Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Europe Trip in 2026

Want to know how to plan a trip to Europe in just a few simple steps? I can help! I’ve traveled to over 40 countries worldwide and backpacked across 20+ countries in Europe. I’m also a full-time travel planner, so I’ve quite a few hours planning trips across the world’s most popular continent!

Europe is a dream vacation for many people. With everything from experiencing the Eiffel Tower glimmer after dark in Paris, watching the sun set over the fairytale village of Český Krumlov in Czechia, to kayaking through the Algarve in Portugal, it’s easy to understand why Europe is so highly praised.

But, with dozens of countries, hundreds of cities, and thousands of activities to choose from, you must be wondering “how am I ever going to organize a trip to Europe that encompasses everything I’m looking for?”

And I’m here to tell you it’s simpler than you think! With years of backpacking and travel experience under my belt, I’ve broken the process down into easy steps for you to follow.

Everything from figuring out where to go, what to do, how long to stay, how to book, and what to pack are included so all of the guesswork has been removed!

Just follow my simple guide and you’ll be jetting off to Europe on your dream vacation in no time.

How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 8 Simple Steps

Being an itinerary planner myself, I’ve nailed down the 8 essential steps that everyone must take in order to plan their first trip to Europe. And once you learn them, you’re in luck because they can actually be used for anywhere that you want to travel… not just Europe!

Go in order, organize your thoughts, and you’ll have your itinerary planned in no time.

Step 1: Figure Out Your Travel Style

BEACHES, MOUNTAINS, or MEDIEVAL CASTLES?

Europe is overflowing with charm and culture from its cobblestone streets to its luxurious beaches. When deciding to plan a trip to Europe, it’s important to consider what you’re looking to experience during your trip.

Are you a self-confessed beach snob who is seeking the clearest, turquoise blue waters and fine, golden sand? Would you prefer to spend your vacation enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains, away from the chaotic cities and crowds of tourists?

Or do you want to get lost in a network of narrow alleyways lined with quaint shops and cafés on your way to a gothic cathedral adorned with sky-high spires?

No matter what you’re looking for out of your vacation, Europe has it! If you like the sounds of relaxing on the beach the best, then Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, the south of France, Croatia… you get it. You have endless options.

But, if the mountains are more your style then you could spend your days hiking in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain or the majestic Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

If fairytale towns pulled like a scene from a storybook are calling your name, you have several options, as well.

The southeastern town of Annecy in the Haute Savoie region of France boasts vibrant colors, interweaving cobblestoned streets, and a former island prison whereas the medieval town of Bruges in Belgium is full of gothic architecture, meandering canals, and old time charm.

Got castles on the brain? Head to Ireland! With over 30,000 castles in the Republic alone, you could spend months here and not visit the same castle twice. Not to mention, Ireland is full of lively folk music, hearty cuisine, and the most hospitable people!

If you aren’t really sure where to start when it comes to figuring out your travel style, you’re in luck because I created a travel style quiz that will help you figure it out!

3 DAYS or 2 WEEKS?

When deciding on how to plan a trip to Europe, you’ll need to know how much time you have for travel. If you’re squeezing a trip into a spring break from college, it’s likely you’ll only be able to visit one or two countries.

If you plan on using your full two weeks of vacation time in one go from your job, then you’ll be able to thoroughly explore a larger region and several countries depending on your travel style.

To figure out your travel style, ask yourself this: “do I plan on backpacking through several countries in a short period of time or do I prefer to relax and enjoy each place to the fullest?”

Having done both, I can honestly say they both have their perks.

In college, I backpacked across four European countries in 9 days. I was able to see magnificent sights, explore different cities, try different foods, meet new people, and experience different cultures in a very quick trip.

But, I was on the move A LOT. Every second of my day was planned out and there really wasn’t much room for relaxing.

I have also explored single European countries over longer periods of time and found that I was able to learn more about the region, fit in unique day trips, and enjoy the amenities offered to me by my accommodations.

