How to plan your first trip to Europe

While the prospect of traveling to Europe for the first time is truly exciting, it’s also true to say that planning your vacation can also feel pretty overwhelming. So, to alleviate some of that organizational stress, read on for tips on how to plan a trip to Europe.

Follow our tips for visiting Europe

Covering everything from how to choose the right countries to visit, to traveling around, following our tips for how to plan a trip to Europe will set you up to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

While you’ll also need to do a deep dive into the countries and destinations you decide to visit — be they Albania, Alicante or Athens, Zagreb, Zakinthos or Zürich — the advice that follows provides a handy framework for all aspects of planning.

Editor’s tip: not sure where to start when it comes to planning your first trip to Europe? Our trip ideas platform is an invaluable tool.

Chose the right countries to visit 

The most fundamental aspect of how to plan a trip to Europe is to hone in on the countries that best align with your interests, budget, and available time. 

In all likelihood, certain iconic landmarks — perhaps the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum and Pompeii in Italy, Stonehenge in England, or London’s Buckingham Palace, for just a few examples — will already be on your European vacation bucket list.

If that’s the case, the location of said landmarks will play the biggest factor in deciding which countries you simply must include in your itinerary. 

At the same time, if you’re making the effort to travel from the US, you’d be wise to plan a trip to Europe that also covers lesser-visited treasures, and allows you to veer off the beaten track. 

With that in mind, here’s a run-down of factors to consider when deciding where to go while planning your first trip to Europe.

Consider your cultural interests

If you're into art and history, cities like Paris, Rome, Florence and Athens could figure high on your list of potential places to visit. 

For those who love architecture and medieval history, consider places like Prague, Edinburgh, and Krakow.

Editor’s tip: take inspiration from our reader survey of the most beautiful places in Europe and our run-down of the best European city breaks that also offer rural escapes.

Consider your activity preferences

Think about what activities you most enjoy and would love to experience during your European vacation.

For beach lovers, enjoying an extended stay on the Mediterranean coast — which could include Spain, Italy, and Greece — might just be perfect for you.

To help you decide where to go, read our guides to the best beaches in Europe, and the best-beach holidays in Europe ahead of planning your trip. You might also want to arm yourself with intel on the best summer destinations in Europe.

Or, to forgo the hassle of planning, consider booking one of our customisable coast-oriented vacations, from exploring the coast of Crete, to sailing across Dalmatia as part of a sun-drenched island-hopping vacation.

Meanwhile, adventure seekers might prefer the Alps in Switzerland, Austria, or the Pyrenees in France and Spain.

Croatia is another top country for adventurous vacations, as is under-the-radar Montenegro.

If you’re into trekking and walking, how about hiking in northern Cornwall, or walking your way around France?

Alternatively, you could plan an itinerary that covers a whole  lot of ground, whether you fancy embarking on a Great British road trip, seeing Andalucia by car, or exploring the entire Balkan region.

Consider curating a themed itinerary

If you have a big passion, you might want to plan your first trip to Europe around your interests, from food-and-wine-themed vacations, to itineraries that focus on history.

Here are a few ideas to give you food for thought.

If you love fine food and wine, you could, for example, take a trip that covers the best of both in Tuscany or the wine regions around Madrid. Or how about enjoying a luxury journey through the vineyards of La Rioja, or discovering the wines of Portugal?

If you prefer beer to wine, be sure to visit places like Munich, Vienna and Prague to sample the best brews in Europe on a vacation that focusses on beer culture in Czechia, Austria and Germany, or take a trip to experience Germany’s Oktoberfest.

Into  history? Curate an itinerary around iconic castles in countries like Germany (Neuschwanstein), Scotland (Edinburgh Castle), and France (Château de Chambord), or opt to experience the Italian cities of the Renaissance in immersive style.

Going back even further in time, you could explore classical Greece on a road-trip. 

Don't over plan 

While we recommend doing your research to decide which countries to visit as you plot out your itinerary, we also suggest you don’t plan every last detail.

