Things to Know Before Traveling to Europe: Tips for First-Time Visitors

Traveling abroad, particularly for the first time as an adult, can be overwhelming. If you’re trying to plan the trip on your own and you're unsure of how to do it right, your experience can quickly turn sour. While people like myself think one of the most fun parts of the trip is the planning stage and to spend hours researching what to do, others find it daunting. I was technically an adult when I first went abroad, but had much to learn at my ripe age of twenty while on my month-long jaunt in western Europe. If I were to go now for the first time, I wouldn’t know where to start. That is why I’m going to give a few tips on what to know before traveling to Europe. Specifically the more mature adult edition with not much experience abroad. The list won’t be extensive, but you’ll hopefully have a better feel of how to prepare yourself. Let's dive in.

Since my first trip to Europe, I have had many, many trips since, and I have tweaked each one with something a little different each time. It's enjoyable to me to see how I can make the next trip even better than the last, and that is exactly what I do. From arrival to departure, public transit to Uber, it's an adventure that I know is going to excite and thrill you. Going to European countries has become one of my favorite things to do. If you know me well enough, you know Paris is my soul city and nothing can keep me from that city for very long. Whether you're planning to travel soon or in the future, this is a great list of things to know to maximize your comfort and joy of the trip. I'm going to share requirements, tips, and things to make your European adventure the most it can be.

Cheat Sheet!

Travel to Europe has changed quite a bit since I took my first trip 25+ years ago. It's important that we all stay updated on the newest practices and requirements so we are not flailing around at the airport checkin, customs, or security. I'm going to help you know as much as you can before heading off to the airport. It'll make a much better start to this wonderful trip you've planned.

A Valid Passport (with the Right Expiration Date)

Despite this seeming obvious, it's important to make sure you have a passport, know where it is, and keep it safe. You also want to make sure the expiration date is within the acceptable timeframe of travel, which is 3 months. I like to give myself 6 months because I'm a nerd and want to always be prepared, but walk on the wild side with the 3 months if you so choose. It has to be issued in the last 10 years as well, and you have to have enough blank pages for stamps.

To keep your passport clean and safe, here is a passport holder. I have one and use it each time I travel.

The 90/180 Day Rule

Most of the European countries do not require a visa to travel there. The catch is that you can stay 90 days within a 180 day period. So, you could stay 90 days and then come back to the US for 90 days, or go in and out for a total of 90 days within the 180 day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, and not per country. These are the most popular countries people travel to, which is why I'll just mention this.

Europe's New Entry/Exit System (EES)

It takes a little more time to get into European countries these days (particularly the Schengen area), as you now have to enter and exit through scanning systems. Essentially, you place your passport on a scanner, it opens doors to a little chamber, you step in, get scanned, and you exit on the other side. Occasionally my passport likes to act up and not scan, which always causes a little stress. But generally, it's an easy system and there are people there to help you.

**This does not include the United Kingdom or any other non-Schengen areas.

ETIAS Travel Authorization (Coming Soon)

In late 2026, we will allegedly have to apply before traveling for the ETIAS to get into the Schengen area to travel. This is in addition to the passport. It will cost about 20 euros and last 3 years.

The UK already implemented their own system called the ETA (electronic travel authorization), which I did have to get when I booked a trip to London in March of 2025. It was a simple process that I downloaded an app and paid for there, and it cost me somewhere around 15 euros.

Travel Insurance

Something you'll want to strongly consider is travel insurance. For a relatively low price, you can rest assured that if you have a medical emergency, flight cancellation, or various trip disruptions, you are covered. This is not something you want to ignore, as anything can happen. Prepare for the unpreparable.

My Current Favorite Comfy Fashion Sneakers

There are things that I will not leave behind when traveling to Europe. I go often, and I like to know I'm prepared and I've taken care of myself well. My trips are usually solo, so I am extra diligent in my preparedness because I don't have anyone else to fall back on when I'm in a foreign country. Here are my non-negotiable items.