How you plan your trip will depend on what matters more to you: more countries or more time to explore.

BUDGET or LUXURY?

Next, the budget. If you are like I was in college, you’re probably penny-pinching quite a bit. And, that’s okay! Read through my travel guide below for my best travel tips and advice on how I traveled across Europe when I was in college on a very tight budget.

If you’re not in college and maybe have a bit more money to spare, you’ll have more options for hotels, food, and activities. It’s important to figure out your budget when deciding how to plan a trip to Europe, otherwise, it’s easy to go way overboard.

However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a college student or a millionaire, Europe can be very expensive… I want to make that clear. But, if done correctly, you could be having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower for just a couple hundred dollars coming from the U.S. (I did it!)

Once you know how long you have for traveling, you can start building your budget. Different countries vary greatly in food, accommodation, and travel costs, so be sure to do plenty of research on each place before choosing your country or countries.

Budget travel in Europe typically involves backpacking between countries. In layman’s terms, you’ll be traveling with nothing but a backpack, a good pair of walking shoes, and most likely a Eurail pass.

You’ll be spending most nights in hostels or cheap hotels, will be limiting attractions, and avoiding sit-down restaurants for most of your trip.

On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in hotels every night, view most of the major attractions but not all, and can comfortably eat at sit-down restaurants a couple of times during your trip. The majority of people live in this world, so don’t feel bad if this is where you are!

On a luxury budget, the sky is the limit. Hotel rooms with a view and rooftop bars and heated pools, room service, guided tours, access to all attractions, and Michelin-starred restaurants if you so choose.

Europe has something for everyone on every budget. Try to think about what you would be comfortable spending and then plan your trip to avoid shocking credit card statements and travel regret!

Step 2: Choose Your Destination(s)

Okay, you have figured out your travel style, set a budget, and know what you’re looking for out of your trip. Now, it’s time to do some research on possible European destinations!

I’ve listed a few good places to start your research below. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when researching destinations… countries like Switzerland and England are some of the most expensive countries in the entire world.

Although they can certainly be visited on a budget, it’ll be easier to stick to your budget by choosing other countries, especially if this is your first time visiting Europe.

For the Avid Hiker:

• Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees Mountain Ranges in Spain
• French, Italian, and Swiss Alps
• Glacier and mountain hiking in Iceland

• If you decide to head up to Spain’s incredible mountains, be sure to read about them in the 33 Most Unique Places to Visit in Spain!

For the Beach Bum:

• Algarve, Portugal
• Costa Brava, Spain
• The Balearic and Canary Islands, Spain
• Amalfi Coast, Italy
• The Greek Islands
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The French Riviera

For the Fairytale Town Seeker:

• Bruges, Belgium
• Lake Annecy, France
• Chamonix, France
• Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
• Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
• Salzburg, Austria

For the Night Owl:

• Doolin, Ireland (and most of Ireland for that matter)
• Paris, France
• Munich, Germany
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Barcelona, Spain

Step 3: Choose Your Travel Method

Once you have decided on where you want to go based on your travel style and budget, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get there. If you’re coming from the U.S., an airplane is in your future one way or another. A combination of planes and trains is common for European itineraries.

But, if you’re traveling from within the continent of Europe, train travel might be a better option for you.

Typically, if you are already in Europe, but are traveling from more than two or three countries away, it will be far more efficient to fly to your destination. But, if you are residing in France and want to visit Spain, just jump on the Eurail.

You’ll save time and money and will enjoy a beautiful trip through the countryside!

If you plan on visiting more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe like the Balearic Islands or Crete, then a boat is likely also in your future. Do plenty of research on the most efficient travel methods for your destination before assuming flights will be the best way to get somewhere!

Once you have figured out the best way to get to your destination, you’ll have to research how to get around your destination, as well. For big cities like Paris, London, or Berlin, I highly suggest taking advantage of their metro systems. They are quick, very affordable, and easy to use.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, try to avoid renting cars in Europe by all means possible. Unless you plan on doing a self-driving tour of Ireland or Scotland, rental cars are very expensive and driving conditions are usually poor.

