Europe is fascinating, promising an adventure filled with history, culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Many of us have dreamed of visiting Europe and getting lost in its mesmerising beauty but travelling to Europe is not a bed of roses especially if it’s your first time. Most first timers want to make the best out of their trip, squeezing three countries in ten days, hopping from one city to another and covering scores of museums.

Europe’s charm lies as much in its countryside as in its iconic cities and if you really want to explore, your itinerary should have a balance of both. Europe is about losing yourself in the narrow cobblestoned streets and immersing in a culture that has long captivated philosophers, writers and poets.

If it’s your first time travelling to Europe, you might have several concerns and doubts on your mind. To ensure you have fulfilling experience, we have compiled a list of important tips and tricks for visiting Europe.

Be smart about getting your Schengen visa

Getting a Schengen visa can be complicated when you hold an Indian passport but if you apply the right way, you won’t face any problems. If you are planning to visit two or more countries, apply for a tourist visa that covers most countries in western Europe and a few in Eastern Europe. You will need confirmed flight and hotel booking to apply for a Schengen visa, which is crazy because what if you pay for everything and then you don’t get an approved visa. Therefore, the best way to approach this is to book fully refundable flights and hotels from reliable sites with hassle-free refund policies. Start your research as soon as you get your visa.

Research a lot and leave few days at leisure

Everyone has a different travel style; some like to plan out everything, while others prefer to be spontaneous and leave things to chance. For Europe, we would advise you to take a middle path. Do your research and know enough not to waste your time at a place that won’t interest you. At the same time, be a little flexible so that you can stay longer at a place if you choose to. Be sure to go through reliable travel guides, upcoming events in all major cities, and travelogues that give you a realistic account of what to expect. Also, seek recommendations and inspiration on social media channels like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. There’s always someone who knows more about a particular destination.

Book early for cost-effective deals

Always look for a good bargain. There are tons of excellent deals and offers available online if you search hard and relentlessly. Google Flights and Skyscanner are great for booking flight deals to the parts of Europe where you’d like to fly. Regional tourism boards often have fantastic sightseeing deals in major cities, while TripAdvisor is great for hotel offers. However, if you don’t have time for all this, you might want to book with a travel agent and let them do the research and planning. It would not only save time and energy but also get you extra perks like free upgrades and complimentary tours.

Set your budget and get Eurail Pass

Once you've booked your flights and hotels for your travel period, consider estimating your budget for the entire trip. Set aside costs for your internal flights, rail pass, and visa, and establish a daily budget for the duration of your stay, which should include accommodation, meals, and sightseeing expenses. It’s easy to overspend in Europe if you don’t have a budget in mind.

Also, consider how you’ll carry your money with you. Try to exchange currency in a city like Delhi or Mumbai, where exchange rates are higher and more competitive. You can also use your credit and debit cards in Europe, but make sure to find out about the international transaction fees in advance from your banks.

Depending on how much time you plan to spend in Europe and the countries you intend to visit, getting a Eurail pass can save you a lot of money. Travelling by train is a great way to see European cities and the countryside. You will need to book your seats at least 2-3 days in advance from your travel date if you have a Eurail pass. France is especially strict in this regard.

Carry a backpack and travel during the low season

Pack light so you don’t have to lug around your luggage and suitcases on buses and trains. The best way to see Europe is on foot, and if you’re travelling on a budget, you’ll be walking long distances with your luggage, which can be quite difficult. So, plan well and make sure to carry a single backpack. Get travel size versions of everything you can find and pack clothes such as basic t-shirts, jeans and jackets that are easy to mix and match.

To avoid crowds, plan your trip during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the popular attractions will be less crowded compared to the peak summer season. The weather will be pleasant, and you’ll have the chance to experience the autumn foliage or the spring bloom depending on when you plan your travel.

Explore the countryside villages

First Europe trips are usually about how many numbers of countries and cities you can squeeze in your itinerary. If this is also what you want, let it be. But remember to skip some cities if they are not your vibe and escape to the countryside. Europe is home to some very beautiful hamlets steeped in old-world charm, taking you to simpler, tranquil times where you can indulge in slow living and embrace country life.  

Call our travel experts to plan your Europe travel. We also provide seamless visa services and affordable flights to major cities in Europe.