How to Plan Your First Europe Trip 2025

Wondering how to plan your first Europe trip? Read more to find out my best tips!

Travelers have long considered Europe to be one of their favorite destinations. There are many reasons why people love Europe—its history, architecture, and way of life—but the main one is that getting around the continent is relatively simple.

There won’t be much of a culture shock in Europe. Of course, many differences exist between Canada, the US, or anywhere else, but nothing too drastic might make people uneasy.

Being anxious when traveling somewhere for the first time in Europe is completely normal. The fact that you don’t know what to anticipate is largely to blame for your anxiety. Do not worry because this guide will help you on your first Europe trip. 

What to Expect on Your First Trip to Europe

Travelers organizing their first trip to Europe can find peace of mind with the aid of this guide. Some points are minor, particular things you might be curious about, while others are more general, beneficial advice.

Most of these items will seem obvious if you have been to Europe. This is a good place to start; you might find it useful if planning your first trip to Europe.

Electricity and voltage

Because the voltage in Europe is 220 volts, appliances that operate on North American voltage (110 volts) require a transformer. Many devices, including chargers for cameras, laptops, tablets, and cell phones, have built-in converters that adjust automatically to the change in the voltage (110-240V). 

For your electronics to be plugged in, you will need an adaptor. In Europe, most sockets accept two round pins (Switzerland also has three pins). Take three rectangular pins for Great Britain and Ireland.

Restaurants 

In restaurants, you will be given bottled water. Most places do not typically serve tap water as a standard practice. When you request tap water, you will receive a strange look and a “no.” Make sure to order your water with “no gas” if you don’t like carbonated beverages.

Dinnertime seems to be later in Europe than North America or much later than most people prefer to eat. Expect to stay in restaurants for longer as well. Unless you specifically request it, staff members typically are not in a rush to bring the bill.

Restaurant menus in well-known tourist destinations and major cities are available in various languages.

Some places will place bread on your table whether or not you ask for it. Don’t eat it if you don’t want to pay for it.

A pastry and a cup of coffee make up the typical breakfast. Mike was craving bacon and eggs for breakfast three days into our most recent European trip.

Tipping 

In many European nations, tipping is not customary. Although it’s customary to round up the total to the nearest dollar, 20% is significantly more than what you should tip your waiter or waitress in the United States.

Because they are paid well, the staff does not rely heavily on tips for most of their income. You should also know that the menu typically indicates whether service is included. Leaving a tip is customarily between 5% and 10% if it’s not.

If you leave a few euros for the bartender as a tip, they will likely run to you outside and give them back, thinking you forgot it. Again, tipping is not always customary!

Drinking age 

Teenagers will undoubtedly be present at the bar. Although it might surprise you, it is acceptable to be drinking in the same pub as an 18-year-old (or even a 16-year-old in Germany and Austria). In contrast to America, Europe has a relatively low drinking age.

Siesta 

One of Spain’s oldest customs is the siesta, a break from work for relaxation and a nap. Cities shut down from 2 to 5 PM while families eat lengthy, filling lunches and then pass out. 

It’s important to know that most stores and businesses will be closed during this time and that most places stop serving food between 4 and 8 PM. When returning home, it is difficult to break this habit because it is simple to adopt.

Language barrier 

Be prepared for a language barrier. You can anticipate encountering at least a minimal language barrier in restaurants, shops, etc., particularly if you are visiting Europe for the first time. As you depart from the larger cities, this will become more obvious.

You won’t necessarily need to speak any of the local languages to travel to Europe if you’re staying firmly on the tourist trail while you’re there.

However, you will almost certainly encounter some monolingual Europeans, so learning their language will improve your trip.

Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, you’re welcome, do you speak English, and the numbers 1–10 are all simple but effective greetings!

If you want to take it a step further, learning how to read menus and place orders in restaurants is both efficient and helpful because it’s one of those conversations that you’ll probably have enough of while traveling that the words may stick with you for a very long time after your trip is over.

Hotels

Sometimes, European hotel rooms are smaller than those in the United States. We didn’t encounter incredibly tiny hotel rooms anywhere else in Europe, but this was unquestionably true in Paris and Wurzburg.

The bed descriptions are also quite confusing when booking rooms. You can anticipate a double bed frame with two twin beds pushed together or two single mattresses (with separate duvets and comforters).

Bring a washcloth with you. European hotels don’t offer small clothes for washing your face. 

Transportation in Europe

If you are concerned about how to get from one city to another in Europe, several options are available. You need not be concerned because you have three different options. Nevertheless, the answer to that question will be extremely brief and extremely general because it depends on the specifics of your itinerary.

