Welcome to How to Travel Europe

Your source for Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for European Travel

You're in the right place if you want to know:

How to use the transit system
How to choose the right hotel
Whether you need cash, Euros, Pounds, or just a credit card
How to stay connected with your phone and the internet
What to do if something goes wrong
How to save time, money, and unnecessary stress
The things nobody tells you

You're in the wrong place if you want to know:

What sights you should see
Recommendations for places to visit
Which restaurants have the best food
Which museums have the “must see” collection
What to see and do in Rome, or Paris, or anywhere
Our top ten list of European cities
There are already thousands of excellent websites that recommend destinations. That’s not what we do. We explain how traveling in Europe actually works.

Europe is easy—once you understand how it works

Planning a trip to Europe?

We will not make recommendations on what to see or where to go. That’s not our mission. We answer the questions you’ll have once you’ve decided what you want to do – the practicalities and logistics you need to know to make your trip truly memorable:

• How do InterCity trains actually work?
• Should you carry cash or use a credit card?
• Will your phone work?
• How do you choose the right hotel?
• What happens when you land in Europe?

Practical advice that helps you travel with confidence.

Everything You Need Before You Go

Not sure where to begin? Click Here!

Every successful trip starts with a few basic decisions. Before you book anything, decide where you want to go, when you want to travel, and what you want to experience. Once you’ve answered those questions, this website will show you how to make it happen.

Thousands of websites can help you decide where to go in Europe. This website helps you understand how to travel there successfully. We provide important information you need to be aware of, as well as critical tips to help make your journey a success. For instance, did you know that not all countries in the EU use the Euro as their main currency?

OK, you have a general idea of the places you want to go and things you want to see, now what?

A basic idea of your dream destination and ideal activities will give you a few parameters to help narrow down WHEN you should go. For instance, if you want to see the Christmas Markets in Germany then you need to plan for December. However if you want to be blown away by the tulips in the Netherlands then April/May is the timeframe. Avoiding the crowds during the high tourist season is a great approach to get the most out of your vacation, however keep the weather in mind to make sure you are not spending a lot of time and effort battling rain and/or snow.

TIP: Check the calendar before buying tickets. Many museums are closed on Monday, shops in Germany may be closed on Sunday, National holidays may impact what is open and there may be limited train service.

National holidays
Local festivals
School holidays
Major sporting events
Cruise ship days (for popular ports)

TIP: Europe adheres to daylight savings time however when it starts and ends does not match North America. Computers and cell phones should automatically adjust for this. Check for:

How far in advance do you need to plan?

Traveling to Europe has become extremely popular. There is a lot of competition for airline tickets, hotels, and attractions. For popular destinations or summer travel, begin planning four to six months ahead. Christmas markets, tulip season, and major festivals often require even earlier planning. Delaying will increase the cost and limit your options. Note that some tickets for trains and attractions may not be on sale this far in advance so keep checking back.

🧳 Don’t be Surprised

Check the internet for the schedule and availability of your main objectives. For instance, Oktoberfest is primarily in September. Check museum websites for closures due to major renovations, etc. Ceremonial cancellations: Traditional events like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace are called off during red-level weather alerts.

Before you leave make sure you will have access to the internet while traveling. Although it is possible to travel without it, the benefits are extensive.

Useful information can be found on the State Department’s Travel Website their STEP Program and also their Planning Checklist