7 tips for traveling to Europe
Every time we see closer the possibility of traveling to Europe without having to go through the paperwork, payments and nerves that bring a visa. This means that it will open the way to one of the most desired places by hundreds of travelers, of all ages, who are already making plans to discover some of the 26 countries of our eastern neighbor.
Take our advice into account and design the trip to your liking:
1. Choose the season of the trip well
Undoubtedly the most complete season to visit Europe is the summer, between May and September, when you can travel light. There are shows and art shows in the squares and parks, the sun hours are extended and one can meet people from all the world that are in the same plan.
This can make it the most expensive season in terms of tickets, but if you search with secure weather you will find options at very good prices. Most of these flights make one or two stops, but they do not even feel the thrill of the holidays that are coming. In addition, during the summer, there are hundreds of festivals around the continent, most of them from different genres that also bring together other types of artists, and in these links you will find a good selection:
Another benefit of this season, taking into account how expensive it can always be to eat at a restaurant, is that you can often prepare your food with fresh food. Then, have a picnic in any green space you find along the way and continue your journey.
2. Buy your tickets in advance
Currently, this is the best way to find good prices when moving from one place to another, either by plane, train or bus.
Each of these options has its benefits. This is the case of low cost airlines that are able to reach their destination in a short time at a value that can be as low as 30 euros the journey. That is, assuming that you can carry little luggage. Which are one of the benefits of traveling in summer, since in addition to your personal bag, you will have to pay for each additional suitcase. In Europe, in you are looking to travel to multiple countries in Europe, be sure to ask us on package deals. Also, if your dream is to travel by train and enjoy the scenery, there are also very good rates if you make the purchase with about three months in advance. Another advantage of this means of transport is that the stations are located in the city centers, which will surely be 'your center of operations'.
3. Carry euros, not dollars
The exchange rate is always changing, but something fixed a few years ago is that the euro, being a stronger currency, has a value higher than the dollar. if you plan to buy with a credit card, you will be charged a very high rate plus taxes. The best thing is to make this change directly in your country, looking for the inter exchange office that offers better exchange rates and that is reliable. Be cautious, change a little more than you think in your budget and do not worry if you return from the trip with a few extra euros, you can always sell them to someone who is traveling.
4. Reserve your accommodation with time
Unless carp and sleeping are the most important items in your luggage, getting to look for lodging is not a good idea.
The trend in travel and tourism, even for backpackers, is to book your accommodation in advance and get the best prices. And now most hotels, hostels and B&B are part of hotel search engines and reserve their best rates for online reservations. The important thing in this case is to review the comments of other travelers, so you know what to expect when you arrive minimize surprises. Also, check the web pages or Facebook of the places for greater security.
5. Be a public transport expert
Most European countries have very organized public transport systems, made up of metro and urban buses whose routes complement each other, which can become the best allies during your trip.
At the beginning, it can be a bit overwhelming, with the amount of people, metro lines and names of unpronounceable stops. So the best thing is that before venturing, ask for a small induction at your hotel or at the tourist offices. Often times, they can give you maps to get you around. They will give you very complete maps, advice and instructions, so that in a matter of days you will be an expert. Please know that here only stops are made at established stations and schedules are met almost perfectly.
One important tip: Taxi fares are really high, so unless you have a good budget allocated for transportation, avoid them altogether. And do not worry about your arrival at the airport, you can always take a subway from there to the city center.
6. Get free tickets to museums and cultural centers
The entrance to this type of places, which for many is the main reason to travel Europe, can be very economic and even free if you are looking for promotions or discount days.
First, make a list of the places you want to visit and enter their web pages. There you can see the rates and their conditions, such as two for one on certain days, free Sundays or discounts with some credit cards. In addition, there are portals, articles and museum guides where you will find several tips to take advantage of the best rates. Portals such as the official tourism website in Paris, guide Rome, travel insurance to Europe, ABC and Low Cost Guide. Of course, in those days you must prepare to make long lines because you will not be the only one to follow these tips.
7. Visit restaurants outside the tourist area
Yes, the tourist areas are beautiful, full of color and diversity, gastronomy of the world and great joy. This is precisely because they are designed for you to want to stay there and consume their products, which are usually the most expensive.
Food can be one of the most expensive aspects of a trip to Europe, but with some tricks, you can lower costs and continue enjoying its delicious cuisine. As we already mentioned, one of the richest plans in any European destination is to spend a few hours in a square or park, picnic with breads, cheeses, sausages or canned vegetables (which you can find in local markets) and enjoy a deserved rest. But if you’d prefer to sit and ask for something more elaborate, it would be better to leave the perimeter where everyone comes from another place in the world and enjoy the daily flavor. This is an experience that for a tourist, would be completely new. Another good option is to order the menus of the day, instead of a la carte dishes, which usually cost much less.
For more recommendations or suggestions for a safe tour, contact us for a quick quote on the best tours to Europe.