21 Travel Tips For Europe For First Timer

European Destinations are very popular amongst travelers because of the diverse landscapes and the fact that any traveler has an unlimited list of things to do. Many want to travel to the fascinating continent, but the high per day costs make it difficult to plan a trip. And if you’re one of those who want to go explore the European lands and don’t think you can spend so many extra bucks, this travel guide with all the tips is for you.

Also see: Most Beautiful Countries in Europe

Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay 

1. Get cheaper flights.

Finding cheaper deals on airplane web pages and adding frequent flyer miles can make air travel easier for you. Tickets are the most expensive in summer, and comparatively cheaper in mid-spring and mid-fall and the cheapest in the winter, so you should plan your trip accordingly.

2. Take different air routes.

You could find flights that go through Ireland/Iceland as they are cheaper and make for awesome short stays. Also, connecting flights are sometimes cheaper to fly in.

3. Find cheaper airfares within Europe.

To travel between two cities, it’s good to fly on budget airlines like EasyJet and find flights that have lower fares on websites like Euroflights.info. Various budget airlines fly from London Dublin and Berlin, and by flying you can make more out of your trip!

Also see: Most popular churches in Europe

4. Don’t forget to get travel insurance.

It’s very important to have travel insurance while traveling as it can provide you with aid in case of any unforeseen circumstances. World Nomads Travel Insurance is available almost everywhere and comes recommended by many travelers.

5. Visit smaller cities and towns.

Even though London and Paris are the cities you shouldn’t delete from your itinerary, you should add some small towns which are great places to experience the culture.

6. Avoid eating near big tourist attractions.

Eating at places near the attractions can cost you a lot more than eating somewhere else, and not only this, the quality of food at these restaurants isn’t so great due to the crowds.

7. Inform the bank about your journey.

If you’re traveling somewhere, inform your credit card provider bank of the dates and times you’re going to be traveling. There have been instances of cards being blocked, and this can sometimes cause so much trouble and confusion.

8. Don’t add too many things on your itinerary.

It’s okay to not be able to see everything that’s there at that place. Try to travel slowly and see and transit at a calm pace. Trying to add so many attractions and destinations to your itinerary will only make you feel tired because of all the time you will spend in transit.

Also see: Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Europe

9. Don’t overpack.

Even though we all have the tendencies to try and fit all of our wardrobes in our bags, it’s better if you travel light. Traveling light means you don’t have to pay extra to the airlines, and it is easy for you to handle your luggage. It also lessens the risk of losing things. If you want to pack efficiently, you can use packing cubes to make the most of your backpack space.

10. Try the local cuisine.

If you have reservations about not eating stuff, or you’re a vegan/vegetarian, you can always try local food. The best thing about traveling is the local cuisine and you should be sure not to miss out on that.

11. Wear uncomfortable shoes.

Uncomfortable shoes can become a big problem when you’re traveling, and it is enough to ruin your whole experience. So, be wise and choose comfortable shoes even if you have to buy a pair because walking around and sightseeing is only good when you’re comfortable.

12. Don’t get flights that have very less connecting time.

Because delays can make you miss your flight, and having lesser connection times always makes for a stressful trip.

13. Check closures before you go.

Museums and galleries are usually closed on a day in the week, and for longer times during the Christmas holidays. Make sure you see whether the place will be open before you add it to your itinerary.

14. Write down important stuff.

It’s always safe to write down reservation numbers, addresses, and any important things in case your phone dies. It’s good to be prepared. The address to your National embassy should be with you in case you lose your passport.

15. Read hotel/hostel reviews.

Even though most of us are tempted to book rooms/beds as soon as we see a cheap deal, the best thing to do is to read the reviews even when we love the photos. Reading reviews make sure that your stay is comfortable and the kind of accommodation you want for yourself. In the reviews, try to get an idea about the cleanliness or hygiene and the neighborhood the place is in.

16. Don’t be culturally insensitive and learn a little of the local language.

It’s better if you keep any opposing views on the mannerisms and beliefs of the locals, to yourself. You should always try to adapt, and this can help you make a lot of new friends. Learning the basics of the local language can help you communicate when you’re buying something in a local neighborhood. Also, it makes it easy for you to ask for help whenever you need it.

17. Don’t fly into the wrong airport.

Larger European cities have more than one airport, and it’s best if you see the airport before you board a plane as tight connection times and commuting to a different airport can cause unnecessary hassle.

18. Ask locals for help.

Whether you want to know about the less traveled-to places, or know the reviews of a particular place, or even get the directions to the nearest restrooms, trusting locals is the best. Even though most of us naturally tend to be the way of locals, opening up to a few locals can help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

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19. Don’t keep all your money in one place.

So, in case, you get robbed, you still have money to travel and be able to complete your trip. Therefore, keeping money in different places is a must-do travel tip.

20. Don’t assume that all the restrooms are free.

Not all European restrooms are free. So be prepared to pay for using clean and hygienic restrooms or buy something from that place in exchange for using the restroom.

21. Use Travel credit cards

Travel cards help you to get that elite traveler status and also earn a free journey during your trips. Every traveler has his unique priorities and while choosing a card, you need to keep in mind, which card is best according to you. From their annual fees to the list of benefits they offer, things differ from card to card.

Read more, Trusted and Best Travel Credit Cards for Travel

These tips ensure that you can avoid most of the problems, but you should always be prepared for an emergency and it is impossible to have a 100% hassle-free trip. So, try to make the most of it even if you have lost stuff or aren’t able to see everything that there is to.