Do you dream of the ultimate European vacation? If you want to plan a Europe trip where you can maximize your time, money, and energy, you’ll want to start thinking about the details well in advance.
With so many incredible destinations to choose from and countless logistics to consider, it’s essential to plan your trip thoughtfully. In this Europe travel planning guide, I’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure your European adventure is memorable, enjoyable, and stress-free!
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If you’re short on time, click the links below to skip ahead to the sections you need to quickly and successfully plan a Europe trip:
- Planning Your Budget
- Planning Where You Want to Go
- Planning When You Want to Go
- How to Book Flights
- How to Book Accommodations
- How to Book Tours & Activities
- Passport and Visa Requirements
- Travel Insurance
- Travel Credit Cards
- Bringing the Right Luggage
- Packing Clothing & Accessories
- Staying Connected on Your Travels
- Traveling on Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
- Traveling on Public Transportation
- Understanding the Local Culture
- How to Beat Jet Lag
- Safety Tips
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Why You Need to Plan a Europe Trip in Advance
Planning a Europe trip well in advance is better for a successful and enjoyable experience. While it is possible to be spontaneous and go with the flow, you’ll get to experience more if you have some kind of plan first. You can always build in time for last-minute activities and off-the-beaten-path experiences you discover along the way.
By starting your prep early, you can get the best deals on flights and accommodations, secure tickets to popular attractions that book up quickly (especially during peak seasons), and guarantee yourself time to organize essential travel documents, such as visas and passports. You’re more likely to avoid last-minute stress and potential complications, creating a more relaxed and fulfilling travel experience overall.
Are you ready to create your Europe travel plans and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and rich history that Europe has to offer? Then keep reading!
Europe Travel Planning: Research & Preparation
What kind of traveler are you? Do you like to travel leisurely and take your time exploring destinations or do you like to go-go-go and pack your days as much as possible? Figuring out your budget and where you want to go first will help you avoid booking flights and accommodations that don’t actually work for your trip.
It can be exciting to just book a flight when you have the urge or see a good price, but to make the most of your trip, you want to consider these things first.
Planning Your Budget
The first thing you want to think about when you plan a Europe trip is your budget. The amount you can expect to spend varies depending on the destinations, type of accommodations, transportation, food, and activities you’re looking at. Here’s a general guide to what you might spend in each category:
Accommodations: Budget-friendly options like hostels and small vacation rentals may start around €20-60 per night, while mid-range to luxury stays at hotels or boutique options will start closer to €60-150++ per night.
Transportation: You’ll want to think not only about your flights to and from Europe, but local transportation and travel between locations, too. Flights within Europe can range from €50-200+ per flight, whereas train travel can be more affordable at around €30-100 per trip.
Food & Drink: You could spend as little as €20-30 per day or more than €50 per day. To save money, consider mixing restaurant meals with simple picnics and cooking in your accommodations (if you can).
Activities and Attractions: Factor in additional costs for museums, tours, and unique experiences. Many cities offer tourist passes that can save you money by bundling admission to multiple attractions.
Pro Tip: Create a realistic budget by prioritizing your spending. Decide where you’re willing to splurge and where you can cut back. For example, would you rather spend more on hotels or travel? On activities or on food?
Planning Where You Want to Go
What excites you most about traveling to Europe? Are you fascinated by ancient ruins, medieval castles, Renaissance art, or local food and culture? Do you prefer bustling cities or the serene countryside? Here are just a few popular European destinations to consider:
- Paris, France – Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and cuisine.
- Rome, Italy – Home to ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and delicious food (Pasta! And wine!).
- Barcelona, Spain – Famous for its unique architecture, beaches, and vibrant culture.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Renowned for its beautiful canals, cycling culture, and museums.
- Prague, Czech Republic – Popular for its stunning Gothic architecture and fairytale charm.
Pro Tip: When planning a trip to Europe, don’t try to see everything in one trip. Europe is so big, and many of the cities there could take up your entire itinerary. Here’s my recommendation for how to comfortably travel and make the most of the time you have:
- For 7 days: plan for 2 cities with 3 days in each city OR one city with multiple day trips
- For 10 days: plan for 3 cities with 2-3 days in each city OR 2 cities with multiple day trips
- For 14 days: plan for 4-5 cities with at least 2-3 days in each city
As a rough guide, plan for at least 2-3 days in major cities and 4-5 days if you want to include day trips. Don’t forget to account for time spent traveling to and from destinations.
Planning When You Want to Go
The good news is that you can plan a Europe trip at any time of the year! The hard part is deciding when you want to go. The climate across Europe, and even within countries, varies significantly across regions and seasons.
Generally, the most pleasant weather for traveling is during late spring (April to early June) and early fall (September to October). These periods often offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, if you’re more interested in winter sports or Christmas markets, a winter trip might be the best time for your visit.
