Are you planning a grand European adventure? One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Europe is how many countries you can visit in just a short amount of time - you could be island-hopping around Greece one day and escaping to the Swiss Mountains the next day, experiencing a variety of different languages and cultures.
Things can get a little complicated when bouncing around different countries, and there are some things to be aware of because you don't want to get caught in a situation that could be avoided by doing a little research. We can help make it simple for you thanks to our list of top tips to keep in mind before travelling around Europe.
1. Finding last-minute accommodation can be a mission in Summer
Everybody dreams of experiencing a European Summer, and that being said, due to this continent's popularity during the warmer season, finding accommodation on a whim can be incredibly difficult - virtually impossible! So, if you're heading out to Europe between June and August, ensure you book your accommodation well in advance.
2. Learn to embrace late dining and take things slow
For most Europeans, their lifestyle revolves around being late to bed and late to rise, so for those who are accustomed to eating early and being in bed before 10 pm, brace yourselves because when travelling around Europe, you may need to adjust your sleeping patterns, and it's not just due to the timezone difference. In countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, most of the restaurants only open for dinner at around 7:30 pm. You'll also find that most of the attractions also only open up mid-morning. So, before you schedule a jam-packed with activities that begin in the early hours of the morning, check opening times first.
3. It's common for places to close for lunch
Speaking of food, one thing that can really frustrate tourists is the Siesta. It's a beautiful Spanish tradition where locals take their mid-afternoon naps, but this also means that most of the shops, restaurants, and attractions shut down for a few hours. This typically happens in countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy, so just keep that in mind when you're planning your itinerary. Our advice: embrace it!
4. Many European countries don't accept Euros
When preparing your budget for your trip, you'll need to ensure you've got the right currency. Before buying Euros for your trip, be aware that many countries in Europe don't accept Euros. In fact, only 20 out of the 51 European countries actually use the Euro. So, if you're visiting Sweden, Poland or Hungary, for example, you'll need to have the right currency on hand or be prepared to pay some hefty withdrawal fees if you need cash.
5. You need to know the Schengen Area
To maximise your European adventure, you've got to be aware of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 European countries that have opened their borders to help make travelling around the continent as convenient as possible for tourists. Citizens from countries like Australia don't require a visa to enter and visit the Schengen Areas for the first 90 days, while other countries may need to require just one visa.
6. Save your data, download city maps offline
We've all become dependent on using our phones and devices to navigate, but buying data while you're in Europe can get a bit pricey. Never fear because you don't have to worry about this unnecessary expense when you're well-prepared - just download your city maps on Google Maps so you have access to them offline. Or, you could try your luck with a paper map.
7. Catching a train is cheaper if you book in advance
When in Europe, the early bird catches the best prices. Taking the train is one of the most convenient (and environmentally friendly) ways to get around the continent. Not only that but when you book ahead, you're sure to get the best prices.
8. Always check the dates of European public holidays and festivals
Witnessing and taking part in European culture and traditions can be an enriching experience, but not being aware of the different public holidays and festivals in Europe can prove problematic for your travel plans. You could either show up at a festival, like Oktoberfest, which is in full swing, and you have to navigate through swarms of locals and other tourists, or you could show up at the Vatican and find the museums closed over Easter Sunday. A little research always goes a long way when travelling, so before you visit a country, Google its public holidays and major events.
Final Thoughts
Your European adventure is waiting, and so many countries are waiting to be explored. With our list of tips, you should be well-prepared to make the most of your journey abroad.
This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
