Greece, Switzerland, and Paris are names that come instantly to our minds when thinking of exotic places for international visits. So, while European countries rule the minds of most globe-trotters, it is more important to help them with the necessary pieces of advice about European trips. Following are 9 important tips that one must consider before flying off to this splendid continent of art, culture, and a lot more!

Top 10 Tips for Your Next Trip to Europe:

Check Travel Visa Requirements

Not knowing the travel visa requirements of the country one is planning to travel to is 101 full-proof ways to ruin one’s enthusiasm for international trips. And especially when the destination is Europe, it is absolutely necessary that travelers take matters into their own hands and do their part in the research for visa requirements. While Americans won’t need visas for most countries in Europe, however, travelers from other countries need to apply for a Schengen visa. In order to get the Schengen visa approved, the following are the requirements:

● Validity of the passport for 6 months post the travel date and two blank pages in the passport, with all the history of past travels.
● Documents like visa application form, photographs, itinerary, all tickets, hotel booking receipt, leave approval from the organization one is working for, and bank statements.
● Valid and approved travel insurance of minimum €30,000 coverage in the Schengen area.
● When planning a European trip to more than one country, a visa should be obtained for the one where the traveler is going to stay for more days.

Want an offbeat experience? Fly off-season

Peak season obviously guarantees the best of some European delights, however, that doesn’t mean off-season has nothing to offer. All the love Europe gets for its summer hotspots is definitely justified, however, the price that one has to pay for it during the peak season is sometimes beyond one’s financial limits. Hence, off-season exists ensuring greater availability of flight tickets, accommodations, lesser crowds at tourist hotspots, and reduced expenditure too.

Carry a comfortable suitcase

“Why” would be the first question that comes to our mind when being told to carry a comfortable suitcase. It’s not like one doesn’t commute or the roads aren’t well-maintained for luggage, but, the main struggle is carrying them up via stairs. Most hotels in Europe don’t have elevators, hence, carrying luggage and that too a heavy one, would be convenient for the traveler itself.

Say yes to pre-bookings

Pre-bookings are a one-shot way to beat the last-minute hassle of locating a hotel in one’s preferred area, getting to a famous tourist hotspot during a preferred time slot, and reserving a seat in a popular cafe. While pre-bookings are imperative when traveling during the peak season, even during the off-season advance bookings can prove to be a time-saver and a life-saver overall.

Choose comfort over style

Did you know, that heels are not allowed at many monuments in Greece? Keeping aside the restrictions, Europe is a country where traveling on foot is preferred by most tourists. Not only the exploration allows travelers to take a closer look at the local subtleties but also saves some extra bucks that one can spend on sampling some interesting specialties of the continent. So, do not forget to keep comfortable sneakers, lighter clothing, and an umbrella for those unexpected showers.

Carry Cash

Having the currency of the country you’re traveling to is very important. Even though the present economy has digitized the space of monetary matters, that doesn’t mean the conventional way of money exchange can be discarded completely. Countries like Croatia and Denmark do not accept Euros, hence, credit cards would be a sound option there. However, in other European countries, carrying a little cash with you is always advisable.

Tip: Don’t get your cash exchanged at the airport, you can get much better exchange rates in the city.
Mobile connection

The European mobile connection system is a lot different from many other countries. Hence, taking an international package or a new sim connection when visiting European countries would be a good idea. Note that, there are no extra roaming charges when visiting different countries nor does each country have its own sim connections.
Keep your passport handy

Carrying a passport around while exploring is a very controversial argument. While some say it is very important to have it at all times and others disagree, there are few who are less stringent with this practice and do what is convenient to them. Just in case, if one finds one to be in trouble, having a passport handy is a big win. The possibility of receiving help and not getting into unnecessary commotions would be ensured by having your passport.

Find authentic food outlets

Who wouldn’t want to flaunt pictures of extravagant European cafes on their social media feed right? But if the advice of travelers is to be believed, smaller, cozier, and roadside places offer a much greater range in terms of local flavors and specialties. So, instead of just completely quitting either of them, take a mixed approach with food. And for all the days you keep trying local cuisines and dishes, you will be having enough for a couple of cafes that will have your social media looking all fancy.

Bonus Tip! Buy travel medical insurance!

Well, of course we would recommend this, but you would be surprised how many people assume that their domestic health coverage or credit card will travel them properly when on their dream European trip. While medical expenses in Europe are often lower than in Canada or the USA, if you get sick or injured abroad, it can lead to some very costly medical claims that can do more than ruin your trip. You will be surprised how easy buying travel medical coverage is to do and it is not that expensive either. Get a quote online for travel medical insurance now!

We should note that if you are moving to Europe you should instead get an international health insurance plan as these plans can cover you for a year or more as long as you are remaining an expatriate and not spending more than six months back in your country of citizenship. Also, unlike travel medical insurance plans, expat health plans can cover emergency and non-emergency care both abroad and possibly in your home country. They are also portable from one country to the next – just like global nomads and expatriates.

Final Comments

Travelling off-season comes with its own challenges. One of which is unpredictable downpours that can lead to tourists catching illnesses that require medical attention. Even if not serious, having global health coverage protects tourists from spending a hefty amount on the healthcare system of a foreign country.

The above-mentioned article tried to sum up all things one needs to keep in mind before packing their bag and leaving for Europe. In case we missed out on any, let us know down below.