The tiny yet mighty continent of Europe is densely packed with diverse cultures, beautifully planned public transportation, iconic landmarks everywhere, and world-class cuisine. For many outside of the continent, hopping from country to country across Europe is a dream trip where the to-do lists are often longer than the trip.
However, given the numerous countries that occupy the small continent and the multitude of things to see and do, planning a trip to Europe is all about getting your logistics in order. Plus, it’s also about understanding the cultural nuances that change with every shift in country or language as you cross the borders.
Without proper planning, a trip to Europe can quickly turn from a dream to a nightmare if you make rookie travel mistakes.
Before you set off to Europe, you’ll want to consult this list of the most common mistakes to avoid when traveling through Europe so you can enjoy the beauty of the continent without suffering setbacks.
Trying to See Too Much in One Trip
People often try to squeeze in too many countries in a short span, thinking they’ll rack up bragging rights for the number of countries visited, or they try to wring every second of the trip since it’s often pretty costly to go on an epic adventure to Europe. However, the truth is that it often leads to a rushed and forgettable trip.
Constantly moving between airports and train stations means you’re seeing places without truly experiencing them. They don’t get the time to take in the destinations fully and notice every small detail. Heck, they hardly even get the time to have a proper conversation with a stranger in a café.
Instead of rushing from one country to another, checking off items on your travel list, focus on just two or three regions. Spend a week exploring the different towns of Spain rather than rushing through all the countries surrounding Spain. Stay longer in each place to discover hidden gems, try more local cuisine, and truly experience the culture.
This way of exploring Europe is actually more relaxing, as you’ll spend less on transport, won’t have to change hotels constantly, and you’ll remember more than just train schedules.
Not Checking Visa and Entry Requirements
With the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) updates and post-Brexit changes, Europe’s visa requirements have become more complicated than they used to be.
Citizens of certain countries may require pre-clearance or special transit visas, and these requirements can vary even within the European Union. Before you go, double-check the requirements for each country. For example, if you’re flying into London and out of Zurich, make sure you’re covered for the entire route.
If you need a visa, make sure you apply to the right embassy and have a clear itinerary in place with supporting documents and a convincing cover letter. Even during your trip, keep digital and printed copies of your visa confirmations handy and plan connections carefully, especially if you need to transition through non-Schengen zones.
Booking Inflexible Transport Too Early
It’s easy to book non-refundable trains or flights months ahead to save money, but it locks your schedule in. Europe is a place where discovering hidden gems and falling in love with certain towns and areas is a common experience. Those non-changeable bookings eliminate flexibility completely from your plans.
Trains in Europe often have flexible pricing. So, instead of budget flight tickets, it may make more sense to buy regional routes at the last minute.
Book major transfers early if they’re limited or expensive, but for short distances and local region sightseeing, keep your plans flexible. This allows you to stay an extra day if a city surprises you or reroute in case of weather issues or delays.
Ignoring Local Holidays and Strikes
Public holidays can mean empty streets or completely shut cities. Germany, for example, is completely shut on Sundays, and it’s not unusual for most tourist attractions like museums, palaces, parks, and art galleries also have schedules that don’t match your travel plans.
It’s almost important to take notice of local politics. In countries such as Italy and France, rail workers and airline personnel often go on strike, which can mess with your travel plans.
Always Google national holidays and look up news on local strikes for each place you’re traveling to. For sightseeing, create a short list of backup places to visit if the main attractions remain closed. Whenever possible, book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies in case plans shift.
Assuming Credit Cards Work Everywhere
In Europe, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, many places still operate on a cash-only basis. Even in big cities, some cafés or bakeries only accept local debit cards. This can come as a surprise if you’re used to tapping to pay everywhere.
Always have some euros (or the local currency) on hand. Withdraw cash from ATMs whenever you get an opportunity. Also, carry a spare prepaid travel card, as some terminals and train stations reject international cards without warning.
Always ask if cards are accepted before ordering at smaller restaurants or shops to avoid awkward moments.
Not Learning Basic Local Phrases
English might work in cities, but even a “bonjour” or “danke” makes a difference in smaller towns. Locals often respond more warmly if you approach them by opening with a word or two in their language.
