We are all fascinated with Europe. It is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines that has been explored by travelers for centuries. But what information should you know before you go? What can you pack for your trip? This article offers a comprehensive guide to help make your European adventure even more memorable.
1. What to take with you
When you are traveling around Europe, there are many different things to take into consideration. Although it’s difficult to know exactly what you should bring to be prepared for everything that will come your way, there are some essentials that you shouldn’t forget!
- A big, spacious backpack: If you’re taking public transportation or other means of getting around, the last thing you want to do is carry all of your belongings with you. Make sure the backpack is large enough to accommodate all of your items so that they can be stored easily once inside.
- Documents: It’s always a good idea to have the essentials on hand in case anything happens. You’ll at least want a photo ID and passport on hand so that if anything comes up, you can take care of it.
- A map: If you’re traveling by public transit or on foot, opting for a paper map is the best option. Of course, if you’d like to get around using your phone or tablet (which many people do), make sure that Europe’s charging stations are compatible with your device!
2. The best time of year to visit
There is no best time of year to visit Europe because it is such a large and diverse continent. Depending on your means of transportation, renting a car might be the best option to explore Europe, as travel gurus at expertvagabond.com/renting-a-car-in-europe explain, regardless of what season it is. Some people like visiting in the summer when it is warm. Others prefer visiting in the spring or fall when there are fewer tourists.
Regardless of what time of year, Europeans also have a lot of holidays and festivals that you may want to attend. The springtime (April–May) is a great time to visit if you’d like to catch the blooming flowers in all their glory, but also think about visiting later in the year when the trees’ leaves start changing color (September–October). Many different festivals take place during the summertime, including music festivals and food fairs. Some popular ones include Art Basel in Switzerland, Glastonbury Festival in the U.K., Sziget in Hungary, and EXIT in Serbia.
3. Popular activities and attractions
There is so much to do and see in Europe where you could explore for years and always discover something new. One of the best ways to plan your trip is by deciding which places you want to visit, as some attractions are specific to certain countries. Here is a shortlist of the most popular destinations that many people enjoy in Europe:
- Paris, France: Paris is the most visited city in Europe and with good reason! It has so much to offer when it comes to art, history, shopping, food, nightlife…the list goes on. Be sure to visit the Eiffel Tower for some inspiring views of all of Paris, go shopping at major department stores like Galeries Lafayette, or take a stroll along the Seine River.
- Rome, Italy: Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins or visiting churches that are centuries old, Rome has something for everyone. It is also famous for its shopping and nightlife so be sure to leave time to explore this vibrant city. If you’re there in the summer, make sure to check out the Roman Forum and Coliseum.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is well-known for its picturesque canals and narrow houses with overhanging balconies. Whether you’re interested in fine dining or want to explore the Red Light District, this city shortlists something for everyone. If you’re looking for a party, consider visiting during the summertime when festivals take place all over town.
- Berlin, Germany: Once divided by the Berlin Wall, this city shows signs of both its interesting past and present as new architecture is being built around it. It is one of Europe’s most visited cities and has many well-known landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.
4. Money and currency conversion
The Euro is the official currency of many European countries, but many countries still use their own currency within their borders. When traveling Europe, it’s important to know about the different currencies used in the different countries. The Euro is the most popular currency but there are still many places that use their own national currencies including the UK, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Norway, etc. Of course, even if one part of Europe uses Euros, you may need to exchange your dollars or pounds before you can spend them later on. The conversion rate varies depending on which country you are in so make sure to do some research!
Europe is a continent with many different countries that have their own cultures, languages, and traditions. There are so many beautiful places to explore but it can be difficult to decide which ones you want to visit because of their size and diversity. Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins or visiting churches centuries old, there’s something for everyone when exploring the treasures of Europe! If you need help planning your trip, we hope that reading this article gave you ideas on different places to visit and things to keep in mind when traveling Europe!
