A vacation in Europe is indeed a lifetime experience. There is a mixture of cultures, heritage, and customs wherever you go. And travel within Europe has never been easier, what with the dissolution of borders. It is exciting to plan that trip to Europe, but it can be challenging too. After all, there is so much to see, and one just cannot fit everything, and you are in the planet’s most diverse continent. You want to stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower, taste that pasta in Rome, or party in Dubrovnik. Well, just focus on the highlights and enjoy every moment while you are in Europe.
There is no need to get overwhelmed, whether you are planning a family vacation or traveling solo. Read on to learn the best vacation planning tips for Europe:
Avoid The Peak Times
Travel in the shoulder seasons and avoid the peak times when there is lots of rush and everything is expensive. Think about going in autumn or spring and avoid. July, August, and September. If you do not mind the cold, it is a good idea to go in winter when you have the whole of Europe to yourself.
Check Out A Tour Planner
For those who are confused about their vacation in Europe, and especially if it is their first trip, can always take advantage of Routeperfect’s tour planner. This is an excellent tool for luxury multi-destination travel. You can plan a great trip within Europe and explore countries such as Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and a lot more. This is the time to create some great memories rather than placing too much stress in the planning process.
Find An ATM
One should skip the Money Exchange Counters and look for an ATM. Those Money Exchange Counters can rip you off with their higher exchange rates. Talk to your bank beforehand about using ATM in a foreign country. If you make an extra effort, you are sure to find ATM that does not charge any fees. Try to save wherever you can as it can be expensive to holiday in Europe.
Avoid Expensive Restaurants
Do not believe in the photos of the menu and avoid those expensive restaurants near the tourist attractions. Just walk away and go a few blocks down. You are sure to come across something more authentic and well within your budget. There are plenty of the mom-and-pop gelato places and family-run patisserie that serve cheaper and delicious food.
Don’t Avoid The Clichés
While the Eiffel Tower, The Colosseum, and Charles Bridge are simply amazing and are a must-see, one can take off the beaten track and explore the common places. If you love the major cities and their attractions, just go ahead. However, there is a lot of attraction in the unexplored areas of Europe. After exploring Paris and London, you can always see the smaller hamlets like Verona and Avignon.
Explore The Eastern Side Of Europe
Eastern Europe offers a plethora of things to see and do. You can always stick to the well-known destinations like Rome, Greece, Paris, and Amsterdam, but there is an equally beautiful destination on the eastern side of Europe, and they are a lot more affordable. So, plan a trip to Croatia and experience other beautiful attractions.
Enjoy picnics
You can head to a local grocery store and buy bread, cheese, and beverages. This is all you need for a picnic and you can enjoy great meals without spending your money on restaurants. You can pick a spot near major attractions such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower, or you can sit anywhere along the canals of Amsterdam. Enjoy magnificent views as you bite into a delicious sandwich made by you.
Be Adventurous
After you are done with the major tourist spots, you can explore the city on your own and discover something new on your own. Try the local cuisine and interact with the locals to get a feel for the culture. Traveling is all about trying out new things and making new experiences. You can explore the city center and it is easy from here to reach cafes and restaurants and other main sights. Of course, try adventure outdoor activities as well, to get your adrenaline pumping.
Stay Comfortable
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and always carry some water with you. There is no need to buy water, as some restaurants charge a lot of money. You can refill your bottle before going out, as you would do a lot of walking, wear the right footwear that is comfortable on those cobblestone streets, through busy cities, and short hikes. Clothes should be light and comfortable.
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