Europe is every traveller’s dream, and chances are, it’s either on your bucket list, or you’ve visited the picturesque continent more than once before. Regardless of where you sit on the spectrum, it’s important to have a few tips up your sleeve when heading off to a foreign place, and if you plan accordingly, these tips will make your journey across the world much easier.
1. Check for visa requirements
This may seem like a no-brainer but checking any visa requirements before you hop onto a plane is important, because the last thing anyone wants is to be denied entry into their dream destination. While most countries in Europe do not require a visa upon entry, it’s still a good idea to double-check which ones do.
Before you start packing, search online for visa requirements and whether or not you will need an on-arrival visa upon reaching the airport.
2. Travel off season
You aren’t the only one wanting to head to Europe during the summertime, chances are there are thousands of others that want to do so too, making your trip jampacked with people and crowds.
While the idea of sunbathing in the Mediterranean sounds like a dream, overcrowded beaches do not. So, it’s best to travel off season. Not only will you be ditching the tourists, you’ll also be saving a lot of money on accommodation, airfares, tours and train tickets.
Tourist attractions are usually open all year round, but it’s good to check their closing times before paying a visit.
3. Use affordable airlines
Europe is a minefield of budget airlines, meaning you can save a lot of cash if you choose to fly with an affordable carrier. But you need to be quick – because airfare is cheaper than train tickets, many seats often get booked quickly.
Also, check for any additional fees and taxes that may not have been advertised, the last thing you need is a nasty surprise in the form of a hefty bill.
4. Hop on a train
Have you even visited Europe if you haven’t jumped on a train? Europe has some of the best railway systems in the world, so why not take advantage of it.
You can travel from country to country on the Eurostar but be sure to validate your ticket to avoid fines.
5. Bring comfortable shoes
Walking is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the city of your choosing. Buses and other forms of transport just can’t reach the secret nooks and crannies like your feet can, which is why it’s important to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Walking hours on end can be exhausting, but if you have the right footwear, your feet will thank you at the end of a long day.
Have you visited Europe before? If you have, where would you like to visit next in Europe? Let us know in the comments below.
This article was written in partnership with Over60.