If you’re planning to travel to Europe this year, you will need a ton of preparation to make this adventure enjoyable and memorable. While countries continue to ease up travel restrictions, you still need to make sure the trip won’t run into costly and time-consuming problems.
Whether you are planning to watch a live UEFA Nations League game or take a breather in sunny Santorini, knowing what to expect during your trip will help you focus on the best things Europe has to offer. Here are a few tips to remember:
1. Check for the timing
Before anything else, you should pick a good schedule for starting your trip. A good rule of thumb is to book off-season. Europe’s peak season starts anywhere from June to July. The demand for flights and hotel rooms surges during these months, so consider booking a flight during the offseason. That way, you can score cheaper travel deals and have peace of mind.
2. Review visa rules
Another important factor to consider is getting a visa for traveling around Europe. Over 26 countries in the Schengen area use a unified visa. You can travel from Germany to France without having to apply for another visa. To apply for a Schengen tourist visa, visit the embassy of your destination country (or the country you want to visit first), file the required paperwork, pay a fee of €80, and undergo a visa interview. Once approved, you should check your visa label for the number of days you are allowed to stay.
3. Check for hotel and Airbnb deals
Once you are all set with your Schengen visa, you need to look for places to stay in each country you are visiting based on your itinerary. When finding a hotel room, keep in mind that you don’t have to spend too much. Unless you have the money for it, you can book a room in luxury hotels like Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris or Palazzo Manfredi in Room. Otherwise, you can always check out Airbnb for affordable accommodations. Just be sure to look for one that’s located in a safe neighborhood. You should also do a background check on your host as well by reading the reviews of past guests.
4. Don’t focus on the usual attractions
When we think of Europe, we think about the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Parthenon. The continent is known for much more, so don’t be afraid to try out new experiences. Mingle with the locals and ask about the most fun things you can do outside of a tourist itinerary.
5. Share the experience with others
Traveling with a group makes the experience even more memorable and less costly since you can all share in every expense. Other than that, you can also treat this journey as a romantic getaway with your spouse. Traveling solo is also good, but you still need to have someone who can make you feel less lonesome. Whether you are inviting a Danish friend on Tinder or hiring Escorts Switzerland, you can make the journey extra special.
Make the most of your travel plans to Europe this year. Keep these tips in mind as you set your foot on this beautiful continent in all of its glory.
