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How to Plan an EPIC Trip to Europe in 8 Simple Steps

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Want to know how to plan a trip to Europe in just a few simple steps? I can help!

Europe is a dream vacation for many people. With everything from experiencing the Eiffel Tower glimmer after dark in Paris, watching the sun set over the fairytale village of Český Krumlov in Czechia, to kayaking through the Algarve in Portugal, it’s easy to understand why Europe is so highly praised.

But, with dozens of countries, hundreds of cities, and thousands of activities to choose from, you must be wondering “how am I ever going to organize a trip to Europe that encompasses everything I’m looking for?”

And I’m here to tell you it’s simpler than you think! With years of backpacking and travel experience under my belt, I’ve broken the process down into easy steps for you to follow.

Everything from figuring out where to go, what to do, how long to stay, how to book, and what to pack are included so all of the guesswork has been removed!

Just follow my simple guide and you’ll be jetting off to Europe on your dream vacation in no time.

How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 8 Simple Steps

Being an itinerary planner myself, I’ve nailed down the 8 essential steps that everyone must take in order to plan their first trip to Europe. And once you learn them, you’re in luck because they can actually be used for anywhere that you want to travel… not just Europe!

Go in order, organize your thoughts, and you’ll have your itinerary planned in no time.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Travel Style

Figuring out how to plan a trip to Europe can be daunting, so it's important to figure out your travel style first

BEACHES, MOUNTAINS, or MEDIEVAL CASTLES?

Europe is overflowing with charm and culture from its cobblestone streets to its luxurious beaches. When deciding to plan a trip to Europe, it’s important to consider what you’re looking to experience during your trip.

Are you a self-confessed beach snob who is seeking the clearest, turquoise blue waters and fine, golden sand? Would you prefer to spend your vacation enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains, away from the chaotic cities and crowds of tourists?

Or do you want to get lost in a network of narrow alleyways lined with quaint shops and cafés on your way to a gothic cathedral adorned with sky-high spires?

No matter what you’re looking for out of your vacation, Europe has it! If you like the sounds of relaxing on the beach the best, then Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, the south of France, Croatia… you get it. You have endless options.

But, if the mountains are more your style then you could spend your days hiking in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain or the majestic Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

If fairytale towns pulled like a scene from a storybook are calling your name, you have several options, as well.

The southeastern town of Annecy in the Haute Savoie region of France boasts vibrant colors, interweaving cobblestoned streets, and a former island prison whereas the medieval town of Bruges in Belgium is full of gothic architecture, meandering canals, and old time charm.

Got castles on the brain? Head to Ireland! With over 30,000 castles in the Republic alone, you could spend months here and not visit the same castle twice. Not to mention, Ireland is full of lively folk music, hearty cuisine, and the most hospitable people!

If you aren’t really sure where to start when it comes to figuring out your travel style, you’re in luck because I created a travel style quiz that will help you figure it out!

3 DAYS or 2 WEEKS?

Knowing how long you want to travel for is an important part of learning how to plan a trip to Europe

When deciding on how to plan a trip to Europe, you’ll need to know how much time you have for travel. If you’re squeezing a trip into a spring break from college, it’s likely you’ll only be able to visit one or two countries.

If you plan on using your full two weeks of vacation time in one go from your job, then you’ll be able to thoroughly explore a larger region and several countries depending on your travel style.

To figure out your travel style, ask yourself this: “do I plan on backpacking through several countries in a short period of time or do I prefer to relax and enjoy each place to the fullest?”

Having done both, I can honestly say they both have their perks.

In college, I backpacked across four European countries in 9 days. I was able to see magnificent sights, explore different cities, try different foods, meet new people, and experience different cultures in a very quick trip.

But, I was on the move A LOT. Every second of my day was planned out and there really wasn’t much room for relaxing.

I have also explored single European countries over longer periods of time and found that I was able to learn more about the region, fit in unique day trips, and enjoy the amenities offered to me by my accommodations.

How you plan your trip will depend on what matters more to you: more countries or more time to explore.

BUDGET or LUXURY?

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Next, the budget. If you are like I was in college, you’re probably penny-pinching quite a bit. And, that’s okay! Read through my travel guide below for my best travel tips and advice on how I traveled across Europe when I was in college on a very tight budget.

If you’re not in college and maybe have a bit more money to spare, you’ll have more options for hotels, food, and activities. It’s important to figure out your budget when deciding how to plan a trip to Europe, otherwise, it’s easy to go way overboard.

However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a college student or a millionaire, Europe can be very expensive… I want to make that clear. But, if done correctly, you could be having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower for just a couple hundred dollars coming from the U.S. (I did it!)

Once you know how long you have for traveling, you can start building your budget. Different countries vary greatly in food, accommodation, and travel costs, so be sure to do plenty of research on each place before choosing your country or countries.

Budget travel in Europe typically involves backpacking between countries. In layman’s terms, you’ll be traveling with nothing but a backpack, a good pair of walking shoes, and most likely a Eurail pass.

You’ll be spending most nights in hostels or cheap hotels, will be limiting attractions, and avoiding sit-down restaurants for most of your trip.

On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in hotels every night, view most of the major attractions but not all, and can comfortably eat at sit-down restaurants a couple of times during your trip. The majority of people live in this world, so don’t feel bad if this is where you are!

On a luxury budget, the sky is the limit. Hotel rooms with a view and rooftop bars and heated pools, room service, guided tours, access to all attractions, and Michelin-starred restaurants if you so choose.

Europe has something for everyone on every budget. Try to think about what you would be comfortable spending and then plan your trip to avoid shocking credit card statements and travel regret!

Step 2: Choose Your Destination(s)

Knowing how to plan a trip to Europe all starts with figuring out where you want to go

Okay, you have figured out your travel style, set a budget, and know what you’re looking for out of your trip. Now, it’s time to do some research on possible European destinations!

I’ve listed a few good places to start your research below. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when researching destinations… countries like Switzerland and England are some of the most expensive countries in the entire world.

Although they can certainly be visited on a budget, it’ll be easier to stick to your budget by choosing other countries, especially if this is your first time visiting Europe.

For the Avid Hiker:

  • Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees Mountain Ranges in Spain
  • French, Italian, and Swiss Alps
  • Glacier and mountain hiking in Iceland
  • If you decide to head up to Spain’s incredible mountains, be sure to read about them in the 33 Most Unique Places to Visit in Spain !

For the Beach Bum:

  • Algarve, Portugal
  • Costa Brava, Spain
  • The Balearic and Canary Islands, Spain
  • Amalfi Coast, Italy
  • The Greek Islands
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • The French Riviera

For the Fairytale Town Seeker:

  • Bruges, Belgium
  • Lake Annecy, France
  • Chamonix, France
  • Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
  • Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
  • Salzburg, Austria

For the Night Owl:

  • Doolin, Ireland (and most of Ireland for that matter)
  • Paris, France
  • Munich, Germany
  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Budapest, Hungary
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Barcelona, Spain

Step 3: Choose Your Travel Method

To know how to plan a trip to Europe, you first need to know you you are going to get around

Once you have decided on where you want to go based on your travel style and budget, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get there . If you’re coming from the U.S., an airplane is in your future one way or another. A combination of planes and trains is common for European itineraries.

But, if you’re traveling from within the continent of Europe, train travel might be a better option for you.

Typically, if you are already in Europe, but are traveling from more than two or three countries away, it will be far more efficient to fly to your destination. But, if you are residing in France and want to visit Spain, just jump on the Eurail .

You’ll save time and money and will enjoy a beautiful trip through the countryside!

If you plan on visiting more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe like the Balearic Islands or Crete, then a boat is likely also in your future. Do plenty of research on the most efficient travel methods for your destination before assuming flights will be the best way to get somewhere!

Once you have figured out the best way to get to your destination, you’ll have to research how to get around your destination , as well. For big cities like Paris, London , or Berlin, I highly suggest taking advantage of their metro systems. They are quick, very affordable, and easy to use.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, try to avoid renting cars in Europe by all means possible . Unless you plan on doing a self-driving tour of Ireland or Scotland, rental cars are very expensive and driving conditions are usually poor.

Instead, opt to rent bicycles or book buses , trolleys , or trains to get between cities. This will save you money and a ton of stress and worry!

Step 4: Check Your Documents

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Alright, you’re almost there! You’ve decided on what you want to do on your vacation, where you’re going to go, how you’re going to get there, and how you are going to get around once you’re there. All that’s left to do is book your trip now, right?!

Wrong. You need to double and triple-check all of your documents before booking any trips , especially if you are planning on departing within 6 months .

One of the most important things you can learn about how to plan a trip to Europe starts with learning from other people’s mistakes. Don’t fall victim to forgetting your ID or showing up with the wrong or expired document.

✔️ Pro Tip: Additionally, if you arrive at an international airport with a passport that is due to expire within 6 months or doesn’t have any open pages left, you may not be allowed to board the plane.

Before booking anything, be sure to confirm that your passport has available pages for stamping and won’t expire within 6 months of your travel dates. You’ll also want to take a look at your government-issued photo ID and check the expiration date, as well.

Typically, you’ll only need your passport, but having extra identification is always smart when traveling internationally.

If your documents are due to expire, be sure you have enough time to get them renewed before the start of your trip.

Passports can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months to get renewed along with several fees, and licenses require a long trip to your local registry with additional fees and several items proving your identification, as well.

Once you have confirmed that all of your paperwork is in order, you can start getting ready to book your trip !

Step 5: Plan Your Route

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You have decided on whether you want to travel to one or multiple destinations, so now you can start planning your route! You can use Google Maps or the map at the bottom of this article to help you plan the most efficient way to get from one place to the next.

This is a big step in deciding how to plan a trip to Europe. Be careful not to get caught skipping over a country just to decide you want to turn around and go back to it.

You’ll waste precious travel time and we want to make sure you get the most out of your time in Europe!

The best way to ensure your route is efficient is to check the distances and travel times between each destination.

Be sure you don’t pass by one of your stops on the way to a different stop, and if you do, try rearranging your travel itinerary a little.

Step 6: Book It!

You cannot book random flights to any country, you first must know how to plan a trip to Europe

Now, don’t jump to the confirmation page just yet. Be sure to check your bank account and any credit card statements prior to booking to avoid any unwanted overdraw fees!

Once you have done that, then you can book your trip to Europe .

First, if your dates are not flexible, start with booking your flights . International flights are at their cheapest the further out you book and only drop on very specific days within a few weeks of departing which can be hard to track.

If you have flexible dates, consider looking at the available accommodations first. If there is somewhere you really want to stay but they only have room on certain days, consider shifting your dates a little.

Keep in mind, however, that this usually also affects the price of flights depending on the days of the week you fly. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day to both book flights, depart, and return home.

Once you have your flights booked, go through your planned travel route and start booking your accommodations in order. If you’re traveling across France from the Alps up to Paris, start in Chamonix, then book your stay in Annecy, possibly Lyon, then Paris last if it’s the last stop in your journey.

Then, book any necessary plane, train, bus, or ferry travel between destinations. Once you’ve done this you’re all booked and ready to get to the airport… look at you learning how to plan a trip to Europe all on your own!

This is also the time you can choose to do a little more research on possible excursions or adventures if you so choose. We are big adventure travelers, so we went paragliding in the French Alps. I highly suggest this if you are looking for an adrenaline rush on your European vacation!

Step 7: Prepare to Leave

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Now, this may seem simple and to the point, but in fact, there are a lot of things that need to happen before you head to the airport. Just because you now know how to plan a trip to Europe, doesn’t mean you can forget about all of your prior responsibilities.

First, you need to prepare your home to be vacant. If you own a house, this can be a lot of work. If it’s summer, you may want to hire someone to mow your lawn , and if it’s winter, hiring someone to shovel your driveway in the case of a storm is a good idea, as well.

Ensure there are no dirty dishes or laundry left lying around and that the trash and recycling gets taken out to prevent coming home to any bad odors . It’s also a good idea to unplug any unnecessary items (i.e. toaster, microwave, chargers, etc.) to reduce the risk of an electrical fire while you’re away.

If you own pets, be sure to hire a pet sitter well in advance and make sure your pet is comfortable with them before leaving. Typically, I book my dog sitter 4 months in advance and always use the same sitter to ensure my dog will be comfortable with my absence.

Animals get stressed just like people do, so be sure to take this into consideration before booking your vacation.

Be sure to call your bank and let them know where you will be traveling, including layovers, and your travel dates. This will ensure that they don’t shut your credit or debit cards off for suspicion of fraudulent charges.

Also, call your phone provider if you would like to purchase a temporary international plan. Most plans range from $15-$50 and include unlimited texting and calling for 30 days.

Otherwise, just download WhatsApp and let anyone know who wants to get in touch with you that they’ll have to download the app and text you through it (completely free and works with wifi!)

Lastly, if you’re close with your neighbors or have family or friends that live nearby, it’s worth asking if they’ll check on your home once or twice while you’re gone.

Empty apartments and houses are, unfortunately, targets for unwanted visitors so letting someone close to you know you’ll be away is a good idea.

Step 8: Enjoy Yourself!

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You’ve made it to Europe! The dream destination you’ve always wanted to go to is finally here. You’ve gone through all the struggles of learning how to plan a trip to Europe, booked everything in sequence, aligned your trip with your schedule, and ensured everything was all set for you to leave.

Now, there’s simply nothing left to stress about and you can sit back and enjoy yourself. Stroll some streets, sample the cuisine, practice speaking the language with the locals, check out a few sights, and enjoy a freshly baked pastry and an espresso while people-watching.

Do whatever pleases you. Remember, there is no reason to rush through everything in order to get to the next item on your list. Really take the time to enjoy all of your hard work and planning and do what makes you happy.

+And if you’re traveling with others, be sure that they do the same. Most people are only allotted a few short weeks of time off from their jobs each year, so make the most of it!

One of my favorite travel quotes…

“Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living” Anthony Bourdain 

3 Sample Itineraries for Europe

Now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe, it’s time to start designing your own! I have created 3 sample itineraries below to help you get started. Remember, make your budget and try to stick to it !

Otherwise, you may come to believe that traveling is too expensive for your lifestyle… and that’s simply just not the case. Anyone can travel on any budget, you just need to stick to your goals.

3 Days in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is a wonderful city with a lively night scene, eccentric neighborhoods, and fun attractions. With neighborhoods geared towards college kids and young adults and museums and open-aired markets suitable for any crowd, this city packs a cultural punch with something for everyone.

In 3 days, you’ll have enough time to experience the nightlife, enjoy a boat ride through the meandering canals, take a peek inside the museums, and have your fair share of sampling their famous stroopwafels.

✔️ Day 1 : Canal Boat Tour & Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum ✔️ Day 2 : Free Walking Tour of the City & Explore the Neighborhoods (Amsterdam Center, Jordaan, De Pijp, De Wallen) ✔️ Day 3 : Bloemenmarkt & Waterlooplein Flea Market

Free walking tours meet almost daily in Amsterdam and are typically organized by the local hostels. Just pop into one and see if they have any available that day, or even better, create your own with a local map!

One Week in France

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France offers some of the most beautiful landscapes, incredible wine and cuisine, and famous attractions in all of Europe. It would be impossible to see everything there is to see in one week, but you’ll still get to experience France’s genuine culture and unique flair!

✔️ Day 1 : Arrive in Chamonix, France & Stroll the Town ✔️ Day 2 : Paragliding in Chamonix or Bus to Annecy ✔️ Day 3 : Annecy & Le Palais de I’Île & Lake Annecy Boat Ride ✔️ Day 4 : Day Trip to Talloires. Explore the town and go for a Hike Overlooking Lake Annecy ✔️ Day 5 : Train from Annecy to Paris & Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe ✔️ Day 6 : Notre Dame Cathedral & Le Louvre & Musée d’Orsay ✔️ Day 7 : Shopping on Champs-Élysées & Return Home

If you only have one week in France, you could easily spend the entirety of it in Paris, or you can venture out and see another small region. My favorite region in France is the Haute Savoie region which is absolutely beaming with charm and beauty.

It’s easily accessible by flying into Geneva, Switzerland and taking an hour-long bus ride or by arriving in Annecy by train and taking a bus to Chamonix. I do suggest starting with Chamonix and then heading to Annecy since you’ll need to go through Annecy to go up to Paris anyway and it will save you a bus ride.

As one of the most stunning regions in all of Europe and just a few hours from Paris, I highly recommend squeezing in a few days in these incredible towns!

2 Weeks in Spain and Portugal

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Spain and Portugal are a classic European itinerary combination that work very well together. With similar climates and activities, you won’t have a hard time packing and furthermore, they are both simply amazing.

One of my favorite backpacking trips in Europe was bouncing between Portugal and Spain, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

With daily departures via both train and plane between the two, setting up this itinerary is a cinch! Both Spain and Portugal boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and are well known for their indescribable cuisine, hospitable people, and unique culture.

In just two weeks, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground and see some of the best sights these countries have to offer. I’ve created an itinerary below that encompasses beach days, hiking days, and sightseeing days.

If it’s your first time visiting Europe, I would suggest limiting the number of additional buses and trains you take to limit confusion. Also, check out my Greatest Tips for Traveling to Europe for the First Time !

✔️ Day 1 : Arrive in Barcelona & Arc de Triomf & La Sagrada Familia ✔️ Day 2 : Park Güell & Las Ramblas Street ✔️ Day 3 : Gothic Quarter & Barcelona Cathedral ✔️ Day 4 : Train to Valencia & Beach Day ✔️ Day 5 : Central Market & Valencia Cathedral ✔️ Day 6 : Train to Seville & Plaza de España ✔️ Day 7 : Royal Alcázar of Seville & Seville Cathedral ✔️ Day 8 : Train to Faro, Portugal & Sightseeing ✔️ Day 9 : Beach Day ✔️ Day 10 : Train to Lagos & Cave Kayaking ✔️ Day 11 : Beach Day ✔️ Day 12 : Train to Lisbon & Sightseeing ✔️ Day 13 : Day Trip to Cascais & Estoril. Cabo da Roca & Boca do Inferno ✔️ Day 14 : Day Trip to Sintra & Sintra Castle & Short Hike in the Park ✔️ Day 15 : Train to Lisbon and Return Home

This is my ultimate Spain and Portugal trip, but do your research and make some changes depending on if you want even more beach days or if you’d like to spend more time hiking! Spain is known for its mighty northern mountain ranges and Portugal’s Porto is packed with culture.

If you do decide to visit Cascais, be sure to check out the 10 Best Beaches in Cascais . Traveling on a budget but still want to visit Barcelona? Here are my top 25 Best Free Things to do in Barcelona !

Europe Trip Planner Map

Take a glance at this map to gauge the proximity of the countries you wish to explore. This will aid in your determination of whether to add or remove destinations, modify your travel route, and more!

FAQ: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

How do i organize my trip to europe.

Most people don't know how to plan a trip to Europe, which is why I've created a step-by-step process to help you get through the process with ease

Let’s face it, organizing a trip to Europe is a daunting task, to say the least. There is SO much to consider! Even just thinking about which countries to visit is a very hard choice, especially if you’re like me and enjoying everything from the mountains to the beaches and city life.

But, if you break the process down into more manageable steps, you’ll be far less likely to stress yourself out.

First, think about your priorities and make a list. The top of the list should be inclusive of your must-do’s and your must-see’s, while the bottom of the list will encompass everything that would be an added perk – great if it happens but not a problem if it doesn’t, so to speak.

From there, you’ll be able to identify which destinations are your top priority and you’ll have the information you need to organize a time- and cost-efficient trip to Europe!

Simply keep an eye on your budget and your time allowance to ensure you stay within your personal limitations.

How Far in Advance to Plan a Trip to Europe?

If you're wondering how to plan a trip to Europe and book your trip in advance, we have several good tips for you

Since we want you to follow the step-by-step process that we’ve laid out for you above, you’ll want to start planning your trip to Europe up to a year in advance. Any longer than that and accommodations can close down, travel requirements may change, and so forth.

When it comes to actually booking your trip, you can often find the best deals the further in advance you book for international travel. If you’re flying domestically or are coming from within Europe, this isn’t always the case.

✔️ Pro Tip: If you’re coming from outside of Europe, then I would recommend booking your flights as soon as you know your travel dates. The earlier the better. But, if you’re already in Europe, then 4-6 weeks before your travel date is usually the cheapest time to book.

How Do I Plan a 7 Day Trip to Europe?

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There are several options available if you’re planning a trip to Europe for 1 week, depending on the destinations you wish to see. To begin, decide on the countries or cities you would like to visit and then research different transportation options.

Flying is usually the most convenient method of travel, but rail and bus services can also be used. Once you’ve figured out your transportation, start looking into accommodation options in each city or country, as well as the cost of food and drinks.

It would be wise to compile a list of activities that you want to do during each day of your trip too. Take note of any attractions that you’d like to see, as well as restaurants or cafes you want to visit.

Having this information in advance will help you plan out your day-to-day activities much more efficiently. Consider whether a tour guide would be beneficial, particularly if it’s your first time visiting the area.

Be sure to take the time to look up local customs, laws and regulations. Depending on the country or city you’re visiting, certain cultural norms may be quite different from what you are used to. Additionally, make sure that you have appropriate travel documentation like visas and passport stamps where necessary.

It may sound daunting at first, but with a bit of research and organization, planning a seven day trip to Europe can be an exciting and rewarding experience! Good luck!

How to Plan a 15 Day Trip to Europe?

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Wondering how to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks? Fortunately, it’s pretty much the exact same process as planning a trip to Europe for 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 1 week, or 2 days.

You’ll still need to prioritize your activities and destinations before creating the itinerary itself. First, start with your budget and your time allowance, From there, figure out what you want to do and where you want to go.

Once you’ve done all that, start researching efficient travel methods (i.e. flights, trains, etc.) and planning your route. To save money, take a look at the best departure and arrival days for flights and ensure you have an accommodation for every night of your stay.

Planning a 15-day trip to Europe is relatively simple, but you’ll want to focus on time and cost efficiency. Avoid flying from Paris to Vienna then going back to Barcelona. I use Google Maps to ensure my routes are as efficient as possible, which is why I’ve included a map in this post.

What is the Cheapest Month to Travel to Europe?

Figuring out how to plan a trip to Europe is quite simple once you know your travel style

Most newbies heading to Europe have heard the same rumors time and time again… Europe is expensive !

And while these rumors aren’t wrong per se, there are a lot of gray areas here. Each country in Europe (there are over 40 of them) has an entirely different cost of living. Visiting France in July is going to cost a lot more than visiting Portugal in July.

With that being said, the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through October are the cheapest months to travel to Europe .

This is when most countries experience a decrease in tourism due to less desirable weather, a general lack of events or festivals going on, and it’s outside of the holiday season when Christmas markets are thriving.

With the decrease in tourism, flight costs significantly drop, tour agencies and hotels drop their rates, and even food prices go down. You can also find great deals on train travel between European countries!

In our experience, the shoulder season months are by far the cheapest time to visit Europe as a whole, but you’ll want to do some extra research on your particular destination if you’re on a tight budget.

How Much Money Do You Need to Travel Europe Comfortably?

If you want to know how to plan a trip to Europe on a budget, follow these steps

The average cost of a European vacation is going to vary drastically depending on several factors.

First, the countries that you visit will make all the difference . Portugal can be visited on a very tight college budget whereas Switzerland is often rated as the most expensive country in the world with budget options being few and far between.

Second, how long your trip is will make a big difference, as well. If a one week European vacation roughly costs you a few thousand dollars, then a two week European vacation will roughly cost 1.5x-1.75x as much.

Flights typically won’t change too much from the same destinations over the course of one week (day of the week will make prices vary greatly, however).

Lastly, your travel style is a big contender in determining the cost of your European vacation.

Depending on if you prefer budget or luxurious accommodations, don’t mind eating at food trucks or prefer sit-down restaurants, or are content with self-guided walking tours over full-day guided private tours, the cost of your trip will vary a lot .

So, to travel Europe comfortably, you’ll want to research the average cost of food, lodging, transportation, activities, and so forth in your preferred destination.

With this information, you’ll be able to create an informed estimate of how much money you should bring to comfortably travel to your European destination!

✔️ Pro Tip: There is no way to give an accurate average since these factors will drastically alter the cost of your vacation, but if you’re someone who likes numbers then be sure to take a peek at my article on tips for traveling to Europe for the first time .

Is $2000 Enough for a Europe Trip?

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Absolutely, $2000 can be enough for a Europe trip, but it entirely depends on your travel style. If you’re a backpacker who doesn’t mind staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transportation, you could possibly spend even less!

However, if you prefer a bit more comfort and luxury, you might need to increase your budget.

How Much Should I Budget for a 3 Week Trip to Europe?

For a 3-week trip to Europe, your budget will largely depend on your personal preferences, travel style, the season, and the countries you plan to visit. On a shoestring budget, you might be able to pull it off with around $1800 – $2500, which will cover basic accommodation in hostels, cheap meals, public transportation, and modest entertainment.

If you prefer mid-range accommodations like budget hotels or Airbnbs, expect to spend somewhere between $2500 – $4500. This budget will also afford you the occasional nice meal and entrance to more attractions.

For a luxury experience, with high-end hotels, meals at top-notch restaurants, and private tours, expect to spend at least $6000 or more.

Remember, these are rough estimates and your actual spending might be different. The key is to plan ahead and keep track of your spending so that you know where your money is going.

Where Should I Go in Europe for the First Time?