Instead, opt to rent bicycles or book buses, trolleys, or trains to get between cities. This will save you money and a ton of stress and worry!

Step 4: Check Your Documents

Alright, you’re almost there! You’ve decided on what you want to do on your vacation, where you’re going to go, how you’re going to get there, and how you are going to get around once you’re there. All that’s left to do is book your trip now, right?!

Wrong. You need to double and triple-check all of your documents before booking any trips, especially if you are planning on departing within 6 months.

One of the most important things you can learn about how to plan a trip to Europe starts with learning from other people’s mistakes. Don’t fall victim to forgetting your ID or showing up with the wrong or expired document.

✅ Pro Tip: Additionally, if you arrive at an international airport with a passport that is due to expire within 6 months or doesn’t have any open pages left, you may not be allowed to board the plane.

Before booking anything, be sure to confirm that your passport has available pages for stamping and won’t expire within 6 months of your travel dates. You’ll also want to take a look at your government-issued photo ID and check the expiration date, as well.

Typically, you’ll only need your passport, but having extra identification is always smart when traveling internationally.

If your documents are due to expire, be sure you have enough time to get them renewed before the start of your trip.

Passports can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months to get renewed along with several fees, and licenses require a long trip to your local registry with additional fees and several items proving your identification, as well.

Once you have confirmed that all of your paperwork is in order, you can start getting ready to book your trip!

Step 5: Plan Your Route

You have decided on whether you want to travel to one or multiple destinations, so now you can start planning your route! You can use Google Maps or the map at the bottom of this article to help you plan the most efficient way to get from one place to the next.

This is a big step in deciding how to plan a trip to Europe. Be careful not to get caught skipping over a country just to decide you want to turn around and go back to it.

You’ll waste precious travel time and we want to make sure you get the most out of your time in Europe!

The best way to ensure your route is efficient is to check the distances and travel times between each destination.

Be sure you don’t pass by one of your stops on the way to a different stop, and if you do, try rearranging your travel itinerary a little.

Step 6: Book It!

Now, don’t jump to the confirmation page just yet. Be sure to check your bank account and any credit card statements prior to booking to avoid any unwanted overdraw fees!

Once you have done that, then you can book your trip to Europe.

First, if your dates are not flexible, start with booking your flights. International flights are at their cheapest the further out you book and only drop on very specific days within a few weeks of departing which can be hard to track.

If you have flexible dates, consider looking at the available accommodations first. If there is somewhere you really want to stay but they only have room on certain days, consider shifting your dates a little.

Keep in mind, however, that this usually also affects the price of flights depending on the days of the week you fly. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day to both book flights, depart, and return home.

Once you have your flights booked, go through your planned travel route and start booking your accommodations in order. If you’re traveling across France from the Alps up to Paris, start in Chamonix, then book your stay in Annecy, possibly Lyon, then Paris last if it’s the last stop in your journey.

Then, book any necessary plane, train, bus, or ferry travel between destinations. Once you’ve done this you’re all booked and ready to get to the airport… look at you learning how to plan a trip to Europe all on your own!

This is also the time you can choose to do a little more research on possible excursions or adventures if you so choose. We are big adventure travelers, so we went paragliding in the French Alps. I highly suggest this if you are looking for an adrenaline rush on your European vacation!

Step 7: Prepare to Leave

Now, this may seem simple and to the point, but in fact, there are a lot of things that need to happen before you head to the airport. Just because you now know how to plan a trip to Europe, doesn’t mean you can forget about all of your prior responsibilities.

First, you need to prepare your home to be vacant. If you own a house, this can be a lot of work. If it’s summer, you may want to hire someone to mow your lawn, and if it’s winter, hiring someone to shovel your driveway in the case of a storm is a good idea, as well.

