Travelling Across Europe: 14 Vital Things You Need

Travelling across the EU is a dream holiday for many people. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a couple touring the fanciest boutique hotels Europe has to offer, it is crucial that you prepare thoroughly and ensure you have everything you need. 

Europe is home to many countries, each with its own customs, languages, laws and more. You should do your homework before you set off and be sure you are as prepared as you can be. Read on for some of our top tips on what to pack and how to make the most of your time touring the EU. 

Learn Some Essential Phrases

Knowing essential phrases in the language of your destination is crucial. Learning some key phrases before you leave your current location can be beneficial. You could include phrases like ‘hello’, ‘how much, and simple directions. You could also use the translate function on your phone or go old school and invest in a phrasebook.

Ensure You Have A Significant Cushion Of Savings

Travelling anywhere for an extended period of time is expensive. The cost of living varies in different countries in Europe, so the amount you will need will depend on where you plan to travel within the continent. It is a good idea to ensure you always have enough money for a plane ticket home saved in a separate account from the rest of your travel funds.

Choose A Hardy, High-Quality Camera

No trip would be complete without taking plenty of photos to help you remember the incredible memories you make along the way. You should choose a hardy camera able to withstand the rigours of travel without taking up too much space in your luggage. You could look for a shockproof and waterproof camera, which can be particularly beneficial if you are planning a more adventurous holiday. Cameras like GoPros can be great to record your adventurous exploits on your trip.

Bring A Travel First Aid Kit

Since you could be on the road quite often when touring Europe, it’s a good idea to ensure you always have a first aid kit handy. Excellent travel kits are available that include everything you’ll need for a minor injury, such as a cut or scrape. You should ensure the kit includes plasters, gauze, antiseptic, scissors and pain killers. If you are concerned about an injury, you should always attend the hospital rather than try to treat it yourself.

Plan Your Itinerary

Planning your itinerary before you leave can be beneficial. At the very least, you should ensure that you prepare for your first weeks in your first destination countries. Many people enjoy the spontaneity of travelling across a large area, so you could also ensure that you leave plenty of gaps that you can fill with whatever comes up at the time.

You should also ensure that your family and friends back home know approximately where you will be and when. This can help ensure your safety and give them peace of mind.

Invest In Quality, Comfortable Shoes

Travelling can come with a lot of time spent on your feet. Good quality, comfortable shoes are crucial to ensure that you don’t develop foot issues like blisters that could impact your enjoyment of your trip.

You should buy the shoes that you will take well in advance of your leaving date and wear them in thoroughly before you set off. It is also good to bring shoes suitable for whatever weather you will experience. For instance, you could take sandals for warmer climates and sturdy boots for rainier or colder climates.

Find A Suitable Smartphone And Phone Plan

It’s essential to have a suitable smartphone for your trip. You should choose something that will provide all the functions you need for your trip and buy a sturdy case to keep it safe on your travels. For your phone plan, it may help to look for a SIM-only deal that will be more affordable. 

Lebara have a wide range of options, including many that offer international minutes to many countries worldwide, including a number in Europe. This could make it an ideal choice to help you stay in touch with those back home. You can look here to compare the excellent options and find your right choice.

Download Maps To Your Phone

Having a map of the various areas you’ll be travelling to is crucial. It may be beneficial to download maps to your smartphone before you leave so that you will have access to the maps, even if you’re in an area with a poor internet connection. 

Bring A Portable Charger

A portable charger can be invaluable. You will likely be relying on your phone for many things, such as tickets, maps and translations, so you will need to ensure you can keep it charged if you need it. A portable charger can be the perfect way to do this. There are many options out there, so you should consider how often you will be without power to choose the best charger. 

Get The Right Insurance

Insurance is an important safety net when travelling abroad. You should find travel insurance that protects against lost baggage, cancellations, theft, and medical expenses should you require them. You should shop around to find the right level of cover and ensure you take everything into account. If you have a pre-existing health condition, it may be beneficial to look for more specialised health insurance to have the peace of mind that you’ll be covered in an emergency. 

Make A List Of Suitable Accommodations Before You Leave

It is a good idea to have a list of suitable accommodation for your trip before you leave. You should include their contact details to ensure you can get in touch with them as you travel from place to place. Researching this while at home can take some of the pressure off while you travel. 

Stay In Contact With Loved Ones Back Home

You should make a regular scheduled call to your loved ones back home. This can let them know how you’re doing on your travels and reassure them that you’re safe and well. You can also keep in touch through social media and instant messaging platforms, sharing pictures of your adventures. 

Pack For All Weathers

The weather across Europe can vary significantly depending on the time of year you visit. You should research the kind of weather you can expect to find during your travels ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the current weather reports as you travel, taking note of any severe weather warnings. 

Convert Your Cash

It can be beneficial to take cash with you on holiday. You should keep an eye on the conversion rates to ensure you exchange your money for Euros at the right time. If you plan to use your bank card while on holiday, you should find out what charges will be applied by your bank for international use. 

Conclusion

Travelling Europe will be an exhilarating and memorable trip of a lifetime. It is crucial to prepare appropriately for the experience to ensure you have everything you need and keep yourself safe and healthy. It may be beneficial to start the planning some months in advance to be confident you have thought of everything. 

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