Planning a Europe trip, especially if it’s your first time, can be both exciting and overwhelming. Flying from North America to European countries opens up a world of different cultures, languages, and amazing sights. From packing essentials to finding the best deals, these 10 tips will help you navigate the journey smoothly and get the most out of your Europe travel experience.

Book in Advance for the Best Deals on Flights (and, look for smaller less expensive airports)

The best way to score cheap flights to Europe is by booking early, ideally several months before your travel dates. Keep an eye on round trip prices on budget airlines, but double-check additional costs for checked baggage or other incremental fees. Off-season or shoulder season travel (spring and fall) also helps you find great deals, avoid long lines, and experience fewer crowds.

My brother in law travels overseas a lot for work. His company is a French company. So, he is familiar with having to get in and out of France inexpensively.  We were told that we should have flown into a different airport and taken a train to our final destination. We spent about $1800.00 per ticket to fly into Charles De Gaulle airport–round trip—and we went in January. We should have found cheaper tickets elsewhere.

Pack Light and Choose the Right Bag

Packing light is one of the best travel tips for a Europe trip, especially if you plan on visiting multiple cities. European cities often have cobblestone streets and narrow paths, making large, heavy luggage a hassle. Stick to a carry-on bag if possible, and leave room for souvenirs! Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring major cities and hidden gems alike.

As for on the airplane, only pack the essentials in your carry-on luggage. The people I spoke to on our flight who traveled regularly had one major thing in common: no “stuff”. I packed so much stuff into my carry-on thinking that I was going to get a ton of work done on the airplane, but I only used my ipad for a little while—and nothing else. I watched movies the majority of the flight. You are, seriously, packed in like sardines. Once my bag was under my seat, it was darn near impossible to pull it back out to get stuff in and out of it.

Plan for Long Flights and Adjust for Jet Lag

Long flights from the U.S. to Europe mean potential jet lag due to the time zones. Adjust your sleep schedule a few days in advance if possible, and stay hydrated on the flight. Bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water, and consider packing items that help you relax, like an eye mask and a travel pillow.

Wearing comfortable clothing for long flights is critical, as well. I have poor circulation and prone to bladder infections when I wear constricting clothing while traveling. I wore yoga pants, of course, and that was nice.

If you swell when traveling, you will be so grateful to have compression socks, too. My compression socks are one of my very best purchases. Compression socks have so many benefits.

BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS:

• 1. Improved Circulation
• 2. Reduced Swelling
• 3. Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• 4. Muscle Support and Reduced Fatigue
• 5. Reduced Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
• 6. Improved Lymphatic Drainage
• 8. Temperature Regulation

Know Your Money Options

Using credit cards abroad is convenient, but not all cards are created equal. Contact your credit card company to confirm international transaction fees and inform them of your travel dates. If you’re traveling to multiple European countries, consider a travel rewards card with no foreign transaction fees. It’s also a good idea to have some local currency on hand for local markets and smaller towns where cards may not be accepted. Debit cards can also be used at ATMs for cash withdrawal, but be mindful of fees.

Get Familiar with Public Transportation

Public transportation is an efficient and affordable way to get around European cities. Major cities, especially in Western Europe, have comprehensive metro and train systems that make getting to main tourist attractions a breeze. Train travel is also a great way to explore different countries and offers scenic views. Check out options for train tickets in advance, and if you’re a fan of day trips, the train station can become your best friend!

Embrace Local Culture and Language

One of the most important things to remember is to respect the local culture. Learning a few basic phrases or key phrases in the local language (like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye”) is a great way to connect with locals. English is widely spoken in big cities, but smaller towns may have fewer English speakers. This small effort goes a long way in showing appreciation for the culture.

Opt for Free Walking Tours and Local Markets

Free walking tours are a fantastic way to get acquainted with a new European city and learn from knowledgeable local guides. Beyond the major attractions, exploring local markets and grocery stores gives you a taste of the local culture. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs at a fraction of the cost of traditional gift shops.

Choose Accommodations Wisely

Location is everything when choosing a hotel room in European cities. Staying near the city center or train station allows you to access attractions easily and makes it simple to head out for day trips. European hotels often have smaller rooms than North American ones, so packing light is beneficial here as well.

Bring a Cell Phone with a Local SIM Card or International Plan

Staying connected is essential, especially if you’re navigating between different languages and time zones. A local SIM card is a cost-effective way to use data without racking up international transaction fees. Alternatively, many U.S. carriers offer affordable international plans that can save you the hassle of finding a SIM.

Use Europe Travel Guides and Plan Ahead

Guide books and Europe travel guides like Rick Steves’ Europe are full of helpful tips and hidden gems. Research peak season and off-season highlights, as some attractions are much more crowded during summer months. Following travel influencers on social media or finding blogs for your specific destination also gives you up-to-date advice on the best places to visit and helpful tips from fellow travelers.

Bonus Tips:

• Travel Insurance: A must for covering unexpected issues, especially for first visits abroad.

• Coffee Shops and Local Favorites: Visit local coffee shops for a slower, more authentic experience than major chains.

• Comfortable Shoes: European streets can be beautiful but challenging with cobblestone paths—your feet will thank you!

• Credit Cards and Cash: Bring a mix of payment options to handle local vendors who may not accept cards.

With these tips, your first trip to Europe is bound to be an unforgettable adventure! Enjoy the diversity of European countries, from the Eiffel Tower in France to hidden gems in Eastern Europe, and make the most of your journey abroad. Safe travels!

1. Arrive three hours before your flights departures. 
   • This might be a given to anyone who has traveled before, but if you are new to travel, like me, you need to know this. When we were flying home from Paris, we arrived 1 hour and 51 minutes before our flight was to depart and they said that we were 9 minutes late and had missed our flight. We begged and pleaded and was able to get on our plane, but it took all 111 minutes plus some to get checked in and go through security because the lines were soooo long; the plane, literally, had to be held for us. So, there is a REAL reason that they say that. Be early. Give yourself three hours!
2. Go to your airlines website and review all of the allowed and prohibited items on your flight.
   • I did great on the trip from the US to France, but I did everything wrong going from France back to the US. They wanted me to remove ALL liquids and put them in a bin and I didn’t; they wanted all of my camera equipment taken out and put in a bin and I didn’t; I brought sand from the beaches and packed it in the bottom of my suitcase, which had to be emptied and inspected…it was an absolute mess. Don’t be me.