Ensure there are no dirty dishes or laundry left lying around and that the trash and recycling gets taken out to prevent coming home to any bad odors. It’s also a good idea to unplug any unnecessary items (i.e. toaster, microwave, chargers, etc.) to reduce the risk of an electrical fire while you’re away.

If you own pets, be sure to hire a pet sitter well in advance and make sure your pet is comfortable with them before leaving. Typically, I book my dog sitter 4 months in advance and always use the same sitter to ensure my dog will be comfortable with my absence.

Animals get stressed just like people do, so be sure to take this into consideration before booking your vacation.

Be sure to call your bank and let them know where you will be traveling, including layovers, and your travel dates. This will ensure that they don’t shut your credit or debit cards off for suspicion of fraudulent charges.

Also, call your phone provider if you would like to purchase a temporary international plan. Most plans range from $15-$50 and include unlimited texting and calling for 30 days.

Otherwise, just download WhatsApp and let anyone know who wants to get in touch with you that they’ll have to download the app and text you through it (completely free and works with wifi!)

Lastly, if you’re close with your neighbors or have family or friends that live nearby, it’s worth asking if they’ll check on your home once or twice while you’re gone.

Empty apartments and houses are, unfortunately, targets for unwanted visitors so letting someone close to you know you’ll be away is a good idea.

Step 8: Enjoy Yourself!

You’ve made it to Europe! The dream destination you’ve always wanted to go to is finally here. You’ve gone through all the struggles of learning how to plan a trip to Europe, booked everything in sequence, aligned your trip with your schedule, and ensured everything was all set for you to leave.

Now, there’s simply nothing left to stress about and you can sit back and enjoy yourself. Stroll some streets, sample the cuisine, practice speaking the language with the locals, check out a few sights, and enjoy a freshly baked pastry and an espresso while people-watching.

Do whatever pleases you. Remember, there is no reason to rush through everything in order to get to the next item on your list. Really take the time to enjoy all of your hard work and planning and do what makes you happy.

+And if you’re traveling with others, be sure that they do the same. Most people are only allotted a few short weeks of time off from their jobs each year, so make the most of it!

One of my favorite travel quotes…

“Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living”

– Anthony Bourdain 

How to Plan a Trip to Europe on a Budget

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Europe on a budget, I’ve got some great tips to help! I actually backpacked across 4 countries in Europe when I was just 20 years old, so I picked up a thing or two about how to see some of the world’s most beautiful countries on a tight budget.

✅ First, don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t visit expensive countries on a budget.

Of course, it will cost you more overall to visit a place with a higher cost of living, but you can always find cheap accommodations and travel arrangements.

You can also get a more in-depth guide on how I continue to travel Europe on a budget by entering your name and email in the guide at the end of this section!

✅ Book Cheap Accommodations

So, keep an eye out for deals on accommodations. Hostels and Airbnb’s are very popular across Europe, so you can easily save hundreds of dollars just by booking one of these over a hotel.

You can also use websites like CouchSurfing to find cheap and even free places to stay. For the most part, this website is safe, however, you will always need to use your best judgment when staying with strangers.

Long-term accommodations like condos and apartments are often cheaper when booked on a weekly basis in comparison to nightly rates, as well.

✅ Be Mindful of Where You Eat

Second, opt for buying food at local supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and food trucks. In Europe, the food quality is almost always superb, so there’s no need to always sit down at nice restaurants when the food is top-notch everywhere you go.

✅ Be Your Own Guide

Also, create your own walking tour of the city or join a free one. Guided tours are fantastic if you have room in your budget, but if you don’t, then consider researching where the guided tours go with their guests then get yourself there on your own!

Usually, everything in Europe is reachable via walking, biking, or the metro, so there’s no reason to exclude an activity simply because you aren’t joining a tour.

✅ Take Advantage of Public Transportation

Lastly, buy full-day or one-week metro passes when exploring a city. This is a far cheaper option than booking numerous single journeys.

Also, take the Eurail to get between countries! Train travel is one of the best ways to score super cheap rates between major capital cities and even smaller, more rural towns.

