Everyone dreams of taking a trip to Europe. Imagine taking a walk with your chic looking Asian streetwear outfits across Europe’s wide variety of tourist attractions, including its mesmerizing landscapes, exquisite Paris, sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, and historic sites in Greece and Italy, consistently attracting visitors.
Here are 10 travel tips on Europe to help make your trip go more smoothly for those of you who are planning to visit:
1. Visa Requirements
To visit different European countries, you need to get a Schengen visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you want to visit. Here are a few important things you should know before you apply.
- Your passport should be good for at least six months after the date of your trip. There should be at least two blank pages in the passport, and there should be copies of all the other visas that have been applied for with that passport.
- For a Schengen visa, you need a visa application form, photos, a full itinerary, all tickets and hotel booking confirmation vouchers, an approved leave application from your employer (an NOC from your child’s school) and enough money.
- To get a Schengen Visa, you must have a valid and approved travel insurance policy that covers at least €30,000 for the whole Schengen area.
- Tourists who want to visit more than one country should apply for a visa from the country with the most days, no matter where they first enter the country. If you will be spending the same number of days in both countries or in more than one, you should apply for the visa at the first port of entry. For example, if someone is going to the Netherlands and France and will spend 4 days in the Netherlands and 6 days in France, the visa should be applied for in France, even if the first port of entry is the Netherlands.
2. Currency
Any international trip requires smart and careful use of the foreign currency, and Europe is no exception. Do not exchange money at the airport. This is the most important piece of currency advice. You can get better exchange rates in the city or in your country before you leave.
It’s a good idea to carry cash, but you should only use it when you have to. Rest, and use your travel card somewhere else. Many countries, such as Croatia, Sweden, and Denmark, don’t use the Euro and instead have their own currency. Try to include these places in your plans. Travel costs will be cheaper there compared to other places.
3. The Local Language
Don’t think that everyone in Europe speaks English. One of the best pieces of advice for travelling in Europe is to know a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. If you’re going to Paris, learn a few key French words. If you’re going to Italy, learn a few basic Italian words.
4. Phone Connection
Regarding phone connections, we recommend that you take note of yet another very useful travel advice for Europe. There is no such thing as a SIM card that can be used in every country in Europe, which is why it is always recommended to travel after activating an international roaming plan before leaving your country. The plan should be tailored to the countries that will be visited.
5. Take The Train
Most travel guides to Europe say that the best way to get from one country to another is by train. We strongly agree with this idea. Depending on where you’re going, taking the train is much easier, less stressful, and cheaper than flying. For example, if you want to go from Brussels to Paris, it’s hard and expensive to take a plane. Instead, you can buy tickets for either the Thalys or the TGV and get to Paris in just over 2 hours. But booking train tickets in advance is also important to get the best deal.
6. Shopping Tips
The most important tip for shopping in Europe is to check out the local markets instead of fancy stores and boutiques. At street markets, the items look amazing and lively, and it’s so much fun to pick out the best trinkets and souvenirs by making a good deal. One thing that every traveller should remember when shopping in Europe is that greeting the shopkeeper and making small talk with him is considered good manners, so don’t forget to do it.
7. Purchase Your Tickets In Advance Online
Europe is full of monuments and buildings that are interesting to look at. Every visitor is amazed by the size of the palaces, museums, churches, and gardens. To make sure your trip to these landmarks goes smoothly and without any trouble, buy your tickets online. There are separate lines for people who bought tickets online, so you can avoid long lines.
8. Accommodation
After all, it’s the next most expensive thing after a flight. Do not stay in hotels near airports or train stations. If you are travelling alone, go to a backpacking hostel. If you are travelling with a family or group, Traveloka, easyHotels, and Agoda are better choices because they are more affordable.
9. Food Tips
With so many different kinds of food, the different countries of Europe will never run out of options. If you like food and want to try different dishes, don’t go to a fancy restaurant. Instead, go to a local bistro or a roadside cafe. Also, when you go to different countries, you should always try their food specialties. For example, when you’re in France, you should try different kinds of cheese and the local wine. In Belgium, you should try different kinds of waffles, and if you’re in Greece, you should treat yourself to different kinds of Greek yoghurt and Greek salad.
10. Packing Tips
If you aren’t sure what to bring on your trip to Europe, here is a list of the most important things you should bring. Bring a small backpack for day trips, cotton clothes and sunglasses for the summer, an umbrella and a raincoat because it rains all the time in Europe. But shoes are the most important thing about Europe. Most of the time, sneakers and walking shoes are all you need, since walking and hiking are the best ways to see the city. If you’re going to Greece, don’t bring high heels with you. Many monuments don’t let women wear high heels.
