10 Europe Trip Mistakes to Avoid for Your First Visit
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There’s a first time for everything and travelling to Europe is undoubtedly one of the most exciting.
As with everything that we experience for the first time, there may be hesitations of the unknown and unexpected. Depending on what kind of traveller you are, you may want to be prepared with what to know before visiting.
From using the wrong type of currency to ordering a glass of water with ice, we’ve compiled our top Europe trip mistakes to not make. By avoiding these mishaps, you’re sure to look like less of a first timer and skip over any less than perfect situations during your trip.
These common Europe trip mistakes are things to look out for as beginner travellers or can be used as reminders for seasoned travellers.
When to Take a Trip to Europe for the First Time
Europe is an amazing place to explore during any time of the year. There are tons of options to choose from depending on when you want (or are able to) to go, in addition to what interests you.
For southern coastlines, pristine beaches, and island hopping, the best time to visit Europe is clearly during warmer months.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, visiting its mountain peaks during winter can be just as magical and beautiful.
Many people taking a Europe trip for the first time make the mistake of believing that summer is the time to go
As people who have made their way around the continent year round, we have a hard time coming up with any destination in Europe that absolutely needs to be visited during June – August. If flexibility is on your side, consider these the best time to visit Europe.
Visiting Major Cities in Europe: May or November
Nothing will ruin a first-time trip to Europe more than visiting a popular city like Barcelona during the peak of summer. Do not underestimate the number of other tourists that will fill the streets at this time. Crowds can be the worst part of visiting Europe, period.
Enjoying Beaches or Islands in Europe: September – October
Although summer sounds like the logical time to plan a beach trip, it can actually be the worst possible time to visit beaches and islands in Europe.
Many of Europe’s most admired summer destinations are actually still warm enough to enjoy after summer. You can very easily still spend time on the beach and swim in the sea in September or even October.
Temperatures are particularly still high enough in southern hot spots like Italy’s southern region of Puglia or the Greek islands.
Winter Sports or Getaways in Europe: January – February
The Alps and other famous European mountain ranges are magnificent with or without snow. Still, the thought of an idyllic and charming European winter in the mountains during the holidays will never lose its appeal.
If winter sports, staying in a chalet or cozy cabin isn’t dependent on you spending the holidays there, book your Europe trip in January or February instead of December. The holiday crowds will have subsided, and accommodation prices are a fraction of the cost.
There is also typically more regular snowfall during January and February compared to December.
Is Travelling to Europe Still Worth It in 2024?
It’s easy to dismiss Europe as too overrated of a place to travel to. Whenever this topic comes up, we must bring up the argument that certain places are a classic for a reason. Many of its beautiful and iconic sites are not only world famous but one of a kind.
The European continent is packed with bucket list destinations, and yes, they will be busy with fellow tourists during peak season. However, this should not deter anyone from seeing the Eiffel Tower with their own eyes if it’s something they’ve always dreamt of.
Fulfilling a travel goal is something you’ll never regret, especially if it’s your first Europe trip!
Additionally, if you curate a Europe itinerary well, you can see the top landmarks as well as a few surprises that many tourists don’t know about. By checking off the major places you must visit in Europe in addition to secret gems, it undoubtedly makes a trip worth the hassle of travel.
Europe absolutely does not have to be cliche.
How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Europe
First time travellers that are headed to Europe will benefit from having flexibility in the destination they choose. This means, if you know you want to go to Europe but don’t particularly care where, you’re in the best position to find the cheapest flights.
The most important guideline to follow when searching for inexpensive flights to Europe is to utilise major airports. Use a tool like FlightConnections to determine which direct flights depart from your home airport to certain European cities.
You must first discover which flight paths are most common depending on your home airport and the airlines it serves. This then accomplishes two things at once – finding direct and cost effective flights.
Another way to reveal the most affordable airports to fly to in Europe is to pay attention to layover locations.