The train is almost always cheaper than flying, though sometimes it will take 5x as long to get there.

Depending on how much room your budget has, be sure to research the difference in cost and travel time between flying and taking the train when creating your Europe itinerary.

3 Sample Itineraries for Europe

Now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe, it’s time to start designing your own! I have created 3 sample itineraries below to help you get started. Remember, make your budget and try to stick to it!

Otherwise, you may come to believe that traveling is too expensive for your lifestyle… and that’s simply just not the case. Anyone can travel on any budget, you just need to stick to your goals.

3 Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a wonderful city with a lively night scene, eccentric neighborhoods, and fun attractions. With neighborhoods geared towards college kids and young adults and museums and open-aired markets suitable for any crowd, this city packs a cultural punch with something for everyone.

In 3 days, you’ll have enough time to experience the nightlife, enjoy a boat ride through the meandering canals, take a peek inside the museums, and have your fair share of sampling their famous stroopwafels.

✅ Day 1: Canal Boat Tour & Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum
✅ Day 2: Free Walking Tour of the City & Explore the Neighborhoods (Amsterdam Center, Jordaan, De Pijp, De Wallen)
✅ Day 3: Bloemenmarkt & Waterlooplein Flea Market

Free walking tours meet almost daily in Amsterdam and are typically organized by the local hostels. Just pop into one and see if they have any available that day, or even better, create your own with a local map!

One Week in France

France offers some of the most beautiful landscapes, incredible wine and cuisine, and famous attractions in all of Europe. It would be impossible to see everything there is to see in one week, but you’ll still get to experience France’s genuine culture and unique flair!

✅ Day 1: Arrive in Chamonix, France & Stroll the Town
✅ Day 2: Paragliding in Chamonix or Bus to Annecy
✅ Day 3: Annecy & Le Palais de I’Île & Lake Annecy Boat Ride
✅ Day 4: Day Trip to Talloires. Explore the town and go for a Hike Overlooking Lake Annecy
✅ Day 5: Train from Annecy to Paris & Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe
✅ Day 6: Notre Dame Cathedral & Le Louvre & Musée d’Orsay
✅ Day 7: Shopping on Champs-Élysées & Return Home

If you only have one week in France, you could easily spend the entirety of it in Paris, or you can venture out and see another small region. My favorite region in France is the Haute Savoie region which is absolutely beaming with charm and beauty.

It’s easily accessible by flying into Geneva, Switzerland and taking an hour-long bus ride or by arriving in Annecy by train and taking a bus to Chamonix. I do suggest starting with Chamonix and then heading to Annecy since you’ll need to go through Annecy to go up to Paris anyway and it will save you a bus ride.

As one of the most stunning regions in all of Europe and just a few hours from Paris, I highly recommend squeezing in a few days in these incredible towns!

2 Weeks in Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal are a classic European itinerary combination that work very well together. With similar climates and activities, you won’t have a hard time packing and furthermore, they are both simply amazing.

One of my favorite backpacking trips in Europe was bouncing between Portugal and Spain, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

With daily departures via both train and plane between the two, setting up this itinerary is a cinch! Both Spain and Portugal boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and are well known for their indescribable cuisine, hospitable people, and unique culture.

In just two weeks, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground and see some of the best sights these countries have to offer. I’ve created an itinerary below that encompasses beach days, hiking days, and sightseeing days.

If it’s your first time visiting Europe, I would suggest limiting the number of additional buses and trains you take to limit confusion. Also, check out my Greatest Tips for Traveling to Europe for the First Time!

