First Time on the Old Continent? Here Are 10 Ways to Travel Smart in Europe! CheapOair Staff April 19, 2022 Budget Travel, Destinations, Europe, International Travel, Travel Tips 1 Comment So you’re just about done planning your dream vacation to Europe. Whether it’s a romantic month for two in Tuscany or a wild getaway to Dublin with your best buds, chances are you’ll encounter a few new experiences along the way. While your trip will no doubt be memorable, knowing more about where you’re going is always good information for any traveler. Here are some helpful tips for traveling Europe in a smart way! Pack Light! You should never let your luggage weighs you down on your travels. You’ll definitely be a more spontaneous traveler if you pack light! Keep in mind that the charm of Europe means that you’ll often be dealing with cobblestone streets and needing to navigate railway stations and other areas that make it difficult to be dragging along cumbersome luggage. Packing light will undoubtedly make it easier to get around if you intend to book cheap flights to Madrid, for example. A suitcase on wheels is an invaluable addition to your list of travel essentials. Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring back all of those amazing souvenirs that you plan on picking up. When in Rome… Get Some Pizza! Always try to adapt to the local culture when visiting a European country. Enjoy some amazing whiskey when visiting Scotland, devour many bowls of borscht (beet soup) on a vacation to Poland, and always make sure to get some pizza when in Italy. Not only do certain destinations offer the best quality of a particular meal or drink, but it’s oftentimes much cheaper there as well! Buy a Pass to Save Time and Money When it comes to tips for traveling Europe, it’s always a good idea to buy a tourist pass that will enable you to see more of that destination’s top attractions for less. Not only will you keep more “moolah” in your wallet, but most passes will allow you to skip long lines too. You may also like: 10 Must-See European Cities for the First Traveler Travel Guides are Not Vacation Bibles Now we are not saying to throw out the Lonely Planet guidebook at all. Full of helpful information that fits in your backpack or purse, guidebooks can often be a godsend when you’re in unfamiliar territory. Try wandering aimlessly throughout the new city to experience it in your own unique way and stumble upon little “finds” that will add more memories to your already amazing journey. Check Visa Requirements Before setting off on your European journey, it’s important to check the Visa requirements of all of the countries on your itinerary. Although most European countries don’t require a Visa for brief visits, you may find that some places need more documentation than a passport, especially if you plan on staying for a longer period of time. Taking the time to do a quick online search in advance of your trip can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Don’t risk being disappointed at the border because you failed to do your homework ahead of time! Easy on the Tipping, Rockefeller! Before you head to Europe, keep in mind that Americans are oftentimes labeled as “over-tippers” by locals. While we’re used to forking over 15-20% of the bill, it’s not necessary for most parts of Europe. Knowing how to tip in Europe will save you big bucks on your next vacation. Watch Out for Closing Times You’d be wise to pay close attention to closing times in Europe, regardless of if it’s a restaurant, tourist attraction, or retail shop. Restaurants in Europe are notorious for closing during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Be sure to plan your meal times accordingly. In addition, many museums will close for an entire day each week. Although you want to allow for some spontaneity on your trip, it’s a good idea to take note of the closing times of the places that you have your heart set on visiting. You don’t want to plan one day in Paris to see the Mona Lisa and then realize that the Louvre is closed every Tuesday… Favor Trains in Western Europe If your adventure takes you to Western Europe, you’ll be best served by using trains to get around between and within countries. Western Europe is famous for its high-speed train options that can connect you to just about anywhere that you want to go. Because of its compact size, train travel is easy, fast, and affordable in this part of Europe. It’s also a comfortable way to travel, providing plenty of room to stretch your legs. As a bonus, you’ll be able to see more of your surroundings while traveling by train than when compared to flying everywhere. Bring Comfortable Shoes Europe is best seen on foot, meaning that you’ll likely do a good amount of walking while out exploring all that this corner of the world has to offer. You cannot expect to take advantage of the walkability of Europe without comfortable shoes. Bring along a few pairs that you can alternate. It’s important that your shoes are worn in before you break them out to cover long distances. The right socks and moleskin for blisters are also important if you anticipate problems. Don’t underestimate how many miles you’re probably going to walk each day while discovering the wonders of Europe! Be on the Lookout for ATM Machines Nowadays, most people carry around some sort of plastic card in their pockets. Aside from being convenient, using an ATM machine in a foreign country can be less expensive at times since they usually provide the best rates. But, just be wary of ATM fees and surcharges. And, if possible, skip ATMs located in shops as they can be less secure than machines located in or outside of a bank. What other Europe travel advice do you suggest we follow? Let us know in the comments section below!
