Many people are drawn to Europe for their travels. Europe is filled with many diverse cultures and countries, and their proximity to one another makes it easy for tourists to visit many places in a single visit.
Are you planning to visit Europe on your next trip?
Keep reading to learn about the 12 things you need to know before you make your journey. This guide will talk you through regulations, tips, and best practices you need to know about European travel.
12 Things You Need To Know Before You Travel To Europe
Here’s our list of the 12 considerations you should know before you travel to Europe!
Consider Your Visa Requirements
You need to know the visa requirements, like the new visa waiver for ETIAS Italy, for any country you plan to visit on your European travels. By visiting the government website for the country, you can learn whether you need a visa to visit. You may need to provide a return or ongoing travel ticket.
You may also need to pay a tourism fee upon entering a country, so consider this when budgeting for your trip.
Consider Your Safety First
Your safety and security are the utmost priority during your travels. Falling victim to theft or worse during your trip will tarnish your desire to travel in the future, and you could have difficulty seeking assistance.
So, consider your safety a priority, and make sure that the areas you’re visiting are safe with low crime rates. Also, research common crimes to watch out for in places you visit, such as pick-pocketing and robbery.
Check Out The COVID-19 Restrictions
While countries are recovering from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still rules and restrictions for tourists. So, before booking your trip and planning which European countries and cities to visit, you should research the laws, regulations, and requirements.
You may need to bring your vaccination card or number to prove you’re fully vaccinated. Without a vaccine, there may be some places you cannot visit.
Research The Best Hotels In The Area
When you’re traveling, it’s best to pre-book your accommodation to eliminate the risk of having nowhere to stay. It will help if you are looking for hotels with building security that ensures you and your belongings are secure. Additionally, you should check out the reviews for any hotel you’re considering to see how clean, accommodating, and secure the building is.
If the hotel has too many negative reviews, it’s best to steer clear and choose a hotel with fewer negative reviews.
Create A Budget
A solid budget can help ensure your trip doesn’t affect your financial health. Allocating the money you need for travel tickets, tourism fees, hotels, and everyday spending on your trip will help ensure your plans are affordable.
Create A Solid Plan
Planning your trip effectively is necessary to stay on course. You should know when your flights and trains will be, where you’re staying, and what you’d like to do each day on your trip.
Pack Comfortable Clothing
Although you might need a few dining-out outfits, you won’t be comfortable going on sightseeing tours in formal clothing. So, pack comfortable clothing and shoes for your trip. Athleisure is one of the most versatile clothing types for your trip and can be worn throughout the day. Switching your high heels and sandals for a pair of breathable trainers will be better.
Make Sure You Can Carry Your Suitcase
If your suitcase is too heavy or difficult to carry, this could slow you down at an airport or a train station. So, pack light and ensure your suitcase or bag is wearable. A large travel backpack is one of the most comfortable options for traveling.
Consider Affordable Airlines
Awareness of which airlines are generally cheaper in Europe will allow you to incorporate more locations into your travel plan without exceeding your budget. So, research which airlines are most affordable in Europe before traveling.
Check Out The Potential For Train Travel
If you’re struggling to plan an affordable trip, why not use train travel? Many European cities and countries are linked by Europe’s vast railroads. So, check whether you can incorporate more countries into your plan with train travel.
Consider hiring a car or motorhome for your travels, driving through countries to experience as much of Europe as possible.
Know When The Busiest Seasons Are
You’ll quickly become weary if the city or country you’re visiting is completely overrun with tourists. Queues will be longer, and you’ll have a less relaxing trip. Booking your journey in the off-season will make it more affordable, and you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without becoming overwhelmed by the crowds.
Bring Cash On Your Trip
Although most European cities are forward-thinking regarding payment options, you may need help to pay using your card everywhere. So, bring cash with you on your trip to save yourself from an emergency.
Summary
Before you begin traveling to Europe, you should consider the tips above. How well have you planned your trip in line with these considerations? Approach your trip with an eye for planning and detail, and you’ll have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation exploring Europe’s rich cultures.