For example, if you’re browsing for flights to Prague from Seattle but notice that most flights make a stop in Frankfurt, chances are a flight to Frankfurt costs a fraction of the cost because it’s a massive air hub in Europe.
People who are set on a specific place in Europe for their first trip should avoid flights in summer. Unless you are prepared and accepting of the substantial price increase from June – August, you’ll be able to save an average of 10 – 25% on shoulder and off-season flights.
Rookie Mistakes to Avoid During Your First Europe Trip
1. Booking Train Travel Relentlessly
With Americans in particular, it’s been instilled that train travel is the only way to get around Europe. The reality is, it’s definitely not and often times, not even the most efficient way (both time and money) to travel in Europe.
While planning your first Europe trip, don’t make the mistake of assuming that each destination you’re visiting should be reached by train. Although train travel is VERY MUCH utilised and excellent in certain scenarios, you should do research before committing to the railway.
The biggest drawback to train travel in Europe is time. If you are not equipped with unlimited vacation days, you likely want to make the most of your time in Europe. By taking the train, you’re leaving mass amounts of time on the table by just commuting.
The handful of budget airlines in Europe have also made flights cheaper than train tickets.
Scenarios when train travel makes the most sense in Europe:
- Reaching a big city from the suburbs or the airport
- Traveling short distances, either within a country or quickly across borders. Taking a train (multiple) from Amsterdam to Rome on the other hand, doesn’t make sense.
- Scenic train journeys like the ones through the Swiss Alps or novelty train rides
2. Not Downloading Maps Ahead of Time
This is the easiest mistake to make, whether it’s your first or tenth trip to Europe. Downloaded maps, particularly in the Google Maps app, allow you to use navigation even offline.
When you land on a new continent, it’s only natural that you have no idea where you’re going and may need some assistance.
Regardless if you have international data or a functioning eSIM, these resources could briefly fail at any time, just like at home. By downloading a map area in Google Maps, you can have an emergency backup plan so you know where you are in case anything happens.
While still at home, take ten minutes to download a handful of maps before you get on your flight to Europe.
3. Overpacking Products You Can Buy in Europe
A majority of European countries are influenced by western culture, especially major cities. From the variety of restaurants to the selection of toothpaste, you can find nearly anything you would back home, assuming you’re visiting from North America.
Tourists who are packing for their first Europe trip will commonly make the mistake of overpacking. This isn’t limited to clothing, but things they cannot live without and think they will not be able to find in Europe.
Based on our own families and friends who have visited us in Europe, we have yet to come across a situation where we aren’t able to find what they’re yearning for.
By not overpacking, you can avoid smaller baggage fees and have less stuff to haul around. If you forget anything while visiting a big city in Europe, you can purchase it there.
Yes, there are Pringles, Huggies diapers, and even peanut butter in the grocery store aisles of Europe.
The only time you should consider packing more than what is needed is if you are headed straight to the countryside or secluded destinations in Europe.
4. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
North American travelers get a bad reputation when it comes to this frequent mistake. Unfortunately, it’s not terribly far from the truth, as we can confirm the observations from many trips around Europe.
Plainly, it depends on where you go in Europe and whether or not you should expect to hear English.
As an example, the population of the Netherlands speaks really great English. In fact, you may not notice accents with certain people you chat with. Even with the older generation, there was never an incident where someone couldn’t speak to us in English after finding out we clearly don’t speak Dutch.
In France, the stereotype unfortunately holds much truth and English is rarely heard outside of big cities. Italy is also one of the least English-speaking countries in Europe despite its popularity with tourists.
First-timers should not be discouraged by any of this because all major cities in Europe are privy to visitors. Getting by on English alone is manageable in places like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Prague and so on.
Tips to Navigate Language Barriers
We highly recommend not to begin any conversation, regardless of where you are, with the assumption that the other person speaks English. If the other person doesn’t first greet you in English, it doesn’t hurt to at least ask if they speak English.
The trick to avoiding any uncertainty about language barriers is to learn a few phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. This not only helps in confusing situations but shows a grand amount of respect towards the other person.