Europe experiences distinct tourist seasons:
- Peak Season (June to August): Warmest weather, but also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.
- Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Offers a good balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.
- Off-Season (November to March): Coldest and often rainiest, but with the lowest prices and fewest tourists (outside of popular Christmas market and ski destinations).
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Europe Travel Planning: Booking Essentials
How to Book Flights
The general rule for finding the best flight deals to Europe is to book your flights 2-4 months in advance (start searching as early as 6 months prior and watch the prices). Use a flight comparison tool like Skyscanner or Daily Drop Pro to find the lowest fares. You can even search using their “cheapest month” filter and then find the cheapest day to travel.
Compare different airlines and routes between destinations. If you know you’ll be visiting different cities or countries, plan for a multi-leg flight where you fly into one location and out of another. Consider flying into major hubs and then using budget airlines (or trains) for travel between European countries.
How to Book Accommodations
Try to book your accommodations 2-4 months in advance for better choices and pricing, especially during peak season. However, if your plans are flexible, last-minute deals can offer significant savings, particularly in the off-season.
Europe offers a fantastic variety of accommodations to suit any style and budget. From sleek, brand-name hotels and charming, local ones to vacation home and apartment rentals, you can find your perfect home away from home. You could stay at a 5-star luxury hotel, a medieval castle, a tiny cottage, or even a bed-and-breakfast on a working vineyard!
How to Book Tours & Activities
I always recommend booking a food tour on your first day in any location. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city, and you can ask your local guide for recommendations on what else to see, do, and eat. Viator is one of my favorite places to find and book incredible experiences when I travel!
Plan to balance popular sites and museums with lesser-known spots and local hangouts so you don’t spend all your time in crowds or waiting in line to see the sights. Keep in mind that some popular sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Vatican, may require tickets to be reserved in advance.
You should also allow for a mix of planned activities and free time for spontaneous exploration, as well as downtime after longer days. I’d recommend limiting yourself to 2-3 attractions per day so you have time for unexpected delays and just wandering around.
Looking to experience Europe with autumn colors and fewer tourists? Check out my post on the top European destinations for a perfect fall getaway!
Europe Travel Planning: Travel Essentials
Passport and Visa Requirements
The most important document you need for your Europe travel plans is your passport (and possibly a visa, depending on your destination). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, and check if any page restrictions apply.
For stays up to 90 days, most U.S. citizens visiting the Schengen Area don’t need a visa. However, always verify the specific requirements for your nationality and intended destinations.
Pro Tip: Make copies of your passport and visa documents to pack in your luggage (separate from the physical documents) and email copies to yourself. This way, you have the information you need if anything happens to your actual passport while traveling.
Also, be sure to bring a valid driver’s license if you plan on renting a car on your trip. You may also need an international driving permit, depending on the destination and rental company.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is often overlooked or considered unnecessary, but it can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. It provides a financial safety net in case of emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. You’ll want to consider coverage options like medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and even emergency evacuation.
My favorite providers to use are Travelex for general and extended travel insurance and MedJet for medical emergency coverage.
When choosing a policy, compare plans, read reviews, and consider your specific trip details. By investing in travel insurance, you’re safeguarding your investment in your trip and ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
Travel Credit Cards
I always take at least one or two travel credit cards with me on my adventures. I look for perks such as low to no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, maximized earning potential, and more. Here’s a list of some of the top credit cards you can use while on your travels and earn points and miles on everyday purchases that you can then turn into free travel!
Although most places accept credit cards, I recommend traveling with some local currency just in case. Smaller businesses may not accept some credit cards, and it’s easier to pay cash in certain instances (like a quick cab ride or to tip local tour guides).
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Europe Travel Planning: Packing Guide
Bringing the Right Luggage
Bringing the right luggage is so important for a smooth journey, from getting to your initial destination to traveling between cities. Consider factors like the length of your trip, the weather forecast, and how you prefer to travel.
Do you prefer hard-sided or soft-sided luggage? Do you always check a bag or like to travel light with a carry-on? The options can be overwhelming! Check out my video on how to find the perfect luggage for your trip and my other post on the best backpacks to bring as a carry-on or for day trips.
Don’t forget about luggage organizers, either! Consider bringing compression packing cubes to maximize your packing space. For toiletries, a travel-sized toiletry bag can keep everything neatly organized and easily accessible on the go.
Packing Clothing & Accessories
What you pack will mostly depend on when and how long you’re traveling and what kind of weather you can expect. The weather varies across Europe, so be sure to research the forecast in your destination(s) before you go. In general, here’s a good overview of what you should think about packing for a European vacation:
- Adaptable clothing for layering
- A mix of casual and dressy items
- My favorite Columbia skort
- Lightweight, waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dressy and casual sandals
- Swimsuit and coverup
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Universal travel adapter
- Portable charger
- Sleep mask and travel pillow
- Travel umbrella
- Travel first aid kit
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Collapsible bag to bring home souvenirs
Check out my other post on the best travel tech essentials to bring with you, too!
