5 tips to help you plan your Eurotrip

Europe is easily one of the best places in the world to visit for several reasons: history, landscapes, cheap internal flights, great train network. But even if you’re not travelling there for the first time, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with all the options available for the trip. With this guide, we have a checklist of things to do before your departure.

Set a budget

Let’s start with the basic, first things first. Depending on where you go and how you prefer to travel, your budget can go a long way. There are plenty options from 5-star hotels to hostels, from eating at the finest places to dine a simple (but still delicious) food. You can get lost with possibilities here, but you must set your budget anyway.

Some countries in Europe are cheaper than others, like Portugal and Hungary, but others might take a bigger bite from your budget, like Germany and the UK. So, be smart with your money. With your budget, the idea is to have a set number in mind and then plan your trip so it fits within it.

Oh, did we mention that, with an ISIC card, you can get even more from your budget enjoying lots of discounts in most European countries? No? Ok, now you know. 🙂

Pick your destinations

When planning a trip to Europe for the first time, many people want to go everywhere; but where’s the starting point? The middle? Where do they end? Europe is a huge place, so going to every destination won’t be that feasible – if you want to enjoy every place you get, of course.

If you’re going to Europe for 2 weeks, you should pick a handful of cities at max. Start with the places that you’ve always wanted to see and work from there. There are many countries in Europe where you could spend a month alone without getting bored, so it’s important to research what you really want to see.

Establish a route

Now that you’ve picked out your destinations, it’s time to establish a route. For example, say you want to see London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris. A logical route would be to start in the west in Barcelona and make your way east to London via Paris and Amsterdam. By avoiding backtracking, you can maximize your time.

This route above is standard, in fact, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Essentially, routes are determined by geography and transportation options. If there’s a convenient way for you to get to your next destination, every destination is an option.

Book your flights and hotels online

A personal advice here: many people spend hours searching for the best airfare or hotel room, but that doesn’t seem a good use of your time. Think about it, is it worth spending hours and hours researching multiple sites just to save a few dollars? Your time is better spent researching your trip, making plans for routes, budget, tours, etc. To search for the best prices for flights or hotels, just use Google or a travel marketplace. And, obviously, do all your bookings online, so you can save even more time for what’s best: planning.

Don’t forget about the details

Once you have all the major things figured out, it’s time to worry about the small things. Check to see if you need a visa for any of the countries you’re visiting, or even if your passport is still valid. Getting medical attention abroad can be very expensive, so make sure you have the right travel medical insurance in place.

There’s also currency to worry about. Exchanging your money can cost you quite a bit in exchange fees, but you can minimize them by reading up on tips how to save. Alternatively, you can always use your credit card.

There will be many more details to worry about, so maybe it’s best to make a list of what you need to do before your plane departs. You can plan as much as you want, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment once you’ve landed in Europe!

And last, but not least: don’t forget your ISIC card! With ISIC, you have great benefits and discounts in most European countries, not only making your eurotrip better, but also cheaper! Order your card here and enjoy your eurotrip!