So You Want To Plan A Eurotrip

The Eurotrip, so popular there’s a movie named after it.  For some, it is the ‘coming of age’ trip just after high school or University. For others, it happens after a few years as a young professional or even much later. I went on my ‘Eurotrip’ after working for one year and saving up. On that trip, I spent two weeks backpacking solo through Greece and Turkey. I moved to Europe and saw close to half of the continent while living in Edinburgh as an expat. Based on my experience, here are five things to help you plan a Eurotrip that’s perfect for you!

1. best time to go on a eurotrip

In planning a Eurotrip,the first thing is to decide when to go. The truth is, July and August are the most popular months for trips to Europe. I went on my first Eurotrip in July 2010, and guess what I found out?
July & August are the most expensive, hottest, and busiest months for
tourism in Europe.

Keep in mind that most of Europe has the month of August off
for holidays as well. If you can avoid it, DO NOT travel during those two
months. You will save yourself time (in queues), and avoid peak period pricing.

Consider the shoulder months (May/early June, September or early
October) or the offseason for better pricing.

If you ask me, September is the best month for travel to Europe: great weather, better pricing, and lots of activities are still open. May isn’t as warm but there will be fewer crowds.   I looked up flights to London and checked from April to July. The price progressively increased each month. April cost $440, while July was $1600! Go Figure!

2. picking eurotrip destination(s) & route

Are you into history, culture, specific festivals, nature, and city vs. countryside, swimming, golfing, or skiing? Your destination should match your interests.

Many Eurotrips involve visiting more than one country, while others focus on fully exploring one country. The more time you have, the more you can explore but I’d generally recommend 3 days per city! If you are thinking of seeing a few countries in one trip, plan your eurotrip with a map in mind, and book countries close to each other to ensure you don’t spend precious time traveling between destinations.

Tip: Consider buying a multi-destination ticket so you only have to travel in one direction: For example fly into Greece and out of Turkey (or vice versa).

Here are examples of destinations can be combined:

• UK, Netherlands, and France
• UK, Scotland, & Ireland
• France, Netherlands, & Belgium
• Spain & Portugal
• Spain, Portugal, & Morocco (Tangiers)
• Italy & Malta
• Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and Bratislava
• Greece & Turkey
• Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro

Here are some countries that can take a lot of time to explore on their own if explored fully:

• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Greece
• Iceland
• Portugal

3. how to get around

This depends on where you’ll be.

In Paris and London, You’ll find public transportation to be very easy to use. In Portugal, we used public transportation in Lisbon but rented a car to get to Porto and the Algarve.

Between countries, train or short flights are your best bet. However do NOT assume that trains are always cheaper. There are several budget carriers in Europe with great deals on flights. The key is to check before you book and prepay for your luggage for better rates!

4. solo or not solo

Who will you make memories with on your great Euro trip? Traveling with friends, family, or a loved one is always a great idea (+cheaper accommodation costs).  However, Europe is a fantastic continent for anyone looking to dabble into solo travel. Click here for tips on solo travel, or here for tips on how to find the best travel buddies.

5. what to pack

Pack light! You really don’t need all that! Don’t forget your passport, visa (depending on your destination), bankcard, travel insurance, adapter, and phone. If you’re moving around every few days you’ll be glad you took my advice, especially if you have to drag luggage along a few cobblestone streets.

In the next installment, I’ll share specific Eurotrip tips for under 26 travelers, back packers, and young professionals traveling without kids, those short on time, and for families as well. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to send them my way.

Till next time, have a great week!

Dee (Ms. Heels)