ESSENTIAL EURO TRAVEL TIPS FOR AUSSIES
European Travel Tips
Europe can be a relatively intimidating place to visit if you have never been before. There is so much to do and see, and you never know if you have enough time or money to get to it all; however, there are a few tips to make your trip much more accessible.
Budget More than You Think
One mistake many people tend to make is underestimating how expensive many parts of Europe are. For example, cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona can all be costly to explore, let alone do anything in them.
Therefore, when you buy Euros online in Australia, buy much more than you may think you need. The last thing you want to do is miss out on a ton of experiences just because you have run out of money.
Be Ready for Translations
While most of the locals across Europe can speak English to some degree, there are still many pockets of people who can speak barely any, if they can speak it at all. Therefore, be prepared to do some translating.
People in the French, Spanish, and Italian countryside and many people in Poland, Sweden, Romania, etc. can’t speak much English, and you will need a phrase book or a translation app.
Have an Itinerary
While organized fun isn’t for everyone, an itinerary makes a difference in a European city. If you think of somewhere like London, you can be on the go from sun up to sun down, and it will still take you weeks to get to every tourist spot or attraction.
Instead, plan out your days, know where you are going and when you are going there, and use your time effectively and efficiently.
When in Doubt, Rent a Car
One thing that can confuse many visitors is the public transport systems and being able to get from Point A to Point B. This is especially true if you want to visit somewhere more remote. To avoid this, instead hire a car and save yourself the stress.
Visit in the Off-Season
Europe is one of the most popular continents to visit for tourists, with the majority of the countries being busy throughout the tourist season. If you want a quieter holiday, it would be best to visit in the off-season.
If you are unsure of the off-season, simply think about what type of weather is the most popular in a country. For example, Summer in Spain, Winter in London, etc.
Stay Centrally
Another mistake many people tend to make is that they think it will be cheaper to stay on the city’s outskirts rather than in it. While that can be true to a degree, the cash will start adding up once you realize how much traveling you do to the city center.
Instead, spend the extra money on a hotel in the city center, as in the long run, you will save far more money than you may think.
Book Holiday Packages
If you plan skiing in Italy, France, Switzerland, or wherever else, booking a holiday package will always be a better idea. Skiing packages, in particular, are almost always all-inclusive and often cheaper than booking all of the elements individually.
Eat at Markets
Everyone who has been on holiday will talk about how food quickly becomes one of your most significant expenses; eating in Europe is no different. However, there is one way to avoid this; eating at a market.
Much like most of South-East Asia, which has a huge and very cheap food market scene, markets in Europe are one of the best ways to enjoy all of the local cuisines, but at a fraction of the price you would pay in a restaurant.
Travel Between Countries by Train
While flights in and around Europe can be very cheap, you can add an extra adventure or two on your holiday by traveling to different countries by train. Most European countries have an extensive rail network that will either get you across the country or across the country to a neighboring one.
These train tickets can sometimes seem expensive, but most will be overnight trains and therefore have beds, a restaurant, a bar area, etc. This is a brilliant way to see new parts of a country without having to do much except look out of the window.
Book Walking Tours
Finally, as part of your itinerary, it is always a good idea to book walking tours. Having a tour guide with you is easily one of the best ways to explore a city and find hidden attractions that you didn’t know existed.
These tours are often very cheap, with many ending with a meal at a famous restaurant or getting a drink at the pub.
If you follow these simple and helpful tips, not only will you have the European holiday of your dreams, but you will be able to see and do everything you want to do too. There is no need to be stressed when you have brilliant tips like these.