While it’s tempting to see as much as possible, over-planning can lead to exhaustion. Allow for flexibility in your schedule to accommodate spontaneous experiences.

Plan your European itinerary

When it comes to how to plan a trip to Europe, aside from deciding which countries to visit, definitely want to allow enough time to explore each city or region without feeling rushed. 

As a rule, we suggest focusing on quality over quantity, and spending more time in fewer places to fully immerse yourself in the destinations you're lucky enough to visit.

In terms of pacing, avoid packing too many destinations into your itinerary to prevent burnout, and create a logical travel route that minimizes backtracking.

For example, if you're visiting Western Europe, you could start in Paris, then travel to Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and end in Vienna.

Also consider day trips from major cities to nearby attractions e.g. a day trip from Paris to Versailles, or heading to Montserrat from Barcelona.

Another important general point is to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and to check whether you need a visa to enter your chosen countries. 

Most US citizens can enter the Schengen Area — which includes many European countries — visa-free for up to 90 days.

When it comes to planning what to pack, be sure to bring travel adapters, a portable charger, and a daypack for daily excursions. 

While your clothing needs will be dependant on the season and kinds of activities you have planned, you'll want to bring comfortable walking shoes — European cities often have cobblestone streets.

Other key factors include researching the best way to travel to Europe from the US, how you’re going to get around when you arrive, budgeting for your trip, and deciding when’s the best time to travel based on what you most want to see and do during your vacation. 

All this – and more – is covered in detail below

Editor’s tip: if you want to see a lot of Europe in a single trip, here are 14 routes to consider.

Find the cheapest flights to Europe 

We suggest using flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to find the best deals on flights from the US to Europe, no matter which city you intend to land in.

Consider flying into major hubs like London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt, which often have more competitive prices as they’re served by multiple airlines.

Look for the cheapest airports

That said, it’s also worth checking the cost of flights to smaller airports within reach of big cities, or your final destination — these are often cheaper. 

For example, flying into Brussels or Düsseldorf may be more cost-effective than flying directly into Amsterdam.

Traveling to London? Note that flights to Stansted are often cheaper than flights to Gatwick and Heathrow, and all three airports offer easy access to central London.

This is how you travel around Europe 

When it comes to planning how to travel around Europe, look to book flights, trains, or buses between countries in advance. 

For example, budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer affordable flights within Europe, while high-speed trains (Eurostar, Thalys, TGV) are an efficient way to connect between major cities.

Read on for detail on how to travel around Europe.

Renting a car

Renting a car and driving in Europe can be an enriching way to explore the continent's diverse landscapes, cities, and countryside. 

However, it requires some prep, and awareness of different driving regulations and conditions. 

First up, book your rental car in advance to get a better rate, especially during peak seasons. You could use comparison websites like Auto Europe, Kayak, Rentalcars.com, or book direct through international rental companies like Hertz, Avis, or Europcar.

It’s also important to choose the right car, bearing in mind that European streets and parking spaces are often narrower than you’ll be accustomed to.

Also note that manual cars are more common and cheaper to rent. If you prefer an automatic, book early, as they’re in limited supply.

As for driver requirements, most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. 

While a valid US driver's license is usually sufficient, some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP), so check the requirements for the specific countries you plan to visit.

When it comes to the rules of the road, speed limits vary by country and type of road, and are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Be aware that roundabouts are common in Europe — you must yield to traffic already in the exits — and note that many European highways are toll roads. Payment can often be made by cash, card, or electronic toll tags.

Lastly, before setting off, confirm your rental agreement allows for cross-border travel.

Using public transport

Using public transport in Europe is a convenient and efficient way to explore the continent. 

European cities typically have well-developed public transportation networks, including trains, buses, trams, and metro systems. 

Read on for more detail and tips.

Plan ahead

Familiarize yourself with public transport options in the cities you’ll visit. 