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If this is your first trip to Europe, there are endless options for countries and European itineraries to choose from. Most common beginner trips to Europe begin in popular destinations such as London or Paris, which are great starting points.

However, if you already know you’re going to enjoy getting a little bit more off the beaten path, then I would recommend considering the options of less popular destinations like Budapest , Chamonix , Berlin , or Prague .

Even if you prefer to get out of the cities and explore more of the rural towns, these are great starting points to do so!

If you’re visiting Europe for the first time, be sure to check out my post on everything you need to know about traveling to Europe for the first time at the bottom of this post!

How to Plan a Trip to Europe on a Budget

my trip eu

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Europe on a budget, I’ve got some great tips to help! I actually backpacked across 4 countries in Europe when I was just 20 years old, so I picked up a thing or two about how to see some of the world’s most beautiful countries on a tight budget.

✔️ First, don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t visit expensive countries on a budget.

Of course, it will cost you more overall to visit a place with a higher cost of living, but you can always find cheap accommodations and travel arrangements.

You can also get a more in-depth guide on how I continue to travel Europe on a budget by entering your name and email in the guide at the end of this section!

✔️ Book Cheap Accommodations

So, keep an eye out for deals on accommodations. Hostels and Airbnb’s are very popular across Europe, so you can easily save hundreds of dollars just by booking one of these over a hotel.

You can also use websites like CouchSurfing to find cheap and even free places to stay. For the most part, this website is safe, however, you will always need to use your best judgment when staying with strangers.

Long-term accommodations like condos and apartments are often cheaper when booked on a weekly basis in comparison to nightly rates, as well.

✔️ Be Mindful of Where You Eat

Second, opt for buying food at local supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and food trucks . In Europe, the food quality is almost always superb, so there’s no need to always sit down at nice restaurants when the food is top-notch everywhere you go.

✔️ Be Your Own Guide

Also, create your own walking tour of the city or join a free one. Guided tours are fantastic if you have room in your budget, but if you don’t, then consider researching where the guided tours go with their guests then get yourself there on your own!

Usually, everything in Europe is reachable via walking, biking, or the metro, so there’s no reason to exclude an activity simply because you aren’t joining a tour.

✔️ Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Lastly, buy full-day or one-week metro passes when exploring a city . This is a far cheaper option than booking numerous single journeys.

Also, take the Eurail to get between countries ! Train travel is one of the best ways to score super cheap rates between major capital cities and even smaller, more rural towns.

The train is almost always cheaper than flying, though sometimes it will take 5x as long to get there.

Depending on how much room your budget has, be sure to research the difference in cost and travel time between flying and taking the train when creating your Europe itinerary.

How to Plan a Trip to Europe for 10 Days, 2 Weeks, 3 Weeks, or One Month

If you're wondering how to plan a trip to Europe for 10 days, take a look at the step-by-step process I've created for you

Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe for 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or even one month, you’re going to follow the same steps that I have laid out above.

You’ll still need to determine your travel style, decide on your budget, and consider all of your options and what you want to include in your itinerary.

It’s also important to mention that if you’re traveling with other people, you’ll want to make sure that you take their thoughts and preferences into consideration, as well.

As a general guideline, you’ll need to remember that if you stay in Europe longer, then you’ll need to plan out more accommodations, trains, buses, and meals. That is, if you plan on moving around.

If you simply plan on picking one country and only moving to a new accommodation once a week or so, you’ll have very little extra planning to do.

So, depending on how much you know about how to plan a trip to Europe and how to get around Europe on your own, you may want to limit how much moving around you do.

What to Pack for Europe

Once you know how to plan a trip to Europe, you can start packing appropriately

Almost there!!

You’ve booked your trip, prepped your house, taken care of your pets, and now all that’s left is just packing your suitcase. However, figuring out how to pack for a trip to Europe can actually be harder than figuring out how to plan a trip to Europe. But, I’m here to help!

Europe has countries that hit every climate zone during every season of the year. If you are only visiting one country, you’ll have a much easier time packing than if you are traveling between multiple destinations, but you’ll still need a broad range of clothing to be comfortable.

Before throwing your entire wardrobe in your suitcase, check the weather of your destination(s). Plan out your outfits ahead of time, neatly fold and roll them up into small cylinders, and pack them into your packing cubes .

If you don’t have packing cubes yet, be sure to check out my article on the Top Things You Must Include On Your Europe Travel Essentials List !

✔️ First things first…always, always, always, pack a rain jacket .

No matter what. Even if there is no chance of rain, pack one anyway. Due to the vast coastline and sky-high mountain ranges in Europe, the weather can change drastically in just a few hours.

One minute you can be soaking up the sun on Barceloneta Beach and the next you could be running to the nearest restaurant to escape a rogue thunderstorm.

✔️ Next, be absolutely sure to pack comfortable and supportive walking shoes

You’re going to be walking over uneven cobblestoned streets and putting a lot of miles on your feet (especially if you’re traveling on a budget!)

Bring along a nice pair of shoes for when you want to go out and look nice, but good walking shoes are essential for a pleasant trip.

✔️ Bring layers

In addition to the weather shifting frequently, the temperature also drops vastly at night. Even in the summer when you’re expecting to walk around in your bathing suit at the beach all day, you should expect low temperatures in the 60s once the sun starts going down.

This means you’ll most likely be comfortable in pants and a light sweater, rather than a bikini.

✔️ Lastly, don’t overpack !

I can’t express this one enough. Traveling is a little bit of a hassle anyway, so lugging around extra items with you across multiple countries is just going to cause frustration.

Plan your outfits ahead of time and add a rain jacket, your shoes (2 pairs maximum if you’re going for a week or less), and an extra warming layer or two and you’re good to go.

How To Travel Around Europe On A Budget

With just pennies to my name, I figured out how to travel to some of the most expensive countries in Europe! ​ ​

Get my simple 5-step guide on how I have saved thousands on European travel by subscribing below.

Hint : You won’t be staying in hostels!

my trip eu

Learning how to plan a trip to Europe is no easy feat, so be sure to pat yourself on the back if you’ve followed my steps and were successful in booking a trip! Europe is so full of wonder and magic, it’s not hard to see why so many people fall in love with it.

Each and every country has so much diversity and a multitude of sights and adventures to offer, you really can’t go wrong.

So now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe, be sure to teach your friends and family! Plan a friend’s trip, a family trip, or even a romantic getaway for your parents’ anniversary. Whatever the occasion, Europe is always a good idea!

Other Helpful Resources for Europe

✔️ The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 101 Experiences to Have in Europe ✔️ Packing List for Europe in Winter: A Full Country by Country Guide ✔️ Minimalist Packing List for Females Traveling to Europe ✔️ 5 Things You Must Include on Your Travel Essentials List ✔️ Backpacking Europe Routes for 2 Weeks: Routes & Tips ✔️ European Honeymoon Itinerary: 9 Incredible Options for 1 Week, 2 Weeks, + 1 Month ✔️ 30+ Best Places to Visit in Europe in December ✔️ 73 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January 2024 ✔️ 25 Best Places in Europe for New Years Celebrations ✔️ 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in March 2024 ✔️ 30+ BEST Places to Visit in Europe in April 2024 ✔️ Is Azerbaijan in Europe? The Facts for 2024 ✔️ Is Norway in Europe? Norway & the EEA EFTA States ✔️ Is Denmark in Europe? The EU, the Danish Krone, & Its Territories Explained

Now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe , start planning your next trip abroad!

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Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

my trip eu

10 Ultimate Tips to Know for your Europe Travel in 2022

by Madhumitha Viswanath | Oct 1, 2022 | Europe , Travel Tips

Explore the medieval castles in Najac, France, it is one of the hidden gems in France

Traveling through the the many layers of Europe will be the adventure of your lifetime if you have these hacks under your belt. From money and banking tips to recent Covid-19 restrictions in Europe, we got you covered!

1. Get in Touch with your Sim Provider

Every traveler’s nightmare is to find a large phone bill waiting for them post-vacation. To avoid this predicament, get in touch with your sim provider as soon as you starting making plans for your Europe travel.

But know that international data roaming can get very, very expensive. An easier and cheaper alternate would be a prepaid multi-country sim that you can buy online or locally in Europe.

You can get one that covers the entire EU or country specific ones like Mamma Mia prepaid for Italy, Bonbon prepaid for France or Guay prepaid for Spain. 

The Holiday Europe SIM Card and the Holiday Europe eSIM Card from Orange ; Eurolink ’s Prepaid Regional eSIM and Cellhire prepaid sim card are some reliable options. These work in more 35 countries in the Schengen area on affordable rates.

2. Overcome Jet lag by Switching to European Local Time

Knowing how to overcome jetlag is one of the essential tips for traveling to Europe

Jet lag has the power to make you regret planning a vacation altogether. It makes you tired, irritable and puts a big, wet blanket on your adventurous spirit. But there are some very simple remedies to avoid this. Follow these to get your energetic self back in three to four days.

Jet lag travel tips for Europe:

  • Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine or energy drinks before and during your flight. These dehydrate you and messes with your sleeping pattern. 
  • Change your routine and sleeping time to match the local time in Europe two days before you start traveling. 
  • Try not to sleep during the entire flying time. Once you arrive in Europe, power through your fatigue and hit the sack only at bedtime. Resist the temptation to sleep in the day.
  • Stretch your legs in connecting airports and drink lots of water. These will help in reducing muscle cramps and body pain.

3. Money and Banking Tips for your Europe Travel

Make your europe trave 2022l easy by knowing about international exchange rates and banking tips

Informing your bank about your Europe travel trip in advance is as crucial as booking flight tickets. This must be the top task on your checklist. Get a list of their international partner banks to withdraw cash in Europe with the cheapest ATM charges. 

Always travel with a mix of payment options like hard cash, coins, debit and credit cards. In European countries like Germany and Austria, especially in smaller towns, cash rules.

As an international tourist traveling from US or Asia , always remember to pay in local currency only. Even while swiping your card, always go for this option. This way you can avoid paying exorbitant exchange rates. 

Keep in mind that only 19 out of 51 European countries use the Euro as their currency. So, make it a habit to withdraw cash from local ATMs after reaching your destination.

Here is some tourist banking tips from finance experts in Forbes for further reading.

4. Plan Itinerary with Hidden gems and Cliches

Going on a romantic boat ride in Venice, Italy is one of the popular  things to do in europe

Plan your next EU travel trip with healthy doses of both hidden gems and cliches. Sometimes, it is totally worth it to follow in the footsteps of typical tourists. But you can balance it out by renting a car to travel through Europe’s off-the-beat destinations. 

The Eiffel Tower experience in Paris; a cable car ride over the Swiss Alps; a romantic boat ride through the canals of Venice ; or a trip to the Stonehedge in Britain are cliches for a reason which shouldn’t be missed!

Brainstorm the best places to see in Europe with the help of JoinMytrip’s collection of blogs on Europe . Take a look at our handpicked top 10 hidden gems in Europe and must-see places for more information. 

If you feel pressured to make a thorough itinerary, plan your next Europe travel trip with JoinMyTrip. Leave the responsibility of planning and creating itineraries to our experienced and knowledgeable Trip Leaders. Explore the treasures of Europe with a travel buddy and share memories. 

5. Get all documents ready for EU Schengen area travel

If you an American traveling to Europe, or an Indian or an Australian, irrespective of you nationality, check all your travel documents ASAP. Valid visas, passport with enough pages, and travel insurance are some basics to look at first.

Europe is a massive continent with more 40 countries which have different visa requirements. If you are an US citizen , look at Department of State’s visa norms for EU. People from other countries should look at country-vice regulations put down by the European Union .

Alternatively, you can take the help of private websites like ivisa and Schengenvisainfo to see the list of travel documents and other important paperwork to get done. 

6. Travel by Public Transport with Affordable Tourist Passes

my trip eu

One the easiest and most hassle-free ways for traveling in Europe is by using their public transport system. They are well-connected, reliable and made easy to access for tourists. 

Look for train and bus passes designed specially for tourists. These will save you a ton of money and time while navigating through Europe’s endless landscapes. 

Traveling by train is the most efficient way to see the best destinations in Europe. There are intercity, international, local, high-speed and scenic route trains. Take a look at Eurail Global pass for this. Each country in Europe has its own national services, check these out for intra country train travel. 

See Europe’s stunning mountain scenery surrounded by beautiful lakes by taking scenic train routes specially curated for sightseeing. 

For shorter journeys, consider taking the bus. FlixBus , Regiojet and Omio are some popular options to check out. 

7. Book Everything in Advance

From train and bus tickets to museum and restaurants, reserve, reserve, reserve! Europeans love to plan ahead and resent last minute scheduling. Hence, if you are planning to travel to Europe soon, book everything in advance. 

This will make your Europe travel trip bereft of confusion and missed opportunities. From canal rides in Amsterdam to cable car services in the French Alps, everything can be booked online. 

Tip: Most shops and services shut their doors from 2pm-5pm in countries like Spain, France, Portugal for an afternoon Siesta. And all shops in Germany and parts of Austria are shut on Sundays and public holidays. Hence, read up and plan accordingly. 

8. Go on Free Walking Tours to Explore Europe like a Local

Traveling to Europe in 2022? Participate in free walking tours in Europe to see the best places in Europe

Europe is teeming with World War era heritage buildings, churches with grandiose architecture, cobbled streets lined with canals and more. And you can immerse yourself in this beauty by going on free walking tours in each city in Europe. 

There are many companies conducting such events and you can find tours focused on food, history, nightlife, architecture and more.

But these tours are not completely free. It is a common practice to tip your local guide around €5 to €20. Some popular companies offering such free tours are Walkative , and Sandeman’s New Europe . 

9. Most Public Toilets are Paid 

Yes you heard that right! If you a US citizen traveling to Europe, this might come as a shock to you. Most countries in Europe have a paid public toilet system to ensure hygiene and cleanliness. 

You will be able to find a toilet almost anywhere in Europe, but you will have to pay to use them. In bigger cities, you can even swipe your card to pay the fee (50 cents to €2).

But in smaller towns and cities, the system only accepts coins. So make sure to always carry some change. 

10. Covid-19 restrictions to know for your Europe travel

Is it safe to travel to Europe? Are there any Covid restrictions for Europe travel? Can americans travel to europe now? YES, you can.

Is it safe to travel to Europe? Are there any Covid restrictions for Europe travel? Do you need to be vaccinated to travel to Europe? These are the most common questions posed by travelers planning to visit Europe in 2022. And the answer is yes and yes! 

Most countries part of the European Union have lifted all remaining Covid-19 restrictions for tourists and travelers coming from non-EU countries. This includes showing proof for vaccination. 

Such countries include Luxembourg , Netherlands, France, Malta, Portugal, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, Belgium, Albania, Austria, Croatia, Finland, and Greece. 

You can get further updates about Covid-19 rules and vaccination norms in Europe on the Re-Open EU platform. You can also follow Euro News Travel and Deutsch Welle for regular updates on this issue.

Travel to Europe safely in 2022 with JoinMyTrip!

Let our expert TripLeaders guide your through the stunning destinations of Europe. Travel in a group without worry with other like-minded, adventurous Travel Buddies .

Make memories and friends to last a lifetime with our help. Find out how you can become a TripMate with JoinMyTrip.

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Helene in Between

Helene in Between

Lifestyle and Travel blog helping Bloggers Succeed Online.

How to Plan a Trip to Europe: The Ultimate Guide

By Helene Sula

So, you want to plan a trip Europe? Then let’s figure out how to make that dream trip of a lifetime a reality! You’ll have to plan to get there and you'll need an itinerary. Find flights, pick a destination, things to do, budget, and discover all it has to offer. So, I’m going to teach you how. Whether this is your first time to Europe or you're a seasoned traveler, this post will help you plan the perfect trip to Europe!

my trip eu

This ultimate guide is coming from one of the best European trip planners I know: my husband Michael. Michael has planned hundreds (yes, really!) of trips in Europe. And he's so good at it I let him take the reins when it comes to planning our travel. He researches like crazy, knows what sites help you plan, and ultimately makes sure our trips are a great mix of exploration, city sightseeing, food, and fun.

I'll admit it: Europe is my favorite place to travel. It has exquisite beauty, history, and it's relativity easy to travel. It also fits almost any budget. But it can be daunting to create a Europe itinerary. So this comprehensive guide will make your European trip planning process a breeze.

I'm so thrilled to finally be sharing his detailed strategy to ensure your trips to Europe, whether it's your first time or you're a veteran traveler, are perfect. We collaborated on this post to bring you the ULTIMATE guide to planning a trip to Europe.

Some of you may know that Helene and I have been planning trips to Europe for almost 10 years. That majority of the trips we took while living in Europe over the last 3 years were planned by me, Michael. With hundreds of flights, hotels, and destinations visited, I’d like to think I learned a thing or two along the way to share with you.

You might be thinking, “That’s all well and grand, but I don’t have the money or time to make a trip overseas.” Well, guess what? Those are the same two excuses we hear from everyone else. The short answer is that when experiencing the cultural and natural wonders of another continent become enough of a priority to you, you’ll prioritize it. Of course I’ll be sharing ways to minimize the time and financial barriers to your dream trip. You can find a trip that fits within your schedule and budget, I promise.

We’ll look at flights and accommodation first since those are the gorillas in the room. Then we’ll get to the really fun stuff like organizing an itinerary and transportation once you arrive in the magical Old World. We'll also look at how to pack, the best apps, budgeting, picking a destination, finding flights, planning things to do, eating, how to find the best hotels, and a few itineraries that might inspire you. Buckle up, this is a detailed post that will help you achieve the absolute best European trip!

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How to pick destinations, picking a destination in europe, flight search engines, flight clubs, accommodation, planning a european itinerary, booking tours, getting around europe.

  • Pack Your Bag

Once You're In Your Destination

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Not sure where to travel? Take the quiz to see what would suit you best!

First up, you need a passport if you're not traveling from within the EU. If you don't have one, it can take four to six weeks to get one, so make sure you do this ahead of time. You will need this passport when you check in for your flight.

If you already have a passport double check the name (Helene actually had this problem ! We were just married and she forgot her married name was different from her unchanged passport.)

You also need a valid driver's license and in some countries in Europe you need an international driver's license to be able to drive in their country. More on this in the “Getting Around Europe” section below.

Generally speaking, I like to combine big cities with a break in nature along the way. Even if you’re not usually an outdoors person, do consider finding a special retreat somewhere in the trip. European cities are very dense compared to most of ours, and all that hustle and bustle deserves a bit of a break. Plus there are some really phenomenal beaches, canyons, river valleys, etc. in Europe and due to the density of Europe you will rarely find a destination where you’re overwhelmed by the remoteness of it. There are cute little villages all over the land!

my trip eu

To determine your destinations or flush out the finer details of your itinerary, you’ll need information resources. I like to think I know of a pretty good blog where you can find thorough information on a wide range of European destinations, but that being said if things like modern art museums or the underground industrial rock music scene are your favorites we probably don’t have a lot of information for you. And that’s OK! You may need to review multiple sources if there are specific things you’re really interested in.

For example, we really enjoy the Rick Steves information because he provides an excellent blend of history, culture, and food. One area he doesn’t feature a lot is the outdoors. His audience is predominantly older and not as active on vacation as we are, so we look elsewhere for this information. Komoot is a wonderful resource I discovered while living overseas for recommendations and detailed maps of hiking and biking trails.

my trip eu

I make a map on my phone with important landmarks, restaurants, things to do, and see and color code it. So landmarks and sights are blue, restaurants are red, our accommodation is purple, etc. This helps ensure that even when we're walking around we won't miss anything.

my trip eu

If you're wanting detailed itineraries for places in Europe, on this blog we have tons mapped out for you !

Dive in! Learning about the new country you’ll be visiting is half of the fun. 

This section will help you decide where to pick, what's reasonable for a trip to Europe, and how to make the most of your time – even when you have limited vacation time.

A great way to start picking your destination(s) is by deciding how much time you can spend overseas. Is a 4 day weekend worth the expense and flight time? Given the right flight price, I think so! Most flights to Europe will leave in the afternoon/evening meaning you can leave Thursday evening and arrive in Europe Friday morning. I know people who have done this for festivals such as Oktoberfest . Given the much lower price of ski rentals and lift tickets a weekend trip to the Alps could be a reasonable alternative to the Rockies. With this short of an itinerary I would stick to one major destination. 

my trip eu

More ideal to me is how we started traveling with 10 day trips while working full time corporate jobs. Taking one week off plus one extra Friday or Monday gives you plenty of time to see 2-3 major destinations. Taking the extra day helps with flight prices and really does seem to make the trip that much longer when you have two full weekends abroad. Taking advantage of company holidays is another great way to lengthen your trip when you don’t have a ton of time off to spare.

We are often asked our favorite apps for planning travel, or when we're at the destination and we have a post on our top 15 travel apps you might find useful!

My first trip abroad was in 2005, and I paid around $900 for my flight. In 2023 I’d be disappointed with that. With more carriers and flights between continents than ever competition has brought prices down. I regularly hear of people booking flights overseas for $300-600. I also regularly hear about people buying shoes for this price, so again you’ll have to decide on your priorities if you want to travel abroad. These kinds of deals won’t find you, so how do we find them?

my trip eu

Pick a flight s i te you like and stick with it. At least until they start to do something you can’t stand. For instance I used to use Momondo since they seemed to search the most carriers. That is until they started posting flights that were too good to be true and turned out to be just that when you actually tried to book them. This was a few years ago so hopefully they’ve fixed this glitch since then.

Learn all about your chosen site’s wonderful features, but also know its limitations. For instance I like to use Skyscanner , I’ll explain why in a bit, but they won’t search for Southwest Airlines. This is not uncommon (it’s probably one of the ways SW keeps their fares down), and maybe not that crucial when planning a flight to Europe, but you get the idea. I don’t know of any carriers that fly between continents that aren’t featured on Skyscanner, but if you do, please let us know in the comments and I’ll be sure to amend this article. 

my trip eu

A few of the things I like about Skyscanner revolve around its search flexibility. Flexibility is a keyword in saving money. This can be seen in at least three ways: your flight dates, flight destinations and departure and arrival airports. Skyscanner lets you search keeping all of these things flexible. The more flexible you are with your dates the cheaper you’ll be able to find the same flight. You’ll be able to take advantage of sales as they come up and you’ll have longer to look for deals. If you have a particular destination in mind you can search by cheapest month to fly there. Helene goes into detail on Skyscanner and more on this post: how to book cheap flights .

For many of us our schedule is pretty set. Luckily with Skyscanner you can enter specific dates and search for the cheapest destination for that date. That may seem like a wild idea, but I promise you there are so MANY destinations in Europe worth visiting and I just know once you take your first trip you’ll be going back again for more. 

Finally, you can search Skyscanner by simply looking at the map. Once you get to Europe, inter-country flights are less than interstate flights in the US. I’m talking less than $100 round trip most times. If there’s somewhere in particular you really want to go, but you just can’t find cheap flights on the dates you have to fly try checking the prices to another destination in Europe and booking a connecting flight. Sometimes the search engines handle this well, but for intercontinental flights they don’t always so this strategy may take a bit more leg work.

Flexibility also applies for the departure airport as well. I know of a couple who flew to Munich during Oktoberfest for $600 round trip because they flew direct from Austin instead of Dallas. It was a new flight path the carrier was trying to promote.

We'll also use Google Flights to do any additional searches on flights.

Hopefully this mostly female audience will get this movie quote, but the first rule about flight clubs is you don’t talk about flight clubs. It’s true. Sometimes people feel they put so much time and effort into finding cheap flights that they want to hide them from others. Usually behind a paywall. Well guess what? Paying a $50 annual fee may seem like a waste when you don’t even know for certain you’ll be taking a trip, but when you save several hundred dollars on your first flight that suddenly seems like a great return on investment. Scott’s Cheap Flights is one example of this although there are others, and they can save you a ton of money.

Once, Helene's Mom scored a round trip flight from Dallas to Rome for under $400 through Scott's ! Just remember there is a membership fee and she has a flexible schedule.

my trip eu

Finally, as a general rule, intercontinental direct flights are more expensive than flights with layovers. When we first started traveling we were more picky about our destinations and had the saying, “Time is money” so we were willing to pay a little more to have more time in our destination and less time in the air. One way around this is by booking a long layover at an airport you would consider to be a destination and then leaving the airport to explore before continuing on.

So now that you’ve got the flight booked, where are you going to stay?

Once we were traveling with a friend in a new country, and after finishing a leisurely breakfast around 10:00 we were more than ready to see the sights. Upon suggesting this, our friend looked at us perplexed and said, “But checkout isn’t until 11:00!” Are you the type to lounge around the hotel enjoying every minute of your stay, or one who arrives 15 minutes before bed and is gone 15 minutes after waking up? You should know before you book and splurge or save accordingly. Accommodation, along with airfare, can be one the top expenses of your trip, or you can save more of your budget for dining, guided tours, museums, etc. 

In a world of AirBnbs this may seem like a short conversation, but I’m here to say that it’s actually not my preferred accommodation for Europe. I’ve stayed in some wonderful AirBnbs and will continue to do so on occasion, but on a continent that generally lacks the customer service Americans are used to these one off units can be a bit picky. Very restrictive check in and out hours, unclear cleaning responsibilities, a full key ring of keys to access your room, bathrooms the size of a shoebox, etc. That’s not to say hotels will have a 24 hour reception and whirlpool hot tubs because most won’t, but you can generally expect a more standardized experience.

