How To Plan A Trip To Europe - Unbordered Travel

Planning a trip to Europe can feel both thrilling and totally overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. With dozens of amazing countries packed into a relatively small space, the possibilities are endless: ancient cities, alpine rail journeys, food-filled markets, sun-soaked coastlines, castles, canals… where do you even begin?

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Tuscany, exploring royal palaces in London, or riding a train through the Swiss Alps, this guide is here to help. It breaks down the planning process into simple, stress-free steps, from choosing when to go and how to budget, to building your itinerary and booking everything in advance.

So grab a notebook, pour yourself a coffee (or a glass of wine), and let’s plan that dream trip to Europe.

1. Decide When to Go (and How Early to Start Planning)

One of the first decisions you’ll make is when to visit Europe, and it can shape everything from your itinerary to your budget. Each season offers something different, and the best time to go depends on where you want to go, what you want to do, and how much you want to spend.

Spring (April – early June)

Spring is one of the best times to visit much of Europe. Cities are coming alive after winter, flowers are in bloom, and the crowds haven’t reached summer levels yet. It’s a great time for sightseeing, outdoor cafes, and avoiding long lines at major attractions.

Best for: City breaks, cultural festivals, early rail trips, Mediterranean coastlines before the summer heat.

Summer (mid-June – August)

Summer is peak season, and for good reason. The weather is (mostly) warm and sunny, ferries and trains run frequently, and outdoor dining is at its best. But it also means higher prices, more crowds, and the need to book well in advance, especially for popular cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona.

Best for: Beaches, scenic train journeys, family holidays, long daylight hours.

Autumn (September – October)

Autumn is a sweet spot for travellers who want good weather without the summer rush. Wine regions are at their best, cities are calmer, and the colours in the countryside are stunning. You’ll often find lower accommodation prices and cheaper flights too.

Best for: Wine country, cultural travel, food festivals, shoulder-season savings.

❄️ Winter (November – March)

Winter in Europe has its own magic, especially in December with Christmas markets and festive lights. While some sights and ferries close during the off-season, major cities like London, Paris, and Rome are open year-round.

Best for: City breaks, skiing, winter festivals, holiday charm.

⏳ How Far in Advance Should You Start Planning?

A general rule of thumb: start planning 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the summer or around holidays.

Here’s a rough timeline to keep you on track:

Timeframe	What to Plan
6–12 months before	Decide when and where to go, set a budget, book time off work
4–6 months before	Book flights, research accommodations, sketch a rough itinerary
3–4 months before	Book hotels, trains/flights between cities, and high-demand attractions (e.g. Eiffel Tower, Vatican, Alhambra)
1–2 months before	Buy travel insurance, check passports/visas, reserve local tours or restaurants
1–2 weeks before	Finalise packing list, download apps, print/digitise documents

🧳 Pro tip: If you’re going in peak season (June–August), book flights and key sights at least 3–6 months early to avoid disappointment, especially in Italy, France, and Spain.

2. Set Your Budget

Budgeting for a trip to Europe might feel like guessing at first, but with a little planning, it becomes much easier to estimate what you’ll need (and where you can save). Whether you’re travelling on a tight budget or treating yourself to a luxury escape, the key is knowing your priorities and planning around them.

What Goes Into a Europe Travel Budget?

Here are the main things to factor in:

✈️ Flights (to/from Europe and within)
🏨 Accommodation (hotels, apartments, B&Bs)
🚆 Transport (trains, buses, car rental, local transit)
🎟️ Activities & Attractions (tours, museum entries, day trips)
🍝 Food & Drink (restaurants, cafés, groceries, wine)
🧳 Travel Insurance & Essentials
💶 Spending Money (souvenirs, tips, shopping)

Average Daily Costs by Travel Style (Per Person)

Style	Daily Budget	What You Might Expect
Budget	£50–£80 / $60–$100	Hostels, street food, free walking tours
Mid-range	£100–£180 / $120–$220	Hotels/apartments, a mix of casual & sit-down dining
Comfort/Luxury	£200+ / $250+	4–5* hotels, guided tours, fine dining, private transport

Note: Prices vary by country, Switzerland and Scandinavia are more expensive, while places like Portugal, Greece, and much of Eastern Europe can be more budget-friendly.

Saving on Flights

Book 2–6 months in advance for the best deals
Use price alerts (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper)
Be flexible with your arrival city, sometimes flying into Amsterdam or Milan is cheaper than Paris or Rome
Consider an open-jaw ticket (fly into one city, out of another)

Saving on Accommodation

Look at options beyond hotels: apartments, guesthouses, even farm stays
Use trusted platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or Agoda
Check cancellation policies in case plans shift

Saving on Transport

Travel slow and regional, it’s often cheaper than high-speed
Use passes like Eurail, but compare vs. point-to-point tickets
For flights within Europe, check budget carriers (but watch baggage fees!)

Be Honest About Your Travel Style

If you love food, budget extra for memorable meals. If you’re a museum lover, factor in entry costs. If you’d rather stay somewhere charming and central than save £20 to stay further out, that’s valid too. Your budget should support the trip you want.

3. Choose Where to Go

This is the fun part, but also where many travellers get overwhelmed. With so many incredible places to visit, how do you narrow it down?

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

How many days do I have?
What kind of experiences am I most excited about, culture, food, nature, relaxation?
Am I comfortable moving around every few days, or do I prefer to stay in one place and explore from there?

How Many Countries or Cities Should You Visit?

One of the most common first-time mistakes is trying to see too much. Europe is compact compared to the US, but that doesn’t mean you should squeeze five countries into a 10-day trip.

⏳ A good rule of thumb:

7–10 days → 1 or 2 cities, maybe a short day trip

2 weeks → 2–3 countries, 3–5 destinations

3+ weeks → more flexibility, but still better to travel slower

Every time you move cities, you lose a day to travel. That’s why so many experienced travellers recommend staying at least 3 nights per location.

Popular Itinerary Ideas (by Theme)

🔰 First-Time Europe (Classic Cities)
London → Paris → Rome
Add Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Venice if you have more time.

You might like: London Itinerary Ideas

🍷 Food & Wine Lovers
Rome → Florence → Bologna → Barcelona → San Sebastián

🏔️ Scenic & Slower Pace
Lucerne → Salzburg → Vienna → Ljubljana → Lake Bled

🏰 History & Castles
Prague → Kraków → Budapest → Vienna

🌞 Mediterranean Coast
Barcelona → Nice → Cinque Terre → Amalfi Coast → Athens

One-Country vs Multi-Country Travel

Sticking to one country is a great option for first-timers. You’ll save on transport costs, reduce travel time, and get a deeper feel for the culture. Countries like Italy, France, Spain, and Germany all offer incredible variety without crossing any borders.

If you’re set on seeing more, just be realistic about distances. Use tools like Google Maps or Rome2Rio to check travel times between cities, and don’t forget to factor in check-out/check-in times, airports, and local transit.

🧠 Kate’s tip:
“I love using one city as a base and taking day trips, locations likes Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona and Florence are just a few places that are perfect for this. For example, from Florence you can do a day trip by train to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or from London you could do a day trip to Bath, Oxford or Stonehenge.”

Related: The Best Day Trips From London

4. Book Your Flights

Once you’ve chosen your dates and a rough itinerary, it’s time to book your flights, often one of the biggest expenses of your trip. Getting this step sorted early not only saves money, but also locks in your travel timeline so you can confidently plan everything else around it.

When to Book Flights to Europe

The sweet spot for booking transatlantic flights is typically 2 to 6 months in advance.
For peak season (summer or holidays), aim for 6+ months ahead.
Use price alert tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track deals and monitor trends.
Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) is often cheaper than weekends.

Pro tip: Prices tend to be highest if you book too close to departure or too far in advance (more than 11 months out).

Round-Trip, One-Way, or Multi-City?

Here’s what to consider:

Round-trip: Often cheapest and simplest if you’re starting and ending in the same city.
Multi-city / Open-jaw: Fly into one city and out of another (e.g. New York → Rome, Paris → New York). This saves time and money if your route is linear.
One-way flights: Useful if you’re using points or combining with budget carriers, but often more expensive for transatlantic routes unless you’re flying within Europe.

🧠 Example: If you plan to visit Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, consider flying into Paris and home from Rome, rather than looping back.

5. Plan Your Transport Within Europe

Once you’ve landed in Europe, the fun really begins, and so does the decision-making around how to get from place to place. Luckily, Europe has one of the best-connected transport networks in the world. Trains, buses, planes, and ferries make it easy to explore multiple destinations.

🚄 High-Speed Trains: Comfortable, Fast & Scenic

For journeys of under 4–5 hours, trains are often the best option. They’re fast, scenic, and drop you off in the city centre, no airport shuttles or long security lines.

Benefits of train travel:

No airport stress (arrive 15–30 mins before departure)
Spacious seats and luggage racks
Beautiful countryside views
Eco-friendly alternative to flying

Countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all have excellent high-speed rail networks (think TGV, ICE, Frecciarossa, and AVE). In other regions, regional trains may be slower but often cheaper and more charming.

🔹 Tip: If you’re doing multiple rail journeys, look into a Eurail Pass (for non-European residents). It can be great value, but always compare with point-to-point tickets first.

Budget Coaches: A Cheaper Alternative

Long-distance coaches (buses) are often cheaper than trains and can be surprisingly comfortable, especially with services like:

FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Eurolines (limited routes now)

If you’re on a budget or booking last-minute, buses can be an excellent option.

Example: When we travelled in Portugal, we took a coach from Porto to Lisbon, it was cheaper than the train, just as quick, and very comfortable.

Budget Airlines Within Europe

For longer distances, budget flights can be incredibly affordable, sometimes cheaper than the train if booked early.

Popular low-cost airlines:

Ryanair
EasyJet
Wizz Air
Vueling

But… be aware of the trade-offs:

Very strict baggage policies (you may need to pay extra for anything more than a small backpack)
Flights often use secondary airports, which can be 1–2 hours from the city centre
Watch for extra fees (seat selection, check-in, printing boarding passes)

If your journey is under 5 hours by train, consider if the time, hassle, and environmental cost of flying is really worth it.

Car Rentals

In rural areas or for more flexibility (e.g. road tripping in the Scottish Highlands or Provence), renting a car makes sense. Just be sure you’re comfortable with:

Manual transmission (automatic cars often cost more)
Toll roads, fuel costs, and parking
Driving rules (which vary between countries)

Also, check whether your UK or US licence is accepted, in many European countries it is, but for some (like Italy), you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

6. Book Your Accommodation

Once your flights are booked and your route is roughly mapped out, it’s time to start looking at where to stay. Europe has a huge range of accommodation, from elegant boutique hotels and centuries-old guesthouses to cosy apartments and budget-friendly hostels.

When to Book Accommodation

High season (summer and holidays): book 3–6 months in advance for popular cities.
Shoulder season: 1–3 months ahead is usually fine.
If you’re visiting smaller towns or during a festival, always book early, rooms go fast.

Even if you’re planning a more flexible trip, it’s smart to book your first few nights in advance so you can relax and settle in.

What Type of Accommodation Suits You?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Option	Best For	Pros	Cons
Hotels	Comfort, convenience	Daily housekeeping, 24/7 reception	Can be pricier in city centres
Apartments (Airbnb, Vrbo)	Families, longer stays	Kitchen, more space, local feel	May lack flexibility with check-in
Hostels	Solo travellers, budget trips	Social vibe, very affordable	Shared bathrooms, basic amenities
Guesthouses / B&Bs	Local charm	Often run by locals, breakfast included	Varies in quality
Agrotourism / Rural stays	Countryside travel	Unique settings, home-cooked meals	Car often needed

Where to Stay Within the City

Choosing the right neighbourhood can make or break your experience:

City centre: Close to attractions, but often more expensive and touristy.
Local neighbourhoods: Cheaper, more authentic feel, but check public transport access.
Near a train station: Great if you’re moving on soon, but do check reviews carefully, as these areas can sometimes be less scenic or feel less safe at night.

🔹 Tip: Use Google Street View and Maps to explore the area before booking. Check how far it is to walk or travel to key sights.

Where to Book

Hotels: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Apartments: Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide
Hostels: Hostelworld
Agrotourism: Agriturismo.it (Italy), Farm Stay UK

Always check reviews on multiple sites (Google, TripAdvisor, Reddit) to get a fuller picture before booking.

7. Plan Your Daily Itinerary

Now that the major pieces of your trip are in place, dates, destinations, transport, and accommodation, it’s time to start shaping the day-to-day details. This is where your trip really starts to come to life!

But don’t overplan. The key to a great European itinerary is balance: leave room for spontaneous discoveries while still seeing the sights you came for.

Start with the Must-Sees

Make a short list of your absolute top priorities in each destination, any famous European landmarks, museums, or experiences you don’t want to miss.

Examples:

Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Seine river cruise
Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trastevere dinner
Amsterdam: Anne Frank House, canal tour, Van Gogh Museum

🔹 Tip: Many attractions offer skip-the-line tickets, book in advance to avoid wasting time in queues.

Be Realistic With Your Time

It’s tempting to squeeze in as much as possible, but rushing from place to place can be exhausting. A good rule of thumb:

Plan for 2–3 major activities per day
Group sights by neighbourhood to minimise travel time
Leave free time for strolling, relaxing, or unexpected finds

Use a Map-Based Approach

Use Google Maps or a travel app to pin your must-see spots, cafés, and restaurants. This makes it easy to build each day around a walkable route, especially in Europe’s compact historic centres.

Don’t Forget Meals and Breaks

Europe is made for long lunches, café stops, and evening aperitifs. Book popular restaurants ahead of time (especially in Italy, France, and Spain), and plan some slower meals as part of the experience.

Consider booking at least one food tour, they’re a great way to taste local specialities and learn about a city’s culinary history.

Apps to Help You Plan

Google Maps – for pinning places and offline use
Rome2Rio – for checking how to get from A to B
TripIt – to organise all your bookings
GetYourGuide / Tiqets / Klook – for tours, activities, and skip-the-line tickets
Rick Steves Audio Europe – free walking tours and city guides

8. What to Pack for Europe

Packing for Europe can feel like a puzzle, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries, climates, or seasons. The goal? Pack light but smart. You’ll thank yourself every time you have to carry your bag up a cobbled hill or onto a train platform with no lift in sight.

Pack Light — Especially if You’re Moving Around

Try to stick to carry-on only if possible, especially if you’re flying budget airlines, where checked baggage can cost more than the flight!

Benefits of packing light:

Less waiting around at airports
Easier to navigate train stations and public transport
No need to repack a huge case every few days

🔹 Tip: Choose versatile clothing you can mix and match. Neutrals work well, and you can add personality with accessories.

What to Wear in Europe

While there’s no strict dress code, many European locals tend to dress smart-casual, especially in cities.

Pack:

Layers (weather can change quickly)
A light jacket or blazer (even in summer for evenings)
Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are no joke!)
A scarf or shawl (useful for cooler nights or visiting churches)
Swimsuit (yes, even in spring or autumn, many hotels have pools or saunas)

Essentials You Might Forget

European plug adapters (Type C is most common)
Portable phone charger
Refillable water bottle
Copies of your passport (physical + digital)
Travel insurance details
Medication (bring enough for your trip + a note from your doctor if needed)

What Not to Pack

Too many shoes – stick to 2 or 3 pairs max
Hairdryers – most hotels provide them, and voltage differences can damage yours
Valuable jewellery – unnecessary risk

Optional but Useful

Daypack or crossbody bag – perfect for sightseeing
Packing cubes – keep your bag organised
Reusable tote bag – for groceries, markets, or beach days
Microfibre towel – handy for hostels, picnics, or spontaneous swims

9. Stay Safe and Informed While Travelling Europe

Europe is generally very safe for travellers, but like anywhere in the world, it pays to stay aware, be prepared, and trust your instincts. Here’s how to travel smart and stay informed every step of the way.

Watch Out for Petty Theft

Pickpocketing is the most common issue tourists face, especially in crowded areas like:

Public transport (especially metros in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona)
Tourist hotspots (like the Trevi Fountain or Eiffel Tower)
Train stations and busy markets

🔹 Top Tips:

Use a crossbody bag that zips securely
Don’t keep all your valuables in one place
Avoid back pockets for wallets or phones
Be cautious of “distraction” tactics, like someone asking you to sign a petition or bumping into you

Stay Connected and Informed

Register with your government’s travel service (e.g., STEP for US citizens) in case of emergencies
Carry digital and physical copies of your ID and bookings
Use Google Translate or DeepL for language help
Save the local emergency number (112 works across most of Europe)

🔹 Tip: Get a European eSIM or SIM card to stay connected affordably, ideal for maps, bookings, and translation on the go.

Health and Medical Tips

Bring any prescription medication you need, in its original packaging
Travel insurance is essential, make sure it covers medical care and trip cancellations
Pharmacies are widely available across Europe, often marked with a green cross

Local Laws and Customs

Some places require ID at all times, a copy of your passport usually works
Public transport rules vary (e.g., you may need to validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses in some countries)
Be aware of dress codes at religious sites, a scarf or shawl is useful for covering shoulders or knees

10. Travel Essentials – Money, Insurance & Important Extras

Before you zip up your suitcase, make sure you’ve sorted the essentials that can make or break a smooth trip, from how to pay for things, to covering yourself with travel insurance.

Money & How to Pay in Europe

Most places in Europe accept card payments, and contactless is very common, even at smaller cafés and shops.

Debit or credit cards (Visa and Mastercard widely accepted)
Contactless payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay work in most places)
Cash – still useful for small purchases, markets, and tips

🔹 Tip: Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid card blocks
🔹 Avoid currency exchange booths in airports or tourist centres, use ATMs in banks for better rates

Currency in Europe

Most countries use the euro (€), but not all! For example:

UK: British Pound (GBP)
Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Norway, Sweden, Denmark: Different krone (NOK, SEK, DKK)
Hungary: Forint (HUF)
Poland: Zloty (PLN)
Czech Republic: Koruna (CZK)

Always check before you go to avoid surprises, and have some local currency when arriving at a smaller airport or train station.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t just a good idea, it’s a must.

Look for a policy that covers:

Medical emergencies
Trip cancellations or delays
Lost luggage or valuables
COVID-related disruptions (if still relevant)

🔹 Tip: Keep a digital copy of your policy and emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and email.

Mobile Data & Staying Connected

EU roaming is free if you’re from another EU country, but Americans and Brits will need a local SIM or eSIM
Options include Airalo, Holafly, or local SIM cards from Vodafone, Orange, etc.
Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and public places

Other Essentials

Plug adapters (Type C for most of Europe, but check your destinations)
Copies of travel documents stored securely (passport, insurance, bookings)
Emergency contact numbers (your bank, embassy, insurer)

11. Final Tips Before You Go

Planning a trip to Europe might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it quickly becomes one of the most exciting parts of the journey.

Remember:

You don’t need to see everything, focus on what excites you most
Book the essentials early, flights, key accommodation, and popular attractions
Stay flexible, leave space in your itinerary for slow mornings, spontaneous detours, or extra gelato breaks
Keep copies of your documents, bookings, and insurance info somewhere safe and accessible
Embrace the experience, not every day will go to plan, but the unexpected moments often become the best stories

✨ Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Europe always has something new to offer, and it’s never too early (or too late!) to start planning.