Expert Tips For Traveling To Europe For More Fun, Less Stress

A rich kaleidoscope of history, culture, architecture, art, food, and wine awaits travelers in Europe. Plan your trip to be fun, educational, and (relatively) stress-free by following expert tips on what to do before and during your time in Europe. Over 40 countries make up Europe, and 27 are members of the European Union (EU). Although nations differ in many ways, certain commonalities are important for all travelers to understand. I’ve collected my best tips to help ensure your next trip to Europe is memorable – for all good reasons! 

Europe is always high on my husband’s and my list of travel destinations. There are always so many “must-sees” when planning travel, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But these tips have helped us when planning travel, and I hope they help you, too! 

A picture of Lolly overlooking the Rhine River from the Marksburg Castle in Germany
Cruising the Rhine River was a highlight while on Viking’s Grand European Tour.

Since the euro (€) is the currency used in many European countries, I’ve used it in examples throughout this article. Of course, if you’re traveling to a country that doesn’t accept the euro, you’ll make corresponding adjustments. Please feel free to add your suggestions and tips for European travel at the end of this article.

Contents

1. Make Sure You & Your Documents are Travel-Ready

While planning your travel to Europe, verify all the documents you’ll need—because showing up unprepared is no longer a small mistake; it can completely derail your trip. Travel is becoming more structured, more digital, and far less forgiving of last-minute oversight. What used to be as simple as booking a flight and packing your passport now requires advance approvals, biometric data collection, and careful attention to entry requirements that vary depending on where you’re going. Checking your documents and entry requirements (see #2 below) is a critical part of trip planning.

> Passport: Check the Expiration Date

If you already have a passport, check its expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months after your expected return date. If not, it’s time to renew! If you don’t have a passport, apply for one. Passport application processing times can span several months, so don’t delay this action item.

> International Driver’s Permit: Will You Be Driving While Away?

Many European countries and/or car rental companies require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if renting a car there. If American, apply online and mail or visit a AAA office to complete the process. You’ll need your U.S. passport, two passport pictures, and $20 to obtain your IDP. 

If you are planning to drive in Europe, check out my articles on renting a car in Europe, driving tips for Europe, and one solely on driving in Greece. The articles provide tips for navigating narrow roads in historic city centers, using GPS, and more. Also, carefully research the distance and driving times between your destinations to plan your trip realistically. Using Google Maps can help in this effort.  

> Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?

Travel insurance can help when a medical emergency occurs, you need to cancel your trip, or you need to interrupt your trip. There are medical (and evacuation), “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR), “Interruption For Any Reason” (IFAR), and comprehensive policies (that cover several of these options). Contact your travel agent or search online to compare travel insurance options.

> Make Copies of Your Important Documents

Making at least two copies of your passport and other documents, like your regular driver’s license, is always a good idea. Give one copy to a trusted family member or friend; pack another separately from your passport (e.g., in your luggage) while traveling.

Also, consider taking photos of the front and back of important documents (e.g., your credit cards, debit cards, driver’s license, hotel confirmations). Save them to your phone’s notes app or create an album in your phone’s photo app. Then you’ll have a quick reference while away, and if your wallet gets lost or stolen.

> Airport Convenience: Ease Your Return Home

Research programs in your country that offer conveniences for travelers returning home. For Americans, one big one is Global Entry. This government’s Trusted Traveler program allows pre-approved citizens to receive expedited clearance at U.S. airports when returning home. (Some travel-related credit cards cover the application fee for Global Entry.)

2. Check Entry Requirements 

Additionally, European countries are rolling out several specific border security and traveler screening programs that will directly affect how visitors enter and move across the region. Check online, with your travel agent, or with your tour company to verify which pre-trip authorizations you’ll need.

> EES (Entry/Exit System)

The European Union has been rolling out the EES (Entry/Exit System), which will replace passport stamping by digitally recording biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) for non-EU travelers. This happens at the European airports as you enter. No pre-trip authorizations are required.

> ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Alongside this, however, 30 European countries will initiate the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in late 2026. This requires visa-exempt travelers (including citizens from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia) to apply online before arrival, pay a small fee, and undergo a security screening, similar to systems used by countries like the U.S.

> ETA (U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization)

On the U.K. side, the United Kingdom has the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which requires pre-approval for travelers who previously did not need a visa, adding an extra step before boarding flights.

Furthermore, European countries are reinforcing these systems with national-level measures. For travelers, the overall impact is clear: a bit more pre-trip paperwork, mandatory online authorizations, and biometric data collection at borders. However, these programs are designed to streamline repeat travel, enhance security, and reduce illegal overstays, ultimately creating a more standardized and trackable entry process across Europe.

3. Check Travel Advisories

Global security and health concerns are often at the forefront when considering travel to other parts of the world. However, there are ways for travelers to stay informed about the latest travel advisories. Check your government’s travel resources for the latest recommendations and advisories. 

If you’re American, check out the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control websites, and enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts for the areas you visit while traveling.

All travelers should know the contact information for their embassies or consulates in the countries they’re visiting. Add those phone numbers to your smartphone contact list (along with other important contact info while away from home), so you have them handy – just in case.

4. Consider How You’ll Pay for Expenses

Spend time thinking about and taking action on the best way for you to prepare for paying for lodging, dining, entertainment, transportation, and purchases while in Europe. Here are some important tips to get you started: 

> Contact your Credit Card and Debit Card Companies

  • Ensure your credit card companies and bank know your travel dates so they don’t flag foreign transactions as potentially fraudulent while you’re away. (I forgot to contact my bank before traveling years ago, and I couldn’t withdraw cash from an ATM without phoning our bank while in Europe. 😬) 
  • While talking with your bank, inquire about your daily ATM withdrawal limit. You may want to ask them to raise it temporarily if you plan to withdraw more cash than the current daily allowance.
  • Make sure you’re using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Plenty of credit cards don’t charge those fees, so if you travel internationally with some frequency, it makes sense to have one that will leave more money in your wallet. You can search online for “credit card without foreign transaction fees.”

> Expect to Use Your Credit Card More Than Your Debit Card

VISA and MasterCard credit cards are widely used for all types of purchases in Europe. (Keep in mind that American Express and Discover cards are not as generally accepted in Europe as in North America.) Also, you’ll likely find that some places no longer accept cash. Many places have gone contactless, meaning you’ll use your credit card at the tap-to-pay symbol (four small curved lines) if your card has one.

> Obtain Local Currency

Even though many places accept credit cards, having local cash is critical as a safety net if your credit card is lost, stolen, or doesn’t work for some reason. Cash is also helpful when tipping for service (like tour guides) or using public restrooms, where a nominal fee is usually charged (generally €0.50-€1.00). 

There are 27 countries in the European Union, and 21 of them use the euro as their currency: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Euros come in €0.01 to €2 coins, and bills range from €5 to €200. The rest of the European nations have their own proprietary currency.

A variety of Euro currency bills are in a scattered pile.
Euros are the accepted currency in 20 European countries, while others have their own currency.

> Tips for Obtaining Local Currency

  • Getting local currency is easy at bank-operated ATMs in Europe. You’ll often find ATMs in airports, cruise ports, train stations, and at banks in towns. Although you can use other ATMs operated by independent companies, you may not get as favorable a conversion rate as you would at a bank-owned ATM.
  • When using ATMs, choose the local currency conversion rate – not the dollar conversion rate – to get a more favorable exchange rate.
  • If you choose to obtain local currency before your trip, check with your bank or AAA office.
  • Some travelers open a separate checking account (with an ATM card) at their local bank to use expressly for traveling. The account is funded with the amount set aside just for traveling. Doing so limits the loss exposure should the ATM card be lost or stolen from the primary bank account. 

> Understand the VAT (Value-Added-Tax)

Many European nations typically have a VAT (value-added tax) of 15-25% that’s added to most purchases. (Some types of items are exempt from the tax.) Travelers can obtain a refund of the VAT they’ve paid, and there’s usually a VAT refund location at airports. There is a complete list of VAT parameters, but here are the basics:

  • You must be a visitor/tourist. (Make sure you have your passport to prove this when shopping.)
  • The items you’re claiming must be bought within three months.
  • A minimum amount (such as €175) must be spent in one shop/location to qualify for a VAT refund.

5. Plan Your Packing 

Plan on packing lightly when traveling to Europe – especially if you’ll be moving from one hotel to another during your visit. Packing lightly means taking everything in a carry-on suitcase/duffel bag and one personal item. It can be done! And packing light makes getting around easier than traveling with large or several suitcases. 

If you’re cruising or on a multi-day guided tour, packing lightly isn’t as much of a concern – although still a convenience for many – because you’re unpacking once while on a cruise, and others are probably handling your luggage on multi-day guided tours. 

> Track Your Luggage and Other Belongings

Place a location-tracking device (such as an Apple AirTag or Android Tile) in your luggage and personal item (like a backpack or purse), so you’ll always know their location should you be separated from them. These location-tracking devices work with smartphones to help people locate items. For instance, if you have one of these devices in your luggage, and the luggage doesn’t make it to baggage claim at the airport when you land, you can tell where the bag is (using the AirTag or Tile) and are often able to notify the airline of its location when you submit a baggage claim report. Plus, if the Airtag or Tile remains in your luggage while you’re out sightseeing, you’ll always be able to find your way back to your hotel (or rental property) by following the path to your handy location-tracking device! Many major airlines track your checked luggage and share its tracking through their app.

> Check Your Airline’s Baggage Restrictions

Check with the airline you’re flying to ensure you know their policies regarding the size and weight of luggage to avoid extra fees. This is especially true if you plan to travel with a carry-on suitcase and a personal item and don’t plan to check your luggage.  Some airline gate agents will measure and/or weigh the bags you plan to carry on the airplane and may require you to check any bags larger than their prescribed dimensions. 

6. Stay Connected While Traveling

Research your best option for using your phone, tablet, or computer while traveling abroad. There are a few basic actions to consider:

  • Sign up for an international plan with your carrier (like Verizon or T-Mobile) for the dates you’ll be away, or buy a European SIM card for your phone in Europe to trade out for the one in your phone or tablet while on your trip.
  • For extra security, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for a more secure online experience. VPNs encrypt your data and shield your online activity from others. Do an online search for VPNs to learn more and read reviews of options.
  • Put your phone in airplane mode while in Europe to minimize the time it uses data. Using your devices only on Wi-Fi may minimize additional expenses.
  • Make sure to run software updates on your devices before leaving home. Turn off automatic updates from your devices while away to minimize spending money on data.
A woman uses a smartphone.
Smartphones are so handy for researching places, making reservations, and finding directions. Remember to keep your online activity secure.

7. Research Top Sights on Your List

Everyone has their wish list of “must-sees” and “must-dos” when traveling. To avoid disappointment, research the days and hours of operation for the places high on your list. For example, some museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, and some popular markets are only open once a week. You could use AI to look into this, too, but be forewarned that its information might not always be up-to-date. I use the “trust but verify” approach to get information from AI, then check individual websites to verify details like current hours of operation.

Consider creating a spreadsheet to record the information you gather when checking days and hours of operation. Doing so can help you map out your itinerary, day by day, to match what’s open on certain days.

> Book Ahead for Tickets & Passes

Make online reservations for the places you plan to visit. This will guarantee entry and let you skip the lines (which can be quite long at popular places) for purchasing tickets onsite. 

Also, consider purchasing special passes that grant entry to multiple venues and save money. For example, the Paris Museum Pass provides entry to more than 50 museums and monuments. Search online or check a travel guidebook for details.

8. Get Proper Electrical Adapters (and Maybe Converters)

Types of electrical voltage and outlets in Europe differ from those commonly found in North America. Europe’s electrical system operates at 220 volts – not the 110 volts used in Canada and the U.S. Additionally, electrical outlets differ in their design. 

