How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe, Part 2

A trip to Europe is an exciting prospect. But there are many things to understand when you are in the planning stages. Read on to learn how to plan your first trip to Europe, so you’ll be 100% prepared for an amazing and memorable vacation.

And be sure you’ve read How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe, Part 1. There’s just too much info for one post!

Crafting a Sight-Seeing Plan

Download a trusted guide (or two) and start planning what you want to see and do. Your trip may not look like your friends’ vacay, and that’s ok. Focus on what you enjoy and value.

Once you have an idea of your main sights, to make an itinerary. You can change as needed, but it’s good to have a skeleton plan, at least. Look to your guidebook and online for detailed info on opening times, avoiding crowds and purchasing tickets ahead of time to avoid standing in line.

You will see long lines of people buying admission at every attraction-plan ahead of time so you won’t be one of them!

A good rule of thumb is to see two to three sights per day. If you are traveling with young children or prefer a slower pace, just do two per day.

Many cities have sightseeing passes that bundle several popular museums/activities. Some are a good deal, and some aren’t. Compare the pass with your sightseeing itinerary. Although sometimes it’s still worth the expense if a pass allows you to skip a line! Remember, your time is your most valuable asset.

Expert Tip: Many museums or attractions have free days with no admission fees. But don’t do it! It’s worth a few extra dollars to be able to experience the sight with fewer crowds.

Using Foreign Currency

Many Americans stress about foreign money, but you don’t have to be one of them. The simplest method to pay abroad is to use your debit card at an ATM in Europe to take out local currency. This method gives you the best exchange rates, and you don’t have to worry about traveling with a surplus of cash. Every airport has bank ATMs, just avoid for-profit machines such as Travelex and Euronet.

But you can exchange cash at your home bank beforehand if you prefer. Wear a money belt so you can deep-six your cash hoard, and avoid losing it in misplaced luggage or to a pick-pocketer. You may end up paying an exchange fee, depending upon your bank.

You also should travel with a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, a back-up credit card and a stash of $20s stored in your money belt. Be sure to ask your credit card company for a pin, which is sometimes necessary abroad. It will have to be mailed to you, so call well before your trip.

Expert Tip: A money belt gives you security and freedom. Some people opt for one that goes around the waist (tucked in your pants and under your shirt), but I prefer a smaller option attached to a woman’s bra strap. It holds less, but it’s not as bulky.

Dining Ins and Outs

Dining out in Europe can be quite different than in the U.S. Meals are the “main event,” and no one will rush you out of the restaurant. Once you claim a table, it’s acceptable to sit there for hours! A waiter will never bring you a bill without you asking for it; that would be considered extremely rude.

At the same time, don’t expect to be checked on repeatedly. Servers act professional yet distant, and you may have to catch their eye if you need something. The peppy U.S. greeting of “Hi! I’m Amanda!” is seen as being overly eager, and even strange.

Countries vary, but many Europeans eat quite late. Some restaurants don’t open until 7 PM, and locals don’t dine until 9 PM or later. If you have young children, or can’t wait, I would suggest having a nice lunch out and picnicking for dinner.

And speaking of picnics, food will be a significant expense for your family. An easy way to save money and experience more of local life is to go to a grocery store and purchase food for at least one meal a day. If you have an apartment rental, of course, you can cook even more than that.

It’s interesting to see what a local grocery store is like abroad. Buy a package of lunch meat, some quality regional cheese, a baguette (or whatever bread is accessible in your town) and some fruit. Voila! A taste of the town, and cheap to boot.

You can also save money on food by looking for inexpensive take out, such as doner kebabs (similar to a Greek gyro) or baguettes sandwiches.

Expert Tip: A restaurant may feel completely different at 7 PM vs. 9 PM. If you can, eat later for a more authentic experience.

Tips on Tipping

Tipping is not as essential in Europe as in the U.S. Staff are paid a full wage and are not as dependent on tips, so a few Euros on top of a meal or service is fine. Tip more if you are at an upscale establishment. Doormen, taxis and bellmen will appreciate a little but not as much as you would at home.

Expert Tip: Make sure you understand the 8 Secrets to Having a Fantastic First Trip to Europe before you get on that plane!

Saving Money

And speaking of finances, there are several things you can do to try to save money on your trip. A trip to Europe doesn’t have to break the bank!

Try traveling during shoulder season to save money on airfare and hotels. Don’t opt for a fancy hotel with lots of services-your top qualifications should be clean and centrally-located.

Food is a significant expense. Picnic and shop at grocery stores, as mentioned above. You can eat local without frequently visiting nice restaurants.

Planning is one of the best ways to save money. Figure out your flights, hotels and itinerary well ahead of time. Arrive with tickets purchased, know what’s going on and save money AND time!

Expert Tip: Be frugal on hotels, food and transportation first. Spend on sights as needed! After all, that’s what you really came here to do.

Avoiding Crowds

It’s wise to avoid crowds as much as possible on your trip. You can experience local life so much better when it’s just you and your traveling companions, as opposed to a mass of tourists around you. Do your homework and visit sights during slower days/times, and always show up with a ticket. DO NOT stand in line for admission when you can simply buy it online!

Expert Tip: You may have to use a PayPal account to pay for admission or transportation tickets abroad. U.S. credit cards may not be accepted on certain websites, although this is rare.

A Little Extra Help

I’m not a big proponent of expensive souvenirs, but if you purchase a large item, you can ship it back to yourself rather than worry about lugging it around. You will need to pay a VAT tax.

Pack an extendable bag to put your extras in on the flight home. Check your carry-on and stuff it full of fun items you’ve acquired on your trip!

If you have a quality camera, I would bring that in addition to your smartphone for photos. Buy a smaller case (just for the camera, not extra lenses) and take it most days to capture great moments you don’t want to miss.

Say no to DCC charges! Dynamic Currency Conversion is a service that hotels, restaurants or shops offer to show you your bill in U.S. dollars. Always choose to see your bill in local currency. The DCC conversion rate is awful and costs you extra funds.

Bring a refillable water bottle. Save money and always be hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Choose a version with a filter if you are particular about the taste of your water.

Expert Tip: If you’re traveling as a family, be sure to read Top Tips for Taking Your Kids to Europe.

Yes, there is a lot to know and plan for on your first trip to Europe. But take a deep breath and read up on all you will see and do….and you’ll be fine. Enjoy your trip!