✅ Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona & Arc de Triomf & La Sagrada Familia
✅ Day 2: Park Güell & Las Ramblas Street
✅ Day 3: Gothic Quarter & Barcelona Cathedral
✅ Day 4: Train to Valencia & Beach Day
✅ Day 5: Central Market & Valencia Cathedral
✅ Day 6: Train to Seville & Plaza de España
✅ Day 7: Royal Alcázar of Seville & Seville Cathedral
✅ Day 8: Train to Faro, Portugal & Sightseeing
✅ Day 9: Beach Day
✅ Day 10: Train to Lagos & Cave Kayaking
✅ Day 11: Beach Day
✅ Day 12: Train to Lisbon & Sightseeing
✅ Day 13: Day Trip to Cascais & Estoril. Cabo da Roca & Boca do Inferno
✅ Day 14: Day Trip to Sintra & Sintra Castle & Short Hike in the Park
✅ Day 15: Train to Lisbon and Return Home

This is my ultimate Spain and Portugal trip, but do your research and make some changes depending on if you want even more beach days or if you’d like to spend more time hiking! Spain is known for its mighty northern mountain ranges and Portugal’s Porto is packed with culture.

If you do decide to visit Cascais, be sure to check out the 10 Best Beaches in Cascais. Traveling on a budget but still want to visit Barcelona? Here are my top 25 Best Free Things to do in Barcelona!

What to Pack for Europe

Almost there!!

You’ve booked your trip, prepped your house, taken care of your pets, and now all that’s left is just packing your suitcase. However, figuring out how to pack for a trip to Europe can actually be harder than figuring out how to plan a trip to Europe. But, I’m here to help!

Europe has countries that hit every climate zone during every season of the year. If you are only visiting one country, you’ll have a much easier time packing than if you are traveling between multiple destinations, but you’ll still need a broad range of clothing to be comfortable.

Before throwing your entire wardrobe in your suitcase, check the weather of your destination(s). Plan out your outfits ahead of time, neatly fold and roll them up into small cylinders, and pack them into your packing cubes.

If you don’t have packing cubes yet, be sure to check out my article on the Top Things You Must Include On Your Europe Travel Essentials List!

✅ First things first…always, always, always, pack a rain jacket.

No matter what. Even if there is no chance of rain, pack one anyway. Due to the vast coastline and sky-high mountain ranges in Europe, the weather can change drastically in just a few hours.

One minute you can be soaking up the sun on Barceloneta Beach and the next you could be running to the nearest restaurant to escape a rogue thunderstorm.

✅ Next, be absolutely sure to pack comfortable and supportive walking shoes

You’re going to be walking over uneven cobblestoned streets and putting a lot of miles on your feet (especially if you’re traveling on a budget!)

Bring along a nice pair of shoes for when you want to go out and look nice, but good walking shoes are essential for a pleasant trip.

✅ Bring layers

In addition to the weather shifting frequently, the temperature also drops vastly at night. Even in the summer when you’re expecting to walk around in your bathing suit at the beach all day, you should expect low temperatures in the 60s once the sun starts going down.

This means you’ll most likely be comfortable in pants and a light sweater, rather than a bikini.

✅ Lastly, don’t overpack!

I can’t express this one enough. Traveling is a little bit of a hassle anyway, so lugging around extra items with you across multiple countries is just going to cause frustration.

Plan your outfits ahead of time and add a rain jacket, your shoes (2 pairs maximum if you’re going for a week or less), and an extra warming layer or two and you’re good to go.

Europe Trip Planner Map

Take a glance at this map to gauge the proximity of the countries you wish to explore. This will aid in your determination of whether to add or remove destinations, modify your travel route, and more!

FAQ

How Do I Organize My Trip to Europe?

Let’s face it, organizing a trip to Europe is a daunting task, to say the least. There is SO much to consider! Even just thinking about which countries to visit is a very hard choice, especially if you’re like me and enjoying everything from the mountains to the beaches and city life.

But, if you break the process down into more manageable steps, you’ll be far less likely to stress yourself out.

First, think about your priorities and make a list. The top of the list should be inclusive of your must-do’s and your must-see’s, while the bottom of the list will encompass everything that would be an added perk – great if it happens but not a problem if it doesn’t, so to speak.

From there, you’ll be able to identify which destinations are your top priority and you’ll have the information you need to organize a time- and cost-efficient trip to Europe!