While on the ground, apps like Google Maps, Citymapper and Moovit can provide real-time schedules, route planning, and fare information. 

Tickets

It’s best to buy tickets before boarding. In many European cities, tickets can be bought at stations, kiosks, or via mobile apps. 

To save money, consider buying a day pass or multi-day pass if you plan to use public transport frequently.

In some countries, you need to validate your ticket before boarding. Look for validation machines on platforms or inside vehicles. Failure to validate can result in fines.

Also note that many European cities operate on a zone system that sees fares vary according to the distance traveled. Be sure to understand the zone boundaries and check your ticket covers your entire journey.

Language and cultural considerations

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, not all signs and announcements will be in English, so learning a few basic phrases in the local language can be helpful.

On escalators, stand on the right side to allow people in a rush to pass on the left.

Regional and high-speed trains

If you're planning to travel between cities or countries, consider using regional or high-speed trains like the Eurostar, TGV, ICE, or AVE.

Book tickets in advance for the best prices, and check whether seat reservations are required.

If planning extensive train travel, consider buying a Eurail Pass for unlimited travel across multiple countries within a specific time period.

Editor’s tip: check out the best scenic train rides in Europe. 

Define a budget for your trip to Europe

Setting a budget is crucial for managing your expenses. To do this you’ll need to research the cost of flights, accommodation, food, transport, tours and activities.

In good news if you’re hoping to keep costs down, Europe can be visited on various budgets, from basic backpacking trips to all-out luxury travel.

For example, accommodation options range from hostels and budget hotels, to luxury resorts, boutique joints and palatial historic hotels.

At the same time, most destinations offer inexpensive street food and good-value local markets, alongside fine dining restaurants.

When it comes to activities, be sure to read up on fun things to do for free and to check entry fees to attractions, and the cost of guided tours and entertainment.

Editor’s tip: on a budget? Rough Guides experts have rounded up the best free things to do in Paris, London, Barcelona and Lisbon.

There’s also an entire Rough Guide devoted to exploring Europe on a Budget. 

Book accommodation in advance

Booking accommodation in advance of your trip to Europe brings peace of mind as it ensures you have a place to stay, especially during peak travel seasons. 

Advance booking also offers the opportunity to find the best deals and options that suit your preferences, whether it's a centrally located hotel, a cozy Airbnb, or a budget-friendly hostel.

Plan enough time for your trip to Europe 

A key aspect of how to plan your first trip to Europe is determining how long your trip will be. 

You’ll want to allow enough time to explore each city or region without feeling rushed, which means making sure the duration of your trip aligns with the number of destinations you want to visit.  

As a general guide, plan your trip around spending at least 3-4 days in major cities and 1-2 days in smaller towns and rural locations. 

We also suggest including travel time between destinations and considering taking days off to relax and simply soak up your surroundings.

This is the best time to visit

It goes without saying that the best time to visit Europe depends on your destinations and interests — put simply, there is no single catch-all "best time"!

Keeping that in mind — and also bearing in mind that Europe covers a huge range of landscapes and climates — here’s an overview of what to expect around the year in general terms.

Spring: April to June

Offering mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists, spring is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Summer: July to August
With warm-to-hot weather and a vibrant atmosphere, summer is also peak tourist season, which means higher prices and more crowded attractions. 

Autumn: September to October

Characterised by pleasant mild weather in many countries and regions — along with smaller crowds and beautiful foliage — visiting Europe in Fall is especially great for culture-based trips, visiting wine regions, and enjoying late beach vacations in southern Europe.

Winter: November to March

Ideal for winter sports in the Alps, Pyrenees and northern countries, visiting Europe in November and December also offers atmospheric Christmas markets and festive events in cities like Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Strasbourg, to name but a few locations. 

Meanwhile, January-March remains good for winter sports, and low-season cultural trips.

To further help you plan your trip to Europe, make use of our trip ideas platform.

And remember, wherever you decide to visit in Europe, there's bound to be a Rough Guide to enhance your vacation.