Planning A European Holiday This Summer? Get Started With These Tips And Tricks

Summer in the northern hemisphere means it’s time to head to Europe for a continent-spanning vacation. In 2024, approximately 1.2 million Indian tourists visited Europe, with Central and Eastern European countries being the most popular destinations.

Thanks to the vibrant weather, long daylight hours, and a lively atmosphere filled with festivals and outdoor activities, summer is the perfect time for a holiday. The season is conducive to exploring the continent’s beautiful landscapes, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing the rich culture of various destinations.

If you don’t know how to begin crafting your trip to Europe, use the following tips and tricks to plan your travels.

Planning And Booking The Trip

• Research destinations: Europe is vast and varied. Identify the countries and cities you most want to visit. Plan your itinerary based on your interests, such as historical landmarks and cultural centres, natural beauty or culinary delights.

• Prepare an itinerary: Once you have a list of destinations, map out a logical route. Ensure you allocate enough time in each location to fully enjoy its attractions without feeling rushed.

• Book flights early: International flights can be pricey, but booking several months in advance can help you secure better deals. Look for flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to major European hubs like Paris, London and Amsterdam.

• Accommodation: Accommodations can fill up quickly, especially in popular cities and during peak tourist seasons. Consider hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and even homestays for different experiences and price points. Choose accommodations close to public transport or within walking distance of major attractions to save time and money. Booking early ensures you get the best options and rates.

Visa And Documentation

• For most European countries, you’ll need a Schengen visa. Apply at least a month in advance and ensure you have all the required documents, including proof of accommodation, travel insurance, flight bookings and a detailed itinerary.

• Travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa and is crucial for covering any medical emergencies or travel disruptions.

If you are planning to visit several European countries at once, submit your Schengen visa application to the country with the lowest visa rejection rate. Iceland has the lowest rejection rate at 2.2 per cent, followed by Switzerland (10.7 per cent), Italy (12 per cent), Germany (14.3 per cent) and Austria (14.3 per cent). Belgium (26 per cent), Sweden (23 per cent), Denmark (21 per cent) and Spain (18 per cent) have much higher rejection rates. The country that has issued your Schengen visa has to be your first port of entry into the Schengen area, which comprises 29 countries.

Budgeting

• Consider all costs, including flights, accommodation, food, local transport and entrance fees to attractions.

• Do not exchange currency at airport counters as they give the worst exchange rates. Try currency exchange kiosks in city centres but rely on international credit and debit cards for most expenses. Just be careful of ATM skimmers.

Pack Smartly

• Europe involves a lot of walking and using public transport, so pack light to make your travel easier. Use a backpack or a small suitcase.

• The weather can also vary greatly. Check the forecast for each destination and pack accordingly. Remember, layers are key.

• Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, a universal travel adapter, a power bank, toiletries and any medications you might need.

Transportation Within Europe

• For long distances, budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer affordable options. Book early for the best prices. Keep in mind that most regional airlines have very limited baggage allowance for short flights; an extra fee has to be paid for checked-in bags.

• Trains are a better option for short-distance travel between cities and/or within the Schengen area. Consider getting a Eurail Pass if you plan to travel by train frequently. Activate your Eurail tickets before your first travel day, either online at or at a European train station. For train rides, carry snacks and fruits as it can be expensive to buy.

• In cities, use public transport like buses, trams and metros. Many cities offer day passes for unlimited travel.

Eating And Drinking

• Try local dishes in each country to get the full European experience. Look for local markets, street food and budget-friendly restaurants to save money.

• Restaurants near big tourist attractions (e.g., the Eiffel Tower in Paris, St Mark’s Square in Greece, the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon and the La Rambla in Barcelona) are usually more expensive and crowded. Avoid them.

• In many European countries, tap water is safe to drink. Keep a refillable water bottle with you so you won’t have to buy bottled water. Ask for tap water in restaurants to avoid paying for bottled water.

Sightseeing And Activities

• Decide which attractions you want to see and book tickets in advance in order to avoid long lines. Look up free attractions as many cities offer free walking tours, and museums offer free days or reduced rates.

• You should also consider buying a city pass, which can provide free or discounted entry to multiple attractions and free public transport.

Cultural Etiquette

• Learning a few words in the local language can greatly improve your experience and interactions with locals.

• Remember to also be aware of and respect cultural differences and local etiquette. Obey the clothing rules—driving while wearing sandals or flip-flops or any open-toed-shoe is a punishable offence in Spain; you cannot walk the streets only in a bikini or swimming shorts in Majorca and Barcelona, as well as in Hvar in Croatia and Türkiye; historic sites in Greece, such as the Acropolis or Delphi, prohibit women from wearing high heels; and in France, you have to wear a Speedo to jump into a pool as it has banned loose-fitting swimming trunks for men.

• If you have to use the bathroom, you can do so without paying in restaurants or museums. But if you are using public restrooms (at a train station or near a tourist attraction) you might have to pay a small fee to use them. Keep cash handy for this.

Stay Connected

Stay connected with a local SIM card or an international roaming plan. Most hotels, cafés and public places offer free Wi-Fi, but mobile data is useful for navigation and communication.

Health And Safety

• Check if any vaccinations are required and carry any necessary medications.

• When you’re out and about, be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded places, to avoid pickpockets. Don't keep your wallet in a back pocket. If you are carrying backpacks, wear them on your chest, not on your back. While shopping, do not leave your large bags outside shop doors. Do not hang your purse on the seat back in restaurants. Ask for another chair to keep your things or keep them on the floor.  

• Always keep a copy of your important documents either in your suitcase or email account.