> Electrical Converters

Packing converters may not be necessary (even when electrical system requirements vary) because many modern electronics (like smartphones, tablets, and laptops) and appliances (like CPAP machines, hair dryers, and curling irons) are dual-voltage and automatically convert. Check the specifications/labels on your devices to see if this applies to the electrical items you plan to pack. 

> Electrical Outlet Adaptors

European countries don’t all use the same electrical outlets and plugs as those in North America. The best idea is to pack a universal adapter that will work in various countries. For instance, England and Ireland use a plug with three rectangular prongs, while European countries on the continent (e.g., France, Germany, Spain) use a plug with two round prongs. Either way, having an adapter that works in multiple countries makes sense if your travel plans take you to different countries. Check online, with your travel agent, or a travel guidebook for details on adapters for the country(ies) you’ll visit.

9. Download Helpful Apps & Content

Some key apps will make traveling a bit easier. Take a look at my complete list of helpful travel apps, but here are a few to get you started:

  • Airline app for updated info and notifications about your flights. Remember to turn on notifications!
  • Flush to find public restrooms.
  • Google Translate to translate another language into English. With Google Translate, you can scan merchandise labels, street signs, and menu items in another language to learn their English equivalent.
  • Google Maps for walking and driving directions.
  • Uber to get from place to place while visiting a city.

10. Add Important Phone Numbers to your Smartphone

My motto is to always plan for the unexpected. That’s why it’s important to add phone numbers to your smartphone’s list of contacts for numbers you might need in an emergency, like the phone numbers of your credit card companies, your bank, your hotel(s), and your country’s embassy or consulate at your destination(s). 

11. Learn Some European Conventions

Every country has its unique charm – and conventions. Here are some popular ones you’ll find in Europe. Check the specifics for the country(ies) you’ll visit (using a travel guidebook or an online search).

  • The second floor of a building is considered the first floor. Consider this when booking a hotel or rental apartment. 
  • The date is typically written as day/month/year, so July 4, 2027, would be 04/07/2027.
  • Commas and decimals (in numbers) are used differently from how they’re used in the United States. For example, something costing two and a quarter euros appears as  €2,25. Likewise, something costing fifteen hundred euros appears as €1.500.

12. Review Conversion Rules for Metric Measures

Unlike the United States, Europe uses the metric system. That means they measure temperature in Celsius (not Fahrenheit) and kilometers (not miles). This can be confusing. Here are some quick ways to get a rough estimate of conversion equivalence.

  • Celsius to Fahrenheit: Double the Celsius value and add 30. Example: 25° Celsius is about 80° Fahrenheit. (25° Celsius x 2) + 30 = about 80° Fahrenheit.
  • Kilometers to Miles: Divide the kilometers by 2 + 10% of the original number. Example:  150 kilometers = 75 (150/2) + 15 (10% of km) = about 90 miles

13. Learn Basic Phrases for Your Destination

Nothing speaks more to respect for another person’s culture and traditions than attempting to speak their language. Learning just a few phrases like hello, please, thank you, good morning, and good night goes a long way in establishing a good rapport with locals at shops, hotels, restaurants, museums, and the like.

A simple Bonjour (French), Hola (Spanish), Geiá sou (Greek, pronounced yah-soo), or Hallo (German) are great ways to initiate a conversation. Use Google Translate to get started on learning common phrases. 

14. Choose to Convert Payments in Local Currency

You will often be given a choice of currencies when purchasing items or paying for services. Choose local currency when asked if you want transactions (when shopping, dining, or at an ATM) converted to local currency or dollars. It’ll result in a more favorable exchange rate. 

15. Tip According to Local Customs

Europe has a different tipping culture (and salary structure for restaurant staff) than North America, where 20% is often considered a good tip. But in Europe, things are different, as a service charge is usually already included in the bill. Plan to round up your bill a small amount to acknowledge good restaurant (or taxi) service. It is still advisable to tip housekeeping staff in hotels – €1-€2 per day of stay and €5-10 to a hotel concierge for service.

