One Girl and a Big World

Europe is a beautiful, wonderful place to visit. It is rich with history, culture, and nature. It comes to no surprise that travelers and tourists will often chose Europe as their destination. Over the years of traveling I have done with my family, I have compiled four big mistakes to avoid when planning on visiting Europe.

(Please keep in mind this is coming from the perspective and opinion of an American traveling to Europe. Circumstances or preferences may be different for others.)

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Mistake 1: Traveling With Large Luggage

I know it seems contradictory to advise against large pieces of luggage when traveling to Europe especially if it is more than a couple days worth trip. However, you will thank me, I promise. If you are planning on visiting several different countries within Europe, the best way to do this if to fly. Flights within Europe are surprisingly cheap (quite the shocker for Americans). The only catch to this is European airlines charge extra for large pieces of luggage. Carry-ons are included in the ticket price. So unless you want to be handed a luggage overcharge, it is best to only travel with one carry-on per person.

But what if I run out of clothes! I got you, just keep reading 🙂

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Mistake 2: Renting Hotels

Especially if you are seeking to travel on a budget, staying in hotels is a no-no. European hotels are ridiculously expensive and they are not as big as the typical American hotel room. For a family of four (two parents, two kids), it is very likely that you will have to rent two rooms instead of just one. Instead, the best course of action is to rent private accommodations through AirBnB or Booking.com. Not only are they typically cheaper, but if you rent a full apartment, it comes equipped with a kitchen and laundry. So if you need to wash some clothes because you only brought one carry-on luggage per person, it’s all good! Renting private accommodations can also have their little perks like being situated in a town square, or snuggled in the perfect neighborhood with close proximity to tourist attractions.

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Mistake 3: Only Visiting Popular European Cities

I get it. Paris, London, and Rome just look so cool! The truth is all popular European cities are rich with history and culture just like the rest off Europe. However, you will miss out on so many hidden gems and underrated locations! All of my favorite locations in Europe are not the typical destinations most people visit. Here is a list of amazing locations to visit:

~ Krakow, Poland

~ Prague, Czech Republic

~Budapest, Hungary

~ Guernsey, UK

~ Ireland’s West Coast (Galway, Ring of Kerry, etc.)

~ Tomar, Portugal (especially if you are really into the Knights Templar!)

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Mistake 4: Not Paying In The Local Currency

Always pay in the local currency whether you are using cash or a credit card. You will get a better exchange rate. Always notify your bank that you will be traveling abroad so your card does not get flagged!

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Mistake 5: Not Taking Free Walking Tours

This is a personal opinion of mine, but I think free walking tours are so much better than paid tours. The system works like this: you join a *free* walking tour and at the end of it, you tip the tour guide however much you think the tour was worth. Because the tour guide is making an effort to give you the best experience, the tours are so much more enjoyable, funny, and informative. The tour guides (typically locals) are also helpful in pointing out good local places to eat, places to avoid, and overrated things to do in the city. I would recommend you take walking tours with SANDEMAN Free Walking Tours. They have tours in a multitude of European cities and they are always enjoyable, super informative, and most importantly, always worth the time.

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Thanks for reading!