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Embark on your first European adventure with our guide to Europe. Get insider tips, destination recommendations, and travel hack.
Hey there! I absolutely adore travelling – it’s a huge part of my life. I always feel like I’m living my best life when I’m on the road, exploring new places and trying new things.
I have to admit, I’m a bit of an over-planner – I want to make the most of every trip!
One place that’s always been on my bucket list is Europe. There’s just something magical about being able
to immerse yourself in history, and experience different cultures and lifestyles. One of my favourite things to do is to find a random café, sit down with a coffee, and people-watch. It’s amazing how many stories you can imagine just by observing the hustle and bustle of the city.
When it comes to planning a trip, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and what to do.
But in this article, we won’t be discussing specific recommendations for cities or sights. Instead, let’s focus on how to make the most of your trip by being well-prepared, organized, and stress-free. These tips will help you get the most out of your travels. So keep reading my guide to Europe to learn more!
Table of Contents
Pack Smart And Avoid Overpacking
First, don’t worry about the cold weather—you won’t need to pack bulky sweaters and coats.
Instead, bring a light trench or bomber jacket for cool evenings, and don’t forget an umbrella.
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, make sure to pack your sunscreen.
When it comes to footwear, comfy sneakers are a must-have. You can still bring some cute wedges or heels
for fancy nights out, but trust me; your sneakers will be your go-to shoes for most of the day.
Of course, there will be public transport options like subways, taxis, and Uber, but be prepared to walk a lot. Imagine exploring the Louvre Museum or wandering around the City of the Vatican – your feet will definitely thank you for bringing comfortable shoes.
Under Armour Running Shoes
European Hotels What To Expect
European hotel rooms are relatively smaller than American ones, including the bathrooms. It can be challenging to fit all your toiletries in the bathroom, which is why I always bring a toiletry bag that I can hang somewhere.
When booking a room, make sure to follow up with the hotel or read the room description to ensure you get
the type of bed you want. Sometimes a “double bed” means two single beds pushed together with separate sheets.
Another thing to keep in mind is that European plugs are different from American ones. Although some hotels will provide a converter, it’s always a good idea to bring one with you to ensure you can charge all your devices.
Always Have Some Cash
Be prepared that during your visit, you may encounter places that don’t accept credit cards.
I had this issue in Italy last summer. I went to a small local shop to grab something to drink for my daughter,
and unfortunately, there was a problem with the card terminal. This brings me to my next tip, which is…
Tipping In Restaurants Is Not Required
In Europe, tipping in restaurants is not as common as in the States, so there’s no need to stress about it.
If your meal costs 18 euros, just pay 20 euros and tell the waiter to “keep the change.” This gesture will be greatly appreciated, and you certainly won’t offend anybody.
Places Shut Down Over Lunch
Oh, I remember my first day in Spain. We had just arrived and it was lunchtime.
We were starving and all I wanted was to grab something to eat and enjoy my first day of the holidays.
Nope, it didn’t happen.
Restaurants were closed for lunch, and so were some markets. The same surprise happened in the evening. Since we didn’t have a proper lunch, we wanted to have an early dinner. Well, we started eating at 9 pm since most places start serving food around that time.
Eat Where Locals Eat
It’s best to avoid touristy places when looking for a bite to eat. I know they can look really fancy and catch
your eye, but trust me, they tend to be overpriced and the food isn’t always that great. Instead, take a leisurely walk around the city and seek out a place where the locals eat. It might not look as appealing, but the food will be so much better.
Check The Opening Hours
Don’t forget to verify the opening hours of your desired destinations to ensure they are not closed due to public holidays or regular closures such as Mondays for certain European museums, which may be open on Sundays.
Get Tickets To Places You Want To Visit In Advance
Big european cities are super busy especially during summer. Don’t waste your precious time waiting in long lines to buy tickets. Check the websites of your desired destinations for better deals and to skip the lines.
Use Budget Airlines And Trains
Once you are in Europe, you might want to explore more than just one city. It is very easy to travel from one town or country to another. You can check budget airlines operators like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet for great deals. However, be aware that the airports they operate from are usually located on the outskirts of town.
I hope all my tips were useful for you. Don’t stress too much about your trip. There are certainly cultural differences between the US and Europe. But isn’t experiencing these differences and creating memories the reason why we travel?
If you don’t know what to wear on a plane, check out my blog post! You’ll find great outfit ideas that will make you look cute and stay comfortable.