Simply keep an eye on your budget and your time allowance to ensure you stay within your personal limitations.

How Far in Advance to Plan a Trip to Europe?

Since we want you to follow the step-by-step process that we’ve laid out for you above, you’ll want to start planning your trip to Europe up to a year in advance. Any longer than that and accommodations can close down, travel requirements may change, and so forth.

When it comes to actually booking your trip, you can often find the best deals the further in advance you book for international travel. If you’re flying domestically or are coming from within Europe, this isn’t always the case.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re coming from outside of Europe, then I would recommend booking your flights as soon as you know your travel dates. The earlier the better.

But, if you’re already in Europe, then 4-6 weeks before your travel date is usually the cheapest time to book.

How Do I Plan a 7 Day Trip to Europe?

There are several options available if you’re planning a trip to Europe for 1 week, depending on the destinations you wish to see. To begin, decide on the countries or cities you would like to visit and then research different transportation options.

Flying is usually the most convenient method of travel, but rail and bus services can also be used. Once you’ve figured out your transportation, start looking into accommodation options in each city or country, as well as the cost of food and drinks.

It would be wise to compile a list of activities that you want to do during each day of your trip too. Take note of any attractions that you’d like to see, as well as restaurants or cafes you want to visit.

Having this information in advance will help you plan out your day-to-day activities much more efficiently. Consider whether a tour guide would be beneficial, particularly if it’s your first time visiting the area.

Be sure to take the time to look up local customs, laws and regulations. Depending on the country or city you’re visiting, certain cultural norms may be quite different from what you are used to. Additionally, make sure that you have appropriate travel documentation like visas and passport stamps where necessary.

It may sound daunting at first, but with a bit of research and organization, planning a seven day trip to Europe can be an exciting and rewarding experience! Good luck!

How to Plan a 15 Day Trip to Europe?

Wondering how to plan a trip to Europe for 2 weeks? Fortunately, it’s pretty much the exact same process as planning a trip to Europe for 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 1 week, or 2 days.

You’ll still need to prioritize your activities and destinations before creating the itinerary itself. First, start with your budget and your time allowance, From there, figure out what you want to do and where you want to go.

Once you’ve done all that, start researching efficient travel methods (i.e. flights, trains, etc.) and planning your route. To save money, take a look at the best departure and arrival days for flights and ensure you have an accommodation for every night of your stay.

Planning a 15-day trip to Europe is relatively simple, but you’ll want to focus on time and cost efficiency. Avoid flying from Paris to Vienna then going back to Barcelona. I use Google Maps to ensure my routes are as efficient as possible, which is why I’ve included a map in this post.

What is the Cheapest Month to Travel to Europe?

Most newbies heading to Europe have heard the same rumors time and time again… Europe is expensive!

And while these rumors aren’t wrong per se, there are a lot of gray areas here. Each country in Europe (there are over 40 of them) has an entirely different cost of living. Visiting France in July is going to cost a lot more than visiting Portugal in July.

With that being said, the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through October are the cheapest months to travel to Europe.

This is when most countries experience a decrease in tourism due to less desirable weather, a general lack of events or festivals going on, and it’s outside of the holiday season when Christmas markets are thriving.

With the decrease in tourism, flight costs significantly drop, tour agencies and hotels drop their rates, and even food prices go down. You can also find great deals on train travel between European countries!

In our experience, the shoulder season months are by far the cheapest time to visit Europe as a whole, but you’ll want to do some extra research on your particular destination if you’re on a tight budget.

How Much Money Do You Need to Travel Europe Comfortably?

The average cost of a European vacation is going to vary drastically depending on several factors.

First, the countries that you visit will make all the difference. Portugal can be visited on a very tight college budget whereas Switzerland is often rated as the most expensive country in the world with budget options being few and far between.

Second, how long your trip is will make a big difference, as well. If a one week European vacation roughly costs you a few thousand dollars, then a two week European vacation will roughly cost 1.5x-1.75x as much.

