Traveling is the best way to explore new places, make friends, and have unforgettable memories. For Indians, in particular, traveling in Europe can be an expensive affair because of our low currency compared to Euros.
Due to this reason, most Indians prefer to travel by road across Europe, which takes more money and time than flying around.
If you are one of those who want to explore the most amazing places, Europe has to offer but are not ready to break the bank, here are some pointers so that you can plan your trip right.
How to Plan Europe Trip from India
1) Plan your budget
Figure out how much money you can save and spend during your trip. Just because you are traveling in Europe does not mean that you become a sava-holic and start spending like crazy.
Keep your expenses minimal and reasonable to maximize the fun quotient of the trip without worrying about the cost at the end of it. Also, prioritize the places you want to visit in Europe and decide on how much money you can spare for each place. It helps to decide on a rough budget and stick to it.
2) Plan your trip by day
This is the first thing you need to do, figure out how long you can travel without getting bored or homesickness creeping in? Fill up the entire itinerary with things that interest you and not just for the sake of planning an expensive trip.
You can even plan a month-long trip or a forty-eight-hour one. It all depends on your comfort level. When you know how many days you can spend in a particular place, you can plan your sightseeing and other activities appropriately.
Also, keep in mind the distance between two places and how much time it will take to reach your next destination.
3) Choose a destination and work on it
You can plan a trip anywhere from Paris to Iceland. When you have multiple options, it is always advisable to choose one place and work on your plans from there.
If you are traveling during summers, then Iceland is the perfect destination for adventure seekers. It offers some cool stuff like ice skating, camping, hiking, etc.; when traveling solo, it is recommended that you stick to one place for your entire trip. Also, if you have a company for your Europe trip, then try to plan your itinerary, keeping in mind the comfort level of everyone.
4) Check for cheap flights
No matter how expensive a place is, there are ways to get around and explore it on a shoestring budget, but make sure that you do not compromise on entertainment or sightseeing. It is very important to do thorough research before you head out for cheap flights. Many websites like Makemytrip, Expedia, Goibibo offer attractive discounts on airfare depending on the time of year and demand of seats in that particular region. You can also check for free days or offbeat places to visit in Europe. Make sure to book your flights at least four months in advance because booking early helps you save the most.
5) Check the documents
Make sure that you carry all the essential documents before heading out on an adventure. When crossing the borders of France, Germany, or any other country in Europe, your identity proof is your biggest defense.
Carry a valid passport and visa with proper ID cards to avoid hassles at airports and borders. Also, keep photocopies of all your documents and credit cards so that you can easily fetch them in case of emergency. Also, always carry your original documents with you because it is extremely difficult and time-consuming to get photocopies from the embassies. Another important thing to carry is a list of emergency contact details that includes your embassy and consulate contacts in the country you are visiting.
6) Choose an ATM over cash
This is something you should keep in mind when traveling alone, especially for women. You never know when you are stranded without any money, so always choose to withdraw cash from ATMs rather than carrying it with you.
Also, keep in mind that most airports have cash machines where you can withdraw euros for a nominal fee. Europe is very safe for women traveling alone, but always carry enough cash with you just in case.
Also, it is advisable not to carry all your cash in one place to not lose it all in case of an emergency. The best way is to keep your passport, euros, and credit card separately so that you can easily hand over the former two when required.
Also, travel insurance is extremely important if you are headed for Europe because it offers financial security in case of emergencies.
7) Plan your accommodations
There are many options available for accommodation in Europe. You can either go for hostel-style living or five-star luxury, but make sure you plan well before executing the same.
Get recommendations from your friends who have previously visited the country or check online reviews to choose a suitable place to stay.
Also, keep in mind the budget constraints when choosing your accommodations. Always book in advance to get the best deals on room rentals and hotels because they are usually very economical during months like January, February, or September.
When choosing a hotel, carry all your requirements and preferences with you to choose from a variety of options as per your needs.
8) Enjoy your trip
From the tower of Pisa to the Louvre museum, Europe is full of tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities for you.
Every city in Europe has something unique to offer to its tourists, so explore as many places as possible.
Make sure that you do not miss out on any entertainment options because they are free. Also, make sure to enjoy some local entertainment in the country you are visiting because it is usually very different from what you are used to in your country.
So it’s a wrap on this article on 8 Tips to help you travel safely in Europe. I hope that you found this article useful and informative. Please leave your comments below and let me know if there is anything you would want us to cover in our next articles.