When visiting less touristy countries where we know a language barrier is inevitable, we always download the language in the Google Translate app ahead of time.
In addition to learning a few key phrases, having a pocketbook in our phone that we can reference is wildly invaluable.
5. Not Recognising Individual Countries Within Europe
It’s important to remember that Europe is not a country, it’s a continent. To generalize it as one country would be greatly incorrect and disrespectful to each individual nation.
Whether you are visiting just one or multiple countries during your Europe trip, do not make the mistake of assuming they are all the same. Aside from pure geography, Europe is comprised of many individualistic states, each with independent governments, culture, history, language, population and so on.
There are a handful of examples to cultural differences among European states. Germany is essentially closed on Sundays while its next door neighbour, the Czech Republic, is fully operational each day of the week.
Even minute daily tasks like what is eaten in breakfast in Italy versus in Greece will vary.
The European Union was created as a political organization to unite a majority of European countries in the early 90s. It is not a governing blanket of the entire continent. For tourists, many of the benefits of the EU consist of relaxed travel restrictions and coverage of travel insurance.
Although much of the continent has adapted the euro as their currency, you should not assume that all do and double check just in case. For example, Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and not the euro.
6. Visiting Only Big Cities and Popular Destinations
Planning a Europe trip centered around major destinations makes sense for first-time visitors. However, if you want your experience to stand out slightly, consider fitting in destinations that are a little off the beaten path.
One of the most common mistakes to make on a first-time Europe trip is to curate an itinerary only around popular landmarks, sights and big cities. By leaving some time to wander aimlessly or seek out hidden gems in the area, your Europe trip can transform from cookie-cutter to a proper adventure.
Another downside to only visiting big cities and popular destinations within Europe is the substantial increase in price.
A Europe trip can be surprisingly affordable if you travel efficiently but when you venture off into Eastern Europe or simply away from big cities, the value for travellers only grows.
The easiest way to break the mold of a brochure-style Europe trip is to rent a car and explore on your own time. Many first-time (and even frequent visitors) travelers to Europe make the mistake of assuming that driving is very difficult while abroad.
The reality is, it’s actually very uncomplicated to take a European road trip, particularly in western European countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
7. Setting Inaccurate Expectations
Travelling is the most authentic way to immerse yourself in a different world and culture, hands on. To believe that everything will be the same during your Europe trip as it is back home would be a classic rookie mistake.
Before setting off, dial your expectations and remember that of course, some things will be different!
First, it’s helpful to remember that Europe is old, like really old in certain places. This means, infrastructure for certain things like plumbing, traffic, and city planning were not created for the modern world.
In Greece, it’s common to only throw away toilet paper in bins instead of in the toilet. If you’re staying in an Airbnb in an Italian village, it’s possible that you can only run a couple of appliances at once due to electrical limits.
Of course, these are just examples and should not be generalized for the entire country, but they can very well occur.
The most common surprises that first-time visitors are often not aware of include:
- There is no free water in restaurants, cafes, or bars. Water is almost always paid for and sold in glass or plastic bottles.
- Ice is not heavily used in Europe as it is in North America. Unless you specifically ask for it, do not expect ice with your drinks or for every store to even stock it.
- Unless you’re dining in a restaurant, public restrooms are typically not free. Many public restrooms will require a small fee (.50 euro or less) to use.
- Many European cities, towns, and villages are historic, which means they’re originally meant for pedestrians. Believe the reviews and be prepared for a ton of walking while visiting Europe.
8. Exchanging Currency and Not Utilising Credit Cards
The most costly Europe trip mistake you can make is to rely solely on exchanging currency during your visit. As a general recommendation regardless of where you’re going, we typically never advise travellers to exchange cash unless absolutely necessary.
Unless you have the time and patience to shop around for exchange rates, it’s cheaper to withdraw cash at an ATM. Although many currency exchange kiosks will advertise “no commission,” this doesn’t mean that their rate is actually an honest deal.
