Europe is a popular travel destination for various reasons. This continent is known for its rich history and culture, beautiful scenery, and different countries to visit. And with many new direct flights from the U.S., ETIAS application is now easier than ever to explore all that Europe has to offer.
There are so many things you need to consider, from the best time of year to visit what type of lodging you should book, that it can feel overwhelming. Here, in this article, we are going to discuss important things that you should keep in mind while planning your first trip to Europe.
1. Do Research Work
You should do complete research work before planning your trip to Europe. It is imperative to determine what are those things that you need to consider to ensure a smooth trip. Research what’s going on in the area before arriving so that you can plan accordingly (and avoid areas where crowds might be large).
Think about what activities you want to do while in Europe and what time of year is best for them; some activities are more expensive during certain times of the year while others are cheaper! Doing research work will help to plan a perfect trip. Book accommodations ahead of time (especially if they’re expensive). This will help ensure that you get the best deal possible, and it also gives you time to do some research on your destination before leaving home.
Get a Passport and Visa/ETIAS Certificate
First, you’ll need to get a passport and visa (if required) well in advance of your trip. Look into what visa requirements exist for citizens from certain countries and whether or not these requirements will change in the future. Planning a first trip to Europe can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time traveler or planning on traveling with a family.
If you are planning to visit the countries that fall in the European Union and you do not need a visa to visit those countries, then you need to apply for ETIAS. It is recommended to fill ETIAS application in advance to get it as soon as possible.
2. Start Planning
Next, you’ll want to start planning your itinerary and making reservations as early as possible, as popular attractions can often book up months in advance. Also, you should be sure to brush up on your language skills – while English is widely spoken in Europe, it’s always helpful to know a few key phrases in the local language. Also, consider how long you want to spend in each country you visit; some countries require more than others do.
Planning a trip to Europe can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with some challenges. The first thing you need to consider is where you’re going. If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities and countries, make sure that your passport has at least two blank pages. Also, consider how much time it’ll take to get from point A to point B. Are there any airports nearby? Do they have direct flights? And if not, will there be any public transportation options available?
3. Choose the Time & Duration of the Trip
First, think about when you want to go—spring or summer? Fall? Winter? Be sure to factor in how long you’ll be gone; if it’s a short trip, spring might be a more pleasant time.
Choose a realistic time frame (like 2 weeks) and stick with it. You’ll have more time to explore if you don’t try to take in everything at once. Also, consider the weather: if it’s cold and snowy, spring may not be the best time for travel; likewise, if it’s hot and muggy during the fall, then winter might be better suited for your trip.
4. Tickets And Accommodation
Once you have chosen your time and duration of travel, then the next thing you need to do is book your tickets and reserve hotel rooms. There are so many things to consider: where should you go? What are the best options for accommodations? How much should your budget be? Are there any places that are off-limits due to recent political events?
You should not forget about where you’ll be staying—do you want to stay at a hotel or a hostel? If so, do they have dorm rooms available? What type of lodging is available at each location? These questions all need answering before making a final decision.
5. Start Packing
Once these questions have been answered, then comes the fun part: packing! This may seem like an easy task: just throw everything into your suitcase and off. But it is recommended to keep your baggage light so that you can travel with ease. You should pack only important things and versatile clothes.
Your packing will depend on how long you want to stay in each city or country. You might want to spend just one night in Paris, for example, or maybe four weeks exploring the country’s top sights.
