How to Plan a Trip to Europe: 9 Super Helpful Tips

Imagine wandering through centuries-old stone castles and cathedrals in Germany, strolling down cobblestone streets in quaint Italian towns nestled in rolling hills, or sailing across the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean with the French Riviera as your backdrop. These incredible experiences are all within reach when you plan a trip to Europe! 

As one of the top destinations for US travelers hosting 20.2 million visitors in 2023 alone Europe offers endless possibilities. While the continent is smaller than the United States, it’s packed with diverse countries like Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, each offering its own unique charm. Planning your first trip to Europe can feel overwhelming with so many options, but that’s part of the magic. You can choose to immerse yourself in one country’s culture or explore several countries, hopping between them every few days. It’s entirely up to you! 

Personally, Europe is one of my favorite places to travel because of its rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food, and variety of things to do. In this blog post, I’m sharing my best trip-planning tips to help you plan your dream trip to Europe making it stress-free, exciting, and full of unforgettable memories. Let’s dive in! 

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How to Plan a Trip to Europe: 9 Super Helpful Tips

Prioritize quality over quantity.

Traveling between countries in Europe is seriously a breeze thanks to the well-connected train networks and budget airlines. In just an hour, you can be in a completely different country! It’s truly amazing especially if you’re used to those long drives between states in the US. But here’s the thing: one of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers to Europe make is packing too many cities into their itinerary and suffering from travel fatigue. Trust me, it’s all about quality over quantity.

Instead of rushing through six or seven destinations, focus on a maximum of three or four and really soak them in depending on how long your trip is. For example, spend two weeks exploring London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Dive into each city’s vibe, take your time, and add a few day trips to nearby spots. You’ll still get to visit three different countries, but you’ll also leave room for those magical unplanned moments like wandering down a quiet side street and finding the coziest local cafe. Those little discoveries are what make traveling in Europe so unforgettable! 

Consider the best time to visit. 

One of the best things about Europe is that it’s a year-round destination there’s always something amazing to do! But if you ask me, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, from April to June or September to November. During these months, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better prices, and beautiful weather. If you’re thinking about going in July or August, just be prepared for peak travel season, which means more tourists and higher costs. 

Winter in Europe is also magical, especially if you enjoy skiing or are into Christmas markets! Northern Italy, Germany, Austria, and France have some of the most enhancing Christmas markets you’ll ever see it’s like stepping into a holiday fairytale. One of my favorite trips I have taken was to Paris and Amsterdam in November. The weather was cooler, crowds were smaller, and everything felt magical and cozy.

When deciding when to go, think about what you want to do and your budget. Whether it’s sunny beaches, cozy Christmas vibes, or exploring without the crowds, planning around your priorities will help you create the ultimate European adventure! 

Pack smart and light. 

When it comes to traveling around Europe, especially if you’re hitting multiple destinations, let me save you some headaches when it comes to luggage. Trust me, Europe’s charming old streets may be gorgeous, but they’re not always super friendly to big suitcases. You’ll run into plenty of stairs (looking at you, Italy!), uneven cobblestone, and older buildings with no elevators. 

I tend to struggle to pack light, but if you are able to do yourself a favor and pack a carry-on and a backpack. You’ll thank me later! A capsule wardrobe with versatile layers is your best friend here, especially since a lot of Europe’s weather can depend on the season. 

Check out my helpful blog post with a Packing List for Europe for some more tips!

Take advantage of the train routes. 

One of the absolute best things about Europe is how amazing the train networks are. Seriously, you can get just about anywhere using high-speed or regional trains, especially if you’re planning to visit major cities. It’s so much easier (and often cheaper) than flying between destinations. Plus, there’s nothing better than snagging a window seat and watching the stunning European landscapes roll by it’s like a free sightseeing tour! 

If you’re planning to hit multiple destinations, I highly recommend looking into Eurail travel passes. They let you hop on and off trains across the continent without having to buy individual tickets. Super convenient and totally worth it! 

Mix guided tours with independent exploration.

The best way to experience Europe is by balancing guided tours with a bit of free-spirited exploration. Guided tours are awesome for learning fun facts and getting a deeper understanding of the city you’re visiting, but you don’t want to overpack your schedule with back-to-back sightseeing. Leave some space to wander and let your heart guide you that’s where the magic happens! 

A few of my favorite experiences and tours in Europe:

Vatican Tour
Colosseum Tour
Paris Ultimate Food Tour
Louvre Mona Lisa Early Access
Paris River Cruise with Lunch
Arc de Triomphe Rooftop

Leave room for flexibility.

When you’re traveling, anything can happen that’s part of the adventure! That’s why it’s so important to leave room for flexibility. Flights can get delayed, trains might get canceled, or that perfect beach day could turn into a rainy one. But don’t stress! A flexible itinerary gives you the freedom to roll with the punches and make the most out of every day, even if it means switching up your plans. Sometimes, those unexpected changes lead to the best memories! I always try to leave a few mornings or afternoons as free time or open to move things around as needed.

Embrace local culture. 

Before heading off on your European adventure, it’s a great idea to bush up on the local culture and customs of the countries you’re visiting. Not only will it help you blend in a bit more, but it’ll also give you a more authentic feel for what life is really like there! 

For example, in Italy, don’t order a cappuccino after 11 am trust me, it’s just not done. In France, always greet people with a polite “bonjour” or “bonsoir” when entering a shop. And in Spain, be ready to embrace late dinners most locals don’t sit down to eat until around 10 pm! Little details like these make all the difference when experiencing Europe like a local. 

Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Most European countries use the Euro, but there are a few exceptions like Czechia and Hungary. When it’s time to pay for meals or activities on your trip, figuring out the best way to handle your money can feel tricky. First tip: avoid converting cash at the airport it’s most likely going to be a total ripoff, and using your regular debit card can rack up a ton of unnecessary bank fees.

Instead, I highly recommend getting a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get the best exchange rates and an extra layer of protection if your card is lost or stolen. It’s a game-changer for stress-free spending abroad! 

Install helpful mobile apps. 

Pack up your phone with helpful apps that will be super useful in navigating a foreign country in Europe. Some of my go-to apps when in Europe are:

• Google Maps
• Google Translate (you can download entire languages to use offline!)
• WhatsApp
• GetYourGuide
• Viator
• Trip Advisor

I also highly recommend getting an e-SIM card so you can have mobile data for a fraction of the price while abroad than if you went through your normal phone company, or confirm with your carrier what international options are available.

Before heading to Europe, make sure your phone is loaded with apps that will make navigating a foreign country a breeze. Here are some of my must-haves:

• Google Maps – find your way around like a pro
• Google Translate – You can even download languages for offline use super handy! 
• WhatsApp – Perfect for staying in touch with locals and travel buddies
• GetYourGuide & Viator – Great for booking tours and activities
• TripAdvisor – For finding top-rated spots to eat, stay, and explore

Pro tip: Get an e-SIM card for affordable mobile data while abroad. It’s way cheaper than using your regular phone plan and ensures you stay connected wherever your travels take you! 

Enjoy a whirlwind, stress-free trip to Europe when you follow these helpful tips! 

Traveling is one of the best ways to grow personally and create memories that last a lifetime! Don’t let the planning details stress you out with these helpful tips for organizing your trip to Europe, you’ll be ready for a smooth, stress-free, and totally exciting adventure. Your dream vacation is just a flight away! 

If you are interested in more resources to help plan your trip, check out my other blog posts, including my Italy Travel Tips or 20 Things to Do in Positano, Italy, and you can always follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity! 

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