A happy medium between an investor type AirBnb booking and a larger hotel can be the traditional bed and breakfast. Here you’ll relax in a more local fashion while still expecting professional service. 

my trip eu

For booking hotels in Europe I like to use Booking.com . I will often search Hostelworld as well. Yes, you can still stay in most hostels in your 30s, and in fact they can be a really fun way to meet fellow travelers. Most hostels also often offer private rooms in addition to the dorm rooms you may be thinking of.

I love Booking.com ’s advanced search capabilities. There are a few boxes I always tick off when trying to find a place in a new city. Booking.com uses a scale of 1-10 for their guest reviews and I always filter for 8.0 or higher. That may seem high, but due to the density of accommodating options you’ll still have an easy time finding well priced places. Next, check the box for en suite AKA a bathroom in your room. It’s common especially at lower price points to have a shared bathroom. That might be fine for the fellas, but I’m sure more ladies will appreciate their own private bath. Finally, depending on the time of year I also make sure I have an A/C in the room. Accommodation is somewhere I think you have room to save a little, but not to the point where you start to sacrifice your sleep because that will negatively impact your trip too.

You can see how to get the best hotel deals in Europe in this detailed guide , also here, I list out some of my favorite hotels in Europe .

Take the quiz to see where to travel in Europe!

Deciding where to go might seem like one of the most daunting tasks of planning your trip, but as a reminder from earlier and to clear the stress from the air, relax! You’re going to end up somewhere wonderful and totally different from anywhere you’ve ever been before. There will be unique things that stand out with every destination, but I can honestly say in all the traveling I’ve done around Europe I was rarely disappointed.

my trip eu

We typically like to book tours and buy tickets ahead of time when we can. This helps save time and helps you skip the line. We like to use GetYourGuide to book excursions, find deals, and skip the line. Life is too short to wait in super long lines. This was an especially important part of our Southern Spain trip . There were lines nearly everywhere! Luckily, we booked ahead.

After you’ve made the long flight overseas and landed in the Old World, getting around the continent becomes much easier. There are more planes, trains, ferries, and automobiles than you can imagine. This makes traveling much easier and affordable. I’ll start by recommending something that may come as a bit of a surprise. Renting a car is a great way to get around Europe. Yes driving there is a bit more challenging than in the States (more pedestrians, trams, bicycles, etc. to keep your eyes on), but even on the wrong side of the road 😉 in the UK or in Italian cities without lanes, it’s not so difficult to make it not worthwhile. Car travel really shines when you’re seeing smaller destinations or want to experience more natural wonders within a reasonable distance. Also, there isn’t that big of a surcharge for one way rentals. Meaning, you can pick up the car in one place and drop it off somewhere else.

my trip eu

Note: many European countries require an International Driving permit if you are not an EU citizen. Since we lived in Germany for 3 years and had a German residency, we didn't need this. But now, since we live in Texas, we would need one to drive. You can apply for them through AATA ( American Automobile Touring Alliance) and it typically costs between $15-$20.

Here are the countries that require US citizens have the International Driver's Permit: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain.

For big city to big city travel, you can’t beat the ease of train travel in Europe. Many of the trains are high speed and direct. There will likely be stops along the way, but you won’t have to change trains.

There’s superb public transportation in every medium to large size city in Europe. If you’re traveling in a small group, renting a car may still be a cheaper option, but you’ll likely get there much faster by train. If you’re really trying to be budget savvy you can also book an overnight sleeper car with a bunk bed to share the costs of travel and accommodation in one bill. While there is a security presence at train stations, there isn’t a formal security screening you’ll have to go through. That coupled with the fact major train stations are usually downtown as opposed to 30 minutes outside of town and you start to really make some more time for yourself in your destinations. Omio (formerly Go Euro) is the go-to place for booking your train tickets.

my trip eu

If you’re interested in seeing destinations on opposite sides of the continent, you’ll have to fly . But don’t worry, as flights are usually very affordable between countries. Be aware that some budget carriers, like those in the States, don’t come with anything extra (even water), but that’s really not such a big deal when most flights are so short. You can expect superior amenities on standard carriers than in the US including snacks with free beer and wine (on airlines like Lufthansa). Most airports will have a convenient public transportation option connecting you to the city.

Ferries come into play anytime you’re near the coast and provide a quick, comfortable, and adventurous method of traveling. You’ll get the feeling of being connected to the explorers of antiquity when gliding over the cobalt blue waters. There is generally a ferry booking site for each region of Europe. Opt for high speed ferries when you can for the obvious time savings, but also because they’re also generally more comfortable.

my trip eu

If you're spending the majority of your time in a big city (like London or Paris ) you'll most likely ride the underground or tram. This is a very convenient way to get around. It's easy to maneuver, I promise! Plus, if you get confused you can always ask for help. Or, if you go the wrong way (like we have) it's an excuse to see another area!).

my trip eu

It's almost time to go! If you're anything like me you pack your bag about 20 minutes before you're set to leave for the airport. But if you're more like Helene, you're more strategic about it. We always look at the weather and consider the length of time we'll be at the destination. We will wear our bulkier clothes and we ALWAYS carry on . Yes, even Helene manages to cram 2-3 weeks of clothes and accessories in a carry on bag.

my trip eu

I have a detailed packing list of things that I always bring with me on trips. I refer to this every time I'm packing up to make my packing seamless. Some of those things include:

  • Day pack with Camelback (for water)
  • Rain coat (you never know!)
  • Walking shoes
  • Caffeine pills (sometimes traveling can be tiring and this is cheaper and faster than stopping for coffee)
  • Train, Plane, etc tickets

I recommend carrying a good backpack that will hold up and stand the test of time. Helene loves her Osprey Porter backpack and has used it for years to carry all her stuff. It's great because it fits in the airplane overhead compartment and is also flexible to help add in any last minute additions to your packing list.

my trip eu

Helene has lots of posts detailing how she plans and packs her bag that you can find here:

How to Pack for a Long Trip in a Carry On *Most Helpful!

How to Pack for Winter in Europe

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Like a Travel Blogger

6 Travel Tips to Make Packing a Breeze

Best Makeup Travel + Hacks

Best Clothing For Travel No Matter the Season

What to Pack for Europe in the Fall

Now that you've planned your itinerary, made a map, and have settled into your accommodation, it's time to hit the ground running! We tend to leave our hotel and spend as much time in the destination as possible. Even when we lived in Europe, there's no guarantee you'll be back. So make the most of your time and spend it in the city or nature.

my trip eu

When you're traveling part of experiencing the culture is indulging in the food. In order for us to enjoy but save money (and time!) we eat out but also eat grocery store meals. Going out to eat in Europe can take hours, even for a more casual meal. I'll never forget one of our first trips in Belgium where we were squirming in our seats waiting hours for the bill. We were wanting to go explore!

Breakfast : if the hotel offers breakfast we'll eat there, or we'll grab something quick at a bakery on our way exploring.

Lunch : We like to eat lunch out to take a break or you can often find good deals during the day. We ate at a delicious Michelin star restaurant in Vienna, Austria that offers a terrific lunch deal. If not, we'll grab lunch from a grocery store. In England, one of our favorite things to pick up are meal deals.

my trip eu

Dinner : If we are still out and about, we might grab a lighter dinner. Or, if it's been a particularly long day, and we have a restaurant in mind, we will go eat at a restaurant. Sometimes we have groceries at our hotel, so we'll head back and have a leisurely dinner there. It's super handy if our restaurants are already mapped out so we can see what's close by. If it's a particularly “foodie” destination (like France ) we might eat most meals out. But there is something divine about grabbing some french bread, cheese, and wine and just enjoying the local fare.

Basically, we try to balance between eating out and going to restaurants. This helps us stay within the budget for our European trips.

One thing we ALWAYS do when visiting a city is to take a walking tour. We try and do this within our first few days. We feel like it gives you the greatest perspective and also is a wonderful way to get to know the city. Most major cities (and even smaller cities) offer free walking tours. There are 5 things we do every time we travel and this is far and away number one.

my trip eu

If we're in a city we like to go and see the top sights, check out the churches, go to a museum or two, and look to see what are the best things to do, along with seeking out any hidden gems. We try and write extremely detailed travel guides and itineraries and always include everything we do in our travel posts.

A big part of experiencing a location is walking around, getting lost, and finding your own path.

Let's review! This was a lot of information.

  • Get your documents in order
  • Pick a destination
  • Book flights
  • Book accommodations
  • Book any tickets or tours
  • Find your route/transportation
  • Map out everything

Here is a list of our favorite resources:

  • Skyscanner – booking cheap flights
  • Google Flights – another good place for searching for flights
  • Scott's Cheap Flights – a membership site for super crazy low flight deals
  • Booking – for hotel deals
  • Airbnb – alternative accommodation (if you've never booked before you'll get a discount when you click this link)
  • Hostelworld – for hostels
  • Sixt – car rental
  • Orbitz – car rental/ travel deals
  • Omio – train tickets
  • Komoot – app for mapping out hikes and walking routes
  • GetYourGuide – booking tours and tickets
  • 15 Best Travel Apps – our favorite apps for your phone
  • Rick Steves – Our Favorite travel blog
  • Best Hotels in Europe
  • How to Get Hotel Deals

Here are some of our favorite Europe Itineraries! I've listed out the days it took us to complete the trip, but know you can create your own ideal trip in more or less days! I've got 14 itineraries that you can use:

  • London & Paris in One Week
  • Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland in One Week
  • Amalfi Coast in 5 Days
  • 10 Days in Iceland
  • 10 Days in Rome, Florence, and Venice
  • One Week Ireland
  • 12 Days in Southern England
  • One Week Tuscany
  • Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, 7 Days in Scandinavia
  • One Week in Northern France
  • 5 Days in Rome
  • Northern Italy and French Riviera in 8 Days
  • Milan and Lake Como in 3 Days
  • One Week in the Austrian Alps

I hope this article helps break down some of the mental blocks you have about traveling to Europe, or provided you with some helpful hints for the ones ready to take the leap. We all have our own unique scheduling, financial, or other struggles in life that keep us from pursuing things like this, but somehow every year millions of us make it happen. Try something different! Make this trip a priority, plan to make it happen, and it will happen. You won’t always remember every night out at the same places in your home town, but I guarantee you’ll never forget the first time you enjoy a glass of wine under the Eiffel Tower! Bon Voyage!  

Not sure where to go?! Take the quiz:

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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The Globetrotting Teacher

Travel Tested Europe Travel Essentials: The Only Checklist You Need!

You’re planning a European trip and you need a Europe travel essentials checklist with all the travel-tested essentials for traveling to Europe so that you can have an amazing, stress-free trip. Well, good thing you landed exactly in this spot!

We all know planning a trip to Europe is a big deal and usually, it’s a bucket list travel goal getting checked off. The last thing anyone enjoys is the hassle of not having something they need!

The good news is I’ve traveled to Europe hundreds of times and along the way, I’ve made my fair share of Europe travel mistakes. But, they were all learning experiences! (Can you tell I’m a teacher?!)

So, I’ve put together everything I’ve learned in this ultimate guide of essentials for European travel so that you’re 10 steps ahead of the game before you even arrive at the airport.

Travel-Tested Europe Travel Essentials: The Only Checklist You Need!

5 Days in Portugal Itinerary Lisbon Tram

You can fill countless suitcases ( spoiler: don’t do this) with whatever and however much you want but without the right things for your trip, a potential headache can steal all the fun from seeing the Eiffel Tower or Rome’s Colosseum.

So, let’s skip the headache and build your European travel checklist the right way!

Essentials for Traveling to Europe: The Fundamentals

When planning a trip to Europe, there are European travel necessities that fall into a few categories. Some are absolute musts while others are more personal or for comfort.

Let’s start with the fundamentals. After all, it doesn’t matter if you’ve packed the perfect outfits if you can’t get past airport security.

Whether you’re heading to Italy , Iceland , or Spain don’t leave home without using this guide as your Europe packing list!

Obvious, but a total deal breaker if there’s an issue with yours. Be sure it’s in good condition with no visible damage. Also, check that it has at least 2 pages with no stamps and 6+ months until its expiration date. I always keep my passport and important documents in this protective cover , but also for my sanity so I always know where they are! This passport case is great if there are multiple passports to store.

Driver’s License

If you’re renting a car, you will need to show this to pick up your vehicle. But even if you’re not, it’s smart to have another official form of identification with your photo on it in case something happens to your passport.

Maps for Driving & Getting Around

If you’re driving in Europe, download Google Maps for the area(s) where you’ll be driving before leaving home. From the Google Maps app, click on your name or initial in the top right corner. Select “Offline Maps.” Then, click on “Select Your Own Map” at the top. Highlight the area(s) where you need a map and download it. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll be able to navigate in the car even without an internet connection. Similarly, the Maps.me app allows you to download maps to use offline. These maps can be especially great for when you’re out walking in a city because they show local shops, restaurants, walking paths, and more.

Using your debit card at a local ATM once you arrive is the savviest and most convenient way to get local currency at the best possible exchange rate. Also, debit cards typically have a Visa or MasterCard logo on them and require a PIN. In some cases, a purchase you need or want to make will require a card with a PIN like getting gas in a remote part of Iceland or buying entry tickets to a castle in Germany. ProTip: The Charles Schwab debit card refunds 100% of any ATM or withdrawal fees no matter where you are in the world. Don’t have an account? It’s free to set up. Plus, you can deposit a small amount into your newly created “travel account” to use for your trip. If your wallet gets stolen or you encounter any fraud, only this account with a small amount of money is at risk instead of your main bank account.

Travel Rewards Credit Card (with no foreign exchange fees)

For 95% (if not all) of your purchases in Europe from restaurants to shops, hotels, top sights, and museums can and should be made with a credit card. I recommend you use your travel rewards credit card for every purchase possible for fraud protection (i.e. when that bowl you shipped from Tuscany never arrives) and for the best possible purchase exchange rate with no fee. ProTip: When making credit card purchases in Europe, you’ll be asked if you want to pay in Euros or U.S. dollars. Always choose Euros. The credit card processor is secretly charging you a convenience fee that’s baked into that seemingly helpful U.S. dollar conversion.

International Driver’s License

If you are renting a car in Europe, some countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, and others require this document. The confusing part is car rental companies will let you rent your vehicle even without this document. You only discover that you have a problem (and possibly a hefty fine) should you be pulled over by local police. Apply through AAA , either at their nearest branch or by mail. It costs $20 + tax. You’ll also need 2 passport photos which they can take for you at the branch for a small added fee. The permit is good for a year and can potentially save you a lot of money if you get caught without it.

Travel Insurance

Important, especially if you don’t have a travel rewards credit card that offers at least some basic protections. But whether something happens before your trip and you need to cancel or you fall on some uneven cobblestone and break a wrist, you want to make sure you’re ok, as is the travel investment you made. Plus, most multi-day tours require that you show proof of travel insurance .

Photos/Copies of Important Documents & Travel Bookings

Take photos of your passport ( a must! ), driver’s license, credit cards, travel reservation confirmations, etc, and store them in a cloud-based place like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose anything, you can access the photo from any device with an internet connection. You can also print copies of flight, hotel room reservation(s), and activity bookings if it adds peace of mind.

And even though the things above will help you navigate all the logistics of international travel, don’t leave home without the Europe travel essentials you personally need for an incident-free trip.

Prescription Medication

Contact lenses + at least 1 extra pair, feminine hygiene products.

Ladies, whether you use this , this , these , or something else, be sure to take what you need to be comfortable.

First Aid Kit

This does not need to be overly extensive. I typically pack tablets for headaches, stomach troubles, a cold, and in case of an allergy, some Benedryl. I also like to carry a few throat drops with me, even if just for a dry mouth or throat, and a couple of band-aids for cuts or a blister. You’ll find pharmacies everywhere you go in Europe with everything you’d find at your pharmacy in North America. The idea here is just to pack a few of these things to hold you over should you need to get to a pharmacy in Europe. For reference, my first aid kit for European travel fits into a small plastic sandwich baggie.

Kylemore Abbey Connemara Ireland

Must-Have Travel Europe Essentials

The next part of the list covers Europe travel essentials that are important to have whether you’re road-tripping in Ireland or sightseeing in Budapest.

These important travel items keep you safe, and connected and help make your travel days to, in, and from Europe smooth and hassle-free.

Portable Power Bank

Keep your phone charged and ready to go whether it’s to take photos or to use a navigation app as you explore a new European city. And, even though most do, don’t assume all airplanes have a charging port for your phone. This is especially true on inter-continental flights where shorter-haul planes are used to go from one European country to another. (It’s not a good feeling to arrive at your destination airport with a dead phone!) I bring this portable charger with me on every Europe trip. Fully charged, it can refill my phone’s battery dozens of times before needing to be recharged.

Plug Adapter

You’ll need to have the right plug adapter(s) to plug your devices into European outlets. I have an older version of this plug adapter set that I have used to travel extensively throughout Europe and have never had a problem. The mini power strip is perfect for charging multiple devices at once. ProTip: If you’re going to multiple European destinations, check the plug type for each country. They aren’t all the same.

Luggage Trackers

If you’re checking a bag for your trip to Europe, Apple Airtags are great for keeping track of your luggage and can even help you locate your bag should the airline lose it. You need to have an iPhone to track the airtag. If you don’t have an apple device, try the Samsung SmartTag or Tile Mate.

Wire/Gadget Storage

You could choose a traditional wire organizer to manage cables, your portable battery, and other gadgets. They are extremely useful for storage and sanity! I also love these mesh packing squares . I’ve had the same set for years and they’re so versatile! I can use them for my cords, plug adapters, and portable charger. But they’re also great for just about any small, loose objects you need to pack. They keep everything together so you can find whatever you’re looking for quickly and without unpacking half your bag to find it!

SIM or eSIM Card

Staying connected is one of the most important travel necessities for Europe! European restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels tend to have decent to good WiFi. However, free public Wifi isn’t the safest or most reliable way to connect your device to the internet. Not to mention, you probably still want a connected device even when you’re not in one of these places. For U.S. travelers, your phone’s wireless provider likely offers a travel pass. But these are typically very expensive (i.e. $10 a day!) and come with very limited amounts of data. Put another way, this isn’t a great option for staying connected while in Europe. The better option is to purchase a SIM card when you arrive at your destination. Most airports will have them available for sale, as will shops in most major cities. Even better is to buy an eSIM before you leave so it’s ready to go when you arrive. An eSIM comes with the added advantage of not needing to buy and install a physical card once you arrive. Either way, SIMs and eSIMs cost less and can be purchased in different data amounts depending on how much you’ll need. I use Holafly to purchase eSIMs when I travel. If you use code, THEGLOBETROTTINGTEACHER, you’ll get 5% off your purchase.

Luggage Locks

These durable locks are TSA-compatible so you can lock your checked bags. If they’re inspected, the TSA agent can unlock it and the lock will leave a red indicator letting you know your bag was inspected. Beyond that, these handy locks are perfect for backpacks and a variety of other bags whether you want added security in your hotel or you’ve stowed your bag in a luggage rack on an overnight European train.

Secure Money Storage

From the airport to full days of European strolling and sightseeing, you want something to keep your money and credit cards safe. Whether it’s a moneybelt , a neck wallet , an anti-theft bag , or a scarf with a hidden pocket , take some precautions to deter pickpockets. From Barcelona to Paris , would-be thieves are more opportunistic than anything. Be alert in touristy areas and on public transportation. (Direct eye contact works wonders to let someone know you’re paying attention.) Add extra layers of security to avoid looking like a target and it’s unlikely you’ll have any problems. ProTip: Only take 1-2 credit/debit cards and a little cash with you when you head out for a day of sightseeing. Extra money and credit cards, as well as your passport, will be safest locked in the hotel safe.

Travel Day Bag

You want a small bag or backpack that you can use to store your belongings and comfortably walk and sightsee. This has been my go-to daypack whether I’m hiking along the Slea Drive in Ireland or standing in awe as I stare at the Mosque-Cathedral in southern Spain . It’s compact and holds a lot more than it seems it would. I typically pack this inside my carry-on, which is also convenient later if I need an extra bag for souvenirs. For something a bit more fashion-minded, this messenger bag is both stylish and functional.

Reusable Water Bottle

Most European countries have clean, drinkable tap water. While you should always check the countries you’re planning to visit, rest assured you can safely refill your water bottle in most places. I’ve used the fountains in Italian cities and while hiking in the Cinque Terre, as well as filled up while driving Iceland’s Diamond Circle. So, save money and reduce plastic waste with a reusable water bottle !

Flight Creature Comforts (a.k.a. Things to Keep you Comfortable!)

Long flights across the Atlantic Ocean can be uncomfortable depending on what type of flyer you are and where you’re seated on the plane. But the good news is that small comforts go a long way! You want to arrive as rested as possible so that on your first day in Europe you can last the full day and adjust to the time zone. Ear plugs , an eye mask , cozy warm socks , and a neck pillow can all help you sleep on your overnight flight.

Entertainment

Whether you have a Kindle to read or you want to downloaded audiobooks, podcasts, music, or your favorite shows on your phone or laptop, plan to do this in advance. Anything that needs to be downloaded should be done before you leave home so you don’t use up data or rely on slow hotel wifi once you arrive in Europe. With these things set up on your electronic devices, you’ll be ready for that long train ride or just lazing away an afternoon at a cafe in Paris .

Polignano a Mare Italy

Europe Travel Packing: How to Pack for Europe

One of the essentials when traveling in Europe is to pack light.

If you’re like most people, you probably have at least a couple of European cities or areas on your travel itinerary. Dragging and lifting big, heavy suitcases from airports to hotels onto trains and along sidewalks is a stressful hassle that’s just not worth your energy.

So, let’s cut to the chase. You need a few important items to pack lightly, a sturdy piece of luggage, a carry-on bag, and packing cubes.

Rolling Suitcase

This is the rolling suitcase I’ve used for nearly all my trips to Europe over the past several years. And let me tell you, I’ve put this bag through the wringer! It’s proved its durability by being checked at countless airports and rolled through train stations all over Europe, as well as hauled in and out of hotels, metros, and more. Put any doubts aside about whether this piece of luggage can hold everything you’d need for a 2-week trip to Europe. I’ve done it numerous times and even stayed for up to 3 weeks without really needing to do a big batch of laundry. I’ve used a couple of other bags, too, if I’m taking a shorter trip. These honorable mentions go to this 19″ carry-on roller or this backpack which I’ve used for more outdoorsy European adventures.

Packing Cubes

These are the packing cubes that quite honestly I couldn’t live without. They are what makes the above suitcase possible. Depending on how I want to pack, I use 3-4 of these packing cubes to hold all my clothes. The magic comes from the compression. Once you’ve rolled everything inside and zipped the cube, the 2nd zipper compresses the cube down to half its size. If necessary, you can smooth out any lumps by pressing on the cube to even things out. ProTip: Think about how you’ll manage dirty clothes. You could bring an extra packing cube or a laundry bag. You could also shift clothes around as you travel, moving dirty clothes to a single packing cube and clean clothes into all the others.

Carry-on Bag

Without hesitation, this carry-on backpack has been my go-to for years. I absolutely love it. This bag has the perfect combination of smart storage compartments, style, and comfort. In fact, this is the most comfortable expandable backpack I’ve ever worn. I store things like my laptop, important travel documents, a change of clothes, and a 1-quart toiletry plastic bag with some necessities for the flight. Fully expanded, it can even hold a few days’ worth of clothes or those extra souvenirs you want to bring back home. ProTip: I like to pack a few extra plastic bags in case something leaks and for things like wet clothes.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Not only does a hanging toiletry bag keep everything organized and easily repackable for European city-hopping, but it also allows you to keep things like toothbrushes and contact lens cases off the limited counter space around hotel sinks. You can still have all your toiletries hanging in the bathroom when you need them without worrying about knocking them off the sink.

Mini Travel Bottles

No need to take up space in your luggage with full-sized toiletries or create more waste with travel-sized (3.4 oz.) toiletries. These mini travel bottles are all TSA compliant, as well as easy to fill and easy to dispense. Best of all, they’ve never leaked into my bag!

Clothes for Your Europe Travel Checklist

Open suitcase with packed things on bed for Europe travel essentials guide

This section is a bit subjective because the clothes you pack will be dependent on the time of year you travel, what you’ll be doing, and your own style. But what to pack for a Europe trip is one of the most common questions I get, so I’ve compiled my best tips and recommendations below.

The most important thing is not to overpack. I know, easier said than done!

One way to avoid this is to plan your outfits, or if that is too difficult, pack clothes in a similar color palette. By doing this, you’ll inevitably have numerous pairings because most of the pieces will go together.

As you begin to pack, lay everything out first. You’ll likely be able to eliminate things that are duplicates (no, you do not need 3 black tops.) or items not in line with the majority color palette of the rest.

There are cliche items to avoid in European cities like flip-flops, workout clothes, or anything too casual like sweatpants or sports jerseys, shorts, super dressy clothing, or clothes meant for hiking and other outdoor activities. Not only will avoiding these items in cities be more fashionable, but they also help you blend in more. When you blend in more, you’re less of a target for a potential scammer or pickpocket.

Think more along the lines of classic pieces in neutral, soothing, or dark colors. For example, navy, black, beiges, white, and soft pastels. Also, be mindful of clothing that is too revealing, especially if you’re planning to visit cathedrals or other religious sites like in Rome or Seville .

The shoes you pack are also (so!) important.

