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With dozens of countries to visit around Europe you could spend a lifetime exploring this continent and still not see it all. However, regardless of how many cities and countries you travel to there are some tips for travelling in Europe that every traveller should know and consider.
Whether it’s your first time travelling through Europe or you visit multiple times per year, avoiding some common travel mistakes will make your trip a lot more enjoyable. A little planning goes a long way and these tips for travelling in Europe will help you become a smarter and more relaxed European traveller.
Quick Tips for Travelling in Europe
Check VISA Requirements
Depending on your nationality you may find you need a VISA for entering certain countries. This is also dependent on how long you plan on staying in each country as this can vary, even as a UK resident where I would rarely need a VISA to enter, the length of my permitted stay could vary between 30 days and 180 days. Obviously if you’re only planning a short trip then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Check your government website for detailed information about the country you are planning to visit.
Travel Off-Season
You might be dreaming of spending your Summer sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach, but unfortunately the rest of the world always seems to have the same idea. This means that instead of a relaxing, tranquil beach it is more likely to be crowded and those popular tourist attractions will have long queues.
Travelling off-season will drastically reduce the numbers of other tourists so you’re more likely to have an enjoyable and relaxing trip. You should check opening times of specific places you might like to visit, such as restaurants, museums etc as some businesses have different opening times for the different time of year.
Travel By Train
The train is often thought to be the most quick, efficient and cheapest method of traveling through mainland Europe (unlike the UK where it is the most expensive way of travelling and rarely runs on time.) You’ll also find you’ll be treated to nicer views and you won’t be spending hours sitting in airport security.
Pack Comfy Shoes
I love walking when I travel, but there’s something about wandering the streets of European cities that is even more special. If you really plan on exploring those beautiful destinations, leave the heels at home and avoid having to deal with painful feet.
Pack Carry On
If you are getting on trains, walking beautiful cobbled streets and carrying your luggage upstairs to your accommodation, the last thing you want to is struggle with a massive suitcase.
If you’re on a short trip to Europe (especially from the UK) you really don’t need to pack a lot, which means you can use a smaller piece of luggage and automatically reduce some of the hassle that comes with travelling.
Shop Small
If there is one thing I love most about European cities its the vast amount of small, local and independent businesses. Support the local economy by heading for family run shops, restaurants and café and get a real sense of the community.
The great thing about small businesses is they are always much more appreciative of your visit, and you’ll usually be able to ask for directions and get recommendations (as long as there isn’t a huge language issue)
Learn Some of the Language
A large amount of people in Europe speak English, however you shouldn’t assume that this is the case everywhere. You don’t have to be fluent, but the polite and respectful thing to do regardless of where you’re travelling is to learn of few words of the local language.
What are your top tips for travelling in Europe?
Let me know in the comments.
