European Travel Tips and Resources

Use these European travel tips for information on transportation, exchanging currency, and how to pack. Find out when is the best time to travel and how to protect yourself from pickpocketing in Europe. See the European Travel Information below to secure an enjoyable and safe journey.

Best Travel Times
The best time to travel in Europe is when there are less crowds and less heat. Travel to European countries in the summer means plenty of heat and sweaty tourists.

The best European travel times are in the shoulder season (Spring and Fall). There are less crowds and the temperature is cooler.

Ups and Downs of Winter Travel in Europe
Flights are cheaper and museums are empty during the winter months. It is also the rainy season and it gets dark earlier. Be aware that many activities are either closed or run on shorter hours. And although many outdoor sites in small towns are usually non-existent in the winter, big cities such as Rome and Paris maintain their party atmosphere even through the winter months.

Cheap Travel Abroad
Use these simple strategies for affordable travel like staying at hostels instead of hotels. These accommodations are plentiful in Europe and much cheaper. And opt for public transportation instead of taking a taxi whenever possible. This will considerably cut down on travel expenses.

Backpack through Europe
Backpacking is an affordable way to make your own memories. Be open and flexible. Seasoned travelers who backpack through Europe on a regular basis know this travel tip well. Sometimes destination opportunities present themselves and you must be willing to take them.

Things to do in Europe...for Free
Europe is not just for those with a hefty wallet. Enjoy spectacular sights for pennies on the dollar with these budget travel tips. Most for free...from a stunning view of Paris to free concerts in Amsterdam. No need to break the bank.

European Travel Tips for Packing

The Importance of Wearing a Money Belt

Pickpocketing is alive and well in Europe. Take this European travel tip seriously. These petty thieves target American tourists. They are good at taking what is in your purses and fanny packs in the blink of an eye.

These scam artists come in many forms including mothers and small children who are fantastic at pick-pocketing. One distracts you while another takes your wallet.

Avoid ruining your vacation. Wear a money belt. This is one of the most important European travel tips for keeping thieves from stealing your money and documents.

What to Store in your Money Belt

Carry essentials such as your passport, driver’s license, credit card, ATM card, money in large denomination, plane ticket, rail pass, and a list of all your important phone numbers and addresses.

And make a copy of your other essential documents such as passport, driver's license and credit cards to store in your money belt also. Keep a backup copy in your luggage or backpack.

Packing for European Travel
Packing light is essential for a stress-free travel experience. Heed this European travel tip. It is important to be mobile with your luggage if you want to experience the sights and sounds of Europe comfortably.

You will have a difficult time if you have to drag around heavy, unyielding suitcases.

When packing for European travel, use small, carry-on bags with wheels or a good backpack.

European Travel Tips for Being Prepared
One of the best European travel tips you can take advantage of is to do a trial run before you leave. Pack your suitcase or backpack and head to the mall. Or just venture around your neighborhood. Walk with your luggage for about an hour and see how you feel. If your back hurts and you are exhausted, it is time to purge some items.

Using Back Packs and Rucksacks
Convertible suitcases such as rucksacks are another great option for European travel. It can convert to the largest-sized bag you can carry onto an airplane. Padded straps can easily be inserted to turn your bag into a back pack.

Make sure you can handle the weight as you will be doing plenty of walking in Europe, especially if traveling by train. Using these simple European travel tips can streamline your overseas voyage.

European Travel Information on What to Pack

Some things are worth buying in Europe without having to lug around. Most items that can be purchased at home can also be purchased in Europe.

Leave home with enough toiletries for a few days, especially if you are going to be in Europe for several weeks. Avoid carrying large bottles that take up extra space and weigh you down.

Pack the same essentials in your bag if you are traveling for two weeks or three months. Clothes can be washed and toiletries can be purchased as needed. Your back and feet will thank you.

European Travel Tips for Transportation

How to Travel Europe by Train

The train system in Europe is exceptionally well organized. It makes international travel through Europe amazingly simple by make sure you get familiarized quickly. It is important to remember that many cities have more than one train station. Find out how to get around and what train ticket station windows can do for you.

Travel by European Rail Pass

A European rail pass is one of the best ways to travel through Europe. They can be a great value if you know your options. Especially given the fact that Europe is so easily traveled by train. Find out how a European Rail Pass works and how it can best help you.

When to Travel Europe by Car

Southern Europe is easily traveled by train and public transit. In more remote areas, especially in Northern Europe, a car may be necessary. Certain areas and towns are only accessible by car. And that means less tourists and crowds.

Hotels, Passports, & Guidebooks

Hotels and Passports
To enjoy different areas of Europe, pay a little extra for a central location. In the end, you will save not only time but money as well. Many times hotels will keep your passport for necessary paperwork. Not to worry. This is routine and a normal part of most hotel stays.

Guide Books
Good guide books are essential. The better guide books will even recommend memorable places to lay your head at night. With a good guide book, you can be your own travel guide. It will save you hundreds of dollars if not more. And you will be on your own timeline and not somebody else’s.

Travel Tips for Exchanging Currency

Credit Cards in Europe
Credit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere in Europe. When exchanging currency, cash is still your best option.

Your best alternative for withdrawing money is an ATM machine. ATMs are available throughout Europe. And easy to use.

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards
You can withdraw money with your credit card or debit card. Credit cards come with high interest as opposed to Debit cards which withdraw money from an existing account (checking or savings) and are interest free.

Withdrawing money through ATMs in Europe
Make sure to use a 4-digit number when using ATMs in Europe as their keypads come without letters. ATMs are quick and easy to use and offer good rates. Unfortunately, each transaction comes with a fee. Avoid this by making bigger withdrawals so the number of visits to an ATM is minimized.

Exchanging Currency in Banks vs. Using Exchange Bureaus

Be careful when exchanging money at exchange bureaus. They are geared toward taking advantage of tourists. A commission and/or fee is normally involved. Heed this European travel information to save money.

Places that offer zero commission offer terrible exchange rates. And the opposite is true as well. If they offer incredible rates, it means there is a high commission involved.

Your best bet to a good exchange rate is at a bank.

European Travel Resources & Regulations

International Travel Safety Resources

Get Help in an Emergency
Here you will find a List of Emergency Services for United States citizens abroad. Resources include death, arrest, victim of crime, sending money, missing citizen, stolen passport and more.

Current Travel Warnings
Find out the latest travel warnings issued by the State Department due to dangerous conditions in certain countries. Learn which hot spots are unstable and if you should avoid travel to a specific country. Even though this is geared toward students, it works for everyone.

International Travel Regulations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP announces travel advisories, restricted and prohibited goods, travel publications and more.

USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
USDA provides information about food, plants, or animal products you can or cannot bring into the U.S. This agency allows submission of import permit applications, ePermits, tracking applications and more.

Return to International Travel Tips

With these European Travel Tips, you will end up with more money in your pocket. And an opportunity to continue with your travels.

Remember that Europe is not just another continent; it is another world, with different customs and opportunities.

Travel with an open mind and you’ll have much more fun.

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