First, pack at most 3 pairs of shoes including the ones you wear on the flight. Think smart casual and comfortable when choosing which to pack to find a balance between fashion-friendly and comfortable. You’ll likely be walking a lot and oftentimes on cobblestones.

And ladies, unless you have a specific formal event planned, you won’t need high heels. Even if you’re thinking they would be nice to wear for dinner, high heels are near impossible on cobblestone streets and take up valuable suitcase space! Instead, opt for a boot with a chunkier heel if you feel you need something dressy.

The items below are meant to be ideas to help you see what’s typically in my suitcase.

Except for the hottest days, jeans always work. They can be dressed up or down and worn with every top you pack. Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans they love so I want to give a shout-out to mine. These Duer Performance jeans are perfect for travel. They have a good amount of stretch and are very durable. What I love is they never seem to stretch out after multiple wears and they’re great for both city sightseeing and hiking. No matter which jeans you pack, go for a pair of dark-wash jeans. They’ll look cleaner for longer! Leggings are timeless, comfortable, take up little space in your luggage, and can be part of a smart casual or even dressier look. In other words, they’re perfect for travel! Other pants I’ve included in my suitcase and are versatile enough for a range of temperatures have been these Duer No Sweat Everyday Pants , these 7/8 joggers , these Bluffworks Chinos , and Eddie Bauer Departure pants . For hot summer days, go with wide-leg linen blend pants instead of shorts.

No matter what the season is I like to bring tops in different sleeve lengths that can be worn on their own or under a layer like a cardigan or a blazer. For summer European sightseeing, short sleeves that cover the shoulders will be ok for most Cathedrals. Lightweight and loose-fit tops will be the coolest for walking around a European city. Generally speaking, I pack these 3/4 sleeve shirts or these shirts with long sleeves. Lightweight sweaters are perfect for spring and fall and can mix and match with many different types of bottoms. They can be dressed up with a scarf and boots or worn with jeans and sneakers when you want to be more casual. Classic fit tees always work. And of course, a long flowy top pairs perfectly with leggings.

A top or a bottom layer can make all the difference for both style and comfort! For winter travel in central and southern Europe, a thin, effective base layer becomes your secret weapon. It keeps you warm while you’re walking without adding bulk to your overall look. In northern Europe, like Stockholm or Finnish Lapland , a baselayer top and bottom are essential! For shoulder seasons, a casual blazer that can pair with nearly all of your outfits is a win-win! Cardigans, either lightweight , open front , or something chunkier , go with most types of tops and bottoms and are great for added warmth even for a breezy evening by the sea.

Accessories

A scarf is an absolute Europe travel essential! It can add to your overall look and even provide warmth when needed. I always have 1 (or 2) with me when I travel to Europe. Longer scarves create that perfect fall or transition season look. These square scarves are so fashionable and can double as a headband! If you’re looking for something that can double as a scarf and a wrap, these pashmina scarves are perfect. ProTip: As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to wear little jewelry when traveling to avoid being a target for potential theft.

Comfortable Shoes!

Perhaps the most important Europe packing decision you’ll make is the shoes you’ll bring. European travel inevitably comes with a lot of walking which will become difficult or even painful with uncomfortable and unsupportive shoes. A Chelsea-style boot works in every European city and can be worn day and night. (In Italy, I think it must be obligatory for every Italian woman to have a pair in black!) These winter boots are stylish and warm in the colder months. Allbirds are some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn. Vionic shoes like these and these are great, too, and come with extra arch support. For summer European travel, I never leave home without these sandals . They’ve been an excellent investment and have saved my feet compared to other non-supportive summer shoes.

Europe Travel Essentials FAQs

Medina Azahara Cordoba Spain

Is it better to travel with a backpack or suitcase in Europe?

There are pros and cons to both. Personally, I prefer a rolling suitcase and have never found it to be a problem even when traveling from city to city. Yes, there are cobblestones and sometimes no elevators when you need them. However, I’d rather lift my suitcase for a moment just to get up or down some stairs than always carry it on my back.

What size suitcase is best for a 2-week trip to Europe?

I’ve typically traveled with a 24″ suitcase for 2 weeks in Europe with the help of my packing cubes. If you need a bit more space, look at a 26″ or a 28″ but I wouldn’t go any bigger than that. Otherwise, it can become a real chore to move from place to place.

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase?

Without question, it’s better to roll clothes in a suitcase. It saves space and protects against wrinkles. When rolled clothes are packed within a packing cube, it’s often possible to have 2 layers of rolled clothing inside.

How much should I pack for a 2-week trip to Europe?

In general, you’ll want to pack 3-4 bottoms and 5-6 tops. Dresses are also helpful (but not required) because they are complete outfits that can be dressed up or down. I’d bring 1-2 dresses if they match your style. For shoes, 2-3 pairs are plenty. Above all, comfortable shoes are absolute Europe travel essentials!

Also bring a scarf to use as an accessory, to cover up in conservative places, or for a little warmth. And unless you’re traveling in the absolute heat of summer, pack a blazer or light jacket (jean jacket, trench, etc.), as well as 2 sweaters or items for layering over a lighter top. Be sure the top layers go with the majority, if not all, of your clothes.

If your trip is in the winter, be sure to have a packable winter coat , a warm hat, waterproof boots , and layers. One of my hacks is to pack a couple of base layer tops so I can get added warmth without adding too much bulk to my bag or body!

Essentials for European Travel: Bottom Line

View of the Paris Skyline from the Pantheon.

Your travel packing list for Europe needs to include a combination of fundamentals, gear, gadgets, and clothes. If you take the time to get yourself set up and packed before your trip to Europe, you’ll have done everything you could to ensure a hassle-free, comfortable, and amazing trip!

So, what’s on your checklist for European travel?

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One Year Ago I Left for a Five Week, Independently Planned Trip To Europe

by Madison Jackson - Last updated on August 1, 2023

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  • Travel Inspiration
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  • General Travel

Here is what made it a success

On June 28, 2022, I boarded a plane to London, England, the starting point of a five-week trip across Europe, which I planned independently. No formal organization, travel service, tour guide, or travel expert arranged a travel itinerary or program for me. I planned my own trip, from start to finish, organizing logistics from lodging to transportation, to excursions and ticketing.

a video screen on an airplane

The screen on my flight to London, England, highlighting the route from the United States to the first stop on my independently planned trip to Europe.

At 24 years old I became my own travel expert, meticulously ensuring that a whirlwind trip to seven countries and 10 cities would be educational, exciting, packed, and the trip-of-a-lifetime. Below, check out six things that made my independent travel in Europe such a success, and learn how you too can plan a journey you will never forget.

6 things that made my independent trip to Europe a success

1. traveling with my best friend.

Solo travel has a purpose. But nothing beats traveling the world with your best friend. I was lucky enough to have a friend who, when she heard I was planning to go to Europe for the summer, voluntarily offered to come with me. Instantly, I had someone to bounce travel ideas off of, someone with whom to hash out whether or not travel plans made sense, and someone to be there with me when an overnight bus simply didn’t show up and left us stranded (yes, that happened!).

madison jackson posing with a friend

My best friend and I, in Helsinki, Finland, exploring Europe together.

It’s normal to feel lonely when traveling . Traveling with a best friend helps fix that problem. Constantly there is someone to talk to who understands what you are doing and where you come from. You can work through problems together; a best friend is like always having a safety net.

Plus, you learn more about each other along the way, grow even closer, and return home with someone to reminisce and laugh with over all the crazy and incredible times. My advice? Find a travel buddy .

2. Staying at host-homes

There is nothing like seeing a location from the perspective of a local. In almost every city I traveled to last summer, I found someone willing to host me in their home for the duration of my visit.

It is fascinating to see how homes around the world look, to speak with families and see how they interact with each other. What language/s do they speak to each other? What type of food do they cook? Do they drive or use public transportation to get around?

It’s easy to stick around a tourist area. But if you make the extra effort to stay with locals, you’ll see a whole new side of a city: the local side, the what-it’s-like-to-live-there side, the neighborhood vibes.

If you can’t stay overnight somewhere, at least do what you can to try and join local families for a meal. And whatever you do, remember to be grateful and bring the families a gift for their hospitality.

3. Planning ahead…

madison jackson posing with luggage on a train

All packed and ready to travel.

Trip planning can be all time consuming. If you aren’t careful and don’t plan ahead, you can spend days of a trip sitting in a hotel room figuring out where you want to visit and booking tickets.

Plus, some locations require advance bookings. And if you are anything like me, spending so much time last minute planning might make you feel like you are missing out on seeing some of the best sites, and are instead only reading about them.

Make the most of your time traveling by planning out an itinerary months in advance of your trip. This also helps organize all your information in one place, so you know exactly where to turn when you need directions for your next stop.

I used Google Docs to create a spreadsheet. The headers on the spreadsheet were: Month, Date, Location in Morning, Location in Evening, Schedule for Day, Overnight Plans, Address for Overnight Plans, and Transportation to Next Location.

Gradually, over the months leading up to the trip, I filled out the table . I started by listing sites I wanted to visit in each location, then assigned each site a specific day, and then highlighted which places I could book tickets for ahead of time.

One part of planning ahead is about framing your vision for the trip. While you won’t be on a formal multi-day guided group tour, you can still schedule individual guided tours of locations throughout your trip. It does not need to be looked at as guided tour vs independent travel in Europe: guided tours can be part of independent travel!

The more you can book ahead of time the better. That means less time sitting on a computer in a hotel room, and more time out, enjoying the new location. No last-minute decision making or worries about whether a place will be open.

4…But being open to change

“be like maple syrup and go with the flow” sign

A sign I saw inside My Old Dutch Pancake House in London, which resonated with my vibe for the Europe trip.

Yet, no matter how much you plan, things will go astray. My biggest mantra on my Europe trip was to be okay with change. I told myself over and over again that things would happen, we would have to miss some of our plans, and that was okay. That is just part of travel. It happens.

If you get angry about things changing, everything will seem a lot more stressful. If you recognize and accept that some things won’t work out, when something doesn’t work out, you will feel more prepared for that moment.

We can’t see and do everything on one trip. But everything we do is more than we would have done had we not traveled. For instance, I had to skip a whole town I planned to visit during my trip. The only train route from Berlin to Cottbus, Germany was closed the day I had planned to leave, due to construction. After spending a few hours looking up alternative options, it became evident it would be way too difficult, if not impossible, to get to the town.

The stress was not worth it. I was seeing incredible places, and taking one place off the list was okay. My friend and I found a hotel to stay at in Berlin for the extra nights and while slightly disappointed, we looked for the positives. We appreciated that we got to spend several more days in Berlin, and we accepted that change, and adjusting, was part of the travel experience.

When thinking about doing a formalized group Europe tour vs independent travel, the ability to make changes that are best for you is one of the perks of independent travel. You don’t have to worry about what a group wants to do, you can simply make changes that give you the best travel experience possible.

5. Taking breaks

madison jackson posing with friends

Taking a break during the Europe trip, for a night of bowling.

After five weeks of constant changes of location, culture, language, and currency , it’s easy to yearn for a home-life routine. It is perfectly okay to slow down and take some time off from a crazy travel schedule. It is so easy to over travel and become exhausted physically and mentally. Taking a pause and re-evaluating your itinerary means you will be able to better enjoy other days of your trip.

While staying in Luxembourg City, my friend and I had plans to attend a Jewish event one evening, in Esch-sur-Alzette, a different city in Luxembourg. After a long day touring and meeting with locals, the evening came, and we were exhausted. We were not up to the extensive travel that would be required to get back and forth from another city late at night.

We made the call to cancel those plans, stay near our host-home, grab dinner at a local restaurant, and just make it a more chill night so we would be ready to go for the next day’s adventures. While I hope to some day visit Esch-sur-Alzette, for this trip, canceling, and giving ourselves an evening break, was a decision I do not regret one bit.

Taking a break comes in different forms: sometimes, it is sleeping in a few mornings.

Sometimes, it is watching a Disney movie and eating food that reminds you of home.

Sometimes, it is visiting less museums and taking more walks in a park. Whatever type of break you need, remember to take it. It’s important to take care of yourself while traveling, so overall, the trip can be more enjoyable.

6. Visiting hidden treasures

madison jackson posing with friends

Visiting the Czech Memorial Scrolls Museum and seeing 1,564 Torah scrolls which were rescued and saved from Bohemia and Moravia during World War II.

For every city I visited during my trip in Europe, I made sure to do my research. My research consisted of looking up the must-see locations in each city, the typical tourist destinations, but also, Googling hidden gems to visit in a city.

No matter what anyone says, I feel there is value in seeing touristy places, icons you’ve heard about your whole life. But the best way to do it is by also coupling it with visiting off the beaten path locations, or not-so-touristy places as well. Together, this will give you a better sense of a place.

This mentality led to my traversing a variety of bookstores in languages I don’t speak, a personalized guided tour of Villa Pauly planned in the spur of the moment, and visiting the Czech Memorial Scrolls Museum.

Research and plan your trip with MyGoAbroad—it’s free!

Independent travel is one of the most meaningful ways to see the world.

Planning your own trip abroad can seem daunting, but with the right mindset, it is quite exhilarating and helps make a trip that much more rewarding. It is such a good feeling to return home and say: wow, I planned that.

If you aren’t ready to go abroad, the independent travel tips I’ve suggested here also work great for successful domestic trips. Regardless of where you travel, there are so many benefits of independent travel. If you take anything away from my five-week trip to Europe, let it be this: make the most of the moment, whatever that means to you.

NEXT: Comparing Guided, Self-Guided, and Independent Travel

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planning a trip to europe

Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide

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Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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Before you can experience authentic Spanish tapas, piazzas in Rome, or rooftop terraces in Prague, an important to-do list stands between you and your European vacation. The logistics involved in planning a trip to Europe may seem tedious or overwhelming, but the more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a successful trip that lives up to your expectations. That’s why it’s important to do a bang-up job creating an itinerary, arranging transportation, and tackling the brass tacks before you’re off to the Continent.

The following guide explains how to plan a trip to Europe in 10 simple steps—so you can spend less time worrying about your travel arrangements and more time staring at pictures of castles and men in kilts.

1. Get your documents in order.

If you don’t have a passport, it will take at least four to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one. Expedited services—either through the State Department or an expeditor such as Travel Visa Pro —can trim the process down to a week or so, but it will cost you an additional fee, so it’s best to take care of this well before your trip.

Already have a passport? Check its expiration date. The last thing you need is to find out your passport has expired while you’re in line at airport check-in. Keep in mind that some countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your trip dates.

All car rental companies require drivers to have valid licenses in their home country, so you’ll also want to check the expiration date of your license. Some car rental companies also require an international driving permit for European rentals in addition to a valid driver’s license. For U.S. citizens, these can be obtained through the American Auto Association (AAA); in Canada, try the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

U.S. travelers to Russia or Turkey must have valid visas in addition to passports; obtaining one is a complicated process that can take weeks even after you have been approved—so start early.

For more information:

  • How to Get a Visa
  • Passport and Visa Expeditors
  • 6 Passport Rules for Faster Renewal
  • Here’s Every Country That Requires a Visa for Americans

2. Establish a budget.

When planning a trip to Europe, establish a budget as early as possible—even before you know your destination, travel dates, or itinerary. Some destinations are generally cheaper than others, but there are ways to save everywhere: travel in the off-season, pick budget accommodations, plan a shorter trip. For example, London is an expensive city, but many travel providers and airlines offer affordable vacation packages to the city, and it’s not hard to find cheap air deals to London, especially during the winter.

Set your budget early on, and you’ll avoid any disappointment that could come from forging a fabulous itinerary, like two weeks in Switzerland during summer, and then discovering you can’t afford it. Travel budget apps such as TrabeePocket ( iOS | Android ) can help you keep track of your expenses once you start making bookings.

  • 9 Creative Ways to Save for a Vacation
  • Europe in the Winter Off-Season: Where and Why You Should Go
  • Top 25 Ways to Save on Europe Travel

3. Pick a destination.

Now that you know how much you can spend, where do you want to go? If you’re like many travelers and you have a humongous list of places in Europe you want to visit, this could be tricky.

One strategy is to pick a particular site that’s on your must-see travel list, and plan your vacation around that. Last year I planned a trip to Ireland centered on an excursion to remote Skellig Michael Island , a UNESCO World Heritage site I’d dreamed of visiting. The excursion turned into an unforgettable two-week Emerald Isle road trip.

Another option is to pick someplace timely. Visit countries’ tourism websites and search for seasonal events like festivals or local holidays (which you may want to either avoid or join, depending on how you feel about crowds). Don’t forget to check the weather before you decide on your destination.

  • 10 Secret Places in Europe You Can Still Visit on a Budget
  • 10 Emerging Places to Visit in Europe For a Crowd-Free Vacation

4. Create a rough itinerary.

So you want to go to France, eh? Don’t go ahead and buy a roundtrip flight to Paris and a hotel room—at least, not yet. You’ll want to sketch out a day-by-day itinerary of your perfect trip to France before you book a thing. Research sites and cities you really want to explore, and then figure out which ones you have the time and budget to get to.

Check out alternative ways to travel in Europe. If you want to see multiple countries or cities but are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a cruise (exchange rates are naught for U.S. citizens onboard American ships). If you’d rather not do the work of creating your own itinerary, continue booking a group tour with a company such as Intrepid Travel , G Adventures , Trafalgar , or Rick Steves’ Europe .

  • How to Create the Perfect Travel Itinerary
  • The 5 Worst Trip Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
  • The 5 Best Trip Planner Apps for Travelers
  • 14 Tips for Choosing the Right Group Tour

5. Book your airfare.

Because airfare will probably be the most expensive part of your trip, you’ll want to book it before anything else (car rental, hotel, etc.). This will allow you to be more flexible with your dates, which is a great way to save money on your flight. You can often spend less by flying on international discount airlines like Aer Lingus or Norwegian . Check multiple booking sites, including meta-search sites such as Skyscanner and traditional booking sites such as Expedia , to make sure you’re seeing a wide range of options. You can also set up fare alerts using Airfarewatchdog , SmarterTravel’s sister site, so you’ll be notified when the price of your flight drops.

Consider spicing up your trip with a layover in a different country. Icelandair has a long-running program that allows passengers flying elsewhere in Europe to take a free stopover in Reykjavik for up to seven nights.

  • International Discount Airlines
  • 10 Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare
  • How to Find a Free Stopover
  • The 10 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

6. Book your accommodations.

It’s time to go back to that rough itinerary you jotted down and fill in some places to sleep. As is the case with pretty much everything you book for your trip, the earlier you make arrangements, the better—especially during summer high season.

Sure, you can just book a room at the local Hilton and be done with it. But do a bit of research and you could discover some funky lodging that’s almost as exciting as the attractions you plan to visit. Keep your eyes open for historic castles, tiny bed and breakfasts, houseboats, eco-friendly hotels, or organic farms. Budget travelers take note: Vacation rentals, homestays, farm stays, and house-swapping are accommodation options that can be shockingly affordable … or even free.

As with airfare, you should shop around on multiple hotel sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and read reviews from past guests to see what the experience is like. TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company), Booking.com , and Hotels.com are a few good places to start.

  • Ditch the Hotel: 10 Cheaper Ways to Stay
  • 11 Charming Hotels That’ll Make You Fall in Love with Europe
  • The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites
  • 10 Castle Hotels in Europe That Are Worth the Splurge

7. Consider travel insurance.

There are several kinds of travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance, flight cancellation insurance, medical insurance, etc. The best time to buy insurance is right after you put down the major deposits on your trip, whether that entails airfare, a package, or prepaid hotels. Once you know how much money you’ve paid upfront, you can ensure your trip if you so choose. Many airlines and travel providers sell insurance that you can purchase along with your flight or tour package. Always, always read the fine print in your policy and compare it with other travel insurance policies before you make a purchase.

Check your medical insurance coverage to see if you’re covered overseas. If not, you may want to purchase supplemental medical insurance to cover situations like the cost of transportation back home for emergency care.

Reputable travel insurance companies to consider include Allianz Travel and Seven Corners .

  • Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know
  • 5 Common Travel Insurance Questions, Answered
  • Travel Insurance Coverage: 13 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover

8. Book local transportation and day tours.

When in Rome , ride the Metropolitana. Find out how the locals get around the destination to which you’re traveling and act accordingly. You won’t need a car rental in places like bike-friendly Amsterdam or London with its convenient underground Tube, unless you plan to go outside the city.

A car rental is your best bet if you’re traveling to locales that can’t be easily reached by rail or plane (such as the Irish countryside). Be mentally prepared to drive in a foreign country, which can be a frightening experience when faced with incomprehensible traffic signs, narrow streets, or sheep roadblocks.

To get from city to city or country to country, examine your rail options in comparison to routes and prices offered by European discount airlines like easyJet  or Ryanair . Travelers embarking on extensive travel within Europe may save money by purchasing a rail pass from Rail Europe that permits unlimited train travel within a specified region.

Check out our sister site, Viator , to book day tours, especially if you want to take advantage of skip-the-line options.

  • 10 Speedy Train Routes in Europe That Are Faster Than Flying
  • 9 Gotchas of Renting a Car in Europe
  • 15 Tips for Driving on the Left Side of the Road
  • European Car Rental Companies Every Traveler Should Know
  • 10 Best Cities for Day Trips

9. Tackle last-minute logistics.

A few weeks before your departure date is the right time to start taking care of a number of key logistics: money, phone, house-sitter, pet-sitter.

Call your credit card companies to let them know you’ll be traveling abroad. While you’re at it, find out if you’re going to be charged a fee for using your card overseas. Research the locations of ATMs in your destination, especially if you’ll be relying on cash.

Does your cell phone plan allow you to make calls overseas, and if so, how much will it cost you? Many cell phone companies offer temporary international plans that you can purchase for the month you’re traveling. You might also want to consider a mobile hotspot device to keep you connected.

  • The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas
  • Travel MiFi: How a Mobile Hotspot Can Help You on the Road
  • The Best International Phone Plans for Travelers
  • 10 Things to Do Before You Travel

Packing for Europe requires both different items and a different mindset in comparison to some other types of trips. After all, there’s no arguing that Parisians are more stylish than your typical North American tourist. Most of central and western Europe have milder climates throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter rain or a heatwave. You should pack clothing that’s easy to layer , and always include a packable raincoat or travel umbrella in your suitcase when traveling to Europe. Think about how you’ll be carrying your money —pickpocketing schemes are more common abroad, so it’s important to carry your money and personal belongings securely. When researching your European destination of choice, consider the overall climate and time of year you’ll be traveling. Then, about a week before your trip check out the forecast, mobilize a packing list , and ensure your suitcase is in working condition and meets your airline’s size restrictions.

Pro packing tip: If you’re tight on packing space, invest in a packing cube set . They do wonders, especially if you’re stopping in multiple destinations as they make repacking a breeze.

  • The Ultimate Packing List
  • The Carry-On Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time
  • Packing for Europe: 8 Items You Should Leave at Home
  • 14 Best Shoes to Wear in Europe

Europe Outfit Inspiration

Women’s rainy day sightseeing outfit for autumn, shop the look.

Black windproof umbrella

Windproof Umbrella

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Soft Trench Coat

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Coffee Tumbler

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Women’s Casual Sightseeing

This outfit is great for a long day on your feet whether you’re touring a museum or visiting the city’s landmarks.

Light blue denim jacket by Lands' End

Denim Jacket

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Women’s Dressy Sightseeing

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Ruched Waist Chiffon Maxi Dress

Tan wedge sandals by Franco Sarto

Wedge Sandals

Tortoise shell rim sunglasses

Mini Emma Hoop Earrings

my trip eu

Women Fashion Handbags Tote Bag Shoulder Bag Top Handle Satchel Purse Set 4pcs

What other tips would you add to this Europe trip planner? Post them in the comments below.

More from SmarterTravel:

  • How to Book Train Travel in Europe: 12 Essential Sites
  • 9 Secret European Islands
  • Are Traveling Seniors Too Old to Drive in Europe?

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary)

If you’ve been wanting to visit Europe for a while, you’re probably super excited to begin planning your trip and building your Europe itinerary. In this post, we’re going to show you how to plan a trip to Europe that you’ll never forget!

We know from experience that planning a trip to Europe can be quite overwhelming because there are so many places to go and things to see. You want to make sure you add everything possible to your Europe itinerary. Believe me, we understand how important travel planning is!

Venice canal

We’ve been traveling around Europe for more than 10 years. We now spend at least 2 weekends per month traveling in Europe. That’s why we’ve prepared this Europe trip planner for you.

If you have at least 10 days to spend in Europe, this itinerary will cover all the top spots you must see. Do keep in mind that traveling in Europe can be expensive. You also have to be very wise in your planning to make everything fit together perfectly.

You can fly between cities cheaply if you plan it right. Or you can plan to travel with the Eurail Pass, though this option will take longer.

Let’s get your dream European vacation started. Here’s how to plan a trip to Europe, and see as much as humanly possible in 10-14 days.

Quick. Check these necessities off your prep list!

  • Travel insurance : Travelex has reliable coverage at a reasonable price. You can search for the insurance you need on their website, and filing a claim is easy.
  • The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases come in all different sizes, with spinner wheels and TSA-approved lock.
  • Renting a car? Discover Cars helps you search and compare offers from all the top companies. Don’t forget to check if you need an International Drivers License.

Table of Contents

Where to Go in Europe

Europe is full of history, bustling cities, incredible sights, unique places to stay , and – my favorite – amazing food! There are a good number of tourist destinations that just about anyone planning a trip to Europe would want to include in the itinerary.

