Europe is home to top-rated destinations for travellers to visit because of its diversity and cultural richness. Each travel attraction provides a unique experience. Here are 10 tips for enjoying your travel to the continent:
- Determine the visa requirements
Search online to determine if the country you intend to visit requires a tourist visa and the conditions to be fulfilled. Some countries might demand that travellers get tourist visas online before arrival while others issue them at entry points.
- Make early reservations
Making reservations before arrival is the best way to secure the best tours and accommodations. It also helps to get affordable rates on hotels, tours, and air or train tickets, especially if you travel in the peak season.
- Determine the most convenient means of transport
Travelling by train is popular in Europe because it is cheaper and convenient than flying. A train station is the best point to book a ticket because some booking options are unavailable at kiosks. Always validate a ticket before boarding a train to avoid fines.
It is more convenient to fly when travelling to various far-off destinations within short moments. Many budget airline carriers flying to multiple destinations are available at cheaper rates, sometimes lower than train tickets. Note that the cheapest seats sell out quicker.
- Try travelling off-season
Every traveller wants to sunbath on Mediterranean beaches during summer. The desire causes long queues at the attractions and overcrowding on the shores. The best way to avoid encountering huge crowds is to travel during the off-season. Most of the tourist attractions open all year, but it is vital to inquire about the closing hours as some close earlier when the season is off-peak.
You can also save money on airfare, accommodations, train tickets, and tours by travelling off-peak.
- Carry light luggage
Light suitcases are convenient as travelling involves navigating the train station, airports, and walking on cobblestone streets. Some hotels in Europe do not have lifts, and it becomes tedious to carry heavy suitcases up a flight of stairs. Laundromats are available in plenty across Europe thus there is no need to take many clothes when you can do laundry during trips. Light luggage will not require you to pay extra baggage fees.
- Carry comfortable shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are a must because the feet will not hurt when visiting cities that are better explored by long walks.
- Plan to stay longer in one place
You will experience a place like a local if you can stay longer. You will also make more friends who can direct you to exciting locations off the beaten paths.
- Carry some money in cash
Most places in Europe accept payment by credit cards, but it is not unusual to find some that only deal with cash. Transactions are smoother at local markets, restaurants, taxi rides, and other areas when you have Euros in cash. It also saves the foreign transaction fees.
- Visit lesser known sites
Your urge might be to visit the most popular places in a city but make an attempt to go off the beaten path to sections where you can explore the local culture more than in the main city. Online sources and travel books are the right places to research.
- Consider the weather
The best time to explore Europe is in June to end of September when it is warm. You can even visit the famous beaches in France, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain.