Europe is the number one destination for many travelers, where history and culture come together.
Whether you’re heading to the cobblestone streets of Italy, the nightlife of Spain or the Swiss Alps. Traveling to Europe requires planning to get it right.
Here’s the full checklist to help you with everything you need to do before you go.
Passport and Visa
The first and most important step before traveling to Europe is to make sure your passport is up to date. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure date. Check your passport’s expiration date well in advance and renew it if necessary to avoid last minute hassle.
Also check the visa requirements for the European countries you are visiting. If you’re visiting a Schengen Area country (which includes most European Union countries) you may also need to apply for a Schengen visa if you’re not from the EU. Check each country’s visa regulations as they vary depending on nationality and length of stay.
Tip: Apply for your visa at least a month in advance to account for any delays in processing.
Buy Travel Insurance
One of the most important and often overlooked part of planning a European trip is buying travel insurance. Unexpected things can happen anytime, medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage. While you’re in a foreign land, travel insurance gives you peace of mind and financial security.
For Europe, Schengen travel insurance is highly recommended especially if you’re applying for a Schengen visa. It’s a good idea to include proof of travel insurance as well because many Schengen Zone countries require it as part of the visa application.
Remember: Travel insurance is a small price to pay to avoid huge financial burden in case of an emergency.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Europe has plenty of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s budget and taste, from luxury hotels to charming hostels. Booking in advance will give you peace of mind and often get you better rates. Popular destinations like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam get fully booked especially during peak travel seasons so it’s best to plan ahead.
Consider the location of your accommodation to major attractions, public transport and dining options when choosing to stay. Use travel booking sites to compare prices and find deals.
Tip: Be aware of local taxes or fees that are not included in the accommodation price, like city taxes in Italy or France.
Research Local Transport
Europe has one of the best and most extensive transport networks in the world. Depending on your itinerary you can move between cities and countries by trains, buses and budget airlines.
- Trains: Traveling by train is a scenic and comfortable way to see Europe. If you’re planning to travel across multiple countries by train, consider buying a Eurail pass as it can save you money on longer journeys.
- Buses: FlixBus and Eurolines offer budget bus options between cities and even across borders.
- Flights: Europe has many budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet that offer cheap flights between cities. But be mindful of extra fees for checked luggage and seat selection.
Know the public transport options in the cities you’ll be visiting, metro, buses and trams. Buy transport passes in advance especially if the city has a big network like London or Berlin.
Get Your Ducks in a Row
Before you head off on your European adventure make sure you have all your documents in order. Besides your passport and visa, make sure you have:
- Copies of your passport and visa (in case the originals get lost or stolen).
- Flight and accommodation confirmations.
- Train and bus tickets.
- A copy of your travel insurance.
- Your international driving permit if you plan to rent a car.
Having these sorted will save you stress on the trip.
Pack Wisely
Packing for Europe can be tricky with the different climates across the continent. Research the weather for each country you’ll be visiting during your trip and pack accordingly.
Here are some general packing tips:
- Clothing: Layering is key when traveling in Europe, as the temperature can change throughout the day. Bring comfortable shoes for walking as European cities have historic streets and are pedestrian friendly.
- Power adapters: Europe has different power outlets than many other parts of the world so pack a universal adapter to charge your devices.
- Travel essentials: Don’t forget to pack toiletries, medications and your phone charger.
Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs or purchases along the way.
Tell Your Bank and Credit Card Companies
Before you go contact your bank to let them know you’re traveling. This will prevent any issues with accessing your funds or your cards being flagged as suspicious while you’re away.
Many banks also offer travel credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees which can save you money on your trip.
Plan Your Trip
Having a rough itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Europe. Research the main attractions in each city but also leave room for off the beaten path experiences like exploring local markets or taking day trips to nearby towns.
Consider buying tickets for popular tourist attractions online in advance to save time and money. Sites like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and the Louvre Museum have long queues but buying ahead of time will allow you to skip the line and secure your entry.
Learn Basic Local Phrases
English is widely spoken in most European countries but learning local phrases will enhance your travel experience. Locals appreciate when tourists try to speak their language even if it’s just basic greetings.
Here are some phrases to learn:
- Hello and Goodbye.
- Please and Thank you.
- How much does this cost?
- Do you speak English?
Apps like Duolingo can help you learn these phrases before you go.
Check Travel Alerts and Health Guidelines
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed some rules for international travel and health guidelines vary from country to country. Before you go check for travel advisories or health guidelines from your government or the countries you’re visiting. This may include vaccination requirements, negative COVID tests or mask mandates.
Stay informed of any changes to entry requirements like new restrictions or quarantine rules. Sign up to government travel alert systems to get real time updates on your destination.
Read also: Why India Should Be Your Next Travel Destination: A Complete Guide
Last Minute Checks
Before you go to Europe, finalize all the remaining details:
- Arrange for airport transfers.
- Check your flight times and check-in requirements.
- Set your phone to international roaming or get a local SIM card.
And don’t forget to set an out of office message for your work emails if you’re away for an extended period.
Final Tip
As you’re wrapping up your plans and getting ready for your European trip remember to protect yourself by buying travel insurance. This will cover medical costs and is often required to enter European countries.
Make sure you’re fully covered so you can travel with confidence and enjoy every moment of your European journey.