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Staying Connected on Your Travels
Traveling is really exciting, but you also want to stay connected with family and friends while you’re gone. Whether it’s making phone calls, sharing pictures of your adventures, or posting updates on social media. These next two items technically aren’t packable, but I definitely recommend you bring them with you wherever you go.
An eSim is a great way to use your phone abroad as you normally would without racking up a huge phone bill. This one from Holafly comes with unlimited data and allows you to select how many days you need it.
A VPN will help keep your data safe while using your phone on your travels. The Surfshark VPN protects your identity and online privacy so you can safely browse the internet, connect to your bank, and be protected from viruses and malware.
Europe Travel Planning: How to Get Around
Traveling on Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
When you plan a Europe trip that involves visiting different countries or several cities within one country, it’s important to consider how you’ll get around. Europe offers a diverse range of travel options, including flights, train routes, and car rentals, each with its pros and cons.
Flights can be faster for longer distances but also more costly, while trains provide a scenic and often more affordable option. Trains can also be faster for shorter distances because you don’t have to get there as early or go through long security lines. Consider getting a Eurail pass if you’ll be taking a lot of trains, as this is a great way to save money and time. Renting a car offers flexibility but requires careful planning and consideration of driving rules.
Don’t forget to plan for travel time between destinations. A good estimate is that you will spend at least half a day getting between locations, possibly more if they’re further apart or if you have multiple connections.
Traveling on Public Transportation
Public transportation is the best way to get around each city you visit. Before arriving, research the available modes of transport and familiarize yourself with route maps and ticketing systems for the metros, trams, and buses. Many cities offer city passes or travel cards that give you more affordable access to their public transportation networks.
Always check if you need to validate your ticket before boarding and keep it handy for potential inspections. Be mindful of peak hours and plan to avoid overcrowded routes. For a more seamless experience, download transportation apps like Citymapper or Google Maps that offer real-time updates, route planning, and offline functionality. These tools can help you find the most efficient routes, estimate travel times, and even alert you to any service disruptions.
Remember, public transportation is a more eco-friendly and often scenic way to experience life as the locals do!
Planning a trip to Europe but worried about making common travel mistakes? Watch my video for invaluable tips to ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable!
Europe Travel Planning: How to Enjoy Your Time
Understanding the Local Culture
To truly experience Europe at its best, immerse yourself in its rich and diverse cultures. Research general etiquette, dining customs, and local traditions in each destination to show your respect and appreciation. Try traditional cuisines and take guided tours led by local experts to gain deeper insights. Learn at least a few key phrases in the local language to connect with locals. Consider staying in locally owned accommodations and participating in festivals or events to really see what daily life is like there.
Immersing yourself in the local culture will create unforgettable memories and help you gain a deeper understanding of your destination.
How to Beat Jet Lag
Shifting time zones can disrupt your sleep and appetite, but there are things you can do to minimize the jet lag. Here are some of my personal tips for beating any tiredness or hunger you might feel from schedule changes while traveling:
- Gradually adjust your sleep schedule before your trip to align with your destination’s time zone, and try to plan flight times around your sleep.
- During your flight, prioritize sleep if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this neck pillow is great for this) or stay awake if you’re arriving later.
- Pack healthy snacks to maintain energy levels between meals (and keep the hanger away!).
- Bring tablets like these to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes during the flight.
Remember, jet lag is temporary, and with a little preparation, you’ll adjust to your new time zone in no time. Plus, I think the rewards of exploring a new destination are definitely worth it!
Safety Tips
A lot of people worry about pickpockets when they travel, but there are ways to keep yourself and your belongings safe. To start, always keep your luggage and personal items in sight when traveling, and consider using anti-theft bags or luggage locks. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and avoid flashing valuables that may attract unwanted attention.
There are a lot of products out there to help you feel more safe and secure, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone. Here are just a few you may want to take with you:
Research your destination(s) to get local emergency contact numbers and consulate locations, and learn which areas may be unsafe. And know when to trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself as soon as possible and find help if you need it. It’s also smart to share your itinerary with loved ones and schedule check-ins so they know you’re traveling as planned.
Are You Ready to Plan a Europe Trip?
I hope you’re ready to create your own Europe travel plans now! If you have any more questions that I didn’t cover here, please let me know in the comments below. Also, please share any tips you may have from your own adventures. I would love to hear them!
Now, get researching and plan a Europe trip to indulge your wanderlust and create unforgettable memories!
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