But, obviously, with just 10-14 days in Europe, there’s no way you can cover them all. We’ve chosen the top destinations that we feel you can fit comfortably into 10+ days.

Planning for Europe? Here’s more…

  • How to Plan a 2-Week Trip to Europe

Ultimate Summer Europe Packing Guide

  • 11 Charming Small Towns & Cities in Europe

The Louvre in Paris

Here are the top destinations we recommend visiting in 10+ days in Western Europe: London (I’m still considering this Europe even if it’s no longer in the EU), Paris , Venice , Rome , Berlin , and Amsterdam .

We love all of these cities for different reasons as you’ll see below, but if you can’t fit them all in, you might need to decide between them. For instance, if you’re wondering if should I visit Paris or Rome , consider aspects like cost, activities, and your own personal interest in those activities.

If you have additional time, you could add Munich , Barcelona , Dublin , and/or Edinburgh . We also suggest checking out some of the more charming and small towns in Europe . Or maybe you’re into history – there are so many great medieval towns to visit .

You might want to take a look at this post with 50 of the best street food destinations in Europe before you decide where to go. There are quite a few that would persuade me.

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Western Europe

There are really two perfectly acceptable ways to take a vacation in Europe. Either way can be quite rewarding, but it depends greatly on your travel style how much time you want to put into planning, and what trips you are looking to book for.

Option 1: Book a pre-planned guided tour

A guided tour is the easiest option, by far. While Europe is very easy to get around for travelers, it can be difficult to figure out how to get from place to place, and very tedious trying to decide what to do in each location.

A pre-planned tour won’t give you the same freedom to do what you want, but it is completely planned out for you and you will always have a guide along to help you with anything you need.

Option 2: Plan your own trip

Planning your own self-guided tour of Europe gives you ultimate freedom to choose what you want to do and when. You can go to the places you want, without a group to tag along with.

The drawbacks are that you have to plan it all out yourself, which can be daunting.  Check out these additional Europe travel tips to help with your planning.

We will give you the options for both below, including a pre-planned tour we highly recommend and a 14-day self-guided itinerary to follow.

Paris France Eiffel Tower

Guided Tour of Europe

If you want to try a guided tour, I recommend a Classic Europe 14-day tour.

This tour is run by Expat Explore Travel and includes everything except International airfare, extra excursions that aren’t in the tour itinerary, and personal incidentals.

» See more information about the Classic Europe tour .

The 14-day itinerary includes:

  • Start in Amsterdam
  • Drive through Brussels for a quick stop en route to Paris
  • Visit Burgundy and the breath-taking Swiss Alps
  • In Italy , see Pisa, Tuscany, Florence, Rome, and Venice
  • Travel into Munich and Bavaria in Germany , then to Nuremberg and Berlin
  • Head back to Amsterdam

There are other Europe tour options with varying destinations. Check out the website to see all options with this tour operator .

Self-Guided Tour of Europe – Plan Your Own Travel Itinerary

With a good plan of action, your 2-week Europe trip will run smoothly and provide you with a comprehensive overview including some of the main countries in Western Europe.

If this schedule seems too ambitious for just a 10 day Europe trip, you can always extend your stay in the cities that interest you most and decide not to visit others.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s entirely up to you.

Day 1-2: London

Arrive in London . Take the Heathrow Express from the airport to your hotel.

You’ll want to stay in West London for easy access to all the top sights. London is very walkable. To get around to all the sights in a day or two, you’ll want to get your walking shoes on.

You can take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour if you’re not up for the walking. For foodies, we highly recommend spending some time doing any of these fun foodie activities in London .

The city is one of the best for restaurants in the world. If you want to take a day trip from London, we suggest Stonehenge , Bath , or Windsor . They’re all very close by and offer a fantastic experience.

London city and Thames view

In London, be sure to see these sights:

(You can purchase tickets in advance for these activities. These links are affiliate links to activities we’ve done and recommend.)

  • Tower of London (with the Crown Jewels)
  • Tower Bridge Experience
  • Shakespeare Globe
  • Churchill War Rooms
  • Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
  • View from the Shard
  • Kensington Palace
  • Kew Gardens

Tower Bridge

How to Spend One Day in London

Windsor England

Things to Do in Windsor: A Perfect Day Trip From London

borough market

21 Fun Foodie Things to Do in London

Where to Stay in London: We recommend the Trafalgar St James by Hilton . It’s in a historic building in a really prime location. The hotel and rooms are designed in art deco and the rooms are really spacious and bright. ⇒  Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Day 3-5: Paris

Travel to Paris on the Eurostar train . The journey takes just 2 hours from St. Pancras Train Station.

Don’t forget to take a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine with you to enjoy on the train. There are so many things to do in Paris . In only two days, you can cover a lot of ground. You can do a few of these great foodie activities , see the top sights on a walking tour, or join this fun gourmet bus tour for a multi-course meal on a double decker tour bus.

You’ll want to either plan on walking a lot, or acquaint yourself with the Paris Metro map and take short trips in between sights. You can also take the Paris hop of hop off bus to get between sights.

Check out our 3-day Paris itinerary that will help you plan what to see.

paris eiffel tower

In Paris, be sure to see these sights:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Notre Dame (closed for renovations)
  • Seine River Cruise
  • Luxembourg Gardens
  • Arch d’Triomphe
  • The Avenue des Champs-Élysées
  • Louvre Museum
  • Sacre Coeur & Montmartre

Paris Eiffel Tower

How to Spend One Day in Paris

Paris bridge

3-Day Paris Itinerary for First Timers

wine and croissants at the eiffel tower

9 Fun Foodie Things to Do in Paris

Where to Stay in Paris: The best location to stay in Paris is 6th Arrondissement. It is the Latin Quarter. The heart of Paris. And it’s the best location for tourist who are planning to see everything. Here are 8 top hotels with an Eiffel Tower view . We recommend the boutique 4-star  Hotel Parc Saint Severin . The rooms are larger than most in Paris and they’re nicely refurbished. Plus it’s a really great location. The metro is really close.  ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.

Day 5-7: Venice

Venice gondolas

Venice is just one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life. It’s an incredibly enchanting city, with so much character that you feel a little like you’re floating around in a Disney movie.

The views across the Grand Canal are so beautiful, and the narrow alleys can lead you to get lost in a city of charm. Everywhere you turn is another incredible view, and a gondola floating by in the distance. It’s one of a kind.

With so many great things to do in Venice, you really need to set up a good itinerary before you leave, to make sure you fit everything in. 

Check out our shortcut guide to all the best parts of Venice, which will help you plan. Definitely make time for a Venice food tour .

The food in Venice is great, if you know where to look. And you can check out our YouTube video for the top 10 things to do in Venice , if you need more ideas.

Venice waterway at sunset

You can pre-book some of the activities. I would definitely pre-book the activities below, so you don’t miss out.

  • Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
  • Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
  • Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Venice waterway at sunset

Essential Travel Guide to Venice, Italy [Infographic]

Restaurant in St. Mark's Square

Top Foods to Try on a Venice Food Tour

wine corks forming Italy

Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Italy

Where to Stay in Venice:

Ai Patrizi di Venezia   If you’re staying for 3+ nights, I highly recommend this apartment. It’s in the perfect location, is incredibly comfortable and clean, and has a kitchenette. We sometimes prefer an apartment to a hotel so we’re not being bothered by housekeeping. This place is a gem. | Read Reviews or Book a Stay Hotel Londra Palace   If you’d rather stay in a hotel because you like the extra amenities, then Hotel Londra Palace is a great choice. It’s in a very good location, only 5 min walk from St. Mark’s Square, with free wifi and a restaurant. Some rooms have a balcony and an incredible view. | Read Reviews or Book a Stay

Day 8-10: Rome

Coliseum in Rome - how to plan a trip to europe

Rome is a city that will capture your heart the moment you arrive. It’s amazing to see so much history packed into one place, and so much of it is scattered right in the middle of a modern city. There’s really no where else like it. Plus the food. You have to go on a food tour and witness it first hand.

If you’re planning a trip, we’ve got you covered with our shortcut travel guide to Rome : an informative and helpful infographic that will give you a quick peek at all the top things you should plan to do in Rome. Here’s our 3-day itinerary to help plan it all out.

Top things to put on your itinerary:

  • The Colosseum : This monumental amphitheater is one of the most recognized symbols of Rome, offering a peek into the world of ancient Roman gladiators. Try to book a guided tour to get the full historical context.
  • Roman Forum & Palatine Hill : Located near the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and judicial center of ancient Rome. The Palatine Hill, according to Roman mythology, is where the city was founded by Romulus.
  • Pantheon : This best-preserved monument from the Roman Empire is a marvel of architectural design, with its impressive dome and the oculus at its center.
  • Vatican City : Here, you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s renowned frescoes. Be sure to dress modestly as a sign of respect.
  • Trevi Fountain : Throw a coin into this iconic fountain to ensure your return to Rome. It’s beautiful during the day, but consider a visit at night when it’s lit up.
  • Piazza Navona : This square is home to Bernini’s famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), as well as various artists, musicians, and street performers.
  • Spanish Steps : Climbing these steps from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti offers a wonderful view. The nearby shopping district is a must for fashion enthusiasts.

PRO TIP: Skip the line tickets are necessary in Rome, especially during high season. You won’t waste time waiting in huge lines.

  • Eating Europe’s Twilight Trastevere Tour  (We loved this tour! Read about it here .)
  • Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour (definitely worth it)
  • Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Tour

Rome

What To Do in Rome in 3 Days

Rome Coliseum

Essential Travel Guide to Rome, Italy [+Infographic]

Rome food tour

Eat Like a Local on a Rome Food Tour

Where to Stay in Rome

The best location in Rome depends on what you want to accomplish during your stay, but it’s always best to be centrally located so you can walk to all of the main attractions. 

Two great choices in the affordable luxury range are  The Inn at the Spanish Steps  (with a gorgeous roof-top pool) and  Il Palazzetto . We also really enjoyed staying at  Nerva Boutique Hotel  in the popular Rione i Monti area.

Day 10-12: Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a very modern city with a good art scene, many museums, great food options, and cultural/historical things to see and do. It’s a sprawling city so you’ll want to be ready for public transportation. 

There are a few Berlin attractions and sights you don’t want to miss like these we’ve listed here:

  • Brandenburg Gate : This iconic symbol of Berlin was once a symbol of division during the Cold War, but now stands for German unity and is a must-see.
  • Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie : No visit to Berlin is complete without learning about its Cold War history. The Memorial provides an insightful look into the era of the city’s division.
  • Reichstag Building : The seat of the German Parliament, the building’s glass dome offers a panoramic view of the city. It’s a good idea to register in advance for a visit.
  • Museum Island : Home to five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. The latter houses the bust of Nefertiti, an ancient Egyptian queen.
  • Alexanderplatz and TV Tower : A large public square and transport hub in the central Mitte district, featuring the iconic TV Tower (Fernsehturm) which provides excellent views over the city.
  • Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) : A poignant, powerful monument to one of history’s darkest times.

The best way to see all of these sights is on this Discover Berlin half-day walking tour . The tour is really inexpensive and is the best way to learn the historical and cultural past of Germany, while see the top sights.

Foodies will also want to check out Markethalle Neun , an indoor market with international food vendors, especially on Street Food Thursdays! Also plan for a beer tour and a Berlin food tour in order to taste the best parts of the city!

Berlin

Essential Travel Guide to Berlin, Germany [Updated 2024]

Berlin is a city that holds a certain mystery, due to its interesting history that forever changed the world. ...

Where to Stay in Berlin

One of my favorite hotels is the  Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection . It’s located right in the center of the city, conveniently located for transportation, so you can easily get around to the top sights. There’s a bar, restaurant, and really comfortable rooms. ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Day 12-14: Amsterdam

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As a tourist, you’ll likely find Amsterdam to be a very welcoming and fun place to explore. The canals and old cobblestone streets make it the quintessential European city, and it’s just so easy to get around. Read our full guide to 3-days in Amsterdam for the full rundown.

The many activities in Amsterdam include history, art and food. I think a good plan to tackle the city includes a bit of walking tour, interspersed with stops to try the local food and drinks.

Be sure to try bitterballen, poffertjes, and frites (which you can get with dozens of different sauces), along with all the cheese. There are dozens of different canal cruises you can take that are often paired with cheese, beer, wine or even pizza.

For drinks, we recommend stopping at some of the beer bars , like Proeflokaal Arendsnest and Beer Temple, as well as the top cocktail bars like Tales & Spirits and Flying Dutchman. And don’t forget to sample the genever at Proeflokaal ‘t Kelkje, one of the best places in Amsterdam to taste genever!

Here are a few links to our favorite tours and activities in Amsterdam so you can purchase your tickets in advance:

  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat
  • Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum Guided Combo Tour – Private Tour

Eat like a local in Amsterdam with Eating Europe Food Tours – there are 5 tours available:

  • Jordaan Food Tour
  • Jordaan Food & Canals Tour
  • Amsterdam at Twilight Food Tour
  • Food Tour in Haarlem
  • A Taste of Life in Haarlem

Amsterdam waterway and buildings

Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam [Updated for 2024]

Places to drink beer in Amsterdam

Where to Find the Best Beer in Amsterdam

Where to stay in Amsterdam

We like staying near Dam Square in central Amsterdam. It’s fun and lively, close to or within easy walking distance of many of the top attractions, and easily accessible for public transportation. 

Radisson Blu – This is a nicely-decorated 4-star hotel located directly on a canal near Rembrandt Square. Great place to stay.  Read Reviews on Trip Advisor

Tips for Planning a Trip to Europe

Best time to go to europe.

When you decide to go to Europe should be based on what type of experience you want to have. A lot of people make it a priority to go to Europe in the summer because that’s when they take vacation, or when the kids are out of school. 

However, everyone else is doing the same thing. That means July-August is high season and there are a lot of visitors. Attractions are packed, lines are long, prices are high, and it can be really hot outside.

The best weather in Europe can be found from late March to early June and from late September to early December. This is considered the shoulder season in Europe and there will be less people and lower prices.

We prefer to travel during these times because it’s just so much easier. And the nicer weather makes all the difference.

We especially caution against traveling in Italy in August. It is one of the hottest months and the weather can be a real hindrance to your happiness.

St Paul's Cathedral, London

Getting to Europe

Many top airlines from around the world have direct flights into London. It’s probably one of the easiest cities to get into.

Check Skyscanner for great deals on airfare. We prefer to fly into London for the ease of it all, but you can skip London and fly directly into Paris, if you wish.

Also keep in mind that airfare is lower on the shoulder and off season than it is during the summer. (See this article for more on how to find great airfare ).

We also recommend flying into one city and out of another, so you don’t waste some of your holiday time flying back to the starting point. Using the multi-city option on Skyscanner , you should be able to find this option without the fares getting to high.

Getting Around Europe

When planning your Europe itinerary, keep in mind the distance between each destination. Europe seems small, but it takes a while to get between destinations. In most cases, you’ll need at least a half day to get between locations, more if taking the train.

Once you arrive in Europe, you can either fly or take the train between cities. We prefer to take early morning or late night flights, to avoid burning active hours in our destination.

Flying is relatively cheap on budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet . We fly with them all the time.

There are fees for any extras you add, and checking luggage can be expensive, so do be mindful of that.

See here for an idea of what it costs and the flight times for each of the legs in our itinerary:

  • London to Paris: $50
  • Paris to Venice: $85
  • Venice to Rome: $70
  • Rome to Berlin: $95
  • Berlin to Amsterdam: $70

train station in Europe

Via Train – Eurail Pass

Another way to travel around Europe in by train. You can purchase individual train tickets for each journey you wish to take. That will help you mix and match, if you want to fly between some cities and take the train between others.

However, a more economical way to go by train is with a Eurail Pass. The price of the Eurail Pass varies depending on your needs. They range from $250 to over $1000. For the itinerary we laid out in this post, you would need a 5 days within 1 month pass, which costs $326 (updated 2019).

This allows you to travel on any 5 days over a period of a month. There’s also a 7 days in one month pass for $388, if you think you’d like to tack on another destination. These passes entitle you to travel on specific trains only.

You can’t just show up and get on any train, but you don’t need reservations except for the high-speed and overnight trains (which also require an extra fee). They’re only for non-European travelers. And they can only be used for the class of service booked.

Travel Documents – Schengen Area

Always verify the entry requirements and travel documents needed for each specific country you are trip planning for as requirements can vary. You can check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you’ll be visiting or use official government travel websites for the most accurate and current information.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries may have different requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Depending on your nationality and the specific European countries you plan to visit, you may or may not need a visa. Citizens of the United States can generally enter the Schengen Area (a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders) for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer or visit countries outside the Schengen Area, you may need additional visas.

Tipping in Europe

Yes, you do need to tip in Europe. However, it’s not at the custom level of the U.S. There are some key differences.

First of all, 10% is the norm for tipping in a nice restaurant. You can give more if you had a stellar experience, but that’s more like 12%. Not 20%. In a cafe or deli, just round up your bill to the nearest dollar. If it was €3.80, leave the .20 cents as a tip.

In pubs in London and bars in Europe, tipping isn’t expected on small amounts.

Whatever you do, always check the bill for a service charge. There are MANY places throughout Europe now that charge a set service fee and include it in the bill. This is often 10 or 12%. If this fee has been added to your bill, there is no need to tip.

Eating in Europe

cacio e pepe pasta

Since you’ll be visiting many different countries while in Europe, the food will be very diverse. You will have the best overall experience if you’re willing to try all the foods you come across and have an open mind that you mind really like something you’ve never tried before.

  • In London, you should have a Sunday roast , Fish and Chips , a Steak & Ale pie . See our foodie guide to London for more.
  • In Paris, are you daring enough to try frog’s legs or escargot ? Definitely make room for crepes and a Croque Monsieur . See our foodie guide to Paris for more.
  • In Italy, you’ll find an unimaginable array of pasta dishes , pizza, dried meats, and cheeses. Berlin has a very international food scene. It’s not just Schnitzel and sausage anymore.
  • And in Amsterdam, you must try the frites , the bitterballen and the  Poffertjes (pancakes).

In every city, there is now a food tour taking place. We always recommend going on a food tour first thing when you arrive because it gives you a very good overview of the foods you should look out for and where to find them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $5000 enough for a trip to europe.

With careful planning and budgeting, $5000 can allow you to have an enjoyable and fulfilling trip to Europe. However, the amount of money you need for a trip to Europe can vary widely depending on several factors, including the duration of your trip, the countries you plan to visit, your travel style, and the activities you want to experience.

How early should I plan my Europe trip?

Starting to plan your Europe trip 6 months in advance is a good timeframe, especially if your trip involves multiple destinations, is during the peak season, or requires visas. This allows you to also get your accommodation booked in advance. However, if your trip is relatively simple and during the off-peak season, you might be able to start planning 3 months before your travel dates.

What’s the best time to visit Italy?

Italy is a year-round destination, but many people prefer the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds in Italy are generally smaller at this time of year.

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Now you know how to plan a trip to Europe, and we’ve given you a 2-week itinerary to follow. What are you waiting for? Whether you take a guided tour or do this Europe 2-week itinerary on your own, I am certain you will find it to be the most exciting and rewarding trip you’ll ever take.

Europe is fascinating and full of surprises. Let us know how your trip to Europe turns out!

Be Prepared For Travel

Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

  • Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
  • Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
  • Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
  • Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Like this post? Why not save it to your Pinterest board ?

Laura

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

15 thoughts on “ How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary) ”

A great two-week itinerary for those looking to see the capital cities of Europe Laura – and totally agree with the London food choices! We are heading to the UK early next month and the Sunday roast and fish and chips ( with curry sauce) are high on our agenda;) Also an afternoon tea with clotted cream! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this thorough article. Shelley x

I always love a good cream tea!

I am planning on visiting Europe – more like a backpacking trip. And believe, I probably have read all the possible articles about “How to Self Organize Europe Trip” and this is the first article which covered everything I needed to know in a simple and minimal way. I couldn’t thank you enough, Laura. Really helpful!!!!!

Glad you found it useful, Sneha. Enjoy your trip.

This is awesome, thank you ❤️

Thank you for ALL of this great information. I’m in the beginning stages of planning a vacation for my family of 6. We will fly out of JFK – probably late June 2023 and we would like to visit: London, Paris, Venice, (Rome maybe) and Barcelona. Does the order of countries make sense? And know we would do train from Paris to Venice – but what would you suggest for the rest of the trip as far as traveling between countries? Thank you!

Hi Jill. That trip route sounds good. You can actually do all trains, if you don’t mind overnight travel, to save time. I would likely take the Eurostar from London to Paris, fly to Venice, train to Rome, and flight to Barcelona. You can easily get low-cost airline flights between all of those places.

Hi Laura, do you know whether the flight from Paris to Venice would be very busy? We definitely want to hit up London, Amsterdam, Paris and Italy (Venice/Florence/Rome) but felt that 14 days was ambitious for us. We also were hoping to avoid flights as much as possible due to the mass flying and worry it might take forever at the airport during August/September.

Hi Linda. The flight from Paris to Venice is likely always full, but it’s not a bad experience. We fly these routes all the time. You could also take the train! If you want to take a slower journey and actually cover it well, I would recommend 3 weeks for that trip. It is quite ambitious to do it in 2 weeks, but most people don’t have that much vacation time.

Hi and thank you so much for sharing all of this information! I am planning a summer trip for next year and am just researching to get a jump start on things and saving up!

I have a question…is there a way to add in the Almafi coast in this itinerary easily? What would you suggest as far as when you would add that? Before or after Venice…etc. and how many days would you recommend there? I was planning to do a boat day there.

Hi Cassandra. We were just in the Amalfi coast! You’ll love it. If you have time, I would suggest doing this itinerary the opposite way – starting in London and ending in Naples. Then you can visit the Amalfi coast and travel home from Naples.

Thanks so much for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out here .God Bless You

Hi there! This is really helpful!! I’m just confused, and trying to follow the map you post at the top. Just underneath your header “Self-Guided Tour of Europe – Plan Your Own Travel Itinerary”, there’s a map with a travel route posted. But that map does not match up with the route that is detailed below. The map appears to start in London and go to Paris, and them double-back to Amsterdam. But in the written itinerary, you talk about going from Paris to Venice, but this is not shown as the route on the map, and there’s no mention of how to get from Paris to Venice. Just trying to figure out if I follow what’s posted on the map, or what is outline in the written itinerary?? THANK YOU!!!

Hi Sherry. It looks like Amsterdam just got inserted in the wrong place on the map. I’ve updated it to be last instead of 3rd. Although if you wanted to fly into London and out of Rome, you could still put Amsterdam 3rd in the itinerary.

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Europe Tours & Trips

With so many cultural experiences, it's no wonder why a European tour is top of mind for many. Step back in time when visiting London 's famous landmarks, sample the finest wines in Paris, or get lost in the alleyways of Rome . Whether you want to relax on a Danube cruise , or don your hiking boots in Iceland , there's so much to see on a tour through Europe.

250+ Europe tour packages with 53,619 reviews

Glimpse of Europe (End Paris, 7 Days) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Coach / Bus
  • Sightseeing

Glimpse of Europe (End Paris, 7 Days)

It was a good trip & good experienc.. thanks to our tour guide Ms Annerieke and our driver James

Europe Escape - 12 Days Tour

Europe Escape - 12 Days

The trip was an absolute great taste of several Western European countries. We jammed a lot of itinerary into a twelve day trip. Overall, the accomodations and meals were favorable. I would like to make a suggestion. On the first day or the trip, we were walked for miles through the side streets of Venice. People were not ready for this level of exertion on the very frist day of the trip. Within days, I saw two women limping and wearing knee braces in order to walk. There were people utilizing canes to walk. I have Lupus and am prone to bouts of fatigue, especially when expoised to too much sun and heat. I would ask that the company appropriates a water taxi for the coach passengers that will drop them off at the dick right next to Piazza San Marco.rather than that grind of a walk throught the side streets. People want to see the Piazza, not the side streets That first miles long walk took its toll on many of the passengers. I even saw one women entering the coach and break into tears because of her pain level. Most of the people on this trip were in their fifties and sixties. I'm sure they were not expecting such a rigorous daily regiment. I'm 6' 6'' and 300+. I was averaging 10,000 to 15, 000 steps a day on on uneven cobblestone, and boy did it ever take its toll on my knees and joints. I'm still recovering from the achy knees. That's the only suggestion I have. Find a way to get the tourist from point A to B without having people on vacation walk for multiple miles. It's a vacation. You're not supposed to return home injured and in pain.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Jewel - 14 Days Tour

Europe Jewel - 14 Days

Well organised and executed tour.Got an opportunity to meet people all over the world and all are of very pleasant personalities.Tour leader Mrs.Shey Harrington organised it in excellent way and last to mention about our Driver Mr.Hans ,ever smiling and non tiring personality.

The Great Adventure Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

The Great Adventure

The tour was good, Gaabi was briliant the way she managed, however, not all tour guides were the same. Information wasn't shared properly, only people in the front could hear verbal instruction. Some instructions were given when people were sleeping in the bus. Meeting time and point wasn't communicated properly at times creating confusion.

