13 Essential Europe Travel Tips for Your Continental Journey

Organizing a trip to Europe is an adventurous trip that involves meeting people different from you culturally, appreciating the beauty of nature, and tasting mouthwatering cuisines. Nevertheless, this trip will give you a more significant impact when you have the necessary prerequisites. Below, you can find some valuable Europe travel tips in order to make sure you’re prepared for your European vacation, that it goes well, and that you have a wonderful time.

Europe Travel Tips

Research and Plan

Preparing for your European trip can be done more efficiently by allocating time to research your destinations thoroughly. Be aware of the rules of local behavior, the available means of transport, and strategies for going and seeing the main attractions. By planning, you can balance your time and cost effectively while at the same time making sure you do not pass by any of the places that are yet to be revealed to you. An example is being adaptable and creating an itinerary that shows the best areas of interest for you and unexpected things that can be fascinating enough.

Language Barrier

If you’re coming from an English-speaking country, don’t be arrogant. Everyone doesn’t speak English in Europe. You’ll be fine in most of the major cities. If you have a smartphone, download Google Translate. If you have time to learn a few basic phrases, that will also help.

Weather

This is very important. Check the weather before booking your trip to know what to pack. You also want to know how it will feel when you reach your destination. Believe it or not, everyone doesn’t always check the weather. It could be 80 degrees where you currently live, but only 50 degrees depending on when and where you go in Europe. During my trip to Europe, it was cooler in London than it was in Paris. The crazy thing is that they were just a few hours apart. Make sure you check the weather.

Pack Light

Remember that packing light is one of the golden rules of traveling. While one person’s idea of what is enough could be somebody else’s idea of overpacking, you can follow some practical tips to avoid finding yourself at the airport with luggage five pounds overweight. Pick up versatile clothing items and combine them to avoid unnecessary items that may overload your luggage. 

Several old towns and cities in European cities utilize cobblestones and narrow lanes to transport big luggage bags. A lightweight suitcase or backpack will be very helpful while traveling and will make your travels very convenient and pleasant.

Use the Train

Depending on where you’re from, this may not be that big of a deal to you, but for me, it was. You can get all around Europe (countries and cities) via train. I live in Atlanta, GA. Our train system honestly sucks. It only goes to certain places. Getting to any big city in the south via train would take a while because Amtrak is less popular here.

That’s not the fact in Europe. They have efficient trains. While there, I took the train around London, Paris, and Brussels. It was the best way to travel. If you’ve never ridden a train before, it’s easy. There is info online and in the train stations. Some trains can take you around the city and to different countries. I took the Eurostar train from London to Paris and the Thalys train from Paris to Brussels. If you check both sites out, you can see the destinations you can visit.

If you’re not a fan of trains, you can also hire a car.

Cultural Respect

The local way of life and cultural affairs should be respected when visiting Europe. Do spare a thought when in a new place and get aware of the cultural similarities and how folks conduct themselves in their society. Be keen to be faithful to those and try not to break them. This manner of conduct involves visiting religious sites, wearing clothing that covers your body as much as necessary, always using manners, and not disturbing others in public with loud or disruptive actions. By exhibiting respect for local cultures, you’ll amplify your enjoyment of traveling and make the local people, with whom you’ll get to know on your journey, feel good.

Money

Europe can be expensive. The euro (EUR) is the common currency used by many of the Eurozone’s member states in Europe, allowing for easy trade and transaction between them. While each member nation continues to pursue its own distinct economic strategy, the European Central Bank oversees the monetary policy for the entire Eurozone to preserve price stability.

Adapter

In Europe, you will need a universal adapter to charge your phone or laptop. The good thing is that the charger isn’t that expensive. This universal international charger is affordable.

Time Zones & Jet Lag

This transition of time zones may put stress on your sleep patterns and lead to the effect of fatigue. The best way to reduce the severity of jet lag is to change your sleeping schedule. Make those changes at least a few days before your flight. Throughout your flight, try to stay hydrated, abstain from excessive caffeine and alcohol, and get enough rest. When you get there, get some natural light to help reset your internal clock. Consider taking quick naps if you need them.

Soccer is King

They love their soccer (Futbol) in Europe. People were repping their teams with jerseys and other apparel. Soccer was on TV a lot during the time that I was there. I’m not a soccer fan, but seeing Europeans loving and enjoying the sport was cool.

Comfortable Shoes

Attaining the best pleasure when discovering European cities usually means a lot of walking; therefore, comfy shoes are compulsory. Choose shoes made from sturdy materials that support your feet well. Also, look for shoes with extra cushioning for added comfort when walking long distances. Before your trip, do a test run with your outfit and shoes to ensure they feel right. 

Travel Insurance

Traveling to Europe involves a lot of money, so one should not risk traveling without insurance. It covers unforeseen emergencies like medical costs, trip cancellations, or lost baggage. Before buying a policy, we suggest carefully the existing options and temperature control to ensure that they meet your particular requirements. Life is unpredictable, and no one can solve problems in advance. Travel insurance is a ‘safety net’ with financial protection in case of unexpected difficulties.

Local Cuisine

Tasting the European menu is one of the most pleasant moments on any tour in Europe. Be bold, brave, and courageous, and try dishes you have never had. Make sure that there is nothing that you are allergic to. Find some nice but not tourist-trap eateries nearby, and don’t hesitate to ask questions from local people who know what is good.

Food markets and street vendors, being great spots to unveil the area’s best dishes and socialize with native inhabitants, serve as precious sources of information for the traveler. Pack your taste buds for the adventure of European cuisines consisting of culinary diversity, where every mouthful offers a unique experience during your travels.

Finally, these Europe travel tips were prepared to help you enjoy your trip more and bring back the happiest moments. This way, you will ensure that your travel in Europe will be enriching and joyful!

Image Credits: DepositPhotos