Europe trip planning can seem overwhelming, but with a bit of research and careful planning, you can create the perfect itinerary that suits your interests and budget. In this blog, I will share some tips on how to plan a perfect Europe trip. This is episode 2 of our Europe series. In episode 1, we had discussed on whether to go to Europe via package tour operatour or via self planning.
Note – If you prefer video content, then you can watch below video of mine on How To Plan A Perfect Europe Trip. However, if you like reading, then same details are written below for your benefit 😉
Choose the Best Time to Visit Europe
The best time to visit Europe depends on the type of experience you want. If you want to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities, then summer is the ideal time to travel which spans from June to August. However, summer is also the busiest and most expensive season. If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Spring season is March to May and fall is September to November. If you enjoy winters and want to experience Northern lights, snowfall or Christmas in Europe, then best time to visit will be December to March.
Duration of Trip
For most people, Europe is once in a lifetime opportunity. Hence, it is a good idea to have ample time to explore Europe. Anything less than 1 week is not recommended unless you are covering only one country. My recommendation is 2 weeks to 4 weeks to explore Europe properly.
What to Visit
Problem with Europe is that there are lots of places to visit. Each country has its own charm and people end up running from one city to another in an attempt to cover everything. Instead, my suggestion will be to first identify your trip duration and basis that, shortlist max 3-4 cities you want to cover (assuming you are traveling for 2 weeks). This will give you about 3-4 days per city which should be good enough. This can serve as base itinerary on which you can improvise in run-time when you are actually in Europe 🙂
Decide on Your Itinerary while keeping flexibility
Europe offers a vast array of destinations to explore, from charming small towns to bustling cities. Research the top attractions and landmarks in each destination and create an itinerary that suits your interests and travel style. Consider the time you have available and the travel time between destinations. It’s important to balance your itinerary with plenty of time for relaxation and exploration. One benefit of Europe is that all countries are within one cluster and there is no visa requirement. Also, with Euro rail pass, you can cover 33 countries easily. So use that to your advantage. If you like a city and want to explore more, do so and just change your next itinerary on Euro rail accordingly. Always have some flexibility.
Determine Your Budget
Europe can be an expensive destination, so it’s important to determine your budget before planning your trip. Consider the cost of flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. Look for deals on flights and accommodation and research affordable options for transportation and food. You can save money by visiting destinations that are less touristy and opting for free or low-cost activities.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Accommodation in Europe can be in high demand, especially during peak season. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices. Look for accommodation options that suit your budget and travel style, such as hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals. If you prefer home food, then book apartments which have kitchen facilities.
Bonus tips
Download map of Europe and try to keep your trip to nearby countries. Do not go hopping from east Europe to west Europe and from North Europe to South Europe as you may end up spending precious time on travel only. Also note that flights in Europe are cheap only if you are traveling without any check-in baggage. If you have check-in baggage, it will be pretty costly. So keep your travel duration in mind while finalizing the itinerary.
Planning for Europe trip takes time and effort, but it’s worth it to create a memorable travel experience. Research your destinations, budget, and itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. Follow these tips and enjoy your European adventure!