European Delight Tour

European Delight

We enjoyed the tour with our close family and now we have beautiful memories to cherish with best holidays of our lifetime spent in Europe Our best tour guide from all of them was Albert. Maria was very helpful too. Other tour guides Jose, Christina and different local tour guides were knowledgeable too but was rushing too much. We had to rush a lot from morning thru evening with stop overs in between. Some more extra time at each stops would have been appreciated but understanding time restraints it was not possible. Couple of hotels were bit far away from city centre which was bit inconvenient so be prepared to grab stuff you need in your stopovers - guide would let you know in advance. Highly recommend this tour to people who want to visit more places in less time. Also ensure to book extra nights in Rome, Budapest and Paris as there is lots to do here Thank you

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels) Tour

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Excellent tour company. My request for optional tour to Medjugorje Apparition Hill of the Virgin Mary was accommodated since it’s on the way to another option tour to Kravice Falls. The tour guide Simon from Travel Talk operator is the best keeping the group interact with each other that everyone bonded well. Simon made sure that my sister is taken cared of waiting at the meeting place while the group do the walking tour during the heat wave. One of the group got lost when it’s time to leave and Simon went to look for him in the town square full of tourists and luckily found him going the opposite direction from the meeting place. Simon treated all of us like family. Chris the driver is also an excellent tour bus driver. He made sure that everyone is safe with his driving skills in narrow roads and highways. He takes selfies group picture for all of us including him of course because he is part of the group family. Overall this is the best land tour company my family has ever been and we had several before this. I would highly recommend Tour Radar to everyone going to do All about Balkans 12 days.
  • €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels) Tour

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

I really enjoyed my trip to the Balkans. Simon was a fantastic guide and always went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable. He was very knowledgeable and even brought his own stories too. The tour exceeded all expectations I had and I would recommend to anyone.

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days) Tour

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Excellent 18 days itineraries!

Balkan Kaleidoscope Tour

Balkan Kaleidoscope

My wife and I enjoyed the Balkan overview w Penguin Travel. The tour is geared towards independent travelers with good mobility. Most of our fellow travelers were experienced and took advantage of the free time offered. The hotels were 3 star on average and despite some minor issues were clean and comfortable. We are glad we did not drive since the roads traveled were hilly and the speed limits as low as 18mph made the bus drive slowly and there were 16 border crossings. Enjoyed meeting fellow passionate travelers. Overall a good price given what was involved.

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days Tour

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

My first trip with Choosebalkans! I say I am very pleased! I very much enjoyed not only my trip, but I had fun with my group and my guide Besa. I will miss them dearly! What a great first experience and I will be doing more adventures with Choose Balkans! Worth the money!

Essential Britain & Ireland Tour

Essential Britain & Ireland

Tour was action packed Sometimes too busy Scottish evening was too soon and too much like the Irish Cabaret the night before John Tour Guide and Juilian Driver were absolutely the best Hotels were too big I found... I found the best ones were smaller I dont understand Hotels not having wash cloths anymore... I dont like that

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days Tour

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

Hey guys it was just perfect! Everything! From organization to beautiful places that we visited. I was all around the world but Albania is something else. Wine, sea, food, local people, history, cities - perfection! The places where we stayed were beautiful and clean and tour guide was lovely, talkative and kind. Recommendation to everybody!

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days) Tour

  • Active Adventure

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

Everything went smoothly.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Best of Eastern Europe Tour

The Best of Eastern Europe

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

European Whirl (Summer, End London, 13 Days) Tour

European Whirl (Summer, End London, 13 Days)

Kyle (our tour director) was great. He went over and above to make our European Whirl trip wonderful. We had a disabled person on the tour and I was very impressed with the care and compassion shown so that gentlemen had a wonderful experience. Overy the 12 days we only had one bad experience and that was when we arrived back in London on the Eurostar the Trafalgar Representative (not Kyle as we left him in Paris) greeted us however we had to wait over one hour for our transfer to arrive to take us to the hotel.

Reviews of Europe Tours

Martina was an excellent tour guide and Florin was a great driver! I always knew what we were doing, time and place to meet. Felt safe in the bus, he was an excellent and safe driver! The tour was fun and we saw some beautiful and wonderful places. The only place I wasn't too fond of was the place in Germany we stayed at. Other than that all the accommodations ere great!
I just got back from my 3rd solo trip with Expat Explorer & can't wait to join some more. This time was a 12 day Christmas and New Year's Europe Escape 2023/2024 and being the first time I was ever away from home for the holidays, it was truly magical, everything I imagined plus more. Our tour guide Luke was very personable, knowledgeable, caring and simply fun. He went out of his way to make sure each and everyone of us was well taken care of & provided plenty of ideas/options to us to get the most we could get out of each and every single day. Luke even dressed up as Santa Claus on Christmas Day!?! Our driver, James, was very professional, courtesies and when able, took the time to get to know us but always made it a priority to get us to our next destination as well as keep us safe. This tour is fast-paced with plenty of early morning departures and lots of walking but in doing so, the trade off is that you get to experience as much as possible in each of the various destination cities along the way. As a solo traveler, I never felt unsafe or alone and the camadarie of our group was instant. I appreciate that Expat Explorer allows you the freedom to decide between various pre-set excursions in the various destinations or the opportunity to explore on your own and/or even some combo of the two. If you are on the fence about one these tours, I say do your self a favor and just book it :) - Christie Fick
Having Gustavo Gomes as a Team Leader and combination with Sebastiano as a Coach driver really made a difference in having a memorable experience our first trip in Europe.

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Europe Trip Planner

Euroventure specialises in multi-city europe trips – specifically interrail and eurail adventures., check out our resources and tools below to help you plan your european escape.

It can be really overwhelming trying to plan your Europe trip. There are a ton of things to work out, research and eventually book. That’s why we offer as many resources and services as possible. From planning tools and rail trip advice, to fully guided tours , we can help you plan your ultimate Europe trip on your terms.

Use our interactive Europe Trip Planner tool to create your own route.

Use our Europe trip planner map  to create your own self-guided route, including any major European destinations – plus some further afield including Russia and China!

The map tool is interactive and super easy to use; you can make a plan without any obligation to book your trip with us. We’ll then send you over our best ideas for your route, plus a price including all your trains and accommodation. If you like the idea of having your multi-destination trip planned for you, you can book it within minutes! If not, no problem – you can still use the planner.

Not sure which destinations to visit? Get some inspiration with our destination guide !

my trip eu

Planning a trip to Europe but need some inspiration? Take a look at our self-guided itineraries.

Choose the route you like the best, and we’ll plan your Europe trip. You travel on your own, or with friends, but we’ll organise everything and send it all to you in a handy travel pack. We can also book activities, attractions and excursions for you. All you have to arrange is a flight to and from your start/finish point, plus your travel insurance (which you can sort through our partners here ) and spending money. Find out roughly how much spending money to take .

Wherever we can, we use trains to get from A to B. They’re the most sustainable, sociable and convenient way to get around – and we’ve got deals with all the main providers plus a ton of expert knowledge! Read more about  travelling Europe by train  – or check out our comparison of  different ways to travel Europe  for more inspiration. Scroll down for Europe trip itineraries from 1 – 8 weeks or longer!

If you prefer to travel with likeminded backpackers, why not join one of our small group trips across Europe:  Find out more.

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view of park guell in barcelona spain, a top europe bucket list travel destination

The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 75 Fun Things to Do in Europe

Curious about the best things to do in Europe–and wondering what exactly to put on your personal Europe bucket list? We have you covered!

We’ve been traveling Europe for years, and every day, week, and month spent traversing the continent seems to result in us crossing several experiences and destinations of our personal European bucket list… only to add twice as many spots to our wish-list for the future along the way.

While we have plenty of guides to planning a practical trip to Europe here on Our Escape Clause (more on that below), this giant list of what to do in Europe is decidedly not  that.

If you’re looking to do a little dreaming, on the other hand, this bucket list for Europe–based on a combination of our lived experiences and future travel dreams–is for you.

This list is admittedly incomplete, and always will be: it’s a living document, one that we’ll continue to update as we explore. However, this list of bucket list European tourist attractions and travel destinations is still enough to keep most travelers busy for years.

Here are the best things to do in Europe!

Table of Contents

Once You Narrow Your Europe Bucket List Down…

Unmissable tourist attractions in europe, european bucket list experiences, more fun things to do in europe.

view of florence from above with duomo dominating the skyline, one of the fun things to do in europe

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Obviously, no one European vacation could possibly cover all of the tourist attractions, bucket list experiences, and incredible destinations listed here (believe me, if there was a way, we’d be all over it).

Once you’ve narrowed your wish list down ever-so-slightly, we recommend hopping over to our Europe itinerary guide to start finalizing your destinations and putting your trip together!

We also recommend reading this list of essential Europe travel tips before you go, as well as our in-depth guide to traveling Europe by train .

To get your packing list in order, check out our complete guides to packing for Europe in the summer , fall , and winter , as well as our suggestions for what to bring on a long haul flight (knowledge gained through many uncomfortable experiences in the air).

To read more detailed travel tips, guides, and itineraries for the specific countries you’re planning to visit, head to our destinations page .

Kate Storm in a red dress sitting on a bridge overlooking the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Florence is a fabulous place to spend 7 days in Italy!

Every one of the Europe bucket list attractions in this section is incredibly famous… but definitely not worth skipping.

Admire the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero Gardens.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most iconic views on the continent, and enjoying it is one of the best things to do in Europe!

eiffel tower as seen from trocadero gardens, a europe bucket list destination

Admire the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel.

As the crown jewel of (and final stop on) a visit to the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s stunning Sistine Chapel is far more incredible in person than any photograph could convey.

Just be prepared to share the view with hundreds of others, and to avoid the temptation to photograph it during your trip to Vatican City .

Tour the Acropolis in Athens.

The center of cultural life in ancient Athens is still an incredible sight to behold today, and visiting is part of any Athens itinerary !

Athens Parthenon--this structure tops all kinds of bucket lists, and is a worthy addition to any 2 week Europe trip!

Visit Stonehenge in England.

Mysterious, beautiful Stonehenge is the most intricately built prehistoric stone circle on Earth–and its mysteries have been captivating visitors for thousands of years.

As far as experiences in England go, it may be touristy–but that doesn’t mean you should skip it.

Marvel at the Colosseum in Rome.

I’ll never forget the first time that I saw the Colosseum in person: the sheer size of it is incredible, and stepping inside is even more magnificent.

If you book a tour, you can even tour the Colosseum’s underground area beneath the arena.

Couple in front of Colosseum: Visiting Rome in Winter

Take a selfie with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Yep, it’s incredibly cheesy… but if you make it out to this town about 30 minutes west of Florence, don’t pass up the chance to have fun being silly!

Admire views of Oia in Santorini.

The picturesque white-and-blue village of Oia more than lives up to the Santorini of so many fantasies.

Girl standing in front of 3 blue domes on Santorini, Honeymoon in Santorini

Check out Big Ben.

London’s iconic clocktower is not to be missed during a trip to the city–and neither is the chance to stay in a memorable London hotel !

Explore the Louvre.

The most-visited museum in the world more than lives up to the hype: packed with art and artifacts spanning thousands of years, no trip to the Louvre could possibly cover it all (and that’s part of the fun).

Paris Honeymoon Guide: The Louvre Pyramid at Night

Marvel at the incomplete La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

We all know intellectually that the great cathedrals of European history took decades or centuries to build–but at the incomplete La Sagrada Familia, you can see a modern version of the process in action!

And, if you climb one of the cathedral’s towers, you can even enjoy the view from one of the most striking Barcelona viewpoints at the top!

Visit the ruins of Pompeii.

… and don’t forget to visit the city of Herculaneum, too, which was buried in the same eruption of Mount Vesuvius that Pompeii was.

Photo of a square in Pompeii Italy with ruins of columns and several statues in it

Stand in awe of Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland.

There is no shortage of truly epic landscapes to add to your Iceland bucket list , but perhaps none is as popular or iconic as the incredible Skogafoss.

You can find Skogafoss just off of Iceland’s iconic Ring Road –no hike required.

Be sure to bring a raincoat with you, as that mist is even more powerful than it looks!

woman in an orange raincoat standing in front of skogafoss waterfall in iceland, one of the best tourist attractions in europe

Admire views of Florence from above.

Whether you climb Brunelleschi’s dome at the Duomo or admire the stunning cathedral from afar at the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, or one of the other best viewpoints in Florence , admiring the Cradle of the Renaissance from above is one of the best things to do in Europe.

Stroll across the Charles Bridge in Prague.

Built starting in 1357, the ornate Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague, and for centuries was the only bridge in the city to cross the Vltava River.

The bridge links, among many other things, Prague’s central Old Town with its massive castle complex, both among the best things to see in the city.

Best Viewpoints to Visit in Prague: Old Town Bridge Tower

Hike the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast.

Between the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle along the Amalfi Coast runs one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe.

The main portion is only about 4 miles, but you’ll be in for quite the workout if you decide to finish by descending from Nocelle to Positano by foot. The views, however, are worth the effort.

Meander through Amsterdam’s historic center.

Riding a bike in Amsterdam can be a bit intimidating, true–but whether you choose to walk or ride, getting lost among the city’s canals is definitely one of the best things to do in Europe!

We highly recommend stopping into a cheese shop or six along the way.

Canal in Amsterdam with a bridge visible to the right of the photo

Experience the thermal baths in Budapest.

There are dozens of incredible things to do in Budapest , but few are as unique to the city as the enormous number of thermal baths located right in the city center!

The Szechenyi Thermal Baths in City Park and Gellert Thermal Baths in Hotel Gellert are among the most popular with visitors, and both are worth a visit.

view of Szechenyi Thermal Baths from under an arch in budapest hungary

Enjoy a gondola ride in Venice.

Touristy? Absolutely. Expensive? Without a doubt.

There’s no doubt, though, that’s there something magical–not to mention downright iconic, about a gondola ride in Venice !

Front of a gondola shot close up with the Grand Canal in the background--a gondola ride is an excellent addition to your Florence to Venice day trip!

Walk along the Cliffs of Moher.

These beautiful cliffs on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way are unforgettable. 

While you can hike all the way from Doolin to the cliffs, most travelers start at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor’s Center.

From there, consider walking to Hag’s Head (which should take a bit over an hour each way) to ditch the crowds and enjoy more peaceful views of the Cliffs of Moher .

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm standing in front of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland shortly before sunset

Order coffee or a meal in the local language.

Sure, you’ll probably mispronounce something the first time, and in popular European tourist destinations you won’t necessarily “need” to speak anything other than English to get by… but there is something incredibly gratifying about learning to speak even a tiny bit of the local language on your trip, and restaurants and cafes are the perfect places to start!

Cup of coffee sitting on a black table outdoors during a typical French breakfast in France, with a red chair in the background

Go dog sledding in Lapland.

For a winter paradise in Europe, you can’t beat dog sledding in Lapland.

Jump into the Blue Lagoon in Malta.

The tiny country of Malta has no shortage of rocky swimming locations, but none are quite as spectacular as the Blue Lagoon of Comino, one of the most popular day trips from the main island and one of the best things to do in Malta .

aerial view of blue lagoon malta

Walk the walls of Dubrovnik.

It’s hard to decide which view from the defensive city walls surrounding Dubrovnik’s Old Town is more incredible: the view looking into the city or the view looking out at the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Either way, there’s no doubt that this walk is one of the absolute best things to do in Europe, and worth prioritizing when deciding what to do in Dubrovnik .

Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik Croatia: view of Old Town from Minceta Fortress

Walk the Camino del Santiago.

True, this Europe bucket list item is at least a week-long commitment (several weeks if you want to do the whole thing rather than just the last 100km), but there’s a reason this ancient pilgrimage attracts more than 200,000 travelers each year.

Drive Germany’s Romantic Road.

From views of the (rightfully) popular Neuschwanstein Castle to the beauty of villages like Rothenburg ob de Tauber and cities like Augsburg, driving Germany’s Romantic Road is one of the best ways to explore the country.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip: View from Trail

Snorkel between two tectonic plates.

In Iceland’s stunning Silfra Fissure, you can snorkel between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates–the only place on the planet where you can do so!

Get all of our Silfra snorkeling tips here .

my trip eu

Go wine tasting in Tuscany.

There are European bucket list-worthy level wine regions across the continent, of course, but none has captured the imagination of travelers from across the pond like Tuscany.

Admiring the golden light of the Tuscan countryside from a stone villa while drinking a glass of local wine definitely lives up to the hype!

glass of red wine being held up in front of grape vines during a wine tasting in tuscany, a european bucket list travel experience

Soak in the beauty of the colorful harbor of Nyhavn in Copenhagen.

The picturesque, historic harbor Nyhavn may be touristy–but like many tourist attractions in Europe, there’s a good reason for that!

Be sure to add this beautiful spot to your Copenhagen itinerary .

Nyhavn Harbor on a sunny day in Copenhagen Denmark, one of the best cities to visit in Europe

Enjoy afternoon tea in London.

British afternoon tea is a delightful ritual, and nowhere does it quite like London!

Whether you’d like to stick to something traditional in a restaurant or hotel or go all-out with a themed afternoon tea in London (Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter are both options, as is a tea served on one of London’s iconic double-decker buses), enjoying a full afternoon tea definitely belongs on your list of what to do in London.

Admire the sweeping lavender fields of Provence.

No matter how much lavender you’ve seen in your life, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the sheer scale of the lavender fields of Provence.

Come summer, you can truly find places in southern France that are coated with fields of purple as far as the eye can see.

field of lavender in provence at sunset, one of the best europe travel bucket list destinations

Ride a historic tram through Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal has many reasons that it is compared to San Francisco, but at the top of the list is definitely its hills… and the charming trams that were built to help citizens contend with them!

4 Days in Lisbon: Street Car Alfama District

Gamble in Monaco.

It doesn’t have to be a lot of money, of course, but there’s something exciting about stepping into the legendary casinos of Monaco!

Experience European Christmas markets.

Mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, Christmas carols, tasty food, and if you’re lucky (and choose the right city), maybe even a little bit of snow: the best Christmas markets in Europe are truly magical.

Kate and Jeremy in a Vienna Christmas market taking a selfie. Kate is holding up and red and white Santa mug.

Enjoy a drink in an Irish pub.

The cities have some lovely options, but for us, nothing beats a night spent with an Irish beer, some pub food, and live music in a tiny village that is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Emerald Isle.

Marvel at the tulips in the Netherlands.

Intricately organized rows of brightly colored tulips that seem neverending, maybe even interrupted by a picturesque windmill in the background: views like these are worth traveling to the Netherlands for!

The popular Keukenhof Gardens are one of the most common places for travelers to start their tulip-spotting, but there is no shortage of places to admire the flowers each April .

kate storm kneeling amongst tulips in the netherlands in april

Toss a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain.

As legend has it, throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return to Rome.

Buy a picnic at an outdoor market, and enjoy it outside!

Cured meats in Italy, cheese in France, olives in Spain (or let’s be real, all three, everywhere), and beyond–outdoor markets are a fantastic part of many European cultures, and shopping for your own picnic adds a fun project that makes exploring them more meaningful and fun.

Jeremy Storm purchasing raspberries at the Pazar Market during a trip to Split Croatia

See an opera.

Vienna is the classic travel destination for checking an opera off your bucket list for Europe, but most major European cities boast a stunning opera house that’s worth seeing a show in–even if you’re not the biggest fan of opera.

Visit the fairytale village of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland.

Overlooked by the towering Staubbach Waterfall, Lauterbrunnen looks like one of those towns that are simply too magical to be real (though, to be entirely fair, quite a bit of Switzerland looks like that!).

village of lauterbrannen switzerland with waterfall visible on the right

Go island hopping in Greece.

Whitewashed villages, stunning sunsets, the sparkling sea, and positively scrumptious food are just a few excellent reasons to enjoy Greece’s island life!

Despite their many similarities, Greek islands vary dramatically in culture and things to do–a trip to Santorini or Mykonos is not remotely the same as one to Crete or Zakynthos.

Hike to San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor, Montenegro.

The climb to San Giovanni Fortress rewards hikers with sweeping views of both the town and Bay of Kotor, and it’s both one of the best things to do in Kotor and a fantastic way to spend a morning in Montenegro.

Kate Storm in a pink shirt climbing San Giovanni Fortress: Best Things to Do in Kotor Montenegro

Step inside a beautiful church.

Whether it’s one of the most famous churches in London , Paris, or Rome, or a quiet community church in a small town, the art, architecture, and history you can experience throughout the churches of Europe is not to be missed.

Take a European road trip.

Deciding which of the best road trips in Europe is right for you is a near-impossible challenge… but no matter which destination (or destinations!) you choose, it’s sure to be unforgettable.

Some of our favorite bucket list European road trips so far have been in Tuscany , Provence , Sicily , Ireland , Southern Spain , and Croatia –but there are many more to come in the future.

A Norway road trip in the summer, a Transylvania road trip, and a Scottish Highlands road trip are all at the top of our wish list!

Photo of an empty road on the left, with the Verdon Gorge to the right. The turquoise river of the gorge is visible in the center of the photo. Definitely worth stopping here on a France road trip!

Attend Oktoberfest in Munich.

There’s nothing like the gigantic–and let’s be real, overwhelming–Munich Oktoberfest!

With 16 enormous (and distinct) tents to experience and a whole new lingo and culture to learn, it’s worth donning lederhosen or a dirndl to experience this over-the-top festival.

Eat street food.

A crepe in Paris, a waffle in Belgium, a kebab just about anywhere: the food itself doesn’t matter nearly as much as the experience of ordering and enjoying it!

Kate Storm in a blue coat holding a crepe while sightseeing in Paris--any weekend trip to Paris definitely requires eating at least a couple of crepes!

See the northern lights.

Whether it’s in Iceland , Sweden, Norway, Finland, or even Scotland, the northern lights are a magnificent spectacle that belongs on your European bucket list.

Enjoy the beaches of Sardinia.

This isolated island off the coast of Italy is one of the most distinct regions in the country–and, despite the fact that it is rarely visited by tourists from outside of Europe, it’s home to some of the most stunning beaches on the continent!

White sailboat in the clear blue sea surrounding Sardinia as seen from above--Sardinia is one of the most romantic places in Italy

Take public transportation.

Not only is it often the easiest way to get around, but it’s also a fantastic way to learn about the place you’re visiting!

… and an overnight train.

Sure, it may not be the most comfortable sleep you’ve ever had, but there’s something exhilarating about overnight travel via train.

If you’ve never tried it, consider crossing it off your European bucket list on your next trip (plus, it’s better for the environment than flying, anyway).

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm selfie on a sleeper train through Europe

Take a canal cruise in Bruges.

The city of Bruges, Belgium looks exactly like what a non-European tourist expects Europe to look like before arriving–in other words, like an ancient city worthy of being the setting of a fairytale.

With a description like that, it’s no surprise that Bruges is one of the most romantic cities in Europe .

And, there’s no better place to appreciate the city’s beauty than from the water!

Ghent or Bruges: Bruges Canal Tour

Explore the villas of Lake Como.

From Bellagio to Lecco and beyond, the towns and cities dotting the edges of Lake Como are known for their stunning views and opulent villas.

Road trip the Scottish Highlands.

Whether you’re inspired by Outlander, Harry Potter, the temptation of a good glass of scotch whisky, or simply the sweeping landscapes of northern Scotland, road tripping the NC 500 will take you to some of the most beautiful–and in the case of the sparkling turquoise beaches, unexpected–corners of Europe.

landscape of scottish highlands near glencoe, roadtripping here is one of the best things to do in europe

Take a food tour.

We’re big believers in food tours: not only will you be able to participate in what is usually a fascinating walking tour of the city in between meals, but you’ll also have a chance to try several different local dishes… without having to commit to ordering a whole portion.

Over the years, in European cities as diverse as Rome , Istanbul, Palermo, and Athens , we’ve discovered new favorite dishes and city streets on food tours!

… and a cooking class.

Looking for something even more hands-on than a food tour? Try a cooking class!

Italy and France are popular choices for these, of course, but you’ll find them all across the continent.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm holding up a pizza at a cooking class in Tuscany

Row to Bled Island.

Tiny, beautiful Bled Island, perched in the center of Lake Bled, is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia .

The best way to check visiting this island off your list of fun things to do in Europe? Row your way across the lake!

Bled Island in the center of Lake Bled in Slovenia, a must-see during a Slovenia road trip itinerary

Explore Mont Saint-Michel.

Set on an island off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel was once famous for only being able to be reached at low tide.

That changed with the completion of a bridge to the island in 2014, however, the charm of the compact island featuring a monastery dating back to the 8th century is still absolutely present.

Visit the tiny country of San Marino.

Landlocked by Italy, San Marino styles itself as the oldest independent republic in the world–and it also happens to be incredibly beautiful.

View of castle of San Marino perched on a hill

Set sail to Svalbard.

The isolated Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is known for its glaciers, its arctic landscape, its incredible beauty, and–above all–its polar bears.

It’s far from the easiest (or cheapest) European bucket list destination to check off your list, but it’s also absolutely unforgettable.

polar bear sitting on a frozen piece of glacier in svalbard norway, one of the best bucket list europe travel destinations

Experience a sauna in Finland.

The Finnish take their cultural tradition of sauna extremely seriously, and taking part in the sauna experience is one of the many fun things to do in Europe (just make sure to check your modesty at the door).

Tour the catacombs of Paris.

Six million skeletons may not be the first thing you think about when planning what to do in the City of Light, but you’ll never forget visiting the catacombs in Paris !

Stacked bones as seen when visiting the Paris catacombs with a skull in the foreground on the left side of the photo

Soak in the beauty of Hallstatt.

