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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 !

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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Europe Trip Planner

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• Mazerolles-le-Salin
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Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide

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).

Depending on length of stay, some destinations require 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.

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.

The Most Expensive Cities in the World

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.

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. Planning a European vacation takes a lot of prep work. 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 .

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.

Where to Find Premium Airfare Deals on First Class and Business Class

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 , Booking.com , and Hotels.com are a few good places to start.

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 Coverage: 18 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 Viator to book day tours, especially if you want to take advantage of skip-the-line options.

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.

5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data

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.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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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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Planning a Trip to Europe: 30 Tips to Help You Plan a European Vacation

May 19, 2020 · In: Austria , Belgium , Bosnia & Herzegovina , Croatia , Destinations , England , Estonia , Europe , Faroe Islands , France , Germany , Greece , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Netherlands , Northern Ireland , Norway , Slovenia , Svalbard , Sweden , Switzerland

Planning a trip to Europe is incredibly exciting but it can also be a bit overwhelming. After living in Europe for 6 years I frequently get asked questions about how to plan a trip to Europe.

In this comprehensive guide I will give you lots of tips on how to plan a European vacation. Everything from deciding which countries to visit, how to create an itinerary, when is the best time to go, money saving tips and more!

Creating a plan for your European travels in advance will make your trip far more enjoyable and way less stressful. So grab your pen and paper and lets start trip planning!

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Table of Contents

Is Europe a Country or a Continent?

One common misconception is that Europe is a country. It is, in fact, an entire continent made up of many countries. Europeans find it hilarious when other people say that they went on summer vacation in Europe and not specify the name of the country they traveled to.

1. Where to Travel in Europe: Make a List of Your Top Choices

This is probably going to be the toughest decision to make when planning a trip to Europe. Before you even begin the planning process, you’ll want to narrow down your choices of where to go in Europe. The best way to do this is to start by making a list of about 5-7 different countries that you dream of visiting. Then choose a few different cities within those countries that you’ll want to see.

If you’re list is starting to get pretty long and you feel like it’s all over the place don’t worry. It’s completely normal to get excited and feel overwhelmed. There are so many incredible places within Europe that you’ll no doubt want to squeeze in as much as you can.

However, the main goal of writing a list is not to create jam packed itinerary but to help with narrowing things down later. You will use this list plus a number of different factors that I will discuss to help you figure out your exact European itinerary!

If you are having a difficult time deciding on a few destinations try thinking about what kind of places and experiences you’d like to have. Are you interested in doing a city trip which would include more history, architecture, cafes & restaurants, shopping and sightseeing.

Or are you interested in creating an itinerary that revolves around nature and outdoor adventures. Exploring waterfalls, kayaking in fjords, hiking mountains and road tripping through the countryside.

Maybe you’d like to combine a bit of both, city and nature? These are all important factors that will help you make your decision of where to go in Europe.

How Many Countries are There in Europe?

Let’s start by discussing how many countries does Europe have? There is a total of 51 countries within Europe. This number does not include the other territories or archipelagos that are governed by countries within Europe. Those include destinations such as the Faroe Islands, Svalbard, Gibraltar and Isle of Man just to name a few.

What Countries are Part of the European Union?

There are 27 countries that are included in the European Union. These counties abide by the same rules, regulations and policies that are agreed upon unanimously by those within the member states.

These 27 countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

What are the Schengen Countries & What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Agreement was created in 1985 and is essentially a treaty where certain countries within Europe have chosen to remove their internal borders to allow free movement within what is called the Schengen Zone.

There are officially 26 countries that are part of the Schengen zone. These countries are Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

What European Countries Require a Visa?

What does this mean for travelers visiting from countries not within Europe? First thing you need to do is to check whether you actually need to apply for a visa to enter Europe or the Schengen Zone. You can find a list of all the countries that require and do not require a visa here.

If you do need to apply for a visa you can do so by filling out the proper paperwork and applying at your local Embassy or Consulate. You can apply for a single entry visa, double entry visa or a multiple entry visa.

If you apply for a single entry visa you are allowed to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Zone during your one entry, not just one single country.

However, be sure to guarantee that the country you are visiting is within the Schengen Zone or you could run into some issues. You can find more details about the different types of Schengen Visas, fees and validity HERE .

The best thing to do if you need a visa to visit Europe is to make an appointment with the closest embassy or consulate and discuss the details with a professional.

Make Sure You Have a Valid Passport When Planning a Trip to Europe

The most important thing that you will need to do before even booking your trip to Europe is to confirm you have a valid passport . Your passport will need to have at least 6 months validity or you could be turned away at the airport before even boarding your flight. Additionally, you will need to have at least 2 full pages in your passport that are completely free without any stamps.

2. When is the Best Time to Go to Europe?

Now that you have created your list of the top places you want to visit in Europe you can start to narrow it down based on a number of other factors. The next step in planning your trip to Europe is deciding which time of year you will go. Are you flexible or are you locked into specific dates?

This is very important because different countries and cities are better to visit depending on the season. There may be flowers in bloom you’d like to see, a festival or event that happens once a year or maybe you’re interested in attending the Christmas Markets.

You also may want to avoid the rainy season in some cities like Amsterdam or London. These are all factors that need to be considered when planning a trip to Europe.

3. Figure out your budget for a European Vacation

The third major thing to consider when planning a trip to Europe is budget. In fact, this may be the most important part of planning your European vacation once you’ve decided on a location and time frame. You’ll want to establish your budget long before you even step foot onto the European continent.

Now the key part of setting a budget is actually sticking to it once you are in Europe. I know just how easy it is to convince yourself that you need to buy that dress or have that expensive latte because when in Rome, right?

However, doing this over and over during the duration of your stay in Europe will quickly blow your budget and probably stress you out.

This is why it is important to set a budget which will include the upfront costs of the trip plus a little extra for those unexpected purchases and experiences.

How much does it cost to travel Europe?

The cost of traveling around Europe depends on a lot of different things. The destination will be one of the top deciding factors in regards to budget. Scandinavian countries are going to be more expensive than those in Eastern Europe for example.

When planning a trip to Europe consider that the popular destinations within countries like France, Italy or Spain are going to be more expensive. However, if you visit some of the lesser known spots within those same countries your expenses will be lower and you can find more budget friendly options.

If you are trying to decide on a destination within your budget you can start by researching how much accommodation is in that particular city. Another way is check out different restaurant menus and search for public transportation costs. This will give you a quick and relatively easy idea of the approximate amount you will spend once you are there.

How to Travel Europe on a Budget

There are a few easy ways that you can plan a trip to Europe on a budget. For starters look for accommodation that isn’t at the top of your budget.

Another way that you can cut costs is by visiting local markets or supermarkets and purchasing food or snacks there. This will save some money since dining in a restaurant is always more expensive.

In Italy for example, you can save money by standing at the bar to have your espresso or cafe. This will save you the cost, albeit small, of the coperto or cover charge that they add to the bil if you choose to sit down.

You can also save money while traveling in Europe by using the public transportation systems. Most airports have public buses, trains or underground metros to get from the terminal to the city center.

This will cost much less than taking a taxi or hiring a private car through your hotel. The only reason to take a taxi is if you are with a large group and the cost ends up the same once you split it.

Where to Go in Europe on a Budget

Within Europe you will find that certain countries are less expensive than others. Some of the more expensive destinations will be the big cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Rome. Of course that is only a small sampling of the most popular places to visit in Europe.

Luckily, just because those particular cities are expensive it doesn’t mean that the entire country is expensive either.

You can easily travel around small towns or lesser known cities in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, etc on a budget. That’s not to say you can’t find accommodation within your budget in the bigger cities as well. You’ll just have to do a little more research and read the reviews carefully.

The most expensive countries within Europe will be the Nordic countries, Switzerland and the UK.  The Nordic countries include Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

The cheapest countries to visit in Europe are the Eastern European countries. These typically include the top destinations like Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and many others.

Some of the mid-range countries budget wise would be France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain and others. While this is by no means a complete list, I hope that it helps gives some perspective on the different places you might consider visiting based on your budget.

4. Determine How Many Days You Have to Travel Around Europe

Narrowing down the actual amount of days you’ll have when planning a trip to Europe will help you decide where to go and how long to spend in each destination. This is a key part of mapping out your itinerary so make sure you know the exact number of days you have before settling on your final destinations.

Don’t Forget about Travel Time

One thing that you don’t want to forget about when creating an itinerary for your European travels is travel time. Determining how long it actually takes to get from one destination to the next is hugely important when deciding all the locations you want to visit.

Keep in mind that when traveling around Europe you will spend quite a bit of time in transit if you are hopping between different countries and cities.