Many apps can help you learn basic phrases in the language of the place you are visiting. You can even simply write down phrases for greetings, asking directions, and ordering food. At the very minimum, learn to say, “I don’t speak [language]; do you speak English?” in the local language. It just shows respect to those around you.
Overpacking
Many people want to look their best on their trip to Europe, but what they often overlook is that many accommodations in Europe lack elevators, and it’s often a pain to drag your suitcase down old, cobbled streets.
Instead, stick to a carry-on or small suitcase. Choose layers, avoid bulky items, and pack clothes that can be worn in versatile ways. Do laundry halfway through your trip or pack a travel detergent. Europe has plenty of supermarkets so you can always buy what you forgot.
Not Validating Train Tickets
In countries like Italy, Austria, or the Czech Republic, a paper train ticket isn’t valid unless it’s stamped before boarding. Likewise, some countries require you to write down passenger and journey details on discounted tickets like city passes, multi-journey tickets or group tickets.
Train inspectors rarely show leniency, and fining ignorant tourists is a common occurrence.
So whenever you are traveling by train, ask the station staff or ticket officers about the rules. Check if the tickets need to be validated before you hop on your train. If yes, look for small validation machines near platforms. Even some digital tickets require activation via the booking app before travel.
Underestimating Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is extremely common in Europe, but most people don’t take its reality seriously till they become victims of it.
It’s helpful to understand that pickpockets often work in teams at popular tourist destinations. You’ll have someone distracting you while another person takes your belongings. It’s especially common in crowded or touristy places. Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Vatican City, or metros and trams running popular routes are hotspots of pickpockets. .
Use bags that zip fully, use a money belt or under-clothing pouch, and never flash valuables or openly show the cash in your wallet.
One of the biggest mistakes that you could make is keeping your phone in your back pocket. Be extra alert when visiting crowded places, and watch out for people who get unusually close in a crowd. Also, avoid placing bags on chairs or the ground while seated in restaurants or cafes.
Not Booking Attractions in Advance
Places like the Sagrada Família, the Anne Frank House, or the Vatican Museum regularly sell out days in advance. You will most certainly be left waiting or disappointed if you show up at such places without a ticket. For instance, during peak summer, queues outside the Colosseum in Rome can stretch to over two hours, and entry may be capped before you even reach the front.
The best way to avoid disappointment is by booking tickets to major sights online at least a week in advance. Some places also offer early access or guided tours that skip the line, which may be worth the extra cost in busy seasons.
Thinking All European Countries Use the Euro
Before assuming you should exchange all your money for Euros before your trip, double-check the currency of all the places you’re traveling to. While more than 20 countries in Europe use the euro, many don’t, including Switzerland, Hungary, and Sweden.
You’ll need different currencies at some European destinations, and exchange rates can be pretty high at airports. Instead, use a no-foreign-fee card and withdraw local currency from ATMs upon arrival. Keep small bills and coins for local transport, bathrooms, and cafés.
Only Visiting Major Cities
Yes, London, Paris, and Rome are iconic, but they’re just a small slice of Europe. Europe is full of countless towns and smaller cities that are often a much better representation of its local culture and classic architecture.
These are towns where you can meet friendly locals and learn about the history, culture, and customs of the place. Make sure you balance your itinerary with a mix of big cities and some offbeat gems. It might help to rent a car for countryside trips or take a slower regional train to explore the smaller towns.
Assuming All Airports Are the Same
In large cities like London, Paris, or Milan, there might be multiple airports that serve international flights, and they can be far apart from each other. Travelers often make the mistake of booking flights to the wrong airport or showing up at the wrong terminal for their flight.
Always double-check the airport code on your ticket. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are not interchangeable.
Plus, you should give yourself extra time to travel between terminals or airports. Mistakes here can lead to missed flights and expensive rebookings.
Underestimating Local Customs and Symbols
Traveling is all about exploring ways of life that you’re not used to and seeing the world in a whole different light. That means the cultures you’re experiencing will be different from the ones you know.
Wearing certain colors, making specific gestures, or displaying symbols without understanding their context can cause tension or confusion. In some regions, a hand signal that’s harmless in your home country could be offensive or even political. Especially check the local customs around the okay gesture, thumbs up, or a V for victory gesture.
Also, do a quick search about clothing and local sensitivities before visiting a new country or region. This is especially important in places with strong political histories or cultural identities where the local dress codes are different from back home.