45 Essential Tips for Travel in Europe You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Planning your dream European getaway? Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time explorer, these tips for travel to Europe from someone who has traveled extensively and made many a travel mistake along the way will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s how to make your next European adventure smoother, more enjoyable, and filled with incredible memories.
Some links in the post below are affiliate links which means I may get a small commission if you click and purchase something at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and trust. Thanks for helping to support this blog! For more info see our disclosures and privacy policy.
1. If there’s a free bathroom, use it (even if you don’t think you have to).
2. Laundromats are better than hotel laundry; much, much cheaper and faster.
3. Do the thing you’re most excited about first.
4. Always pack a few days of clothes and important meds and documents in your carry-on as contingency in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive.
5. Bring an empty water bottle to refill on the go.
6. Use bank ATMs for cash (never Euronet ATMs) and always check the fees (banks are often free); don’t use money exchanges.
7. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (Chase Sapphire is my go-to).
8. Plan for something to go wrong. It inevitably will.
9. Start your trip with a free walking tour to get oriented.
10. Pack two forms of ID, like a driver’s license, so you don’t have to use your passport as collateral (e.g., for museum headphones).
11. Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus because they will be tourist traps. Look for a chalkboard menu instead.
12. Take breaks. Travel fatigue is real, and no one wants to need a “vacation from their vacation.”
13. Use Google Street View before you leave to familiarize yourself with key locations.
14. Buy travel insurance. It’s worth it (here’s why).
15. Learn a few local phrases or save them in a note on your phone.
16. Read up on local customs. You don’t need to be an expert, but respect goes a long way.
17. Focus on what you enjoy, not just “must-dos.” You don’t need to check every box.
18. Choose travel companions carefully. Being good friends doesn’t guarantee you’ll travel well together.
19. You’ll remember the experience, not how much it cost.
20. Bad experiences often make the best stories later.
21. Grab a hotel business card to show taxi drivers if you need help getting back.
22. Always carry tissues. They double as emergency toilet paper.
23. Don’t rely on Instagram or TikTok for trip planning. Or if you do, prepare to be underwhelmed.
24. Write down important phone numbers from home in case your phone dies.
Want to save this post for later?
I'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
25. No one cares if you wear the same thing more than once.
26. Bring comfortable, broken-in shoes.
27. Always use a VPN for secure internet access.
28. Always choose the local currency at ATMs or when paying by credit card.
29. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs. Points add up quickly.
30. A great room in a budget hotel can be better than the worst room in a fancy one.
31. Location matters more than luxury when choosing accommodation.
32. Lock your suitcase. Always.
33. Use public transportation. It’s efficient and cost-effective.
34. Never carry valuables in your back pocket.
35. Stay alert to common scams.
36. When flying to Europe from the U.S., try to resist the urge to nap upon arrival; power through that jet lag!
37. Buy a local SIM card for affordable data and calls.
38. Patience and kindness go a long way. Be polite, and it’ll pay off.
39. Screenshot electronic tickets in case you lose internet access.
40. Plan your transit from the airport to your hotel in advance.
41. Research any vaccines you might need for your destination.
42. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
43. Use your hotel safe for extra cash and valuables.
44. Share your location with friends or family back home for safety.
45. Finally: Take this advice and adapt it to what works for you. Everyone’s travel style is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. These European travel tips are meant to guide you, but the best part of exploring Europe is finding your own way to make the trip uniquely yours.
Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, with these essential tips for travel in Europe in your back pocket, you’ll be ready for anything.
Ready to hit the road? Let me know your favorite tips or share what you’ve learned on your European adventures in the comments!