When you travel by plane you will have to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours early to the airport. Then you have to consider how long it will take to reach your final destination from the airport. If you travel by train the transit time could potentially be similar.

How to Travel Europe by Train

If you are planning to spend a month or more traveling around Europe then I would recommend checking out the Rail Europe Pass called Eurail . However, the pass is really only necessary if you plan to cover a lot of distance.

Therefore, if your itinerary doesn’t include a ton of country hopping than purchasing a European Rail pass is most likely an unnecessary expense.

An alternative option is to use the local train systems within each country. Booking train travel in Europe is not only easy but also safe, efficient and very convenient. You can check timetables, purchase tickets and inquire about other information online.

Most of the train stations have either a ticket counter and/or a kiosk where you can purchase your ticket inside the train station as well

These are a few of the common local train companies within Europe:

• SNCF (French National Railway Company) in France
• Trenitalia in Italy
• Renfe in Spain
• Deutsche Bahn in Germany
• SNCB in Belgium
• NS ( Nederlandse Spoorwegen) in the Netherlands
• CP (Comboios de Portugal) in Portugal
• ÖBB in Austria
• SBB (Schweizerische BundesBahn) in Switzerland
• VY (ACP Rail International) in Norway
• DSB in Denmark

*This is not a complete list of all the national and regional train companies throughout Europe.

How to Travel Europe by Plane

Traveling around Europe by plane is incredibly easy and relatively inexpensive. With budget airlines like EasyJet and RyanAir you will be able to find flights to your desired destinations at a very reasonable price.

Typically the budget airlines will arrive and depart out of a smaller airport rather than the main international hub. Luckily, these airports will also have very easy public transportation to get you to the city center so it is 100% worth it to fly the budget airlines.

Remember that if you book flights with a budget airline there are no extras included. This means that you will need to purchase checked baggage, food, drinks and a few other things separately. Most of the airlines will include a small carry on bag but be sure to check the dimension and weight restrictions as they are very strict.

In addition to the budget airlines, you can also book your travels through a number of main airline companies. It is worth it to check fees for both the budget airlines and the main airlines.

Sometimes you’ll be able to find that the prices are similar but with the non-budget airlines you’ll have luggage allowance and would fly into a main airport.

The Best Budget Airlines in Europe Include:

• Transavia (mostly for flights in the Netherlands)
• Norwegian Air
• WOW Air (cheap flights to Iceland)

Many of these budget airlines run special deals throughout the year. Therefore, if you are planning of traveling around Europe by air I would suggest signing up for their email list. They will send you direct emails with their exclusive deals. You can always unsubscribe later!

The best website to use when browsing for flights within Europe is skyscanner.com . The website aggregates most of the budget airline options for you with one easy click.

You can quickly navigate through the website by selecting one way, roundtrip or multiple destinations. Another feature that I love about Skyscanner is that you can select a specific departure airport but type in ‘everywhere’ as your arrival destination. The site will then show you all the cheapest destinations for your selected dates based on your departure airport.

Additionally, you can select the departure and arrival airport with no specific dates. Click the month you will be traveling and the website will show you all the cheapest flights on each day within the month. Honestly, it is a great European travel planning tool and I always recommend using it!

With that being said I almost never book directly through skyscanner, instead I go directly to the airports website and book through them. If you have the time you can manually go to each of the airlines I mentioned and search their websites.

You can definitely find the best deals doing it manually since some flights and airlines might not show up on skyscanner. However, using a 3rd party website will save you a significant amount of time.

Budget Saving Tip for Air Travel In Europe:  If you are traveling roundtrip within Europe be sure to check multiple airlines for your departure and return flight. For example, I took a one way flight via Volotea for €7 from Venice to Mykonos with a return ticket through EasyJet for €23. Traveling roundtrip using different airlines saved me a ton of money.

I’ve always been able to find great deals both through skyscanner.com and by searching manually. I’ve traveled from Venice, Italy to Paris, France roundtrip for €50 once, not even kidding! I cannot stress enough the importance of checking with multiple airlines and websites to find the best deals possible.

Should You Rent a Car in Europe?

Renting a car in Europe will depend entirely on the destination that you choose. I have personally rented a car in Europe many times and found it very handy for destinations where public transportation is not easily available. Renting a car is really only necessary if you plan on driving to destinations a bit off the beaten path or you want to do a road trip style vacation.

During my travels I always use the rental car company Europcar . Their prices are fair and their customer service was always very good. When you rent a car you can always add additional insurance and coverage to the rental policy. I would check with your credit cards prior to renting a car to see what they cover. I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and they cover quite a bit so I never added extra insurance through the car rental company.

Some of the times that I’ve rented a car in Europe was to do a road trip though the Netherlands , drive around the Faroe Islands , a road trip through Southern Spain and so much more! I will also note that I previously resided in Italy for 6 years and so I used my own personal car to travel around as well. Having your own car is beneficial if you have the time and prefer to have a loose itinerary where you can add additional stops along the way.

I’ve also rented a camper van twice in Iceland to circumnavigate the country which was such a fun experience and one that I would highly recommend!

5. Create a Rough Itinerary of your European Travels

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list, determined the time when you can go and laid out your budget it’s time to create an itinerary for your trip! Use a calendar and jot down where exactly you want to be on each given day. Then dive in a bit further and start making a list of the sights you want to visit or things you want to do on each day.

This will help to give you a better understanding of how much time you’ve actually allotted in a day to see and do the things you want. Be sure not to pack too many things into one day as you will end up being overwhelmed and have to skip something anyways. You will always need to take into account the time it’ll take you to move around as most of the sights aren’t right next to each other.

When creating a rough itinerary for your European travels you’ll also want to play around with the flights. While you may be set on arriving in Paris and departing out of Rome you should also check flight prices the other way around. There are times where just by switching your starting and ending point you could save hundreds of dollars!

Which brings me to my next point. Do you want to visit multiple countries during your European travels? Or do you want to stick to just one country but travel amongst multiple cities?

6. Visiting Multiple Countries or Cities on One Trip

If you have your heart set on visiting multiple countries during your trip to Europe it can actually be quite easy to arrange. The key part of the equation is to choose destinations that are geographically close to each other. This will significantly reduce travel time and allow you to make the most of each day.

Below are a few sample itineraries that you could use to plan your European travels strategically while still visiting multiple countries:

• Northern Italy, Slovenia and Austria
• The main cities of Paris, London & Amsterdam
• Southern Spain and Portugal
• The Netherlands & Belgium
• Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia
• Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
• Stockholm, Copenhagen & Oslo
• Norway (Bergen & Lofoten Islands) and the Faroe Islands

These are just a few ideas and all trips that I have personally done. If you want to visit non-neighboring countries the most efficient way to do so is to visit larger cities with easily accessible airports.

One of the main take aways about creating a multi country trip in Europe is to not over plan and plan strategically.

7. Start Booking Your Trip to Europe

Once you’ve created your rough itinerary and finally decided on the dates and destinations you’ll be visiting you can proceed with booking your trip to Europe. This is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Europe and once you’ve hit purchase on those flights to can begin counting down the days till your trip!

Book Your Airfare to Europe

A good rule of thumb is to begin checking flights at least 6 months in advance. You can book directly through an airline or use one of the websites that aggregate ton of possible flights options. I personally use Expedia because in the past they usually have the best deals for international flights plus they offer free cancellation within 24 hours. Other reputable options are Google Flights , Kiwi.com , Cheapoair.com and Kayak.com .

Budget Saving Tips:

• If you have a VPN or IP blocker you can set it to a lower income country. Then open a new private or incognito window to check flight prices.
• Another way that you can potentially save month on flights is to search on different days of the week. Be sure to use the private or incognito window on your browser.
• Hopper app is something that you can use to track flight prices. On the app you will input the dates and airport codes of where you want to go and it will send you updates with changes in flight prices. It will also advise you if now is a good time to purchase or if they predict that prices will decrease.
• Arrive in one city and depart from another, this is called a multi-city or open jaw option. Essentially it saves time from back tracking plus its more economical and efficient.

Book Your Accommodation in Europe

Choosing the perfect accommodation in Europe is an important part of creating your itinerary. The two main booking sites that I use are booking.com and airbnb.com . There are many other booking sites out there but I used these two exclusively during my 6 years in Europe. I’ve also used only these during my year long travels throughout Asia.

Safe to say that I trust booking.com and airbnb.com although there is always that chance that you could have a bad experience. It is extremely important to read the reviews and the small print. Find out if taxes are included or what other charges may be applied upon arrival so that you aren’t blindsided by extra fees.

You can also book directly through a hotel or guesthouse website if you prefer to do so.