The small town of Hallstatt, Austria is often considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe–and looking at it, there’s no mystery as to why!

view of hallstatt austria from across the lake, one of the best places to visit in europe

Go for a hike in Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Plitvice Lakes National Park happens to be one of my favorite national parks on the planet, and in my opinion, it belongs on any list detailing what to do in Europe.

Made up of 16 interconnected lakes that are knitted together by a series of stunning waterfalls, it’s hard not to fall in love with these beautiful turquoise lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia postcard view from above with lakes in the center surrounded by trees, a must-see on your 10 day trip to Croatia!

Take a sunrise stroll through your favorite city.

Whether it’s Paris or Rome, Budapest or Istanbul, there’s some magical about a European city at dawn–consider walking to some of the city’s best tourist attractions to see them both bathed in beautiful early morning light and without crowds!

Explore the castles of Transylvania.

The gorgeous Romanian region of Transylvania lends itself to legend–helped, along, of course, by its association with Dracula.

While the Dracula story is based on Vlad the Impaler, the majority of the legend is of course firmly in the realm of fiction.

However, that doesn’t take away from the magic of visiting Bran Castle, as well as other stunning Transylvanian castles like Peles Castle and Corvin Castle.

peles castle romania in winter after a snowfall, one of the best bucket list europe travel destinations

Take a tour of one of the world’s best museums.

Even if art history isn’t exactly your subject of choice, taking an organized tour of one of Europe’s great museums absolutely belongs on your Europe bucket list!

Visiting museums like the Uffizi, the Louvre, the Vatican Museums, and the Prado independently can be lots of fun, but there’s something incredibly special about having the history and context of various works brought to life with a live guide.

You don’t necessarily need to book a tour for every museum you visit–but once in a while, it’s definitely worth the splurge.

Winged Victory Statue in the Louvre--when calculating your trip to Paris cost, definitely try to budget to see the Louvre!

Take a day trip to Asia.

A quick ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul is all you need in order to take a day trip to Asia from Europe!

Eat pizza in Naples.

There’s a reason that pizza in Naples is widely considered to be some of the best in the world!

Absolutely delicious, with a delightfully chewy crust and a focus on very fresh, but minimal, ingredients, tucking into a true Napoli-style pizza in Naples is an experience that can’t quite be recreated anywhere else.

Naples Pizza Tour: Margherita Pizza

Get off the beaten path with a visit to the Faroe Islands.

Stunningly beautiful, the isolated Faroe Islands are one of the least-visited corners of Europe… but their dramatic landscapes make it well worth the effort.

… and the Azores.

Sometimes referred to as the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”, this archipelago of Portuguese islands makes for an unforgettable adventure.

Hike on a volcano, visit some incredible lakes, tour historic forts, and get underground at stunning caves during your Azores adventure.

view of cliffside hiking trail in azores lined with hydrangeas. the azores are a europe bucket list destination

Tour a church decorated with bones.

From the mummies of Sicily to the Capuchin Crypt of Rome, and from the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic to the Capela dos Ossos in Portugal, there is a startling amount of artwork in Europe constructed with human remains–most of it in or underneath churches or monasteries.

Though quite unsettling on the face of it, these places are also incredibly interesting.

San Bernardino alle Ossa Ossuary, as seen when looking up. Definitely don't miss this during your one day in Milan!

Eat tapas (and churros) in Madrid.

Madrid is well-known for its late-night culture, where bars and clubs often stay open until dawn.

Want to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife in a different way? Enjoy several plates of tapas at various bars, and follow it up with a late-night serving of churros!

They’re amazing year-round, of course, but churros con chocolate are a particular highlight of visiting Madrid in winter !

Kate Storm's hands shown dipping a churro into chocolate with a stack of churros off to the side--even with only a few days in Madrid, eating lots of churros is a msut!

Explore the villages of Alsace.

Of all the storybook-worthy towns in Europe, it’s arguable that the villages of Alsace, France are among the most picturesque.

Tucked in a corner of northeastern France and home to a distinct culture that blends French and German influences, Alsace is known for its wine, its food, and its Christmas markets.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm Eguisheim

Spend the night in a castle.

From Ireland to France and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to sleep in beautiful, historic locations–but none are quite as worthy of a Europe bucket list as the idea of sleeping in a castle!

3 photos of europe: florence, hallstate, park guell in barcelona. black and pink text on a white background reads "the ultimate europe bucket list"

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

1 thought on “The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 75 Fun Things to Do in Europe”

Thanks for this Kate, I had a blast! Very informative too. Nice to know you lived in Portugal. Godspeed.

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Ultimate Eurotrip Packing Guide

Last Updated April 5, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Packing Lists » Ultimate Eurotrip Packing Guide

Preparing for your very first Eurotrip can be a bit daunting.  I remember when I first head out to Europe on exchange, I had no idea what I was in for.  I packed everything and the kitchen sink.   I was able to make it work with the gear that I had brought over but it was definitely not the most efficient.  For my second trip to Europe, I did more research, purchased better gear, and it turned out to be a much more pleasant experience.

The key to having a great backpacking trip to Europe is making sure you’ve done the right preparation beforehand.  The hope for this guide is to walk you through what you should be thinking about when packing for your trip.

This Eurotrip packing guide on preparing for your trip is based on my own personal experiences packing for  Competitours , a 14 day, all-around Western Europe trip.  It’s Amazing Race but for normal people.

Read more about Eurotrip

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  • How to travel Europe for cheap
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  • What you need to know about river cruising in Europe

How to get the best deals in travel

  • Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
  • Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
  • Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
  • Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
  • Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Here's what we're covering:

Eurotrip Preparation Wisdom

Shirts & underwear, pants & jacket, miscellaneous electronics, additional things in the main pack, daypack items, tech gadgets, things you probably didn’t think about, everything else.

ultimate eurotrip packing guide and advice climbing to peak of via ferrata in churwalden with competitours

Some of this may seem obvious and intuitive and others you may have heard others say but don’t believe.  I’m going to lay out all the things you really should be thinking about and putting into action when you prepare for that epic trip to Europe.

  • Pack light – This is probably the hardest one of them all.  It’s easy to bring everything you “think” you’ll need on the trip but the truth is you’ll use less than half of that and you’ll hate yourself for doing it because of all the extra weight you have to carry around.
  • It’s not a fashion show – I know this is hard to accept for some, but there’s really no need to look that good on the road.  You’re going to wear those same khakis for a couple days straight and you’ll probably end up rotating through the same 5-6 shirts.  It’s okay.  Do yourself a favor and leave those jeans at home.  They’re not versatile, they’re heavy, and impossible to dry when wet.
  • Good shoes are key – Europe is 100% walking.  If you don’t have good shoes, you’re going to be complaining most of the way through.
  • Washing your clothes – The only way to bring less sets of clothes than the number of days you have on the road is to wash your clothes.  One option is to find a laundromat and the other is to hand wash them yourself.  The hardcore backpackers know they can survive on 2-3 pairs of underwear because hand washing them every night is very do-able.  Watch my hand-washing video to learn how.  This is why fast drying clothes are also key.
  • Play it safe – The worst thing that can happen to you on your trip is to have your stuff stolen.  Never take those dumb risks.  Don’t put your backpack down on the ground unattended, always wear a money belt, and lock your gear up if you’re staying at a hostel.
  • Don’t stress – Europe is very developed so whatever you might’ve forgotten, you’ll be able to buy along the way.

Eurotrip Packing Guide

A critical piece of gear that makes the whole Eurotrip packing guide work is the backpack.  The core piece is the main backpack which is going to carry everything you’ll be living off of.  From my experience a backpack around the 50-55L is just right for a multi-week trip around Europe.

Now you’re probably wondering about the second pack there.  It’s almost as big as my main pack.  I’ll say this.  It’s a bit overkill, yes, and I wish I had a smaller backpack in this case

These are the two things you want to consider with backpacks.  

  • You always want to make sure you have a day pack when you’re travelling.  Those collapsable backpacks like the New Outlander  are great for this.  
  • The tricky part is in that I have a lot of gear (camera, video, and laptop) and when you start looking at ones with padded compartments they’re no longer going to be collapsible.  

Ideally, you’d be able to keep everything in one main pack but with with this configuration I’m going to essentially have to carry the main pack on my back and my day pack in the front.

Eurotrip Packing Backpacks

  • Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 50 Outdry  – I intended to use this for Peru but I figure why the heck not use it for Europe as well.  This guy is a tough backpack being fully water proof and all but what’s been great about packing it so far is that it’s packed with a lot of features like the top flap zipper compartment, the flexible side pockets, and the hip pockets.  I purchased the M/L size which increases the capacity to 55L.  I was also left with tons of room to spare after fitting everything in.
  • Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack – Some of you may seen this in my China video but what I have to say about this backpack is that it’s a fantastic travel pack because it handles the need of having super safe and secure compartments for the camera while also coming with a lots of compartments for gear you’d want to put in a daypack.  Quality is top notch and extremely rugged.  The only drawback of course is that it is a bit large.  I would’ve opted for a smaller bag for this trip but the life of a travel blogger (with video ambitions) means the need for way more stuff than a normal person.

For shirts, I’d say there’s really no need to bring more than 7 sets and even then it might be more than you need.  The key again is that you should never be afraid to wash your clothes.  The reason I’ve stopped waiting for laundromats is because you often have to allocate time to find them, drop-off and pick-up.  With hand-washing, you can pace yourself by doing one a night and that way you’ll never run out of clothes.

Underwear works the same as I’ve budgeted 7 sets of socks/underwear for 14 days.  I could probably do with less socks since I do plan on wearing flip flops or sandals for part of the trip. My go-to underwear is the ExOfficio Give-N-Go , the best travel boxers hands-down.

The last thing I’ll mention is the use of these stuff sacks.  For my t-shirts I love my Eagle Creek organizer that allows you to cram SO MUCH into one nice little neat package.  It’s all thanks to the technique of rolling your clothes ( see the video ).  I simply throw it into the backpack and with the handle at the top, all I have to do is pull it out.  

The stuff sack mesh bags are also critical to any backpacker.  I make sure everything is a different color and that way I can keep my pack organized.  This way you won’t have to dig through piles of clothes inside the bag.  Need PJ’s or that button up shirt?  I just need to pull out the blue bag.  Need underwear or socks?  Just pull out the orange bag.  It makes life so much easier.

Eurotrip Packing Shirts

  • Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube (M) with 7 t-shirts- This packing cube was one of the best discoveries.  This helps keeps my shirts nice and tidy.
  • Cactus Creek Mesh Bags  (M) with PJs – These used to be sold at MEC in Canada but they seemed to have disappeared.  Honestly any mesh bag will do but make sure they’re colour coded.  I have 3 sizes.  This particular one is the medium.
  • Cactus Creek Mesh Bags  (M), 5x socks and underwear – If I could, all of my underwear would be the Exofficio Give-N-Go Boxer but I only have 4.  Sock wise, I probably don’t need that much since I’ll be alternating between hiking shoes, flip flops and sandals but I figure why not since I have the space.
  • North Face Short Sleeve Button Shirt – Picked this up at the outlet not too long ago.  I packed this just to mix it up if I wanted to.  The great part about this shirt is that it’s still very light.

Where most people go wrong with the packing is in the pants.

Rule #1:  Jeans are a no-no – There’ll be that initial desire to bring one because that’s what you comfortably wear at home on a day-to-day basis but on the road it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.  The main issues are that they’re not light nor can they be packed into a tight form factor.

Rule #2:  Versatile clothes may not be sexy but are useful – The khakis I have below are great because they’re lightweight and quick to dry and I have the option of zipping away the pant legs to turn them into shorts.  Probably not something you’d wear at home but on the road, I zip away freely.  Nobody’s judging!

Rule #3:  You just don’t need a whole lot of pants – The way I think about it is, as long as the underwear changes everyday, I should totally be happy with wearing the same pants everyday.  I have 3 pairs of main pants and that is more than enough.

Eurotrip Packing Pants & Jacket

  • Eddie Bauer Khakis – Another great purchase from the outlet.  These pants have served me well for the past couple of trips.
  • Assortment of capris – Hey guys can wear capris too right?  I’ve been a big fan of these for travel but honestly completely your personal preference.  For me, it’s all about making sure I have additional pockets.
  • O’Neill Men’s Hybrid Freak Boardshort – Again versatility is key.  I love these swim trunks because they’re perfect for the water but they also look fantastic on land.
  • Cactus Creek Mesh Bags (L) – Probably hard to see but this is the large version of the mesh bag.  I use this to carry all of my pants in one organizer.  Since this tends to be the largest stuff sack, I will usually make sure this goes near the bottom of the bag to balance the weight properly.
  • Patagonia H2No Shell Jacket – It doesn’t make a lot of sense to bring an umbrella when you can bring a waterproof jacket like this that can also double as an additional layer.  Shells like this are perfect for travelling because they’re versatile, light and easily rollable.

This is my current line up of shoes.  It may seem like a lot but the flip flops don’t really count because those fit just about anywhere.  The hiking shoes are my daily walkers but I usually will end up interchanging them with my sandals for those super hot days or if I know I’ll be walking into water.

The tricky part though is if you plan on doing any clubbing.  Like clubs at home, most places will only let you in if you have the proper clothing and shoes which goes against everything that’s optimized for travel.  If you plan on doing that kind of partying, you’re just going to have to suck it up and bring a dress shirt, jeans and dress shoes/nice sneakers.

Eurotrip Packing Shoes

  • Merrell Moab Ventilators Hiking Shoe – These shoes have been the bread and butter of all my trips for years now.  They’re incredibly comfortable and great in all situations.  These ones aren’t waterproof but for city walking, this fits the bill.
  • Rainbow Sandals, Double Layer Leather Sandal – I have reviewed these extensively before but I can’t go on a summer trip without these.  They’re just so damn comfortable and great for extended periods of walking.  Plus you never know when you’ll be hitting up a beach right?
  • KEEN H2 Newport Sandal – My review holds this as one of the best sandals on the market.  I love them because they’re just so versatile in summer conditions.  Amphibious is the word that comes to mind.
  • MSR Packtowel Personal – Don’t make the mistake I made with quick dry towels and buy a small one.  It’s just not worth it to annoyingly dry yourself with something the size of a hand towel.  This one is great because it’s large (XL in fact), packs into a small form factor, and dries quickly.  While mostly used in hostels, this is the kind of thing that’s always nice to have with you because you never know.
  • 20L Stuff Sack – This bag is mainly used to store dirty clothes.  A stuff sack like this is great because it’s water proof so if you for some reason have wet clothes, you can use it for that too.
  • Another Stuff Sack – I have tons of stuff sacks at home and I pulled this one to just neatly store my sandals in my backpack so that again, I know what that dark green bag is when I’m reaching in to pull stuff out.

There’s quite a few things in my toiletries kit so let’s jump right in.

Eurotrip Packing Toiletries

  • Hair Gel – Yah forget what I said about not needing to look good.
  • Cetaphil Face Cleanser – It’s all about the travel size bottles.  I got this as a sample somewhere and I’ve been using it for my trips ever since.
  • Bandaids – I have an assortment of sizes with me.  Waterproof ones are good to have too.
  • Reactine – When allergies strike.
  • Immodium – This has you covered if you ever get traveler’s diarrhea.
  • Electric Toothbrush – I know it’s a bit overkill but this cheap electric toothbrush keeps my teeth clean.  I also pop in new batteries before I leave the house.
  • Toothpaste – I really should have a travel-sized one.
  • Body Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner – Courtesy of the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello.
  • Tylenol Day/Night Cold – This has come in handy on numerous occasions on the road.
  • Peptid AC – This is more for the Asian Glow than anything.
  • Systane Balance Eyedrops – I have dry eyes.
  • Ear Plugs – I don’t normally use these but Sam might be a snorer.
  • Advil – The new tablet form factor is pretty nice.
  • Off Mosquito Repellent – Big cities usually aren’t a problem but again it’s one of those things where you never know.
  • Alcohol Wipes – I have hand sanitizer below.  This is more for use as an antiseptic to clean wounds or what have you.
  • Digital Thermometer – I’ve been sick on the road before so this has always been nice to have because to buy one on the road would be very expensive.
  • Sunscreen – Got this nice package courtesy of the folks at St. Pete’s.
  • Tide Single Packet – Purchased this as a package of 3.  I’m only bringing this because I’m trying to kill off this last one.  To be perfectly honest, using regular bar soap or liquid body soap or even shampoo are just as effective for the hand-washing of clothes.
  • EmergenC – This is a great boost if you feel the onset of a cold or flu.
  • Multi-vitamin – Who knows is this is actually effective or not but I usually try to take a multi-vitamin a day just to ward off anything bad.  It’s hard to keep a balanced intake of vitamins when travelling so the theory is that this helps with that.
  • Muji Paraglider Cloth Hanging Travel Case – Last but not least is the case that carries it all.  I’ve been very happy with this Muji toiletries organizer because of it’s simplicity in design and comprehensiveness in terms of pockets, zippers and elastic holders.  The must-have feature for any toiletries organizer is the hook.  Hanging your bag is always a better option than letting it sit on the sink especially if you’re using communal hostel washrooms.

While I try to keep most of my electronics with my daypack, inevitably I’ll end up with a bunch of things that need to be stored away.

Eurotrip Packing Electronics

  • Outdoor Research Stuff Sack – The Outdoor Research bag is a bit overkill but it’s a nice small stuff sack where I can throw in bunch of things and not have to worry about it tearing in transit.
  • Aquapac Waterproof Case – This soft case is great because it’s extremely easy to roll away and still provides you touch control if you put your phone inside.  I bring this only if I think there’s a chance I’ll have to go out into the water (i.e. kayak or canoe).
  • Mamut Headlamp – This model has since been discontinued but in general it’s a good idea to bring a headlamp because you might be doing a sunrise/sunset hike or if a power outage occurs or
  • WD Portable Hard Drive – I have brought this along just because I’m worried I might run out of hard drive space on the laptop.  This is also a good way to backup photos and videos while travelling so you’ll have one copy on the laptop and the other on this hard drive.
  • Plug Adapters for UK and EU – I have a random assortment of plug adapters I’ve collected over the years.  Always do your research beforehand but in Europe you’re mostly dealing with these two types of plugs.   Universal adapters are good but the problem is with all the devices you have you’ll need multiple.  I find that individual adapters like mine are more useful.
  • Chargers and Cables – I pretty much throw all the random cables and chargers into the bag too.  I only need them once a night so no need to put them in my daypack.

Here are just a few things I packed but realized I forgot to photograph afterwards.

Eurotrip Packing Misc

  • Rick Steves’ Silk Money Belt – I have a love-hate relationship with the money belt.  On one hand, it did totally save me when I had my backpack stolen in Paris many years ago.  On the other hand, it’s annoying, uncomfortable and sweaty to wear all day.  I usually end up making a game-time decision about it but if we’re thinking 100% about safety, having the money belt is a no-brainer.
  • Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap  – This is a great travel hat simply because you can fold the brim.  This makes it incredibly easy to pack and even while on the road, I can easily stick the cap in my back pocket if I want to take it off but not go through the trouble of putting it into my daypack.
  • Student Card – I’m lucky enough to have a student card that doesn’t have an expiry date so I’ve been able to use this all over.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  If you have one lying around, bring it because you’ll be able to save a good amount of money.
  • Buff Headwear – I love my buff because it’s something I can wear on my wrist to wipe sweat away or around my neck if it’s cold or even on my head if I’m looking for more protection from the sun.  It’s a pretty sweet piece of travel gear that everyone should own.  Read my full review of the Buff .
  • Flag Bag – I picked this up locally at the MEC here in Toronto and this is essentially a protector bag for backpacks.  This makes the checking-in process of your backpack a lot easier because there are no loose straps that could cause problems.  I also like to have this because it’s essentially another big bag that I could use if I end up buying way too much stuff.  Over the years, I’ve collected flag patches and I’ve been trying to grow my collection ever since as I hop around the world.

Here’s a look at some of the things that you’ll find in my daypack.

Eurotrip Packing Daypack 2

  • Air Canada First Class Amenity Bag – This is currently being phased out but it’s a great bag because I can perfectly fit my portable power bank, cables and the MacBook charger all in there.
  • Business Cards – Need to get the word out about Going Awesome Places!
  • Chapstick – Dry lips are no fun.
  • Cepacol/Strepsil – I have a tendency to get sore throats really easily so this is always handy to have nearby.
  • Victorinox Travel Organizer – This helps keep me organized with my cards, travel documents, money, and pens all in one spot.  So when I’m at the airport, all I need to do is pull out this organizer and I’m good to go to check-in, go through customs, and get through the gate.
  • Swiss Army Classic Knife – I love having this around but I always bring it with a bit of hesitation.  You have to think about this one a bit.  The big question is whether you will you be carrying-on ALL your bags when flying.  If so, you’re going to want to leave this at home.  The reason this might happen is if you fly with low cost carriers like Easy Jet or Ryanair which have add-on costs for almost every single thing including checked bags.   Always  remember to pack this into your checked bag when flying.
  • Nail Clippers – Hang nails are the worst
  • Anker Power Bank – For me, I know I’m going to be going through a lot of power throughout the day on my devices (especially my phone).  This is my safety net to know that I’ll always be able to charge USB devices during the day if I need to.
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Mini Tissue Pack
  • Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses  – Big fan of Oakley.
  • iPhone 5S – This is a whole other topic unto itself but the plan for most going to Europe is to purchase a SIM card in the city they land in, fill it up with funds and use it all the way through.  Italy’s Vodaphone “Smart Passport” has an amazing prepaid package designed for travellers that need data.  It only costs 3 EUR per day and you get 500MB of data.    More details on this in the future.
  • Sea To Summit Travel Wallet – I don’t like using my leather wallet from back home because I need something a bit more rugged and something I don’t care if it gets poorly treated.   This wallet is great because it has a zippered component for coins and has tons of slots and dividers.
  • Uniqlo Light Hoodie – For the summer I elect to bring a lighter hoodie as opposed to a full out fleece.  The purpose of this is to just have something that I can layer on in case it does get cold.

Eurotrip Packing Camera

  • Lanparte Gimbal – This fancy thing is something I’ve wanted to try for awhile.  It’s essentially a 3-axis stabilizer for the phone or GoPro so that you can walk or run with this in hand and the video will come out perfectly smooth.
  • Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark 3 with 12-40 f/2. 8 Lens – In the spirit of going more minimal, I’ve decided to only bring this combination for the trip.  Micro Four Thirds is perfect in every way for travel and Olympus especially has done a killer job.  The E-M1 gives me the pro features of a full-frame SLR but in the form factor of a point and shoot.
  • GoPro Hero 8 – Having two GoPro’s has been a godsend because it allows me to shoot different angles simultaneously versus before I literally had to run around between different places to get all the shots I wanted.
  • GoScope – This GoPro selfie stick is great for capturing different action angles.
  • Carabiners – I just love having extra carabiners around.  They’re great for hooking things together.  For example if you have a small shopping bag, instead of holding it, you can hook the bag to the carabiner and the carabiner to your backpack.  Travel Hack 101.
  • GoPole Grenade Grip – This is great for hand held action camming with the GoPro.  In fact, most of my videos so far have been done with the help of this grip.
  • Rocket Air Blaster  – This is part of my camera kit to clean the lenses on an as-needed basis.  This is a very useful tool because you really don’t want to be blowing with your mouth to get dust off  which leads to spit flying all over.
  • Lens Pen – The best lens cleaning tool on the market.  A must-have for any photographer.
  • MacBook Pro 13″ Retina – I’m going with a more powerful machine for the Competitours trip simply because I need the processing power to churn out videos while I’m in Europe.  Trust me, I’d much rather go with my 11″ MacBook Air.
  • Two separate photocopies of your passport, credit cards and other important cards – After making the photocopies, just make sure the are stored in two separate bags.  If you ever get one stolen, you’ll always have the other.  This is a worst case scenario kind of thing where if you lost your passport and need some sort of way to prove your identity to the embassy.
  • Call your credit cards – Before you head out, it takes literally 5 minutes to call each credit card company and let them know about your travel plans.
  • Adjust your camera clocks beforehand – A huge pet peeve of mine is having the wrong timestamp on my photos and videos.  The best way is to either adjust it beforehand or you can also set up a calendar reminder to pop up when you land.
  • Format your memory cards – The worst is when you start taking photos/videos with your camera and you run out of memory really quickly because you forgot to clean out the old photos from a previous trip.  At this point, you’re stuck with switching to a new memory card or deleting old photos one at a time which is extremely painful.

There are a bunch of items that didn’t make the photos but for the sake of thoroughness I added them below.

  • Shaver – I’m not a razor kind of guy so this is pretty much a must.  What I usually do is charge it full before I leave so I don’t have to bring the charger with me.  There’s plenty of juice for 2 weeks.
  • Water Bottle – Grabbed my small Nalgene bottle I picked up at Sundance Film Festival a few years back.
  • Gnomad – Best mascot EVER right?  We bought an 8″ version for home but for travel the roaming gnome stress roaming gnome.
  • Snacks – I always pack a few Cliff Bars  as back up.  For Competitours specifically, who knows when we’ll be skipping meals or needing an energy boost.
  • GoPro Mounts – There’s a whole collection of GoPro mounts that I will be bringing for this particular trip since video is a key component of it.
  • Headphones – This is mainly for the plane and train rides.
  • Mini gorilla pod  – While this won’t be able to support my Olympus, this is great for the GoPro because I can set it up in all sorts of ways if I need a make-shift tripod.

