Mistakes travelers make when going to Europe
I just returned from Europe for the 2nd time in 2 months, and WOW - it never gets old.
Each time I go, I learn more tips to bring home.
(And I make some mistakes, so you don’t have to.)
Underestimating Logistics
You don't want to spend half your vacation in transit! It can be so easy to overlook the distances, but it's so crucial to talk with an advisor who can make recommendations on how best to spend your time. We can talk through logistics, the reality of travel time, and alternative ideas to maximize actually vacation-ing on your vacation.
Pro Tip: Instead of pairing Amalfi Coast with Tuscany (3-4 hour transfer + 1-2 hour train ride) consider Forte Dei Marmi, which is a seaside town in Tuscany, allowing you to be just a stone's throw from Cinque Terre. You'll also get much more luxury-for-less in this region than in the overpriced southern coast.
Have you considered a river cruise through Europe? Think of this as a floating boutique hotel, where you only have to unpack once!
Doing too much
You wouldn't pair New York with New Orleans with Nashville in one week, but that's sometimes the temptation when travelers go to Europe. It's easy to see the short flight times, and assumption of country proximity, and want to squeeze it all in, but just please - trust me on this one.
My suggestion is to slow down, and give yourself time to get lost in a new city. Let's find immersive tours together, giving you time to taste, smell and feel the vibrancy of a new destination.
Blindly Following Trends
Trends may inspire you to add something to your bucket list, but just because your cousin loved something, doesn't mean it will align with your passions and travel style. Let's hop on a design consult, and talk through what you want out of this specific vacation.
Ignoring Seasonality
For example, Mykonos beach clubs won't be open in early April, and Amalfi Coast will shut its doors come late October. You also won't want to go to certain parts of Europe during the peak summer months, as it's HOT, crowded, and pricey.
Pro-tip: the Europeans go on holiday in August, so rates are lower, and crowds are a little less. Let's talk through the best time to go to certain countries in order to maximize your investment.
Skipping local experiences
I get it - I used to be a backpacker - I would rush from place to place, barely settling into a city, hitting the iconic sites and monuments, and moving along. I saw it, right?!
I realized I wanted more. I wanted to meet the locals, see life from their view, immerse myself into the culture, stay at a property that enhanced a destination rather than just rushing to sleep there, and learn what was so special about the beautiful views in front of me.
This changed the way I viewed travel. It’s why I got into this industry - to help others slow down and appreciate the world.
Your next favorite memory won’t come from an 8 hour sprint through Amsterdam before packing up for a flight to the next city. (I mean listen, you’re cool and can make anything fun, but I hope you get my point 😉)
Packing too much
We're used to being allowed a 50 pound checked bag, but if you're flying on a domestic European flight, they often have more strict limitations. For example, on Ryanair, you're only allowed a 20KG bag, and you will be charged 11 EUR per KG over that. You will rarely wear heels due to the cobblestone and uneven paths. Plus, make sure to save room for shopping!
Not checking passport validity
Most countries in Europe require 6 months validity past the date of entry, so make sure your passport isn't needing a renewal! Do your airline tickets match the name on your passport at time of travel?
Not getting an international driver’s license
Certain countries strongly recommend this, and the fine for not having one is much higher than the cost of obtaining, so I always recommend my clients do this, just in case.
You know the difference between microwaving something and putting it in the air fryer?
That’s what hiring a travel advisor is like.
If you’ve booked your own travel all your life, you may feel that’s just fine. It’s quick and easy; it’ll do. Or you simply don’t know another way.
But oh - there are ovens and air fryers out there, my friends. There’s a way to elevate how you see the world.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Follow me on Instagram, @onyx.and.evergreen.travel.