Travel Tip: Stay centrally located. If you’ve found a hotel that is €20 cheaper a night but 30 minutes outside the city center you’ll end up spending the same once you’ve added in transportation costs. Plus you’ll have to add on the additional travel time which will take away from your exploration of the cityIt’s always better just to spend the little bit extra to be within the city.

Book Local Tours Within Europe

When planning a trip to Europe you might want to book a few local tours. While I’m not usually a big fan of large group or guided tours, there are a few that can be pretty fun. For example I’ve done small group bike tours in both London and Amsterdam. I’ve kayaked the Norwegian fjords near Bergen with a tour, twice! . And I’ve also done glacier hiking in Iceland , just to name a few!

In addition to adventure style tours, you can book guided tours for some historical sights you might be visiting. This would be extremely beneficial when visiting places such as Pompeii, the Colosseum and many other sights within Europe that have historical significance.

Book Tickets in Advance to Some of the Main Attractions

While not everything you do in Europe needs to be pre-booked or planned in advance there are a few places that you might want to purchase tickets for before you arrive. This is different from booking a tour as these are solely entrance tickets to some of Europe’s most popular sights.

A few places that you’ll definitely want to consider pre-booking tickets would be to climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris , visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the Vatican. Of course there are many other places that you would benefit from pre-purchasing you ticket.

Additionally, some sights may offer discounts if you purchase online. Follow the instructions of obtaining either a printed or electronic ticket and come prepared with all necessary documentation.

8. Must Haves for European Travel

Now that you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and tours it is time to start thinking about what to pack for your trip to Europe. There are some things that you’ll want to take care of prior to your trip so getting organized a few weeks out is key.

What to Pack When Traveling to Europe

Deciding what to pack for a trip to Europe or anywhere in general is usually one of my least favorite things to do before a trip. It is so hard to remember all the essential things that you may need and often times you end up overpacking. Just remember that if you forget to pack something you will be able to find it easily in Europe once you arrive.

One of the main things you’ll want to purchase and pack is a universal plug adaptor. These adaptors come in super handy when traveling around Europe as the plugs aren’t always the same in each country.

Another key thing that you’ll want to check is if your appliances (hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, etc) are dual voltage. In Europe they use 22 volts while in America they use 110 volts. If you check your appliance and it says “110-220 volts” then you will be just fine. If you want to use a 110 volt appliance in Europe or any country which uses 220 volts then you will need to purchase a travel converter which is different than a travel plus adaptor. 

Be sure to pack all of your daily medications as well as some additional medications that you may need. I always pack some cold medicine, sinus & allergy medication, stomach medication and headache medication. The reason is that you never know when you might feel sick and you don’t want to be out searching for medication in those instances. I also recommend packing a small first aid kit with some additional bandaids.

Figuring out how to dress for travel in Europe can be one of the most challenging parts of packing up your suitcase. After living in Italy for 6 years and traveling extensively around Europe I can tell you that wearing neutral colors is the best way to not stand out as a tourist.

By all means pack whatever you’d like but if you are like me and prefer to blend in, then I would leave the sports team t-shirts and neon colored athletic tops at home.

I also recommend that you pack a light sweater during the summer months for cooler nights. Additionally, be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes since you will probably doing a lot of walking around the cities.

Get a Small Amount of Euro Cash from Your Bank

Only get a small amount of euro cash out from your local bank at home if that is an option. And by small I mean no more than €200. Once you arrive in Europe you won’t have a problem finding an ATM to withdraw euros. Plus the exchange rate will be way better than your bank back home.

Additionally, most places in Europe will take debit or credit cards so there shouldn’t be any problems. You can even purchase your train tickets via credit card through their machines.

Also, be sure to call your bank or go online and put a travel alert on all the cards you will use while in Europe. This way they won’t get immediately flagged as fraud and you won’t have to make an international call to unlock your credit card.

International Phone plan or get a SIM card when you arrive

Since we are all connected through our phones you’ll most likely want to have some kind of internet connection while traveling throughout Europe. Most cell phone providers offer an international phone plan option which you can add as an extra service. Those fews however can really add up depending on how long you’ll be traveling.

An alternative to adding an international plan to your phone is to purchase a SIM card in the country where you are traveling. Keep in mind that this will only work if your phone is UNLOCKED. Most phones in the states are locked while they are under contract with your phone company. The phone will be unlocked if you have completely paid it off.

During the time I was traveling through Europe I was living in Italy. Therefore I had a SIM card from the Italian internet provider called TIM. Through TIM I was able to purchase a SIM card and then add money to my phone as needed for internet or minutes. TIM also has an inexpensive plan which you can purchase allowing you to use a certain amount of minutes and data in other countries.

You can easily do the same with any European country that you are visiting. If you purchase a SIM card I recommend getting around 8-10 GB of internet usage and adding some minutes in case of an emergency.

While wifi is widely available in most European countries it is not always advisable to rely on that for your main source of connection.

Download the free app WhatsApp. You can use your current phone number to send messages or make phone calls off of wifi or data.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute must when planning a trip abroad. There are plenty of different companies out there offering a variety of plans to fit your individual needs. Make sure you do your research and decide which plan best suits you and your travels.

You can also purchase plans that cover travel costs if you have to cancel for an emergencies. One of the companies that I can recommend is Safety Wing . They have great customer service and offer packages as low as $37 for 4 weeks of coverage.

As always when purchasing travel insurance make sure you thoroughly read the coverage details and fine print.

Download an Offline Map

Whenever I know that I am heading to a new destination I always download an offline map. For the majority of my travels I use Google Maps. However, there have been plenty of times where the data on my phone switches to no service and Google Maps stops working. Therefore an offline map can really save you in these moments!

An offline map is also super handy if you are traveling to Europe for a short amount of time and are only relying on wifi. The offline map that I use and have used for years is Maps.me . It is a free, downloadable app that you can get on an iPhone or android.

You can save space on your phone by only downloading the cities that you need and then off load them when you are done. Even when you off load the destination Maps.me will still save all your pinned locations so you can always re-download again later.

Get a Guidebook and a Paper Map of the Destination You are Visiting in Europe

In a world that revolves around technology, we have become dependent on using our phones for just about everything we do. Before your trip to Europe you’ll probably have downloaded that offline map and pinned a bunch of must see places on it. You’ll create lists on your phone of tips and tricks to remember when traveling around and you’ll probably have saved some blog posts to read later.

However, if you have the space in your luggage I would highly recommend packing a paper guidebook. Or at the very least a paper map of the destination you are visiting. You never know when your phone (and your power bank) may run out of battery and you don’t want to be stranded without your map.

The best thing to do is pack a back up paper map and jot down your must see list, places to eat and the address & phone number of where you are staying. This will help out so much if you happen to run into any issues while abroad!

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May 30, 2020 at 11:21 am

Love this in-depth guide! Thank you for sharing all this info 🙂

June 2, 2020 at 3:49 am

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you found it helpful!

May 30, 2020 at 12:44 pm

A trip through Europe is such an amazing experience! Some of my favorite countries in the world are in Europe like Italy and Greece. <3

June 2, 2020 at 3:50 am

Yes, I completely agree! Those are some of my favorite as well! Even after living in Italy for 6 years I would love to go back and spend more time there!

May 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Haha I’m one of those Europeans that find it hilarious that non-Europeans say they went to Europe… or don’t know that it’s a continent!! This is such a great guide though, I really need to explore more European countries. There’s so many incredible places to visit!

June 2, 2020 at 3:51 am

Thank you Sophie! It is really funny, isn’t it! And yes, Europe has so many wonderful and unique destinations that I would also love to go back and explore even more!

May 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm

Haha it’s so funny to think that many people are thinking about Europe as a country. You post has so many useful information, it will be so helpful for a first timer in Europe!

June 2, 2020 at 3:52 am

Thank you Kriszti! I’m so glad that you found the information useful and feel that it would be helpful for someone traveling to Europe!

May 31, 2020 at 5:28 am

Thank you for sharing such a detailed, useful post to help anyone plan out their next epic European holiday! There really are so many factors to take into consideration when planning and your article covers everything! I’ll be bookmarking this one for later 🙂

June 2, 2020 at 3:43 am

Thank you so much Ann Kelly! It’s great to hear that you found the post useful!

May 31, 2020 at 6:56 am

This is a very comprehensive and useful guide. I definitely will keep it handy.

Thank you so much! Hope it is helpful for the next time you go to Europe!

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Europe Trip Planner

Know Your Trip Budget for Your Dream Vacation to Europe

1. Choose The Perfect Destinations in Europe

Decide the number of days you want to spend and the Visa your have for your Europe trip. If this is your first-time visit to Europe, you might want to start with the most popular countries like Italy, Spain, France and United Kingdom.

