How to plan a trip to Europe
In less then two weeks, I will be boarding a flight to travel to Europe. And although I am filled with excitement and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to be able to go, I am also nervous and anxious. I have never been away from my kids or husband for 10 days, and just writing this post, makes me miss them already. But, before you started to see pictures here and here of me in front of the Eiffel tower or chugging a pint of German beer in Munich (ha), I thought it was about time to share how I will be celebrating my 50th birthday with my twin sister ( the actual day is in April) and taking you along with me on my journey to three different countries that we will be visiting. Although I have traveled out of the country to the Caribbean and Mexico, this will be the first time across the pond. Today I wanted to share a few tips on how to plan a trip to Europe.
Travel Documentation. The most important tip before you travel is to make sure your passport is current and preferably before anything is booked. This I know. I thought all along my passport was current , made my flight reservations, got the ole passport out only to find out it was expired. Yikes. I went to my local library where they process passport applications and renewals, I used this website, and paid the extra fee to have it expedited. The government did not disappoint and I received my renewed passport in 2 weeks, instead of the 3 that I expected. When you get your new passport, make a copy and put it in a safe place.
Flights. We are flying Air France into Paris. Flights are not cheap. I went directly to the Air France site to book the reservation, although a lot of travelers use popular travel sites to book their flights. When we arrive in Paris we will immediately be flying to Munich for a few days. After Munich , Rome will be our next destination, followed by Paris. We considered all of the different ways to get to our desired destinations (car, train, fly) and flying was not only the cheapest way to get to our destination, but also the fastest. Ten days is not a lot of time in Europe, so we want to use our time wisely.
Other Travel Essentials …..how to plan a trip to europe
Communication– I contacted my cell phone provider and got the International plan added to my phone. This is so I can call, text and have data while I am traveling.
Packing– This takes some time to think through as I don’t know what kind of access or if I want to do laundry, while I am traveling. I am working through how to maximize a few key pieces and change them up throughout the trip. I will share some packing tips travel outfits with you next week.
Money Money Money– I downloaded a currency converter that I found on this site on my smart phone so I have a clue on what I am spending when I am over there. I have also read that most European countries use bank and credit cards with the chip. Although this security feature is fairly new concept in the states, Europe has been doing this for a while. Luckily my credit card and bank card both have it.
Hotels– I reached out to friends and friends of friends for recommendations, as well as using reviews on popular travel sites to make some decisions on our accommodations while we are in Europe. Another resource that has become a travel blessing is the Best of Europe from Rick Steves. This man has dedicated his life to travel and to providing information on sights, hotels, restaurants in many countries to travelers like you and me. I ordered the book here. You can also get the digital version.
Sights to see– honestly, we are still working through our plan on what we want to see while we are in Europe. We will have a plan though as we don’t want to waste time figuring it out while we are over there. Since 10 days is not a lot of time to see everything, I am trying to be realistic and prioritize the sights that are really important for me to see. I do know we will have castle tours, coliseum, and the Vatican on the list.
I hope these few tips on how to plan a trip to Europe are helpful if you are ever considering a European trip one day! I would really love to hear your recommendations and comments from your experience if you have traveled to the cities that we are headed to. What to see, where to eat, what to pack.
Click here to see the flowers of Europe
grateful
and blessed to be able to take this journey
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I hope that you have a wonderful trip! I would only add a couple of suggestions–do not bring US currency to convert. Instead, just make an ATM withdrawl once you arrive in Europe. It is also a good idea to bring and wear a money belt to hold your credit cards and larger amounts of cash. Only keep a few euros in your pocket or purse–especially if you ride the #67 bus in Rome.
thanks so much for the tips Lynne!
Oh what fun you will have!….I was fortunate to use my Frequent Flyer miles when I went….I did use my credit card too and my debit to get cash/euros….we were fortunate to have our host guide us along for advice in these matters…my purse was the type that was slash proof and scan proof….I cannot say that you will not be “homesick”…the most frustrating part to me was the time difference….You will have the time of your life and will create memories to last a lifetime…
I am a terrible sleeper (like right now, it’s 4:30am and I am up) so not sure how the time difference will affect me. Look forward to telling you all about the trip.