16. Use Local Transportation 

If you are not renting a car while away, you have several options, such as subways, public buses, hop-on-hop-off tourist buses, taxis, and popular ride-share services in Europe, such as Uber and Bolt. 

Consider writing the names and addresses of your intended destinations (like your hotel or rental property, airport, train station, or museums) on individual sticky notes or note cards. Then you can easily give that information to anyone who may help you reach your destination (like taxi and bus drivers or employees at train stations).

17. Keep Your Receipts

Always keep receipts for credit and debit card purchases, ATM transactions, and the like when traveling. If you do, you can cross-reference your credit card and bank statements once you get home (remembering that currency conversions are at play). Also, you’ll need receipts for some purchases if you plan to apply for a VAT refund when leaving a country. Pack a large baggie or envelope to keep all your receipts in one place.

A picture of Lolly in Rhodes, Greece.
Visiting the beautiful island of Rhodes, Greece, was a highlight of a trip my husband and I designed ourselves.

18. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pickpockets tend to focus on their victims where they know tourists are likely to be, such as near high-volume sights (think the Colosseum in Rome) and in transportation hubs like metros and train stations. 

Make sure your credit and debit cards, license, passport, and important documents are secure with you, and don’t walk around with a backpack or sling bag on your back – that’s an invitation for trouble in busy areas – so switch it to the front. Many travelers like to carry passports, credit cards, and debit cards in a money belt (worn under your clothing), a document holder (worn around your neck under your clothing), or a sling pack/pouch worn in front of the body.

19. Keep Your Online Activity Secure

  • When charging devices in public spaces (like airports), plug the charging cable’s USB port into a brick/block (or use a data blocker), then into an outlet. Don’t plug your charging cable directly into USB ports. Some have been known to collect data from devices while charging.
  • Be careful when entering your smartphone’s passcode. Someone could be watching you and know how to access all your data and financial accounts if they steal your smartphone. It’s been known to happen. Two quick tips are to use a 6-digit (instead of a 4-digit) password and to keep your phone close to you when entering it. Partially blocking the phone when entering your password and using a longer password can help deter a scammer.
  • On a related security note (to keep your travel plans private), don’t post pictures of your trip on social media until you return home. You don’t want to tell the world your home is empty while you’re away.

20. Record Your Trip – the Highlights and Lowlights

Keep a record of your trip – from beginning to end. Keep a (written or digital) journal and take lots of pictures and videos of places you visit and sights you see. Your emotions and experiences are best captured at (or near) the time they happen. That includes thrilling discoveries as well as not-so-great instances like getting lost. (Oh, I have some stories!) Chronicle everything that impacts you – from amazing architectural features to tiny details like colorful bags of spices at a market. You’ll appreciate all these travel memories in the months and years to come.

Finally, Expect Some Hiccups in Your Plans

Without fail, there will be inconveniences while traveling. The special museum you planned to visit is closed when you get there. There’s a workers’ strike or unexpected flight delays. Things happen. Try to make the best of every situation and enjoy all that goes right with your plans. Happy travels!

Related Articles

European Destination–Focused Articles

AUSTRIA

BELGIUM

EUROPEAN CRUISES

FINLAND

FRANCE

GERMANY

GREECE

IRELAND

ITALY

MONTENEGRO

SWITZERLAND

Trip Planning Articles

Final Thoughts

Travel to Europe is to be savored and will undoubtedly become the basis of some cherished memories. I have so enjoyed exploring Europe’s history, culture, food, and wine. Before traveling, though, taking stock of what is required and expected of travelers, plus safety precautions, is important. This article should help you plan important action steps to help you make the most of your trip. Happy Travels! Bon Voyage! Gute Reise! Viajes Felices! Buon Viaggio!

Comments?

Feel free to share your tips for traveling in Europe. Your ideas can help future travelers. Thank you! 🙂

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