2. Plan Your Europe Trip Budget

Planning your europe trip budget in advance makes your trip very comfortable. You can plan exactly what you can add to your Europe itinerary. If you are planning a trip to Europe on Budget, countries like Spain, Greece, and Croatia are good to start with. With our Europe trip planner, you can check the cost of living in each city in Europe. Europe trip planner budget calculator from triphobo will make your life easier.

3. Choose The Right Tourist Visa

Visa is one of the most important things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Europe. Schengen Visa for tourists is actually a very good option. While most of the countries need a Schengen Visa, United Kingdom has a separate Visa and also a different currency. So if you're planning a trip to London, you'll need a UK Visa for your visit.

4. Use Eurorail Pass and Map

Travel in Europe is simplified by its train service known as Euro Rail. Rail trips are cheap, fast, reliable and perfect for inter-country as well as intra-country transfers in Europe.

5. Follow Europe Maps

If you want to Europe trip with your family, using a map with details of all countries will be helpful. This will help you to figure out the route that you need to take. This will provide you the information on local public transits in European cities.

Create Your Own Europe Vacation Package

If you are on a honeymoon and want to know the best Europe trip packages for couples, you can create one on your own by choosing the top destinations like Paris, Switzerland, and Venice. If you are looking for Europe trip packages from USA, India, you can plan Europe trip on your own and for free instead. Make your European trip memorable one.

About Europe

Europe is the planet's second-most modest landmass by surface zone, blanket something like 10,180,000 square kilometers or 2% of the Earth's surface and something like 6.8% of its territory region. Of Europe's give or take 50 nations, Russia is far and away the biggest by both zone and populace, consuming 40% of the mainland, while Vatican City is the most modest. Europe is the third-generally crowded landmass after Asia and Africa, with a populace of 733 million or around the range of 11% of the planet's population.

Europe, specifically Ancient Greece, is the origination of Western culture. It assumed an overwhelming part in worldwide undertakings from the fifteenth century onwards, particularly after the start of pioneering different fields. Between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries; European countries regulated at different times the Americas, the greater part of Africa, Oceania, and substantial divides of Asia.

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Plan a trip to Europe: tips and tools

• Post date March 5, 2018
• Post categories In Europe , Trip Planning

In this post I share my time-saving tips and tricks on how to plan a trip to Europe.

Planning a trip to Europe or anywhere else is definitely exciting, but more often than not there’s too much stress mixed with that excitement.

I plan a trip to Europe every year, and every time I sit down to plan my next trip, I’m overwhelmed by the amount of information online and by how long it takes to make a trip plan.

Too many decisions to make, too many sites to check, too much responsibility and so many details to pay attention to.

Packing for Europe is a skill, especially if you want to travel light to multiple destinations;

Finding flights is easy, if you know how to search for cheap flights ;

Transportation within Europe may be confusing – Should you take a train or a bus or maybe fly between countries?;

Finding good accommodation in popular destinations may be can be tricky sometimes; and there are quite a few more things to consider.

I travel around Europe a lot and have found ways to make the trip planning process simpler, mostly by using sites and apps that save me a lot of time and by following Europe travel tips by other bloggers.

Here’s how you can plan your Europe trip online with the best user-friendly planning tools.

Find the best flights to europe

The easiest way to find flights online when you plan a trip to Europe or anywhere else, is by using price comparison search engines.

They scan multiple airlines and dates for you in one go.

Enter a destination and a date (or a month) and see all the flights on the screen within moments. It saves a lot of time and hassle.

SkyScanner is one of my favourite flight search engine, because I find it so very easy to use.

Read more about the best ways to find flights >>

How to get around europe: trains, buses, cars and flights

Getting around Europe isn’t hard, but does require quite a bit of planning.

Some countries have excellent rail networks, while in others it’s better to rely on buses.

Flights within Europe can be very cheap, with many low-cost airlines operating in most European countries.

You can also rent a car or use car-sharing services.

So how do you know what to choose?

Trip planning, especially if you’re going to multiple destinations, is time consuming. Whenever I plan a trip to Europe, I spend quite a bit of time on figuring out the best get from one place to another.

You need to gather all the information, compare prices, calculate distances, work out all the small details…

I’m always looking for new ways to simplify the trip planning process.

That’s why I now use an online trip planning tool called Omio to do all the work for me.

Omio searches for trains, buses and flights within Europe all at the same time. It’s fast, easy to use and saves you both time and money.

The results for buses, trains and flights are displayed in a way that lets you compare prices very easily.

You can then make a booking from within the Omio site or app and keep the e-ticket on your phone.

If you know you want to explore Europe by train, consider buying a European rail pass, called Eurail or InterRail .

What’s the difference between Eurail and InterRail? Eurail is for non-Europeans and InterRail is for Europeans, so only buy it if you reside in Europe.

Eurail or InterRail sell different types of rail passes and also have special offers from time to time (check out the deals section).

Get a european city pass

One of the best ways to experience a new city and save money is by getting the local city pass.

A city pass gives you discounts on the main attractions in the city and often free entrance to many of them.

It’s a great way to do your sightseeing for free or at a reduced price, but it’s also a handy trip planning trick: Reading about what’s included in the card might also give you ideas of new things to see and do in the city . It’s like a mini city guide that highlights all the main attractions for you.

City cards or city passes sometimes also include a public transport pass and airport transfers, which makes them extra useful and in some cities also very good value for money.

When you plan a trip to Europe and decide on the cities you want to visit, check what their city passes include and see if it’s going to save you money on things you want to see in that city.

City passes in major cities in europe

• The London Pass
• The Paris Pass
• Berlin Pass
• Barcelona Card  /  Barcelona Pass
• iVenture Card Madrid
• Lisbon City Card
• Copenhagen Card
• Stockholm Pass
• Visit Oslo Pass
• Brussels Card
• Budapest Card
• Rome & Vatican Pass
• Dublin Pass
• Vienna Pass

Tips on packing for europe

Packing light is the best thing you can do for yourself when you travel, especially on a multicity trip.

If you’re planing on flying within Europe or using buses or trains, luggage space may be limited, so packing light will be super helpful.

Try to limit any huge shopping sprees to your last destination, so you don’t have to carry too much around with you when you move from country to country.

When you plan a trip to Europe, bear in mind that Europe has many different climates and you want to do your research before you go about each destination. Install a weather app on your phone if you don’t have one already.

However, remember that whatever you didn’t pack you can always buy at your destination.

When you pack for Europe , remember the limit on liquids and creams in your carry on applies on flights within Europe. They cannot exceed 100ml (or 3.38 oz).

The best way around it is to take small, leak-proof travel bottles on board with you, and buy whatever you need after you land.

Another important point about packing for Europe: Bring a universal USB power adaptor that also converts electrical currencies.

Most European counties use the same plug (type C), but the UK, Ireland and Cyprus have different sockets and use type G. A universal adaptor will cover you for all plugs and will also be useful on other trips around the world.

It’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket with you, even if you’re planning a summer trip to Europe.

That depends on your specific destinations of course, but in many places in Europe it mights rain even in the middle of summer.

One more tip about planning a trip to Europe: Avoid bringing food into Europe if it’s restricted. Eat whatever food you bring with you while you’re on the plane.

In particular, do not bring any meat and dairy products from a non-EU country into the EU. It’s best to check the up-to-date restrictions for each destination before you go.

Click here for my full packing list for Europe >>

Booking accommodation for your trip in europe

When you’re planning your trip to Europe, finding the best accommodation for your taste and needs may be a time-consuming task, but there are ways to make it easier.

You want to book a place to stay at least for your first destination in Europe. This will give you peace of mind when you land.

I have met backpackers and other travellers who find a place once they arrive, but this may be a bit of a gamble in some popular destinations.

If you plan a trip to Europe in high season, it’s best to book accommodation in advance wherever you can, as big touristy places like London, Rome and Barcelona tend to get seriously crowded.

If you book in advance you won’t have to compromise too much on quality, location and amenities.

Here are my trip planning tips on booking a place to stay in Europe:

Live like a local in europe

I’ve stayed some great apartments on my own trips around Europe.

Vacation rentals are popular in many European cities and towns, so you’ll have plenty of flats and houses to choose from.

You can rent a room in somebody’s house, and if it’s a friendly host they’ll give you all the local tips you need.

If you want some privacy, rent a whole apartment and experience living like a local.

Tripadvisor – easy price comparison

The best thing about TripAdvisor when you search for accommodation, is that it does a lot of the work for you when it comes to comparing prices and finding deals.