Looking forward to all these travel posts. This is a terrific Birthday celebration!! I would have you and your husband download the app called “WhatsApp” so the both of you can text each other. It’s free! : )
I did this with my husband when I went to Scotland to celebrate my 50th last year.
thanks for that suggestion Debbie. I think that may be included in my international plan on my phone. Need to look into that app if it’s not.
Two tips for you – call your bank and credit card companies and let them know which countries you will be visiting. Otherwise they could suspect fraud and decline the transaction. The second A if you go to the Louvre, use the entrance surrounded by the lions. Its a side entrance and never a line. Safe travels!!
thanks for those tips…I will do both.
I’m so excited for you and your sister! Happy early 50th! 🙂 Linda
thanks! as of yesterday, my mom is going to come along as well. It has always been her dream to go to Europe and so glad that she will have this chance.
How exciting!! I can’t wait to read all about your adventures! I am so glad to have found your blog it is beautiful!!
you are too sweet Kellie. thank you.
You’ve mentioned great tips! We’ve been to Europe several times and Rick Steves writes a great resource. I also echo Linda’s two suggestions. Our cousins lived in Paris at the time of our trips and took us to Louvre in the side door. It was so quick, almost felt like cheating! 🙂 Have a fun and safe trip!! Can’t wait for your pictures!
A few more tips:
*You said you made a copy of your passport, which is great. Leave a copy of your passport at home with your husband. Also put a copy of your passport in your suitcase.
*I agree about using ATMs. Much easier, convenient and cheaper than changing money. But, before leaving the country, I always get about $100 converted into the currency of the first country I am visiting. Your local bank can do that for you, but they may need a few days so you need to check with them.
*Get a money belt. I use the type you wear around your waste because I do not like having one hang from my neck. If you cannot lock it in the safe in your room, carry your passport in your money belt when you leave the room.
*Bring a sleep mask and Unisom (or similar sleeping aid) for the plane. On your flight to Europe, try to sleep when it is your body’s “bedtime” because you typically will arrive in Europe in the morning. Assuming you arrive in the A.M., try to make yourself stay on local time–try to stay up and moving until it is night at your location. That will help you get on “local time” much quicker. I am not sure if you are doing a tour or will be on your own, but on the day we arrive in our European country, we typically will do one of those hop on, hop off bus tours. That way you can just sit and get an overview of the city, or if you are feeling energetic, you can get off and visit places.
*Have a BLAST!
thanks for your tips. i appreciate it. love the hop on bus tours. Typically that’ss the first thing I do in any new city that I am visiting. Any favorite sites to see?
What a great way to celebrate your 50th. How perfect that you have a twin/bestie to celebrate it with.
We are bff’s. Thanks for coming over! Have a great weekend.
Great advice—in your comments, too. Funny about the passport…we are going to Vancouver in April. I had thought our passports had expired and so I had the pic taken and the forms printed at Walgreens, all set to bring to our post office. Turns out I have two more years on it. A good thing compared to yours but funny how sure we sometimes think things are.
I think it’s fantastic you are getting away with your sister. Most of my travels are with hubby and I always miss my kids and dogs–seriously. Especially when I go to bed. Oops, that’s not making you feel better! Still it sounds like you are going to have a fab trip. If you have more tips to post like your packing methods and something I need help with—what size and sort of all purpose purse to bring, I need that. I always want something that can hold all my odds and yet not something that weighs me down or is difficult to get into.
Twin sis? Let’s see a pic!!!! 🙂
Jane
I am already crying about the thought of saying goodbye to the kids…and hubby. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday! 🙂 I wish you a very pleasant trip here in Europe where the weather is quite terrible right now but it can improve! Don’t forget your umbrella and a few warm pullover even for ROme as the weather can still be cold right now. Your program looks fantastic! Enjoy!
Xo
Claire