Best Travel Tips throughout Europe

This is a compilation of travel tips I've acquired throughout the years.... cannot take credit for them all! Some I learned the hard way... & some were suggestions by kind travelers!

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES, LESSONS, AND TIPS

Caroline Gosswein

9/18/20242 min read

European streets with no people
European streets with no people

I had the privilege of studying abroad in Madrid when I was 19. After graduation I "backpacked" Europe for a month. Then at the beginning of 2024 I went on a solo travel expedition. Here is my list of the absolute best travel tips:

PREPLANNING:

  • Skyscanner is a great app for cheap flights.

  • Money belts are great to combat pick pocketers. If you don't want to go to the extreme of buying a bag, use a fanny pack and keep all your valuables in front of you at all times while on the road.

  • Valuables list: Cash, Global Entry Card, Credit/debit cards, Passport/Forms of identification, paper copy of your travel plans / itinerary

  • Make sure you tell your credit card company the dates of your trip, so your cards are not frozen while in an international zone (some credit card companies like Chase have such a high-tech fraud alert system you won't need to pre-notify)

  • Have two forms of payment in case something happens to one (lost, stolen, etc.)

  • Always have some cash on hand in case they don't do card (some super rural or local spots wont take electronic payment)

  • Determine if you'll need travel insurance

  • Don't over plan- you'll want days to explore and be spontaneous!

FLIGHTS:

  • Try to book on Tuesdays- typically day of the week with the cheapest airfare.

  • Hopper is an app that helps with tracking flights and

  • Best time frame for booking flights:

    • 2 months - 2 weeks before travel dates

    • sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper!

    • different airports both ways can be more cost efficient

PACKING:

  • Check out Hotel Tonight if you're last-minute booking hotel from a spontaneous travel decision

  • Amazing list right here: The Ultimate Europe Packing List - To Europe And Beyond

  • Pack light- lots of neutrals to mix and match outfits. Always pack 1/2 of what you think you'll need because you need space for souvenirs and cool clothes you pick up along the way!

  • One to two pairs of walking shoes you're not afraid to get dirty.

DAY to DAY Hacks:

  • Always carry your passport with you- THIS CANNOT GET STOLEN! It is a pain to go to the local embassy and receive help

  • Don't over plan- you'll want days to explore and be spontaneous!

  • Try to seek out local experiences- balance of that and tourist attraction is the best of both worlds!

  • Have google translate in your phone and learn a few key words in each city. Locals appreciate the effort and it's fun to know international words

  • Shop at local grocery stores and markets to save money that could otherwise go towards lifetime experiences & activities.

  • Tipping is less in Europe - around 10-15%

  • Look for free walking tours that allow you to learn about the city's rich history and get your steps in!

  • Know that European bathrooms will charge you to use them- nothing crazy, around 1-3 euros

  • No matter how well you plan there is always a hiccup - it is a great opportunity to become skilled at flexibility and problem solving!

  • Best to be up early to beat the crowds and in bed earlier to avoid dangerous situations @ night

  • ^It can also pay off to go to touristy spots whilst people are grabbing lunch/dinner - less people for better photos and an overall learning experience