It shows you ratings, reviews, photos (including photos by other travellers, not just the official hotel photos), other nearby properties, a list of amenities and the locations on the map – essentially all the info you need on one page.

Booking.com – a massive selection

With a huge database of hotels, hostels, apartments, resorts, villas, guest houses and B&Bs, Booking.com  is a great place to look for accommodation for your trip to Europe.

What I like best about Hotels.com is that you get a free night for every 10 nights you book.

Foreign currency and credit cards on a trip to europe

The Euro makes travel in Europe very easy, as you can use the same currency in many different countries.

While the Euro is used in most EU countries, some EU countries, as well as all non-EU countries, use their own currency.

Before you travel, check what currency is in use in the countries you want to visit.

Decide if you want to buy some Euros and other local currencies in advance or take money out at cash machines when you get there.

I’ve done both and it’s far easier to have the currency with you when you land. No need to go looking for cash machines at the airport and hoping they’re not charging you unusual fees.

On the other hand, if you’re going to several countries with different currencies, perhaps carrying all that money with you throughout the trip isn’t such a good idea…

If that’s the case, I suggest for your peace of mind that you withdraw the money instead.

You can also find out quite easily which credit cards are accepted at your destinations, just by Googling the question.

It’s always a good idea to have cash on you wherever you go, in case your card doesn’t work for some reason.

Click here for tips on how to keep your money and cards hidden when you travel >>

Plan my trip to europe for me!

Not into DIY travel planning? Still not sure where to begin? You don’t have to plan your trip to Europe on your own.

Trip planners will make your life so much easier by planning a trip for you.

It will cost you some money, but if you’re really short on time this can be a perfect solution.

You can find trip planners on Fiverr quite easily. They offer a super affordable service. Check reviews to find the best planners.

share this guide on how to plan a trip to europe on pinterest

It was a very good post Europe is really the best place to live.

Plan to check this out! Sounds like a neat planning tool!

We are planning a trip around Europe this summer so this will be handy! thanks for sharing 😀 xx

I’ll be sure to check this one out! Thank you for the info 🙂

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If the thought of planning your own trip to Europe makes you want to throw up, keep reading.

Between choosing where to go and finding the best flights, to picking hotels and assembling itineraries, trip planning is not an easy task for the uninitiated.

Luckily, there are pathological planners like myself who thrive on it.

So today, this Type A laptop goblin is going to break down for you step by step how to plan your own Europe trip from start to finish… because at the end of the day, travel (even the planning part) should be fun.

This is going to be a pretty long post, but by the end of it, you should have all the tools and knowledge you need to plan a delightful Europe trip alllll by yourself.

So, let’s get started! No time to lose.

Save this Guide on How to Plan a Trip to Europe for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Understand the Schengen Area

Alright let’s start with the very first step of planning your own trip to Europe. Before we get into the topic of visas and entry requirements, we need to talk about something called the Schengen Area.

A lot of people falsely assume that border-free travel exists all throughout Europe, but that’s not actually true.

In reality, the whole ‘travel without borders’ thing only applies to a certain group of countries in Europe known as the Schengen Area, or Schengen Zone, who have all mutually agreed to not impose internal border controls between them.

As of 2023, the countries belonging to the Schengen Area include…

• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland 

Practically speaking, this just means that if you stay within the Schengen Area (i.e. the countries listed above), you won’t need to clear passport control every time you cross a border. If however you enter a non-Schengen country like the UK or Ireland, then you will need to go through passport control.

NOTE: People often confuse the Schengen Area with the EU, and while there’s a lot of overlap, there’s some EU countries NOT in the Schengen Area and some non-EU countries that ARE in the Schengen Area, so it is different and you shouldn’t get them mixed up.

The reason it’s important to know this distinction is it can impact what visas you might have to apply for, or put a limit on how long your trip can be. So, be sure to keep that in mind.

For most short stay visas (and visa exemptions), your time allowance in the Schengen Area is 90 days out of a 180 day period .

The easiest way to understand this is to imagine yourself on the day that you leave the Schengen Zone to go home or onto your next destination.

From that departure date, you should be able to look back on the past 180 days and say you haven’t been in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days total.

… I know it sounds kind of confusing, but read it a few times over and you’ll get what I mean! Or, for more clarifications and examples, read my full written guide to understanding the Schengen Area’s 90/180 day rule.

2. Decide How Long Your Europe Trip Will Be

Alright, now that you know the difference between Europe, the EU, and the Schengen Area, your next big hurdle is deciding how much time you’ll be spending on your Europe trip.

This answer to this of course depends on a lot of variables, but I’ll say this: my first independent trip around Europe was 6 weeks long, and even that felt like barely enough.

So, if you’re coming from overseas, I would recommend a 10 day minimum because you have to make that jet lag worth it, but if you’re working with less time, I would then just adjust the number of destinations you’re visiting accordingly to ensure you’re not overwhelmed.

My list of 40+ one week in Europe itineraries can help with that!

The decision of how long to spend in Europe is very personal so I’ll leave that for you to ponder until you cry, but here are some factors to consider:

• Vacation days
• Number of destinations you want to cover
• Amount of time you can spend away from home
• Maximum stay restrictions with your passport (e.g. most non-EU passport holders can only spend 90 days within a 180 day period in the Schengen Area)

After you’ve figured out how much time you have to play with, we get to…

3. Choose Where You’re Going

Europe may look small on a map, but it’s a vast and varied continent that’s impossible to cover entirely in just one (or even twenty) trips.

A lot of first time visitors to Europe think that they can just land and cover the entire continent in one go like a crazed Energizer Rabbit.

This is 100% what I thought prior to my first European backpacking trip, and let me tell you that my first draft itinerary was loaded with chaos and made zero sense. 

While Europe is a lot more compact than Canada or the US, it does still take time to travel between countries and cities, so if you’re dealing with a short amount of time, it doesn’t make sense to cram your itinerary to the point where you’re spending less than a day in a country, or just stopping in for an afternoon.

SO, for shorter trips, what I’d suggest is picking one country or one area and exploring it thoroughly, rather than trying to visit 10 countries in a week.

Again, if you want inspiration, I have this post featuring dozens of one week in Europe itineraries , so feel free to browse that for ideas, but other places to pillage for inspo include…

• Pinterest (search ‘Europe travel’ or specific countries for photos and blog posts to read)
• TikTok (search terms like ‘Europe travel’, ‘[country] hidden gems’, etc.)
• Instagram (browse feeds from travel bloggers to get ideas, scroll through travel-themed hashtags)
• Good old fashioned Google (google ‘places to visit in ____’)

4. Figure Out Visas/Documents

The next step after deciding your destinations is figuring out what visas or documents might you need to enter Europe.

The rules differ depending on the country your passport is from, and also where you’re going, so I can’t give specific advice on this, but if you are one of the 50+ countries who get a visa exemption for the Schengen Zone (including US, Canada, Australia), then you do not need to apply for a visa prior to your arrival.

From 2024 onwards (exact date TBA), it has been announced that those from visa-exempt countries WILL need to apply for a travel pre-authorization through the ETIAS which is very quick to do online and costs a small fee, but that’s not the same as applying for a visa, which is usually a much more time consuming and costlier process.

NOTE: I will update this post when the ETIAS is officially launched, but be sure to consult the website linked above to make sure you don’t need to do it before your trip.

Of course, it goes without saying that the best resource for finding out which visas you need for your Europe trip is your own government’s official website , so be sure to get info from an official source and not a third party that’s simply trying to sell you their visa services.

5, Book Your Flights to Europe

With the tough decisions out of the way, the next step in planning your Europe trip is to book flights.

If you want to secure the best deal flying to Europe, I’ve written this extensive guide on How to Find Cheap Flights to Europe , but here’s a quick step by step on how I’d book my flights:

• Hop onto Google Flights
• Enter your departure airport and destination (if you have a specific one in mind). If not, type “Europe” as the destination and it will show you flights across the continent
• Enter specific dates if you have them, or a rough estimate if you’re flexible, then hit ‘Explore’
• Once you’re on the map view, you can see your options, but you can also click on the dates, then hit the ‘Flexible Dates’ tab and choose your parameters (e.g. 1 week trip in the next 6 months) and hit Done to find the best deals
• Scroll your list of options and if you see one you like, click “See Flights” and from here you can also click the Date Grid that shows you if it’s possibly cheaper to fly out on other dates near that

Then repeat this process until you’ve found a destination or some dates that you like.

After you choose your flight, I would always advise booking directly with the airline because this usually ensures you have the best customer support if anything goes wrong.