Trains

In Europe, traveling by train is typically considered the most efficient mode of transportation. The scope of the rail network is impressive, ticket prices are not prohibitively high, and the natural beauty along the route is breathtaking. Train travel is a convenient and time-saving option that enables passengers to reach various destinations. When we were in Europe, we adored taking train trips.

Consider investing in a Eurail pass if your travel plans include going to several countries or taking many train journeys in Europe. This may be less expensive than buying individual tickets, saving you the time and hassle of purchasing tickets at the station.

Buses

Buses are typically the least expensive mode of transportation, even though they offer the lowest levels of comfort and frequently take the longest.

Modern buses are just as comfortable as trains with reclining seats, and they have plenty of room for passengers to store their luggage and personal belongings. On-board amenities typically include restrooms, entertainment screens, and occasionally Wi-Fi connectivity.

The entry of more companies like Eurolines, Megabus, and Flixbus into the market for intercity bus travel has resulted in direct competition, making intercity bus travel one of the most cost-effective ways to travel throughout Europe.

Flying

Flights are the most time-consuming and inconvenient mode of travel because passengers must go through security checks, travel to and from airports outside city centers, and sit in uncomfortable seats the entire time.

However, compared to trains, the cost of flying can be surprisingly reasonable, and flying is the most expedient option when traveling long distances.

We highly recommend that first-time European visitors take the train whenever it makes logistical sense to do so, filling in the gaps with other modes of transportation as required.

What is a Europass or Interrail, and why should you use it 

The Eurail Pass is a single rail pass that can access more than 40,000 destinations spread across 33 European countries. Put another way, and it’s the most adaptable and hassle-free way for tourists to travel around the continent at their own pace easily. 

Travelers who purchase a Eurail pass, as opposed to a traditional train ticket, will be able to use Europe’s existing infrastructure, which consists of thousands of railways, to travel between destinations for a predetermined number of days.

Keep in mind that the majority of Europe is well-connected thanks to an extensive rail network that spans the entirety of the continent. It is possible to easily travel between countries and even navigate regional trains by purchasing a Eurail pass, only available to travelers from outside Europe. 

When purchasing your pass, you can choose between unlimited use or a specific number of travel days, depending on the nature of your planned trips. This flexibility ensures you tailor your pass to suit your travel style and preferences.

While it’s true that short flights between major European cities can sometimes be surprisingly inexpensive (Some have even come across fares as low as $6), it’s important to consider various factors such as time, convenience, cost, and the sheer joy of experiencing Europe’s picturesque landscapes from the comfort of a train window. Opting for train travel often proves to be the optimal choice.

For a truly remarkable experience, consider investing in first-class tickets. This way, you can enjoy the added comfort of spacious seating throughout your journey, ensuring you’re always in a relaxed and enjoyable position.

As you plan your first Europe trip, remember the unparalleled convenience and freedom Eurail and InterRail Passes offers. With these in your travel arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a memorable exploration of the diverse wonders that await you across this enchanting continent.

Be smart when planning your route and plan geographically 

How to Plan Your First Europe Trip? Start by compiling a list of must-see destinations for your journey. Locate them on a map and connect the dots to outline your route. For instance, you might fly into London, take the Channel Tunnel to Paris, and then continue your exploration of Italy. 

Alternatively, consider starting in Spain and gradually making your way eastward. Regardless of your chosen route, ensure it follows a logical geographic flow to avoid unnecessary backtracking and optimize your time and resources.

Always keep the season changes in mind

Europe spans many climates, so it’s crucial to remember seasonal changes when planning your trip. If you’re visiting Austria or the Netherlands in the summer, don’t expect skiing or frolicking in tulip fields, as these activities are best enjoyed in spring. 

While European Christmas markets may look enchanting on social media, remember that they typically occur in November and December. Don’t be disheartened if they don’t align with your travel dates. 

During Italian summers, temperatures can soar, and reliable air conditioning isn’t guaranteed. Avoid traversing Rome under the scorching midday sun and consider taking cues from the locals who observe the custom of a midday nap. Pace yourself in warm weather to avoid exhaustion.

Book some things in advance but keep a flexible schedule

Remember, you don’t need to plan every detail before you leave home. Embrace the freedom of spontaneity and allow room for unexpected discoveries. If you have a Eurail pass, which offers flexible travel options, go where your heart desires during your trip. 

While it’s wise to pre-book essential elements of your journey, leave space for serendipitous adventures. Embrace the joy of going with the flow, allowing your preferences to guide your decisions.

