Top 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Europe for the First Time

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, I imagine that you are thumbing through travel catalogs, surfing the internet, and reading everything you can get your hands on! You may have been saving for this unforgettable trip for months or years, and you can hardly contain your excitement.

After traveling to Europe for the past 30 years, I have learned many tips and tricks that I would love to share with you.

Tip #1: More Isn’t Better.

I get it. Europe has so many fascinating places to see. However, you will enjoy your trip so much more if you narrow down your list of “must-see” places to just a few destinations. You will be able to get to experience the culture and history of these cities in a more relaxed way.

Tip #2: Travel Off Season

You may dream of visiting the Eiffel Tower or of sunbathing on the beaches in the Mediterranean this summer. Unfortunately, so does everyone else in Europe. You want to avoid overcrowding and long lines at popular tourist attractions.

Traveling off-season is the best way to save money on airfare, accommodations, and tickets for tours. Make sure to check on closing times for tourist attractions, as they may close earlier in the off-peak travel season.

Tip #3: Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes.

One of the best ways to explore a European city is by walking through its lanes and streets. After a long day of visiting popular tourist sites and the hidden gems of the city that are off the beaten path, your feet will thank you if you have a great pair of walking shoes!

Tip #4: Don’t Plan to Use Credit Cards Everywhere

Although credit cards are used regularly in Europe, it is not uncommon for some establishments to only accept cash. It is helpful to have Euros on hand for tips, purchases at local markets, or taxi rides. Having some cash on hand will save you from having to pay foreign transaction fees on your credit card, too!

Tip #5: Learn a Few Words in the Local Language

There are dozens of languages spoken in Europe. Each country has its own official language. English is often spoken by many people in the big cities in Europe. However, when you travel outside the city centers and into the countryside, English may not be understood.

It is considered respectful to learn a few words in the official language of the country you are traveling to. Simple phrases such as “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” show respect for the locals that you come in contact with.

Tip #6: Hotels in Europe

There are a variety of different types of lodging in Europe. Europe has budget hotels, luxury hotels, Airbnb, and hostels. You will find brand name hotels that you will recognize from home and boutique hotels and lodgings that have some local flair. I recommend that you book your lodging ahead of time so that you have peace of mind that you have a place to stay after a long day of sightseeing.

Tip #7: Tourists Eat Early; Locals Eat Late

If you are traveling to southern European countries, it is not uncommon to eat dinner at 9:30 at night. However, during the tourist season, there appear to be two restaurant dinner sittings. The first sitting is around 7 pm for the tourists, and the other dinner sitting is around 9:30 for the locals.

My suggestion is to eat a hearty late afternoon snack and then experience eating dinner at 9:30 with the locals. You won’t be disappointed!

Tip #8: Electricity in Europe

The electricity supply in Europe is 220v, which means that appliances using North American voltage (110v) will need a transformer. Many devices like cell phones, laptops, tablets, and camera chargers have built-in converters and will automatically accommodate the change in voltage (110-240V). Read the label to be sure. You will need an adaptor to plug in your electronics. Most of the sockets in Europe take two round pins (Switzerland has three pins). Great Britain and Ireland take three rectangular pins.

Tip #9: Restaurant Etiquette

When you ask for water in a European restaurant, you will most likely be given bottled water. It is not the norm to be served tap water. If you don’t like carbonated water, make sure to ask for water with “no gas.”

Tipping in restaurants is appreciated, but it is not an expectation like it is in America. Usually, the menu will say if the tip is included. If it is not, tipping 5% is normal, and 10% is considered a big tip.

Restaurants often will put bread on the table whether you ask for it or not. If you do not want to pay for it, don’t eat it!

Tip #10: Bring a Suitcase You Can Carry

Packing light in a suitcase you can carry is a must for navigating the train station, walking on cobblestone streets, or carrying your luggage up several flights of stairs at your hotel (often European hotels don’t have elevators). Plus, you'll avoid accruing extra baggage fees! You won’t need as much as you think, and laundromats are readily available throughout Europe if you need to do laundry during your trip.

Bonus Tip: Work With a Travel Advisor!

I've traveled through Europe more times than I can count, and I've learned a ton about what to do -- and what not to do while visiting.

I hope you find this list helpful, and if you need more help planning your European adventure, that's what I'm here for.

Feel free to book a quick call to see how I can help you plan your trip!

Let's Chat!