A QUICK TIP RE: CREDIT CARDS – A lot of people find travel hacking, or credit cards quite overwhelming but I would say if you’re not into travel credit cards at the moment, now would be the time to start if you’re planning a big trip, just because you are going to be spending a lot of money, so you might as well try to reap as many rewards from it as possible. It isn’t for everyone, but I do have great things to say about the Amex Platinum , which has a really high fee but at least for the first year it’s super worth it because you get travel credits, you get travel insurance, lounge access, and most importantly, enough bonus sign-up points to get you a roundtrip flight to Europe from North America.  There’s also a bunch more affordable options, but overall, I’d say it’s smart to look into a travel credit card so you can really milk the benefits you get from all the money you’re about to spend on flights, and hotels. One thing I also do because none of my friends really collect points is I’ll offer to book for everyone, and then they pay me back, which is amazing because I get all the points without needing to spend all the money.

6. Book Your Accommodation

Alright, after booking your flights, it’s time to decide where to rest your head after a face-numbing day of sightseeing. 

This the general process I follow for finding accommodation:

• Decide if my priority is price, location or hotel quality, then set the max budget for my stay
• Hop on aggregators like Google Hotels or Booking.com to see what the options are, usually using the Map view to select places in central locations, making a shortlist of places as I go
• Pick my top favourites from the shortlist and read through their Google reviews before choosing one
• Book directly with the hotel to potentially get a discount or additional perks

If you’re new to booking accommodation yourself, here is a quick-ish rundown of the most common options.

Overall, from cheapest to most expensive, your accommodation options are..

• Guesthouses 

And vacation rentals like Vrbo and Airbnb are kind of an awkward in between. 

One important thing to keep in mind though is this:

Price, Location, Hotel Quality – you can really only pick two.

• If it’s a good location, and good quality, it’ll be expensive
• If it’s a good price and location, the room will likely not be the best
• If it’s a good price and good quality, you’ll probably won’t be as close to the centre as you want

For me personally, location is often the most important consideration. Because European cities tend to be a lot more walkable than in North America, you want a hotel that you can easily get to from all the sights, rather than have to rely on taxis or trying to a rent a car.

But how do you pick where to stay or what kind of accommodation is best for you?

Option A: Hostels

It’s one of the oldest backpacking tips in the history of backpacking, but if you’re doing your Europe trip on a budget, no doubt hostels are a great option.

Because backpacking culture is so pervasive there, there are a lot of really great hostels pretty much across the continent offering shared dorms for less than twenty bucks a night or even private rooms for additional cost.

For me personally, hostels also have social benefits in addition to budget-related ones, so I’d say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

When I was younger, I thought it was so much fun staying at hostels, meeting people from around the world, and making new friends. If this interests you, check out my guide on How to Book Hostels for Beginners.

But hey, I can concede that hostels aren’t for everybody so, if you’re on a budget, but would rather skip the hostel route, then another great option is guesthouses.

Option B: Guesthouses

Guesthouses have different names depending on which country you’re in.

In Germany for instance they’re known as “ Pensionen “, in Italy they’re Pensione (or Pension, in the singular form), but overall you can view them as smaller, homier hotels with only a handful of rooms.

These tend to be a lot cozier than a traditional hotel and usually a lot more modest in terms of furnishings, but they’re also much more affordable, making them an ideal middle ground between hostels and guesthouses.

Option C: Hotels

But of course, for a lot of first time travellers, hotels are firmly in the comfort zone and probably the go-to pick, with familiar amenities like a check in desk, hotel breakfast, etc.

One really important thing to keep in mind if you’re planning on staying at hotels is that, hotels in Europe use a different star system than in North America.

Whereas in North America, how many stars you have kind of corresponds to the overall quality of the accommodation, in Europe it’s more to do with a checklist of amenities, so most five star places will simply be the BIG ones with a pool, a concierge and lots of different perks.

In contrast, there are some decent one or two star properties that are actually quite nice, but they just don’t have those checklist amenities so their star rating is comparatively lower.

So, keep that in mind when you’re browsing because stars here don’t necessarily indicate quality or luxury as much as the North American star system does.

In terms of choosing hotels, you’ll be choosing between…

• Chain properties (e.g. your Hiltons and your Marriotts)
• Independent hotels

Personally, these days, I’m more inclined to pick independent boutique hotels where I can (as these tend to be more unique), but I admit there’s a lot of reliability when it comes to chains, and if you’re someone that collects points and status, it can of course pay to stay loyal.

Boutique properties vary from city to city, so I won’t discuss them too much in-depth here. Just know that if there’s a place I’ve stayed at that I really enjoyed I’ll always link to it in my travel guides!

But for chain hotels in Europe, I think it’s helpful to include a rundown of budget-friendly European chains I recommend that might be new to you if you’re coming from overseas:

Of course, all over Europe, there’s also the standard North American chains that you’re probably already familiar with, as well as bigger mid-range to luxury chains that I didn’t cover above.

If you decide to book with chain properties, one important tip is to make sure you’re signed up for the chain’s Membership program, because then you get special perks and can rack up points, especially if you make a conscious effort to stick with the same chains throughout your trip.

Option D: Vacation Rentals

Now onto the last option which is vacation rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo.

I used to be a huge fan of renting on Airbnb, because it was a pretty budget-friendly option and you could save money too by cooking if you needed to, etc.

But these days, with extreme fees, and the audacity of hosts, I don’t actually think it’s the best option anymore, especially for shorter stays.

Airbnbs can come with a lot of additional mental labour, like you need to vet reviews, correspond with your host, set a check in time, usually you’ll be asked to do certain chores, and you need to make sure you keep the place in good condition, etc.

This might be fine for a longer term situation like if you’re staying for several weeks, but it’s really not worth it if you’re moving places every few days.

Overall, if you want convenience and ease of mind, Airbnb is probably not for you… unless you are a huge group or you want a homey space where you can settle down for a longer period and cook your own meals, etc.

In that case, check out my guide on How to Book an Airbnb (for First Timers).

7. Choose How You’ll Get Around Europe 

Alright, now with your flights and hotels booked, it’s time to decide how to get from place to place!

First off – I’d say try your best to avoid renting a car.

If you’re doing city trips, odds are you won’t need it and public transport in most European destinations is fantastic. If you’re still undecided, be sure to read my article about considerations to make before renting a car in Europe.

If you have decided to go with purely public transport though (yay you!), my first move is I usually hop on  Omio  to quickly compare the prices of flights, trains and buses going from Point A to Point B. It sorts everything by cheapest, recommended, shortest, etc. and is totally free!

Be mindful of course though that just like with hotels, there’s always that trade-off when it comes to booking transport.

Speed, Budget, and Quality – you can only choose two.

If you want to learn more about transport around Europe, I’ve written this extensive guide on The Cheapest Ways to Travel Europe , but let’s quickly run through the options from cheapest to most expensive, and their pros and cons.

Overall though, your ultimate defense against crazy costs is to just book as far ahead as possible, because bus, train and plane tickets usually get pricier the fewer seats they have.

8. Find Fun Things to Do While You’re There 

If you’ve gotten this far, I think it’s pretty clear… I’m a planner, and I really like knowing what there is to do in a place before I get there so I can maximize my time.

I think it’s important to at least have SOME research done beforehand, because otherwise you waste time in the destination trying to figure it out when you could be using that time to eat spaghetti, you know.

So here’s how I find fun things to do wherever I go :

• 1) Hop on Google. Skim through the top blogs and listicles to get a sense of the top attractions and the most well-known things to do. 
• 2) Head to Atlas Obscura, a really cool website that highlights unusual things to do in a place.
• 3) Hop on social media, like TikTok (a great tool compared to Instagram, especially for food and drink spots).
• 4) Look on local blogs, especially event and news ones because then you can see if there’s any cool pop-ups or special events happening during your trip

Throughout this research process, I’ll usually star places I like on Google Maps instead of just making a list.

This is because I can then easily group together all the spots I want to check out by neighbourhood so I can better organize my itinerary.

Of course, as an easy shortcut, you can also google “Destination” itinerary as well and a travel blogger like me has probably shared one.

9. Choose What to Pack

Alright, onto the final hurdle: deciding what to pack.

First of all – breathe . Packing for Europe isn’t too different from packing for other destinations. Contrary to popular belief, not every single European struts the streets like a runway, eager to judge poorly dressed tourists.

