We see it time and time again, especially with people traveling for the first time. We have been in travel for over 35 years. This list is based not only on our personal experiences, but also stories from our clients over the years.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Traveling to Europe
- Booking Connecting Flights with short layovers
We all want to arrive as quickly as possible, but although an hour may be an acceptable connection to the airline, its just not practical. You have to allow for flight delays and time in some airports to get through security and from one terminal to another. Give yourself at least 2 hours in-between flights. You may also want to become familiar with what to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled. - Trying to squeeze too much into one trip
Europe is a beautiful continent but, it is totally impossible to see everything in one trip. It’s better to focus on just a few European cities instead of moving from city to city every other day. Make a practical itinerary that gives you time to enjoy one place before moving on to the next. - Expecting everyone in Europe to speak English
This might be somewhat true in big cities, but not in the smaller villages. Expect some locals to not reply to you because they don’t understand what you are saying. - Waiting in unnecessary lines
Europe has some of the most visited tourist attractions and they are likely to be crowded with 3+ hour waits to get into some attractions. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the long lines. - Not Buying Travel Insurance
Anything can happen while on the road, from getting sick to getting mugged, but with travel insurance, your costs can be covered while you are away. - Not Wearing Comfortable shoes
The best way to enjoy Europe’s sights is by walking and since the streets are filled with pavers and cobblestones, it is better to pack comfortable walking shoes. It would be a huge disadvantage to your feet to wear those designer heels or cute flip-flops just to look cool. - Not packing an adapter
Never leave home without a universal travel adapter to cater to all regions in Europe. - Not Buying Tickets in Advance
Opening hours to attractions might vary, so instead of walking up to a closed gate, check the official website of the different sites. Don’t assume all sites are open on Mondays for example so check ahead of time. - Not Having Money to Use Public bathrooms
Credit Cards are widely accepted across Europe, but it’s important to have some cash, especially in the smaller villages. You might need cash for public transportation, bathrooms or for tips. While we are on the subject of bathrooms, its always a good idea to pack travel wipes as toilet paper isnt always available. - Only Visiting tourist traps and not Local Restaurants
You might want to eat near a famous site, but your wallet will suffer. Such cafes and restaurants are always expensive and far from preparing the best food. Try a restaurant far from the major tourist attraction, where you’ll get the best value. Read more on this topic one our post How Can I Experience Local Food During My Travels. - Assuming You Are Safe
Europe is generally a safe continent but you must take caution to stay safe at all times. Pick pockets are everywhere. Be mindful of your property especially at crowded tourist attractions. We discuss this in more detail on our blog Best Way to Carry Money While Traveling. - Booking the wrong hotels to save money
The worst mistake while traveling is booking your hotel on the wrong side of the city. You can waste precious time and money in transportation to and from the sites. It’s always better to book accommodations near the city centers so that everything is within walking distance or a few minutes away by train. - Not Exchanging money in Advance
Do not exchange your money at the airport where exchange rates are highest. Wait until you reach the nearest bank or a foreign exchange office. - Not Advising Your Bank you are traveling
Don’t get declined charges because your forgot to advise your bank or credit card company that you will be out of the country. - Not Dressing Appropriately
All cultures and traditions are not the same in each European Country as they are in the U.S. Do some research to find what is acceptable and what is not for visiting churches and certain sites.
Before planning your trip, consider going with a tour company such as Globus Tours, Tauck Tours or Collette Vacations. With escorted trips, you can often save up to 30% over traveling on your own. If being on a bus is not your style then there are companies such as Monograms Vacations where you still have everything planned out in advance but you customize the trip and are on your own versus being in a group.
More Europe Travel Expertise from The Traveler’s Atlas:
- Tourist Taxes in Europe: A Travel Advisor’s Field Guide
- New EU Travel Rules 2025: EES and ETIAS Explained
- Beautiful Lake Regions in Europe Worth Visiting
- Best Romantic Small Towns in Europe
- 5 Old Towns in Europe Worth Visiting
- Europe in Bloom: The Best Places to See Flowers in Spring
More Europe Destination Guides from Our Advisors:
- 2020 Pride Celebrations Around the World
- Locally Produced Drinks to Try While Traveling in Europe
- Denmark Travel Tips
- Italy’s Enchanted Island of Capri
More European Destinations and Travel Advice:
- Virtual Tour of Italy
- European Theme Parks You Should Visit
- Walking Through Krakow’s Old Town
- A Day In Athens
- Budapest’s Great Market Hall
- The Worst Cities for Travelers to Drive In
- Historic Countries of Eastern Europe
- What to Do with a Day In Amsterdam
More European Travel Guides:
- Dolomites in Italy
- A Day in Athens
- Shopping In Central Europe
- Your Bavarian Fairytale Begins with Globus
- Europe Winter Travel Ideas
- Stockholm – the Capital of Scandinavia
- Twenty Five Years Beyond the Berlin Wall
- Europe Tour Packages 2015: Save up to 20% by Booking Early
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