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Planning a trip to Europe? Here are my top tips for traveling Europe and ensuring you have the best possible trip
Traveling in Europe has been one of the richest experiences for me. It’s been full of challenges and life-changing moments, and I’ve loved every minute of it.
Because this continent has played such a profound role in my life, it always excites me when I hear of people planning their trips to Europe. I’ve picked up lots of travel tips and insights over the last decade, so to help you plan your dream trip, here are my top tips for traveling Europe:
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01. Plan to visit multiple cities—but don’t go overboard
Once you’ve flown across the ocean, traveling around Europe is very easy and affordable. Several budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet and bus companies like Flixbus make it easy to travel to multiple cities within Europe at great prices. I love the Omio app because it compares flight, bus, and train prices to help you find the cheapest option to your chosen destination.
However, just because it’s easy and affordable to travel to multiple places doesn’t mean you should go overboard! Try not to cram too much in. Rather take your time in each city to truly enjoy and savor its culture.
There are so many wonderful cities here, I know! But pick your top places, and then immerse yourself in those places. Take your time. Enjoy. That’s where true experiences are made.
02. Use Google Flights for the best deals
I’ve tried a lot of flight search sites over the years, and Google Flights is the one I continually go back to. It includes budget airlines in its search results (which not all sites do). And it also lets you view the prices on a calendar so you can see exactly which dates are the cheapest—perfect if your dates are flexible!
03. Book accommodations through Airbnb
While Europe’s finest hotels may be tempting, booking your accommodations through Airbnb is both practical and affordable.
First of all, booking an Airbnb will give you a true local experience. You’ll stay in a quiet neighborhood away from tourists, get recommendations from your Airbnb host, and see the city through a local’s eyes.
Plus, I always book an entire apartment so that I have a kitchen and living room area to relax in or even use as an office space. Having a kitchen enables you to cook some of your meals, which means you’ll save some money and get to eat healthier too!
04. Only bring a carry on
This one depends, of course, on how long your trip is, but I challenge you to only pack a carry-on bag. Europe is, well, small—the streets are narrow, the rooms are tight, and the cities are full of people. Lugging around a massive suitcase will get exhausting real quick, especially if you’ll be visiting multiple cities. And lots of airlines in Europe charge extra (even €100 extra!) to check a bag.
Plus, traveling light is a wonderfully freeing thing. Bring only the essentials, do laundry at the hotel, and enjoy the freedom that comes with having less. You can always bring/buy a foldable tote bag to bring any souvenirs home, but you’ll be glad you traveled lightly.
05. Pack classic pieces that are easy to mix and match
Packing lightly is an art, and it takes time to get the hang of it. But one tip that will help is to pack classic pieces that mix and match well. Everything in your suitcase should match and aside from maybe an outfit for your destination love story session, you should plan on wearing each piece more than once. You can always do laundry at your Airbnb.
Also, remember that Europe is full of cobblestone streets—they’re so lovely and quaint but are no friend to heels! So leave the heels at home and bring a pair of chic block heel pumps for nights out.
06. Learn basic phrases in each language
Before you arrive to your destination, download Duolingo and take some time to learn basic phrases. While a lot of locals in the bigger cities in Europe speak some English, it means a great deal when you can at least demonstrate basic knowledge of the language.
Before visiting a country, try to learn several key phrases: “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Please,” “Goodbye,” numbers 1-5, and the phrase, “Do you speak English?” When approaching locals, don’t assume they known English and just rattle off your English sentences. Ask in their language, “Do you speak English?” and go from there.
I’ve learned over the years that Europeans don’t mind speaking English—in fact, many welcome the practice!—but they really appreciate it when you show an interest in and respect for their language.
07. Keep cash on hand
Cash is still king in many parts of Europe, and many local shops and markets don’t accept cards. So make sure to keep some cash on you at all times so you’re never stuck at a cashier unable to pay!
(And bonus tip: The bills of euros, pounds, and other European currencies are larger than the American dollar, so bring a larger wallet if you have a small one.)
08. Buy souvenirs intentionally
Europe is a place of rich culture and art, so take advantage of the treasures here and purchase souvenirs intentionally. Buy artwork for your home, antiques from markets, spices, coffee, or wine. These items can be enjoyed in your home for years to come or savored during a special meal.
And for the best souvenir money can buy, consider booking a travel session with a photographer so you have photos to enjoy in your home and pass down for generations.
09. Opt for local experiences
In any European city, there’s an endless amount of tourist attractions to see. But for the real experiences, go where the locals are. Spend time in the residential parts of the city, ask locals for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to explore—and even get lost! Seeing the city from a local’s perspective will provide a much deeper and richer experience overall.
10. Shop for food at markets and grocery stores
It’s no secret that Europe has an incredible culinary scene. Local grocery stores, markets, and bakeries have a wonderful array of goods to enjoy, so don’t just go to restaurants. Enjoy breakfast and fresh coffee in your Airbnb in the morning and cook a homemade meal with local ingredients at night. Then choose a few special restaurants to visit.
When I travel, instead of stumbling into any restaurant when I get hungry (or hangry!), I pack a snack, eat on the go, and save my money for true culinary experiences. I also eat oatmeal or granola at the Airbnb before heading out, and then grab coffee or a croissant at a bakery mid-morning. This way, I get the best of both worlds: a breakfast that sustains me for the day and a delicious European treat.
11. Embrace slow Sundays
Like old-time America, most of Europe still observes a day of rest on Sundays. Lots of restaurants stay open, but most shops are closed and even some museums and tourist attractions close their doors and take a day of rest. Keep this in mind as you plan an itinerary and know Sundays may just be for a stroll around the city and dinner at a quiet restaurant.
12. Get up for sunrise one day
If you’re sick of the crowds and chaos, go to bed early one night and get up in time to walk the city at sunrise.
There is a magic about sunrise. The city is quiet. The streets are bathed in golden light. And you’ll get to experience the city in the early morning hours when it’s all yours. I always do my destination love story sessions at sunrise because there’s nothing like that early morning magic. I know it’s early, but I promise the memories (and photos you’ll get!) will be worth it and then some.
13. Be smart and safe
Definitely not the most romantic tip on the list, but it unfortunately needs to be said. Just be smart and be safe. Pick-pocketers and thefts are real. It happens. And I know several people who have ended up in an American Embassy because of stolen passports or wallets.
Use a purse with a zipper and a cross-body strap—they can be chic, I promise! Don’t keep your phone or money in your pockets. Pay attention, be alert, and be confident. Europe is a safe place, but, like anywhere, it never hurts to watch your back and play it safe.
14. Slow down
When in Europe, it can be tempting to see it all and do it all. But my biggest piece of advice to anyone traveling Europe is to slow down. Take your time. Savor the experience. Plan less and leave room for spontaneity. Your experience will be so much more profound and memorable when you embrace the art of slow travel.
15. Make it yours
And last but not least, make the trip yours. Ignore the guide books and do what interests you. Ask: What can you learn from this place? How can it enrich your life? Respect each culture, embrace their individual qualities, and learn from them. Do things for you—not for Instagram and not for the photo. Do them because they’ll add true value to your life. You’ll enjoy the experience so much more, I’m certain of it.
Well, there you have it! My top tips for traveling Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and need some help, I’d love to hear from you! I’m always happy to chat all things Europe with others.
Check out these other travel resources:
The Most Romantic Cities in Europe