Naturally, what to pack depends on the season and where you’re going. You can check out my generic packing lists for Europe in Winter and Europe in Summer for inspo, BUT I do have a few general tips…

• Travel carry-on only if possible – navigating cobblestoned streets and old Metro systems with a ton of luggage is a nightmare. My guide on How to Pack Light can help with that, but in general when travelling carry-on only, I just pack a week’s worth of clothes and for longer trips, I do laundry along the way.
• Use packing cubes – I’m so obsessed with these. They really help keep everything tidy and organized!
• Avoid packing things like athleisure and sweatpants unless they’re just for sleeping in – While Europeans aren’t mega fashionistas all the time, their baseline casual is very different to North America’s – think clean basics rather than athletic wear.
• Good shoes are everything – you’ll inevitably be walking a lot, so prioritize comfort above all else!

Apart from that, I think packing is a really personal thing and mainly you should just wear what’s comfortable… apart from athleisure. That’s definitely not as common here, and I say this as the most die-hard Vancouver Lululemon girly.

My Europe Trip Planning Workbook

Well, if you’ve made it this far, frankly you deserve a medal… and a treat! So here it is. I’ve created a pretty little Europe trip planning workbook that follows the steps outlined above. Hopefully it well help you plan your dream Europe trip quickly and easily!

You can take a look here and print the pages for personal use, or click here for a digital version that can be filled out from your computer:

Hope This Step by Step Guide to Planning a Europe Trip Was Helpful!

So there you have it, from start to finish, how to plan your own trip to Europe.

I hope that was helpful and feel free to ask in the comments if you have any more questions. Safe travels, and I hope you have an amazing trip!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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The Ultimate Europe Trip Planner: Tips and Tricks for Planning Your Dream Vacation

• April 12, 2023

Dreaming of a grand European adventure? So am I! Today, let's talk about how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe. Trust me; it's going to be life-changing!

Want to know how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe? As overwhelming as it seems, this is not a hard thing to do, just a lot of logistics and research. Sounds fun right? Thankfully, I have done all that for you in several places all over the world and more is being added all the time. Check out my FREE downloadable guides to get premade itineraries.

Now let’s get to your trip! If you want to visit several countries but are not sure how to make this possible, don’t worry! I got you!

First things first: Map out your dream destinations! From classic stops like Paris and Rome to hidden gems such as Ljubljana and Riga, Europe is brimming with unforgettable places. The key is to strike a balance between culture-rich cities, picturesque towns, and stunning landscapes to create a truly memorable journey.

Next up: Transportation! Want to know the best part about traveling in Europe? It’s how easy and convenient it is to get from one country to another! With top-notch rail networks, affordable flights, and well-connected bus routes, you’ll be hopping borders with ease. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance to save some serious money!

Now, let’s talk about accommodation. From quaint B&Bs to luxurious hotels, Europe offers endless options for every budget and taste. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, consider staying at family-run establishments or even booking an Airbnb to live like a local. Plus, don’t forget to check reviews before making any reservations!

Last but not least: Plan activities and experiences unique to each destination! Attend a flamenco show in Spain, take a gondola ride in Venice , or explore ancient ruins in Greece  – these are just a few examples of what awaits you on this epic European trip! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not go off-the-beaten-path and uncover less-touristy spots? Trust me; they’re worth it!

Now, get ready, pack your bags, and embark on that once-in-a-lifetime European adventure you’ve always dreamed of! If you have any tips, questions, or stories from your own multi-country European odyssey, share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear about them!

If you want a  FREE  downloadable and printable planner, click here: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a European Adventure: Multi-Country Edition

Here are step-by-step directions on how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe

1. determine what type of trip you want to take:.

• Beach – places like Ibiza, Majorca, the Greek islands, and Capri are great beach destinations
• Christmas – Europe has the best Christmas Markets and really knows how to get you in the holiday mood. Check out my blog post on some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe.
• City/Culture – Destinations such as Paris , Brussels , and Zurich  are great options for art museums, history, and so much more.
• Hiking – If you are an outdoorsy person who loves to get out and climb some incredible hills then consider the Dolomites , the Swiss Alps, and Bavaria in Germany, just to name a few.
• Ski – Until I blew out my leg I loved skiing! Some of my favorite places are Mont Blanc in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. If you are more of an Après ski type person, that’s me now, these places have a lot of activities and shopping to enjoy.
• Couple – Want a romantic getaway for just the two of you? There are so many places that are great for couples such as the Kaysersberg ,  Ghent ,  Bruges , and  Colmar .

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Type of Trip worksheet there. 

2. Decide how much you want to spend on the trip.

Making a budget for your European trip can be difficult but here are a few basic estimates to keep in mind:

• Flights $500-2000 round trip
• Hotels $80-200 per night
• Car Rental $45-100 per day
• Food $50-100 per day

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner I have created, you will find the Budget  worksheet there. 

Decide how long you want to stay in Europe

I know you want to stay forever but you will need to decide how long you want to stay in Europe. This can be decided later if you are flexible, but I would recommend no less than 10 days which gives you 8 days on the ground and two travel days. As seen on Travel and Leisure’s website, “According to research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, the ideal length of a vacation is exactly eight days. As the researchers noted, a vacationer will feel an increase of happiness over the first several days of vacation, with that feeling peaking on the eighth day, The Times-Picayune  explained.” This is one difficult part about how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe

Remember that you will spend one whole day getting to Europe and one whole day getting back to the United States. You will need to keep that in mind when deciding how long your trip will be. I generally think about how many days I want to spend “in the country – on the ground” and then add one day on each end of that time. For example, if I know I have 20 days’ worth of places to visit then I will plan for 22 days, this includes travel on both ends.

If you want to use the FREE Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Vacation Days  worksheet in there. 

What countries are interested in visiting?

Use Google, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and other resources to gather ideas of where you might want to go based on the type of trip you are taking. Write down the country/countries you want to visit for the trip you want to take. For example, Christmas is lovely in Europe, the beaches are fabulous on the French and Italian Riveria, etc.

Figure out if the countries you want to visit are in the Schengen area or outside of that. If they are outside the Schengen area then you might need a visa. Check the State Department website for the most up-to-date information. 

Schengen Area vs Non-Schengen Area

• The Schengen area is a certain group of European countries that allow you to travel across borders with no border control stops. There are 27 countries that make up the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. You can stay in this zone for 90 days out of 180 visa-free. Should you plan on staying longer, you will need to apply for a visa. Always use your own government’s website to obtain a visa and not a third party to apply for and pay for a visa.
• Countries that are not in the Schengen area: United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and others. Some of these might require a visa to visit so make sure you check the updated requirements for each country.

How to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe? Use the FREE Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Countries worksheet there. 

What towns and attractions do you want to see in each country?

Now that all the boring stuff is out of the way, it is time to get down to the fun stuff! Make a list of the towns/attractions you want to visit in each country. Now, let’s just say, I’m a planner. I don’t like to waste time and want to be able to maximize my time in each place I am visiting. The worst feeling is leaving a town only to find out that there was something super cool that I would have loved to see but missed because I didn’t know about it.

I have gotten some “hate” from people telling me that I shouldn’t schedule everything in my trip and that I should just wing it. Well, I can tell you that I have done both and I feel like having a list of things I want to see is a better option. This doesn’t mean it has to be on a timed basis (e.g. 8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 a.m. Louvre, 1 p.m. Montmartre, etc) First, that’s ridiculous. Second, you are going to be behind your timeline, and stressed, if you do that.

What I do is write a list of things I want to see in each town then add some fun facts and important information for each place. I decide what I want to see the most, and the others, if I have time, I will go see it, if not, that’s ok. Now let’s get into how to do this to make the most of your time.

If you want to use the FREE Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Towns  worksheet in there.

• Google Things to do in (town)
• Use Atlas Obscura for more unique things to do and to find hidden gems
• Use social media to look for things to do in each place, and type in the name of the town in the search bar.
• Write down each thing you want to do or see, the fee associated with it, hours of operation, address, and contact information.
• If you are headed to a country for a particular reason such as to see the northern lights or Christmas Markets, then google those events to obtain the most up-to-date information. Add these dates to your list to help determine when you want to visit.
• Continue researching each town/site you wrote down in #6. Decide if you are still interested in what this town has to offer and if not, then eliminate it. There are times I will initially add something to my list but after further research, I determine that it is not something I really care about.
• If you find points of interest in these places and want to visit them then copy and paste history, fun facts, address, hours of operation, and any fees associated with your visit into a Word document or into the travel planner I have provided.
• I use resources like Pinterest, travel blogs, Google, Trip Advisor ,  and Atlas Obscura.
• Use Google Maps to input all the spots together so you can group them by neighborhood to more easily organize your time. If something is out of the way you will need to determine if it is worth the trouble getting out there or if you want to take it off your list.
• You can also download itineraries from my site with all the information you need for each city.

If you want to use the FREE Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the City/Points of Interest  worksheet there.

Where to stay in Europe

Let’s book some accommodations!

