Europe is a beautiful continent! A must-visit destination in most of the travelers’ checklist. But, if you travel to Europe you can easily get overwhelmed owing to the many languages and different cultures. It doesn’t need to be. Here are a few things that I wish I knew before visiting Europe . You can plan your trip to Europe in a way that you make the most of it, in little money and with no stress. Here’s how:
Travel light
Most of the hotels here do not have elevators, and same is the case with most of the train stations. You of course do not want to be carrying luggage all the time. Also, if you plan to take flights within Europe, taking only cabin luggage with you will save you a lot of bucks.
It’s wise to carry minimal stuff on any trip, saves a lot of trouble and hassle on many occasions. I always avoid unnecessary stuff and just ensure I keep my 5.11 tactical gear with me, which I am very fond of.
Avoid July, August & September
You can travel to Europe anytime except these 3 months. These are crazy months in Europe as the weather is very pleasant at this time of the year. All the popular tourist destinations are crowded with tourists and you do not want to wait at ticket counters or spoil your experience by sharing it with a thousand other tourists. So, avoid going to Europe in these 3 months. Before visiting Europe – check news for some upcoming events and festivals in Europe, as they can affect traffic and add thousands of tourists.
A Eurail pass can save you money
A journey on Eurorail is something you must experience. With breathtaking views and high-end luxury, these train journeys are nothing short of an adventure. Moreover, trains are a very good option if you are planning to see multiple cities. You also save a lot by taking trains to your destinations. Book your Eurail pass online to save yourself some hassle and money.
You can’t see the whole of Europe
I have heard from a lot of people that they want to see 3-4 European countries in 10 days. How does that make sense? Do you want to be rushing all the time and see places only for the sake of seeing them? Or do you want to travel to Europe with comfort and in style? Take 1-2 countries at one time and leave something for the next time. You do need a reason to go back to Europe right?
Most of Europe shuts down by 7 pm
There is a reason why Europe ranks highest in happiness index. Europeans are very strict followers of 8-5 rule and most of the stores start shutting down after 5 pm. Almost every store is shut by 7 pm. Yes, there is nightlife in Europe and pubs and bars are open till late at night, but if you need to buy your supplies or essentials in the evening, you need to be aware of this.
You will go over budget
No matter how well you plan your trip and decide to stick to your budget, there would definitely be expenses that you did not see coming. Be it a cute dress that you saw at the store or a guilty late night party at the pub or an expensive souvenir that you bought for a friend, there would always be some expenses that you did not account for in your budget. Moreover, fun cannot be compromised for a few bucks right?
Avoid wearing shorts
It’s not like you just can’t wear shorts in Europe, just that Europeans view shorts as an apparel option for kids and not for adults. Why not leave your shorts back in the home country?
Keeping all this in mind, you can now be assured of a hassle free travel to Europe. After all, a vacation is all about keeping stress at bay right?
