Getting Started
Planning your first trip to Europe is one of the most exciting events in any traveller’s life. The continent offers extraordinary diversity — from the sun-baked islands of Greece to the fjords of Norway, from Gothic castles in Poland to ancient ruins in Rome. Start by deciding whether you want to focus on one country for deep exploration or visit multiple countries in a circuit. Consider your timeframe: a week-long trip works best for 2-3 destinations, while two weeks allows for a more comprehensive regional tour.
Research your home country’s visa requirements and begin planning at least 3 months in advance, especially if you need travel documentation. Europe’s transport links are excellent — high-speed trains, budget airlines, and affordable long-distance buses make getting between cities easy and affordable.
Visa & Documentation
Check visa requirements based on your nationality. EU citizens can travel freely within the Schengen Area, while citizens of the UK, US, Canada and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (the Schengen Area covers most, but not all, EU countries and some non-EU countries such as Norway and Switzerland). For the Schengen Area, your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave; some airlines and other countries are stricter, so check before you book. Obtain travel insurance covering accidents, medical costs, and trip cancellations. Download copies of important documents and keep them separate from originals. Register valuable electronics serial numbers before departure. Note that non-EU visitors will need an ETIAS travel authorisation for Schengen countries once the scheme launches; check the official EU ETIAS website for the current start date.
Budget Expectations
Daily budgets vary significantly by region. Western European capitals (Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich) run €100-180 per day for budget travellers. Southern Europe (Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Spain) is more affordable at €60-90 per day. Central and Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria) are cheaper still at €35-65 per day. Accommodation ranges €10-30 in hostels, €35-80 in budget hotels. Food costs €10-20 daily eating locally. Budget airlines offer cheap flights between cities (€20-80 booked in advance), while trains give comfort and flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
May through June offers pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices before peak summer. September through October gives perfect temperatures, fewer tourists, and excellent food and harvest festivals. Winter (December-February) brings cold weather but lower prices, magical Christmas markets, and ski opportunities in the Alps and Dolomites. Avoid July-August in popular coastal and city destinations when prices peak and queues are longest. Consider your destination’s climate — the Mediterranean is hot and dry in summer, while northern Europe stays cooler year-round.
Plan the trip
Book tours for this trip
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