Decide what your priority is in your stay. Do you want to splurge in a few places, is the location the most important thing to you, or do you just want to stay in a decent place at the cheapest price possible? I will say that in Europe I tend to stay in the city center or somewhere central where I can just walk out the door and meander to an attraction I can’t wait to see. Sometimes that comes at a price.

Types of accommodations:

• Hostels . If this word conjures up thoughts of horror movies, I get it. However, in Europe, there are a lot of nice hostels, some even in castles. If you are backpacking or just on a budget this is a good option. It is also a great way to meet other travelers, but this is not for everyone.
• Guesthouses . These are known as different words in each country. For example, in Germany, they are known as pensionen and in Italy they are Pension. These are usually inns and bed and breakfasts style accommodations. I love the unique and local feel of these places and try to stay in these rooms as much as possible. A lot of them are run by families, sometimes for generations. Just keep in mind that a lot of these guesthouses demand you to check in during certain hours or make arrangements to pick up room keys after hours. This requires you to keep in contact with your hosts to assure you know where to go and how to check-in. Also, a lot of these structures do not have elevators because they are contained in old homes, castles, or other historic buildings. If you have a lot of luggage, this may not be your best bet.
• Hotels . These are what most people go for when traveling abroad. There are some good reasons for this. Ease of use, similar amenities to your home country, and flexible check-ins make this a good option. Parking is almost always available, and you have staff on site 24 hours a day. I use Hotels.com and Booking.com for my stays. The other option to book is directly through the hotel’s website. Sometimes contacting the hotel and letting them know that you are thinking about booking through a third party might get you a discount or a room upgrade. However, I use Hotels.com a lot because, for every 10 hotel stays, I get one free. I have racked up quite a few free nights and they have come in handy. So, my advice would be to look at doing it both ways and decide which way is best for you.
• Unique Stays. If you are looking for a unique stay then try Hipcamp, Airbnb, and Glamping Hub. I would only use Airbnb if you are planning on staying in one location for several days.

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the  Accommodations  worksheet there.

There are two types of hotels in Europe: independent and chains (Hilton, IHG). If you have a rewards program with certain hotel chains, this might be a helpful way to keep costs down. However, I tend to try to stay in independent hotels which are usually more unique.

One thing to keep in mind about hotels in Europe is the star system. The more stars, the more amenities. The stars don’t mean that the hotel is of better quality, just that they have more “things”. So, a hotel that has 5 stars could be a dump but it offers a nasty pool, mushy breakfast, gross bathrooms, etc. On the other hand, the 2-star hotel might not have a pool or spa but the rooms are clean and spacious and the location is perfect.

Book your stay and write all pertinent information for each stay in the accommodation section of your planner. This includes the name of the accommodation, contact information, address, prices, what is included in your stay (breakfast, pool access, etc), and dates of stay.

If you are planning on driving, then make sure the accommodation offers parking.

Again, this is all part of how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe. Some parts of this will be easy to figure out, others might be more difficult.

Time to decide how many days you want to spend in each place.

Now decide how many days you want to spend in each town/location. Some cities, like Paris, require a bit more time like 2-5 days whereas a small village like Giverny is more of a day trip or one-night stopover.

Write this information down in your document. Lay out the dates in the printable calendar contained in my planner and decide what day you will be where.

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the  Calendar worksheet there.

Map it out!

Now that you have edited your cities/countries list open Google Maps and begin plotting your route using all the stops/cities you previously wrote down. If you have more than 10 sites, then use this site to combine multiple Google Maps into one.

This will allow you to move the pins around to figure out the most time-efficient way to travel to the various locations.

You can also play with the airports to find one that might be cheaper; for example, if I want to travel through Germany and France and want to find the cheapest airport then look at all the airports close to my route to find the cheapest fare. I usually fly into one airport and out of another but you can do a round-trip fare.

This is how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe! You are almost done, can you taste the croissants?

Decide how you want to travel within Europe

I almost always rent a car. It provides me with the most flexibility. If you are renting a vehicle, then obtain an international driver’s license and check the costs for the rental. I use the following sites: Hotwire, Eurocar, and Avis. If you decide to rent a car, understand that if you are taking a car one way from an airport, it will be cheaper to go from east to west. For example, Poland to France, or Hungary to Germany.

However, if you would rather take public transport then verify that the train/bus stops at each of the places you want to see. Should you decide to use public transportation then head over to the OMIO website and app to plot your course. This website allows you to use trains, buses, and inter-European flights. Train travel is easy in Europe and offers a lot of flexibility.

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Map and Transportation worksheet there.

Now, let's check flights to and from Europe

Now let’s check the flights to and from Europe. It probably sounds weird to look for flights so far into the planning process but there are reasons for that. I use Google Flights to get a good idea of what the cost might be and try different airports in or near the route I organized earlier.

You can set your departure airport and then put “Europe” as the destination. This will allow you to see flights all over the continent.

As you scroll your list of options, look at each one to determine if you like the airlines, dates and times, and costs. Once you have chosen one, you can also click on the date grid to see if it might be cheaper to fly to that same destination on a different day. Repeat this action until you have found the flights that fit your vacation and budget the best.

If you are not married to specific dates, then on Google Flights you can look at the calendar to see what the cheapest date might be to leave from your airport. Do the same coming back from Europe. You can hit the “flexible dates” tab and choose your timeframe such as a week in the next six months etc. for the algorithm to show you the cheapest times and dates.

You can also set price alerts for flights that interest you.

Now Book! I always book through the airline’s website/app. This helps to ensure that if anything was to go wrong, you will receive the best customer support. Plus if you are a rewards / SkyMiles participant then you will automatically receive your benefits instead of having to add them later.

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the Flights  worksheet there. This will help you answer the question, how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe.

It's Food Time!

Use TravelAdvisor , Yelp, and Google to find some of the best restaurants in the areas you will be visiting. For example, I always eat the local cuisine of where I visit so I would look at TripAdvisor and select the filter of local cuisine and type in the city. 

Make a note of several restaurants, notating the hours of operation, and address, and if they need reservations beforehand. If you want to make reservations ahead of time, this is a good time to do it. I generally do this a few days in advance or if it is a high-demand restaurant, then I will do it as soon as the trip is planned.

If you want to use the FREE  Ultimate European Travel Planner  I have created, you will find the  Restaurants worksheet there.

Now, let's pack for your European trip

Depending on the season and the weather you will need different items. Don’t freak out. Packing for Europe is pretty much like packing for going anywhere in the United States. Most of what you pack will depend on what season you are visiting and what you plan on doing while there.

Let’s first talk about the volume of what you are bringing across the pond. I always pack in a carry-on size bag. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to have your bags delayed or lost.

Another reason I carry on is that I rarely stay in the place I land for very long. Sometimes just for the day, sometimes I land, grab a car and start driving elsewhere. That is going to make your life miserable if you have no clothes and toiletries. My rule of thumb is to pack for about a week and then find laundry facilities overseas. Some hotels also offer laundry service which makes it super easy to get clean clothes and repack them to continue your trip.

If you need more information and advice on how to do this, check out my blog post “The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Carryon Travel” .

What’s not popular in Europe is athleisure, so unless you are flying to and from the continent, they don’t have a place in your suitcase, so you can leave those items at home.

Not sure what type of clothes to pack? Check out my LTK page to see some ideas and links to some of my favorite travel outfits and accessories.

Comfortable shoes are a must! Leave the stilettos at home unless you need them for a night out. If you are traveling with a carry-on, try to keep as many unnecessary things out of your luggage as possible. Again, look at my LTK to see some of my favorite shoes to travel with.

Use packing cubes !! How have I ever lived without these? If you are going to be gone for several weeks, these things are invaluable. I even pack an empty one to put dirty clothes in.

Now that you have completed all these steps you are ready to experience Europe like a professional!!! You now know how to plan the ultimate multi-country trip to Europe! If you want a FREE downloadable step-by-step guide that you can refer to then grab the Ultimate Guide to Planning a European Adventure . It can be printed or just kept on your computer as an easy digital reminder of what to do. Hope this helps you have the best European trip possible!

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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!

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

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.

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.

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

How to Spend One Day in London

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

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.

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

How to Spend One Day in Paris

3-Day Paris Itinerary for First Timers

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 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.

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

Essential Travel Guide to Venice, Italy [Infographic]

Top Foods to Try on a Venice Food Tour

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

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

What To Do in Rome in 3 Days

Essential Travel Guide to Rome, Italy [+Infographic]

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 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!

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

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

Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam [Updated for 2024]

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.

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

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

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!)

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

18 Best Wine Regions in Europe for Wine Lovers

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

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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How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague