonetheless need to do some homework earlier than your journey. In smaller cities in Slovenia final summer season, for instance, money was nonetheless most well-liked!
8. DON’T get caught out on bank card charges
Talking of contactless funds and bank cards, although, do not get caught out with overseas transaction charges!
Two main bank card suggestions to bear in mind:
- Use the precise bank card – Should you do not have already got a bank card that waives overseas transaction charges, think about getting one in case your credit score and spending habits enable. Then you definitely will not have any shock foreign money conversion costs once you get dwelling. (Bonus for those who get a journey card that earns you additional factors on journey bills! I just like the Chase Sapphire playing cards for journey.)
- By no means convert the value once you pay – For some transactions in Europe, you may be requested whether or not you need to pay in US {dollars} (or your house foreign money) or the native foreign money (usually Euros in Europe). Do NOT choose the “pay in USD” choice. At all times pay within the native foreign money along with your card that does not have transaction charges. The opposite choice will at all times price you extra.
And for those who do want money in your journey, keep away from utilizing the foreign money trade counters on the airport. They at all times provide the worst doable trade price.
As a substitute, you possibly can take your money to an area financial institution to trade, or you possibly can journey with a debit card and use an ATM similar to you’ll at dwelling (simply you should definitely alert your financial institution that you will be touring forward of time). You doubtless will get charged a transaction payment when utilizing a debit card, although, so you should definitely get out the money you suppose you may want all of sudden.
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9. DO attempt to use public transport
In contrast to in lots of US cities, cities all through Europe have actually sturdy public transport choices. There is no want for a automotive in cities like London or Paris or Rome or Dublin or Berlin or Oslo or Budapest or Madrid, and taking a metro or tram or bus will often be cheaper and quicker than taking a taxi/Uber.
Plus, public transit is so significantly better for the surroundings when in comparison with utilizing a automotive!
I understand that public transport might be daunting if it isn’t one thing you utilize at dwelling. However cities all through Europe supply smartphone apps and contactless fee choices to make it simpler, and you’ll at all times seek the advice of Google Maps for actually detailed directions on learn how to get from Level A to Level B utilizing public transit.
Strive it at the least as soon as – it’s possible you’ll discover it rather a lot much less complicated than it initially appears!
(And for those who’re touring someplace like Sweden, the Stockholm metro stations are a vacationer attraction in and of themselves!)
10. DON’T select trend over operate
Let’s change the topic and discuss what to put on in Europe!
You could have heard that folks in Europe are rather more trendy than they’re in, say, the US. And in some methods that is completely true – I do not suppose I’ve ever seen anybody purchasing in sweats or pajama pants in large cities in Europe, for instance.
However this doesn’t suggest that you must select trend over operate when packing in your journey.
You are going to “appear to be a vacationer” it doesn’t matter what you put on, merely since you ARE a vacationer and can doubtless be doing touristy issues. So who cares what you are sporting?
Pack belongings you’ll be snug sporting all day whereas out sightseeing. Test the climate forecast earlier than your journey. And DON’T skip out on snug sneakers! (On this entrance, it is at the least good that sneakers are in trend in Europe for the time being, so you will not even really feel misplaced!)
11. DO put together to do a ton of strolling
Since you may be sightseeing a bunch and maybe utilizing public transit, you doubtless will probably be in your toes rather a lot in Europe. Snug sneakers are a MUST. (I am not joking; strolling 20,000+ steps a day in a European metropolis is completely regular!)
The “finest” shoe for Europe is subjective – simply be sure to convey ones which can be snug for you!
Professional tip: Should you’re shopping for new sneakers particularly for a visit to Europe, you should definitely take a look at them out/break them in at dwelling effectively earlier than you journey. No one likes shock blisters on trip!
12. DO attempt to pack mild
Remember the fact that cities in Europe are outdated. You are going to encounter cobblestones and stairs and generally buildings and points of interest that do not excel in accessibility merely due to after they have been constructed.
Due to this, if it’s essential to be shifting your baggage by yourself rather a lot, you are going to need to attempt to pack mild.
Taking suitcases on trains, rolling them over cobbled streets, and dragging them up resort stairwells (elevators usually are not a given in outdated buildings!) are only a couple causes smaller luggage are higher in Europe. (Additionally, vehicles are smaller in Europe, so for those who’re planning any kind of highway journey, enormous suitcases will replenish a trunk in a short time.)
Except you want particular outfits for various events throughout your journey, do not pack greater than you really want. Be taught to excellent the capsule wardrobe (i.e. one the place you possibly can combine and match issues), and bear in mind you can re-wear outfits with out anybody understanding.
You may as well do laundry alongside the way in which if you really want to! (I personally at all times pack some detergent for fast sink washes.)
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13. DON’T count on to pee totally free
I already talked about not getting water or drink refills totally free – however you additionally should not count on to pee totally free in public in Europe!
Inside a restaurant or museum you possibly can count on entry to a bathroom totally free. However public restrooms (like ones at a practice station, or close to a vacationer attraction) in lots of European international locations cost a small payment to make use of them. The excellent news is that paid restrooms* are often cleaner and higher stocked than public restrooms in, say, the US.
The payment is often lower than 1 Euro, and may often be paid utilizing cash – although I’ve seen contactless fee choices cropping up within the final couple years, too.
*Observe that the phrase “restroom” shouldn’t be utilized in Europe. “Bathroom” is universally understood, although, and indicators that say “WC” (quick for “water closet”) additionally denote a restroom.
14. DO get an eSIM
Wifi is fairly extensively obtainable throughout Europe nowadays in locations like motels and cafes. In some international locations, you may additionally discover free wifi in museums, on buses, and even in public locations like parks.
Many US cell firms (like Verizon and AT&T) supply “worldwide plans,” too, often costing round $10 per day for a set quantity of information utilization.
However for those who do not need to depend on free wifi zones or pay $10 a day for knowledge, getting a country- or region-specific eSIM in your cellphone is one other good choice. Most newer cell telephones can use eSIM playing cards, that are digital SIM “playing cards” that permit you to hook up with an area cell community whilst you journey.
I’ve used Airalo in a number of European international locations, and discover their eSIMs very straightforward to put in and use. You select the quantity of information you need to pay for, which suggests you could have extra management over how a lot you spend. Should you will not use your cellphone off wifi very a lot, you would doubtlessly spend lower than $10 on knowledge in your entire journey!
15. DON’T neglect your journey adapters
Europe makes use of totally different wall plugs and electrical voltage than North America does.
First, you may want an adapter for the wall shops in your chargers. Mainland Europe makes use of a special wall plug than the Eire and the UK, too, so maintain that in thoughts for those who’re visiting someplace like London or Dublin and likewise a metropolis on the continent.
I often journey with a universal adapter like this one, however you can even discover region-specific ones that take up much less area, too.
You need not fear about touring with a voltage converter nowadays in your common electronics (like cell telephones, cameras, laptops, Kindles, and many others.), as most chargers can deal with a number of voltages. However for those who’re touring with any instruments that conduct warmth (like hair dryers, curling irons, and many others.), you then DO want to concentrate to the voltage – I like to recommend buying a dual-voltage model of your favourite instrument to tackle a visit.
16. DO handle your expectations
A development on TikTok this previous summer season consisted of individuals touring to social media-famous locations in Europe (like Positano) and sharing “Instagram vs. Actuality” movies, suggesting they’d been duped into believing these vacationer hotspots weren’t actually as crowded as they’re.
Newsflash: The favored locations in Europe are common for a motive, and for those who journey to them through the excessive season, likelihood is they ARE going to be crowded!
If you are going to a extremely common place that is additionally fairly small (like Positano or the Cinque Terre in Italy, or Santorini in Greece, or Dubrovnik in Croatia), you positively will not be the one one who had the thought to go there. So simply attempt to handle these expectations somewhat bit when touring to the favored spots in Europe.
17. DO get off the vacationer path
I am not saying you must skip the most well-liked spots in Europe. Go see the Eiffel Tower and the canals of Amsterdam and the London Eye and the Colosseum in Rome. I’m all for being a full-on vacationer, and love seeing all of the well-known websites for myself!
However enable a while to get off the same old vacationer path, too. This could possibly be so simple as visiting a quieter neighborhood in a significant metropolis, or as concerned as visiting smaller, extra under-the-radar cities and cities – or full international locations! (Do not sleep on cities like Helsinki, Porto, and Ljubljana, people!)
18. DON’T simply go to in summer season
I do know “spending the summer season in Europe” has develop into such a cliche within the journey influencing area, however you do not HAVE to go to Europe in the summertime! In reality, a few of my absolute favourite journeys have been in any season BUT the summer season!
I like visiting locations like Eire and the Scotland in spring and autumn; Greek Island hopping was much more laid-back in October; and winter in Norway is magical. (Additionally… Christmas markets, folks!!)
Except college/work schedules dictate that you simply *have* to journey from late June-August, I’d truly advocate utterly avoiding these months in most of Europe.
That is after all not an exhaustive listing of Europe journey suggestions, but it surely’s a superb begin to make sure that you are ready for an epic journey to Europe.
If you wish to learn extra about my very own journeys to Europe, head over to my Destinations page, the place you will discover a full listing of all of the international locations I’ve visited.
What questions have YOU had prior to now about touring to Europe? Should you’ve been already, what are some issues that stunned you?