Flights typically won’t change too much from the same destinations over the course of one week (day of the week will make prices vary greatly, however).

Lastly, your travel style is a big contender in determining the cost of your European vacation.

Depending on if you prefer budget or luxurious accommodations, don’t mind eating at food trucks or prefer sit-down restaurants, or are content with self-guided walking tours over full-day guided private tours, the cost of your trip will vary a lot.

So, to travel Europe comfortably, you’ll want to research the average cost of food, lodging, transportation, activities, and so forth in your preferred destination.

With this information, you’ll be able to create an informed estimate of how much money you should bring to comfortably travel to your European destination!

✅ Pro Tip: There is no way to give an accurate average since these factors will drastically alter the cost of your vacation, but if you’re someone who likes numbers then be sure to take a peek at my article on tips for traveling to Europe for the first time.

Is $2000 Enough for a Europe Trip?

Absolutely, $2000 can be enough for a Europe trip, but it entirely depends on your travel style. If you’re a backpacker who doesn’t mind staying in hostels, eating street food, and using public transportation, you could possibly spend even less!

However, if you prefer a bit more comfort and luxury, you might need to increase your budget.

How Much Should I Budget for a 3 Week Trip to Europe?

For a 3-week trip to Europe, your budget will largely depend on your personal preferences, travel style, the season, and the countries you plan to visit. On a shoestring budget, you might be able to pull it off with around $1800 – $2500, which will cover basic accommodation in hostels, cheap meals, public transportation, and modest entertainment.

If you prefer mid-range accommodations like budget hotels or Airbnbs, expect to spend somewhere between $2500 – $4500. This budget will also afford you the occasional nice meal and entrance to more attractions.

For a luxury experience, with high-end hotels, meals at top-notch restaurants, and private tours, expect to spend at least $6000 or more.

Remember, these are rough estimates and your actual spending might be different. The key is to plan ahead and keep track of your spending so that you know where your money is going.

Where Should I Go in Europe for the First Time?

If this is your first trip to Europe, there are endless options for countries and European itineraries to choose from. Most common beginner trips to Europe begin in popular destinations such as London or Paris, which are great starting points.

However, if you already know you’re going to enjoy getting a little bit more off the beaten path, then I would recommend considering the options of less popular destinations like Budapest, Chamonix, Berlin, or Prague.

Even if you prefer to get out of the cities and explore more of the rural towns, these are great starting points to do so!

If you’re visiting Europe for the first time, be sure to check out my post on everything you need to know about traveling to Europe for the first time at the bottom of this post!

How do I Plan a Trip to Europe for 10 Days, 2 Weeks, 3 Weeks, or One Month?

Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe for 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or even one month, you’re going to follow the same steps that I have laid out above.

You’ll still need to determine your travel style, decide on your budget, and consider all of your options and what you want to include in your itinerary.

It’s also important to mention that if you’re traveling with other people, you’ll want to make sure that you take their thoughts and preferences into consideration, as well.

As a general guideline, you’ll need to remember that if you stay in Europe longer, then you’ll need to plan out more accommodations, trains, buses, and meals. That is, if you plan on moving around.

If you simply plan on picking one country and only moving to a new accommodation once a week or so, you’ll have very little extra planning to do.

So, depending on how much you know about how to plan a trip to Europe and how to get around Europe on your own, you may want to limit how much moving around you do.

Learning how to plan a trip to Europe is no easy feat, so be sure to pat yourself on the back if you’ve followed my steps and were successful in booking a trip! Europe is so full of wonder and magic, it’s not hard to see why so many people fall in love with it.

Each and every country has so much diversity and a multitude of sights and adventures to offer, you really can’t go wrong.

So now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe, be sure to teach your friends and family! Plan a friend’s trip, a family trip, or even a romantic getaway for your parents’ anniversary. Whatever the occasion, Europe is always a good idea!

👉 Now that you know how to plan a trip to Europe, start planning your next trip abroad with these ultimate Europe bucket list destinations!