Currency exchange booths at airports and train stations should absolutely be avoided at all costs, as it’s guaranteed you’ll be ripped off.
Most of the time and based on our own experience, the fees you’ll pay for withdrawing cash from a local ATM are less and overall, a better deal than exchanging cash. Before traveling to Europe, you can also ask your bank if they have any offers on debit cards without international withdrawal fees.
Or, it’s also a possibility to exchange cash in your home country for euros before traveling.
The absolute best way to pay for anything while abroad is with a credit card. Do not make the mistake of assuming many places won’t accept credit cards in Europe. In fact, European countries have long been accepting “tap to pay” cards and Apple Pay long before the U.S. has.
Of course, this assumes you hold a solid credit card without any international transaction fees. If you do, use it as much as you can and save your cash for only when absolutely needed.
9. Waiting Until Last Minute to Buy Tickets for Major Attractions
To avoid major disappointment while visiting Europe in the summer, you need to book your tickets to major attractions beforehand. This is the easiest mistake to make for people who plan on seeing prominent landmarks, only to later find out that tickets are impossible to purchase.
Top sights like the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome are often sold out for weeks in advance. To assume you will somehow manage to get your hands on entry tickets while there would be a huge mistake.
Marketplaces for travel activities like GetYourGuide and Viator make it so convenient to find tickets and guided tours that fit what you’re looking for. Absolutely do not sleep on making reservations until the last minute.
10. Using an International Data Package From Your Home Cell Carrier
Making sure you have mobile data while abroad is a huge part of a successful Europe trip. Although it can be done, it’s a bit unconventional to travel without access to internet and therefore your hotel information, communication or navigation.
Many phone carriers in North America will advertise an international data package for travel. A majority of the time, the data packages cost at least $30 extra and are very limited to the amount of GB you’re allowed. After you surpass the granted GB, you are disabled to a slower speed and other restrictions.
Basically, the international data package is sufficient for emergencies but not everyday use.
Meanwhile, the rise of eSIM services is growing in demand and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to set up, affordable, and has excellent service in Europe. eSIM providers like Airalo and Holafly are particularly popular in Europe and both offer Europe packages in addition to SIM cards for individual countries.
The primary features of using an eSIM include not having to buy a physical SIM card and immediate function upon landing in Europe. They utilize local networks depending on where you are, which means the connection is really reliable.
☎️ Read More: An Honest Review of the Airalo eSIM Card in Europe
The Best Destinations in Europe for First Timers
Prague
This Central European country’s capital is great for anyone’s first time in Europe. It’s relatively manageable in size, which means you can cover a lot in a short amount of time. It is comparatively still one of the most affordable big cities in Europe.
The city is dense in landmarks, fun for people of all ages, easy to walk through, and has good public transportation coverage.
Amsterdam
For first-time visitors in Europe who don’t want a huge culture shock, Amsterdam is the answer. The Netherlands in general is one of the most westernized European countries and most similar to North America in a variety of ways.
The Dutch also tend to speak the most English out of all the European nations. However, it still manages to have a flare of its own that stands out from the rest of the European states.
By far, it’s one of the most effortlessly flawless and picturesque places that is sure to stun anyone visiting Europe for the first time. It is very flat and easy to explore on foot which makes it a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
Florence
Many first-time tourists to Europe may think that they must head to Rome. Although Rome holds a special magic that no other city can compete against, it can be a bit overwhelming. On the other hand, Florence is much more relaxed and easy to digest.
Incredible food is found on every corner, plus there is much art and culture for tourists to entertain themselves with for days.
London
Aside from the obvious fact that you’re able to speak English in London, it’s often described as the European version of NYC. It is large, consists of various and diverse quarters but still maintains a level of charm that travellers are seeking when headed to Europe.
There are countless aspects of London which are similar to what visitors from North America would be used to. This may help relieve possible anxiety about the unknown when travelling abroad for the first time.
Travel Resources for Avoiding Europe Trip Mistakes
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