How do you pack for a Eurotrip?  I could definitely be a lot more minimalistic but the hope is that this gives you an idea of things to think about when you start throwing things in the corner as the lead up to procrastination of packing.

What you should read next

  • Conrad Maldives Preparation Excitement
  • How to Hand Wash Your Clothes When Travelling
  • Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!
  • Video – How To Hand Wash Your Clothes On The Road
  • Cheapest Way To Travel Europe – Getting Around On A Budget

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Naked? With Strangers? In Europe, It’s How You Relax at the Spa.

Austria and Germany abound with popular resorts called thermen where getting the full sauna experience typically means having to take it all off.

An illustration of many people of many different ages and skin tones wearing no clothes, lounging in a flowery garden and a sauna. Leaves, flowers, books and steam inside the sauna obscure the bathers’ breasts and other private parts, and in the background, there is a bright blue lake and a snow-dappled mountain range.

By Valeriya Safronova

Valeriya Safronova, who is based in Vienna, steamed and soaked at three nude spas while reporting for this article.

Had I ever seen so much bare flesh in one room? Naked in a mixed-gender Austrian sauna, I sat opposite two dozen other nude people on wooden benches. Even after more than a year of living in Europe, as an American, I still felt a little uncomfortable sitting there in nothing but my own skin.

The sauna master came in to warm things up. Tall and lanky, wearing just a towel wrapped around his hips, he wheeled in a cart with several grapefruit-size balls of crushed ice infused with essential oils like black pepper, lime and eucalyptus. After a short speech telling us to leave immediately if we felt dizzy, he placed one of the ice balls onto a tray of hot coals, and it began to sizzle. The smell reminded me of an expensive aromatic candle: a touch sweet, a touch spicy.

He twisted forward, backward and sideways with a large towel clutched between his hands, like a half-dressed matador, moving the air around the room with a singular goal: to get us very, very hot, as part of a sauna ritual called aufguss, German for “infusion.” As I watched, mesmerized, I began to forget my awkwardness — or that I was even naked.

No swimsuits allowed

Austria and Germany abound with spas called thermen — resorts with pools, saunas, lakes, restaurants, bars and treatment areas. Typically, they have a warm mineral spring, and a section where nudity is required. Walk in wearing swim trunks and you’ll get glares and maybe even reprimands.

I had traveled to St. Martins Therme & Lodge in Frauenkirchen, a small town about an hour southeast of Vienna. St. Martins stands next to a serene, shallow lake where guests can swim in the summer or take a cold plunge in winter. At the center of the therme is an atrium with a pool that has indoor and outdoor areas connected via a tunnel, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the lake and several levels of balconies with rows of lounge chairs. The complex has five saunas and a steam room; 11 thermal pools; a treatment area with massages, facials and more; a restaurant; and a cafe. A day pass is 53 euros, or about $58.

After about five minutes of intense sweating in the sauna, we moved on to the second stage of the aufguss: Still naked, we filed outside into a courtyard with a whirlpool and walls covered in vines. My skin was so hot that the normally stinging 40-degree November air felt like a balm. An attendant handed each of us scoops of a salt-and-coconut-oil scrub, which we dutifully rubbed into our skin.

Thoroughly scoured, we returned to our perches inside, where the sauna master whipped out an oversize fan and spent the next six or seven minutes in a hot-air crescendo. After about 15 minutes total, the aufguss ended, and we flooded back out through the door, our bodies bright red and steamy.

Sit back, relax and ‘don’t stare’

The aufguss is just one of the joys of a day at a therme, which might also include a body treatment, a soak in a heated outdoor pool with rotating jets and a fresh schnitzel with an icy glass of wheat beer or sparkling apple juice. For locals in German-speaking countries, the aufguss is a hugely popular pastime, especially in the late fall and winter.

“I really enjoy it after a week of hard work, or when I just need relaxation, or if my body is really tense and my muscles are really stiff,” said Laura Blumenstiel, 29, a psychologist from Freiburg, in the southwestern corner of Germany, who has been a frequent visitor to thermen for about decade.

Typically, a therme complex is divided into two sections: one with several heated indoor and outdoor pools, where bathing suits are required and children are allowed, and a second that usually contains all the saunas, where clothing is verboten.

For some Americans, including me, nudity, especially in a mixed-gender environment, can initially feel extremely uncomfortable. Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, explained that cultural standards often affect what level of nudity people find tolerable: In some places, seeing women with their hair uncovered might feel racy, while in others, stripping down on a public beach is perfectly acceptable.

“You might think the Germans are a bit risqué, whereas they think they’re normal, and you’re a bit silly,” Dr. West said.

In countries like the United States, he said, there is a “highly sexualized and puritanical culture, where sex is tightly controlled. Attitudes are generally much more conservative concerning what women do and women’s bodies. In Europe that tends to be less of the case.”

In a number of studies, Dr. West and his team have found that being naked around others can increase self-confidence and life satisfaction. “If you go to a naturist event, you see a lot of normal people, people who aren’t airbrushed and aren’t Beyoncé, and you realize you don’t look bad compared to the average person,” Dr. West said. “And you spend time naked in their company and nothing bad happens. No one says anything bad to you, no one laughs at you.”

Some Americans have found that the discomfort of being nude in the sauna is fleeting and has a worthwhile payoff.

After moving to Graz, Austria, Amy Feineman, 38, a saddle fitter originally from Colorado, made the hourlong drive to Rogner Bad Blumau , a colorful, trippy therme and hotel designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian architect who believed that “the straight line is the curse of our civilization.” At the therme (day visit, €57), this philosophy translates to wavy floors, circular buildings with uneven ceilings, and bright orange, blue and green mosaics. On their first visit, Ms. Feineman and her husband skipped the nude sauna area, instead exploring the pools and outdoor gardens partly clothed. But on their second visit, they felt brave enough to bare it all in the sauna area.

“It took us most of our first day there to build up the courage to check it out, and then we spent most of our time there,” Ms. Feineman said. “I’m a plus-size person, and in the U.S., I would never wear a bikini in public. Here, I’m happily walking around the nude area.”

Ms. Feineman and her husband are regular guests at Rogner Bad Blumau now. Her main piece of advice for other nervous Americans? “Don’t stare,” she said. “And don’t worry about them judging you either.”

The most basic entry ticket to a therme, with the sauna section included, usually costs from €40 to €65, depending on how fancy or large the complex is. Typically, thermen offer at least three ticket options: a three- or four-hour pass, a day pass, and an evening pass. For example, Therme Erding in Germany, about an hour northeast of Munich, has 24 saunas and a large indoor-outdoor pool in the nude section, and costs €62 for an entire weekend day.

The best way to experience a therme is to relax and settle in for at least a half day. Bring a book. Schedule a massage, a facial or a “soft pack,” a treatment in which a massage therapist rubs a hydrating cream into your skin, then leaves you ensconced in a contraption that’s a cross between a sleeping bag and a warm water bed.

Thermen usually offer packages that encourage daylong retreats. For example, St. Martins, where my aufguss odyssey began, has an option that costs €107 and includes a bathrobe, slippers, unlimited towels and snacks.

Sweltering with a soundtrack

The sauna master was playing pulsing Austrian pop music and handing out bottles of cold, nonalcoholic beer to the 40 or so of us gathered at Alpentherme Gastein , about 90 minutes south of Salzburg (day visit, €45.50), for a party-themed evening aufguss. The balls of crushed ice flashed from the lights shining beneath them, and he encouraged us to chat, a rarity in most saunas.

Aufguss sessions come in all different types. Some sauna masters blast Metallica, while others prefer calming beats. Some dress up as Vikings. But there are two immutable rules: No clothes, and don’t enter an aufguss once it’s started (you can leave anytime).

A few other tips: Always sit on a towel in the dry saunas, claim your spot at an aufguss a few minutes early (the higher you sit, the hotter you’ll be), don’t bring your phone into nude areas, and shower before entering.

I had come a long way toward embracing my naked self by the time I sat down in the party-themed aufguss and started grooving to the music. It required a little bit of letting go: of my fears, of my ego and of my control. Glancing around — without staring, of course — I could see that no one around me looked like Jennifer Lopez or Jeremy Allen White. We were all just beautiful lumps and bumps.

Was anyone judging my body? To be honest, I was way too hot to care.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Globe Gazers

15 Best Places in Europe for Solo Travel in 2024

Looking for the best places in europe for solo travel.

As a frequent solo traveler myself, I’ve got you covered on discovering the best places to travel in Europe alone. In my experience, Europe is one of the very best continents for solo travel. Not only does it boast some magical cities, but the vast majority are extremely safe for solo travelers.

You’ll also find plenty of amazing settings and locations to choose from that you’ll love no matter your travel style. Whether you’re after fascinating cities bursting with culture, incredible rural scenery or the most beautiful beaches – European destinations tick many boxes. 

Planning a trip? Use  my favorite resources:

  • Accommodations:  booking.com
  • Travel Insurance:  SafetyWing
  • Tours & Excursions:  Viator
  • Flights:  Skyscanner
  • City Pass:  Go City
  • eSim:   Airalo

15 Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe

Ready to plan your solo trip ? Then check out the best places in Europe for solo travel in 2024!

1. Florence, Italy

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that’s overflowing with history, culture and art. It’s a beautiful city that’s one of the most romantic places in Italy – but it’s not just for couples!

Like most cities in Italy, this is a destination that’s packed with stunning landmarks and architecture. Florence Cathedral is absolutely gorgeous and the city’s gardens are the perfect spot for a solo stroll in summer. 

Florence also has some of the best museums and galleries to explore, including the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, which is where you can see Michelangelo’s David. 

As a walkable and compact city, Florence is the perfect place for a slower-paced solo getaway. You’ll also find some of Italy’s best foodie spots in Florence so it’s ideal if all you want to do is indulge and live the Dolce Vita lifestyle.

Where to stay: Hotel Calimala

2. Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re worried about safety traveling alone in Europe (especially as a female solo traveler), Lisbon is a great capital city to consider. Widely seen as one of the safest major cities in Europe, Lisbon is artsy, vibrant and amazing to explore. 

Recently, Lisbon has become a lot more popular with backpackers and digital nomads thanks to being one of the more affordable destinations in Western Europe.

This also means there’s a lot going on socially for those who want to travel solo to Lisbon but still have a chance to meet new people. You’ll find many cool hostels, bars and nightlife scenes to join. 

There’s lots to take in – from the cute, cobblestoned neighborhood of Alfama to the UNESCO attractions of Belém.

There’s also plenty for culture lovers with street art and gorgeous architecture, as well as markets and a great foodie scene. If you have extra time, a day trip to Sintra is also well worth it.

Where to stay: Hotel Da Baixa  

Despite being easy to reach from both Europe and the Eastern US, Iceland feels like a faraway fairytale land. If you’re after a unique setting for a solo adventure, not many places in Europe compare. I visited Iceland in October over a long weekend and had an incredible experience.

Known as one of the world’s safest countries, Iceland is a perfect choice for solo travelers in any season . There’s also an incredible choice of things to see and is ideal for a back-to-nature getaway. 

From waterfall and geyser tours to hiking and chasing the Northern Lights , there are so many bucket list experiences in Iceland. If you want solitude, you could rent a car and explore the Golden Circle on a self-drive solo vacation. 

Or, you could join a group tour or take organized day trips to the country’s key attractions. There’s so much to fill your time that it will be an unforgettable, bucket list vacation.

Where to stay: Reykjavik Residence Hotel

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen has become one of Europe’s trendiest destinations. It’s known for its cool, laid-back hygge vibes, tasty pastries and photogenic settings. 

As one of the safest cities on the continent, it’s one of the best places for solo travel in Europe. It’s also a walkable city and easy to navigate. 

So if you’re looking for a relaxing and leisurely city break, this could be the perfect destination for you.

When you’re not hopping from bakeries to cozy cafes sampling Danish treats, you can visit the colorful Nyhavn waterfront district, jump on a boat tour or cycle your way around the city. 

If you travel in season , you can also visit the famous Tivoli Gardens – an amusement park in the city center that offers something for every type of traveler.

Where to stay: Andersen Boutique Hotel

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is another great solo travel destination in Europe. On a solo trip to Barcelona you can explore architecture that is renowned around the world, explore artsy neighborhoods, join in on the nightlife scene and feast on tapas. 

While Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, you can still cater your experience of the city to be more unique by getting off the beaten path . 

With its combination of beach life, city life and museum scene you’ll have plenty to explore in this famous Spanish city . 

Where to stay: Petit Palace Boqueria Garden

6. Paris, France

Sure, many consider Paris a city fit for romance. It certainly can be that, but as someone who has frequently solo traveled to Paris I can assure you it’s just as fun on your own. 

You can follow my own solo Paris trip itinerary or curate one based even more on your own tastes. It’s possible to visit all of the typical tourist attractions in Paris solo without feeling out of place, as the areas are always busy anyway.

Find a bit of peace with a solo sit near Trocadero, looking up at the Eiffel Tower from the grassy surroundings. 

Wander aimlessly through the streets of Montmartre. Enjoy a sunset river cruise as you learn about the city. Romanticize your relationship with yourself in the city of lights. You can even book a solo travel photography session like I did.

If you’re wondering how safe Paris is , simply follow the typical safety best practices you’d follow in any big city – avoid dark, empty streets alone at night and keep a close eye on your belongings. 

Where to stay: Elysées Ceramic 

7. Rome, Italy 

Ah, Roma. 

Rome is one of my personal favorite cities in Europe and I have plenty of Rome tips to share from my travels there. I’ve traveled to Rome many times, both solo and not, and have loved every experience. 

Despite its oft-chaotic, gritty city feel at times I’ve always felt perfectly safe in Rome . While there are areas I’d avoid being out alone in at night, that’s true of really any city I travel to. 

Rome is bustling with life and energy at all hours, and especially if you stay near the city center you’ll never feel alone. 

Whether you visit on a solo trip or not, Rome is worth seeing at some point in your travels. 

Where to stay: Kolbe Hotel

8. Crete, Greece

If you’re dreaming of a sun-kissed island escape in Europe, Greece is probably on your bucket list. This is a country that has so much to offer. As well as captivating historical and cultural sites, Greece has some of the best beaches in Europe.

It’s also a destination that’s known for its friendly locals, so it’s a generally safe country for a solo trip. Island-hopping is an amazing option for solo travel in Greece. But, if you want the ease of sticking to just one destination, you’ll want to add Crete to your list. 

As Greece’s largest island, Crete has a ton to offer. You’ll find so much to fill your time – from boat trips and beach days to hiking and visiting ancient historical sites. It’s an amazing island to explore.

Where to stay: Cocoon City Hostel 

9. Edinburgh , Scotland

The UK has so many great spots for solo travel. But, if you’re looking for a unique city break, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a perfect choice. Edinburgh is one of the very best cities to visit in the UK . It’s a charming destination that’s overflowing with history and culture.

As one of the world’s most welcoming cities with incredibly friendly locals, Edinburgh is a great place for solo travel in Europe. There’s also lots to see and do to keep you busy for a short city break. 

In addition to strolling through the gorgeous cobblestoned old town, you’ll be able to visit historical spots like Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. You could also hike up nearby Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views, find comfy cafes, great shopping and lots of museums.

If you’re planning a summer trip, Edinburgh is also great in August during the Festival Fringe. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest performing arts festival in the world!

Where to stay: CoDE Pod – The CoURT

10. Venice, Italy

Venice might be one of the most romantic cities in Europe, but it has so much to offer solo travellers in Italy , too. A one-of-a-kind destination, this city is magical and bursting with charm.

If you love history, culture and architecture, Venice is absolutely worth visiting and definitely needs to be on your European solo travel list.

The only way to get around Venice is by boat or on foot so it’s a great option if you love to leisurely wander. It’s also a safe destination and is an option where you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport or finding yourself too far off the beaten path.

In fact, getting lost in Venice is part of the experience and one of the places where it’s safest for solo travelers to do so.

There’s loads to see and do in Venice, too – from visiting St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace to exploring the outer islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. It’s a city where you definitely won’t be bored on your own.

Where to stay: Palazzo Veneziano 

11. Krakow, Poland

There’s a lot to love about a visit to Krakow. This charming Polish city is known for its UNESCO Old Town, cobbled streets and grand squares. It’s a welcoming and friendly city – and also an affordable destination – making it one of the best places in Europe for solo travel.

With a compact city center, Krakow is easy to get around on foot. There are plenty of free walking tours that are great for solo travelers. If you visit, you’ll also want to check out Wawel Castle and the historic Jewish Quarter. 

Where to stay: Hotel 32 Kraków Old Town

12. London, England

Easily one of the best large cities in Europe, London is the perfect place for a solo city break. Although it’s a sprawling city, many of the main attractions are very centrally concentrated. The underground train network is relatively easy to navigate as well, especially if you download the Citymapper app.

There’s so much to see and do in London that you’ll never be bored. From iconic tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Big Ben to quirky markets, Royal Parks and museums, there’s something for everyone. 

You’ll also find amazing cafes, restaurants and food markets that are perfect for solo travelers. Plus, you have some of the world’s best shopping as well as an incredible theater in the West End. It’s the ideal city for an urban adventure.

Where to stay: Hub by Premier Inn

13. Bruges, Belgium

A pocket-sized city, Bruges feels like a fairytale European destination. If you’re after a quaint and compact city that’s packed with history, this is the one for you.

Known for its canals, winding streets and beautiful Flemish architecture, Bruges is exceptionally photogenic (there’s a reason why it’s known as Venice of the North!). But, not only this – Bruges is also a very safe city with low crime rates.

Walking is the best way to get around Bruges so there’s no need to navigate public transport. The historic center and the lively Markt Square are the highlights. You could also hop on a canal cruise, visit Minnewater Park and make the most of the food scene with Belgian chocolate, fries and waffles.

Where to stay: Hotel Adornes

14. Ibiza, Spain

Spain’s Balearic Islands (Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) are famed for being some of the world’s most beautiful. Gorgeous beaches, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking natural scenery sum up these Mediterranean islands. All are great for solo travel, but Ibiza has to be a top pick.

Known for its nightlife with beach clubs and bars, Ibiza is an amazing choice for solo travelers who want to socialize. But, there’s also so much more to Ibiza than its party scene. Away from the iconic bars, Ibiza has super pretty towns, historic sites, a beautiful coastline and quieter areas as well. 

Yoga is big in Ibiza, so it’s perfect if you’re interested in going on a wellness retreat. Plus, you could also join boat trips, go hiking and relax on the beach. There’s something for every solo traveler to fall in love with in Ibiza.

Where to stay: Hostal Rosell Boutique

15. Madeira, Portugal

Spectacular landscapes, scenic hikes and lush forests – it’s no wonder Madeira is becoming so popular. A part of Portugal, but closer to Africa, Madeira is a really great option for a solo trip in Europe if you want a rural adventure.

It’s also a European destination that’s popular with digital nomads so you’ll find a great community of other solo visitors while you’re there.

Known as the Hawaii of Europe, Madeira is a volcanic and incredibly photogenic island. As well as its remarkable natural beauty, the island is known for its charming villages, vibrant capital and also its winemaking heritage. 

You’ll find a lot to see and do if you visit – from hiking and exploring the city of Funchal to relaxing in one of the island’s natural pools. 

Where to stay: Sé Boutique Hotel

Traveling in Europe alone FAQs

If you’re considering a solo trip to Europe, you might be wondering:

Is it a good idea to travel solo in Europe?

Europe is one of the best continents for solo travel. It might not be as affordable as some other destinations in Asia or South America, but there are so many different places to explore.

Regardless of your interests or what you want most from your vacation, there’s a perfect destination to suit what you’re looking for within Europe.

Plus, for many American solo travelers Europe will still feel somewhat familiar with less of a culture shock than elsewhere in the world. If you’re newer to solo travel, that’s certainly something to keep in mind as you choose your destination. 

What are the best European cities for solo travelers? 

Europe has so many amazing cities that are perfect for solo travelers. Whether you want a cosmopolitan and bustling option like London or you’re looking for somewhere quieter, you’ll find a city you love.

Some of the best European cities for solo travelers include London, Krakow, Lisbon and Copenhagen.

What is the safest country in Europe to travel alone as a woman?

Most of Europe is considered relatively safe, but some of the safest countries for females include Iceland, Denmark and Portugal. .Even though they’re good destinations for female solo travelers, you’ll still want to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe – as you would in any destination.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Europe Solo

There’s a reason why Europe is one of the best places for solo travel. With beautiful beaches, gorgeous rural scenery and incredible cities, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit.

There are also so many choices that are safe for solo travelers and options that tick all the right boxes, no matter your interests, budget or vacation style.

So, choose the destination that most speaks to you and start planning your adventure!

The post 15 Best Places in Europe for Solo Travel in 2024 first appeared on Globe Gazers .

Looking for the best places in Europe for solo travel? As a frequent solo traveler myself, I’ve got you covered on discovering the best places to travel in Europe alone. In my experience, Europe is one of the very best continents for solo travel. Not only does it boast some magical cities, but the vast...

Skip the crowds in Santorini and hop on a ferry to Greece's beautiful, underrated gem instead

  • Last fall, my friend and I chose to visit Crete, Greece , over more popular destinations.
  • The island, known in mythology as the home of the Minotaur, offered plenty of attractions.
  • After visiting Santorini , I think the laid-back vibes of Crete make it a more underrated spot.

Insider Today

Last fall, a good friend and I decided we wanted to go to Greece. But rather than opt for Santorini or Mykonos , we decided to spend a week in Crete.

All I knew about the island was what I had learned from Greek mythology — it was famously the home of the labyrinth that housed the mighty Minotaur.

But I quickly learned that it has a lot more to offer.

Here's what my trip was like, and why I think it's the most underrated spot in the country.

Early fall seemed to be a great time to visit.

my trip eu

We visited in October, which ended up being ideal.

Weather-wise, it was still warm enough to swim, but it wasn't terribly hot.

Although there were other tourists, it also didn't feel super packed. The busy season tends to be in the summer months.

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands.

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Although places like Santorini tend to get a little more hype in the tourism industry, Crete is actually the largest of the Greek Islands .

I also think it's one of the easiest to get to.

It sits in the Aegean Sea and houses two international airports that run nonstop flights from Paris, London, and Berlin. If you're flying in from somewhere else, you'll probably have a layover in Athens , like I did.

There are also ferries from the other Greek Islands. But it's good to know that they don't run as frequently in the offseason.

Renting a car allowed us to see more of the island.

my trip eu

Public transit was available on the island, but we decided to rent a car so we'd have more freedom.

Only certain parts of the island are accessible by car — there are several mountains, making it hard to cross from east to west. On our week-long trip, we only had time to explore the west side.

We ended up getting a Toyota Rav4 outfitted with a tent on top through Lazy Snail Campers and stayed at the many campsites around Crete .

The rental came with sleeping bags, pillows, cooking supplies, towels, tables, chairs, and even a solar shower, so we didn't need to bring anything but clothes and toiletries.

Samariá Gorge was easily the highlight of the trip.

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One of the island's main attractions is the Samariá Gorge, a 13-mile hike between the White Mountains . It was tough, but there was lots of beautiful scenery and interesting historic settlements along the path.

To avoid having to figure out all the logistics, we decided to book a tour for about 50 euros, or $54. A local tour operator picked us up from our campsite very early in the morning and drove us to the entrance of the gorge.

Luckily, we were able to hike at our own pace. The guide was only there to "sweep" the back and make sure no one got lost.

At the end of the hike, we ended up in the secluded beach town of Agia Roumeli. We didn't bring bathing suits but jumped in the ocean to cool off anyway, which felt incredibly cathartic.

After a few hours, a ferry took us back to Chania, where we could catch a bus to our campsite.

Like the more popular spots, Crete is filled with beautiful beaches.

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One of the most famous beaches in Crete is Elafonissi, which is famous for its pink sand. But when we went, it was very crowded.

Evidently, there have been issues with people stealing sand from the beach, so the hue wasn't as pronounced.

My favorite beach was Falasarna, sometimes spelled Falassarna.

It was busy, but the occupants mostly seemed to be Greek families and not tourists. We spent the day after the gorge hike there so we could have some time to sit and relax.

Many of the campsites were also along the water, making for a more secluded beach experience.

But there was plenty to do in the cities as well.

my trip eu

Crete has several sizable cities sprinkled around the island.

We started and ended in the largest city, Heraklion, which has a cool fortress along its old port.

Before our gorge hike, we spent a day in Chania, exploring the city's old town and Venetian Harbor. We also visited the old-town section of Rethymno.

Paleochora, which was more of a town than a city, had a really beautiful traditional Greek church that I'm glad we saw.

The food was fantastic.

my trip eu

This goes for all of Greece, but the food is amazing.

We tried many traditional dishes , but I especially loved the moussaka, Greek salad, and spanakopita.

Most restaurants also gave complimentary shots of raki, an anise-flavored spirit, and some sort of dessert.

As fans of Greek mythology, we made sure to visit the Minotaur.

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Knossos is a Minoan palace that's believed to have been the site of the Minotaur's labyrinth from Greek mythology.

Unsurprisingly, it was filled with tourists — it was probably the busiest attraction we visited.

I can't wait to go back to Crete.

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I was so pleasantly surprised by everything that Crete had to offer. And, for the most part, the crowds were pretty calm during our week-long trip.

When I traveled to Santorini right after, I longed to be back on the more laid-back island.

I can't wait to return to Crete and explore the east side of the island.

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