Universal Travel Adapter

You really can't do much without a universal travel adapter. Some of the European hotels have USB ports, but almost none that I have stayed in have the other plugs that we use in the US, like USB-C. The adapter I own has all kinds of ports, making it easy for me to change any of my electronics, and use my hair flat iron. It's one of the most important items I have. I go so much that I bought a European outlet as well, so I have both.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Do not underestimate the distances you will go on your two legs while traveling to Europe. And please, make sure that you are wearing extremely comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers are in style over there, so don't be afraid to wear them. I have tried so many different shoes, some that have torn up my feet and some that I'd never know I walked 20k miles in them. Choose wisely.

My latest favorites are these TOMS sneakers. I own two pairs and walked all over Paris in them.

Crossbody or Anti-Theft Bag

Having a comfortable bag to carry around is a necessity. My go-to is my Pacsafe bag that can be a backpack or a crossbody. And I have also used my Quince crossbody when I'm going out to a nice dinner. Longchamp is another great option, as their bags are classic and cute, and you'll see them around Europe, as they are a French brand.

Portable Charger

A portable charger has saved not only my sanity but the sanity of those with whom I am traveling at times. This handy dandy object is the perfect solution for all your midday charging needs, as your phone gets used quite often with maps usage and navigating, and a lack of ability to connect to wifi unless you're in a cafe (and sometimes not even then). Get yourself one of these so you're not going back in time like it's the 90s with no phone. Those were the days, though.

Copies of Important Documents

The recommendation is to make physical and digital copies of your important documents, like your passport, travel insurance, and reservations. I fall short of the physical ones because I don't own a printer. But I do keep digital ones and have multiple devices from which I can pull these documents. Use your best judgment, and do keep extra records of these.

A Bouquiniste in Paris

Most of us have some kind of budget that we'd like to stick to when we are traveling. I am no different. While I'd love to not pay attention to anything I purchase when I'm in Europe, that is simply not the case. I don't micromanage myself; I also don't go off the deep end with spending. Here are some tips to traveling to Europe on a budget.

Travel During Shoulder Season

One of my favorite travel hacks is to go to Europe in the shoulder season. First of all, you have way less crowds to contend with. Second, it's cheaper! The hotels are usually much better priced than, say, summertime, when everyone is traveling. And the flights are typically a fraction of the price. I often buy my tickets with points, and I spend a lot less during the shoulder season than peak season. Traveling during the summer has been off-limits for me for quite some time because of this. If you can, consider March-May, or September-October as good months to travel.

Stay Outside the Center

If you want to save a little extra, stay slightly outside the most populated areas in the city. As an example, I typically stay just outside of the most dense areas when I travel to Paris so I get a nicer hotel at a nicer price. The crowds are fewer, the tourists are fewer, and I am much happier with my choices.

Use Public Transportation

One of the biggest hacks is to avoid taking ride shares or taxis and take the public transportation whenever I can. Or I just use my legs and walk everywhere. Europe is generally safe at all times of the day, and as a solo traveler, I am not afraid to be on a metro even late at night. I'm not recommending it for everyone, but this is a good money-saving tip.

Eat Like a Local

Please, for the love of all things Europe, do not wait in lines where social media has inflated the experience at any one restaurant in any one city. I've been to places pre-social media craze and seen the lines afterwards, and can assure you it's just not worth it. Go to local food places that are owned by regular people and not Instagram or TikTok famous. You'll save money and time, time being the most precious asset on your trip.

Carryon Only!

• Learn Some Key Phrases of the Language

• Avoid Planning Anything on Arrival Day (in case of delays)

• Download a Maps app (Google Maps or CityMaps)

• Tell Your Bank and Credit Cards You're Traveling

• Book a Walking or Food Tour to Orient Yourself

• Leave Time for Wandering - Don't Fill Every Day with Activities

• Understand Your Phone Plan and Look into e-SIM

• Try to Take Carryon Bags Only, and Put AirTags in All Bags

This is scratching the surface of what to know before your first trip to Europe, but these are some big ones. This list is comprised from follies in my own travels, and discussions with people whose first trip to Europe hadn’t happened but was coming up. The more you know, the easier it is to prepare for a trip. I continue to learn things through my journeys as well as through others'. This is a good list to help you get off to a good start when traveling to Europe. And with that, bon voyage!

If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to know my list of essential items to take on a plane and tips for first-time flyers.

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