A helpful advice for those traveling to a new location is to take a tour on their first day there. This is an excellent way to get your bearings and quickly covers a lot of ground (without exhausting yourself).

You should make a general itinerary and book your flight from the United States to Europe before leaving home, but consider delaying the booking of your flight back until after you have crossed the pond. You may want to extend your time in a certain country or not have enough time to travel to Portugal, your original destination, before changing it. Make a general plan for your trip, but keep some aspects flexible while you’re there.

One thing that you might want to consider doing in advance is making a reservation at a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb property because these kinds of accommodations tend to get full during the busier summer months. Because of this, it is beneficial to have a general idea of where you’ll be and when you’ll be there; however, it is important not to cling too tightly to your plan at the expense of taking one or more unplanned detours.

Try not to see the whole continent at once 

Fight the temptation to pack too much into your schedule.

I will go into more detail about this below, but believe us when we say that we can relate to it: I still have to fight this urge on every trip that we go on.

Moving around all the time, on the other hand, is a surefire way to find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable to appreciate all of the magnificent places you are seeing.

How to Plan Your First Europe Trip? Here are the Best Places to Start!

Start with the fundamentals if you only have the time or resources to visit a few places. Since you can remember, you’ve probably learned about famous cities like London and Rome; now is the time to experience them firsthand.

Plan additional stops based on your interests once you include the must-see locations in your itinerary. There is much to see in Italy besides Rome; on any trip there, especially for first-timers, I recommend visiting Venice, Cinque Terre, and the surrounding Tuscan wine region.

Budapest is an undeniable choice for a summer sojourn if you have a connection to your Hungarian heritage as we do. Alternatively, you might envision yourself trekking through the majestic Swiss Alps, savoring beer in a German beer hall, or basking in the sun-drenched splendor of the Greek Isles.

Perhaps you feel drawn to Poland, where paying homage to the profound history of Auschwitz is a deeply moving experience. Or maybe you yearn to indulge in a delightful waffle adventure through Belgium. While it’s tempting to explore every corner of Europe given ample time, start by curating a shortlist of top priorities and gradually expand your journey as time allows.

While the destinations mentioned are revered tourist hotspots, it’s important to consider your interests, priorities, and travel objectives when choosing where to visit. If you’re purely on vacation, dedicating two to three days to each location should suffice. However, if you have other commitments like remote work or schooling, granting yourself additional time in each city will ensure a more fulfilling exploration.

Here are some recommended places to visit for your first Europe trip.

London

Spend four days exploring the iconic sights of London. Make sure to visit Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. If you keep a brisk pace, you can easily walk to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the South Kensington Museums, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus.

Paris 

Paris boasts some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Everyone has heard of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral. In just two weeks, you can delve into the city’s many museums and galleries, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Paris.

Lisbon 

Over three or four days, imagine yourself in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital’s vibrant charm. Stroll through the enchanting Alfama neighborhood, witness the sunrise from Portas do Sol, explore the medieval remnants of Carmo Convent, visit the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery, and end the day savoring delicious Pastel de Natas while admiring the sunset from Belem Tower. For added adventure, venture to nearby Sintra and marvel at its lively castle.

Barcelona 

Barcelona is home to some of Spain’s most famous landmarks, all bearing the imprint of Gaudi’s creative genius. In addition to the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo, a visit to Barcelona must include a stroll down La Rambla, a look around the haunting Gothic Quarter, and an Instagram-worthy shot from atop the Barcelona Cathedral.

Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is widely regarded as Europe’s most liberal metropolis. It’s no surprise that the narrow streets of the Duch capital are teeming with sightseers every weekend; the city is known for its many “coffee” shops and, of course, its Red Light District.

Berlin 

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city has undergone a remarkable cultural transformation. Berlin’s nightlife now ranks among the best in Europe. Don’t miss out on experiencing renowned clubs like Berghain, SchwuZ, Anomalie Art Club, and KitKat.

Prague 

Prague, with its famous Charles Bridge, Old Town, Astronomical Clock, Castle Complex, and exceptional Czech beer, offers a plethora of remarkable landmarks to explore.

Vienna 

A visit to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without marveling at the Belvedere Palace, Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, and Museum of Fine Art and indulging in a traditional cup of Vienna coffee accompanied by a Sacher torte.

Budapest 

As Hungary’s capital and largest city, Budapest offers diverse attractions. Don’t miss the Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, unique ruin bars, and the vibrant food scene.

Rome

Rome, the epitome of Italian culture, deserves at least five days of exploration. Marvel at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Aventine Keyhole, and the magnificent wonders of Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Experience the essence of Italy in the nation’s capital, Rome.

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