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## How to Travel to Europe Like a Pro: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning a trip to Europe can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many countries to explore, each with its unique culture, transportation systems, and tips for traveling smoothly, it’s essential to be well-prepared. In this blog post, we’ll cover practical tips and advice to help you visit Europe like a seasoned traveler.
### Use Credit Cards Without Foreign Transaction
Fees When traveling to Europe, having the right credit card can save you a lot of money. Many credit cards charge international transaction fees, which can add up quickly. Consider using the Chase Sapphire or Capital One credit cards. These cards offer no foreign transaction fees and come with other travel benefits, such as car rental insurance. Make sure to read the terms and benefits of your card to utilize all its travel-related perks.
### Know How Long You Can Stay in Europe
As an American, you can spend up to three months in the Schengen Area without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to leave the Schengen territory for three months before re-entering. This rule applies to all countries in the Schengen Zone, which includes most European countries. If you’re planning a longer trip, research your visa requirements well in advance. There are 28 Schengen Countries currently and once you are in the European Union it is quite easy to go from country to country.
### Master the European Public Transportation System
Public transportation in Europe is efficient and extensive. From trains to buses, metros to trams, you have many options to navigate cities and countries. In Paris, use the Paris Metro for inner-city travel. The Gare du Nord is a major hub you might often find yourself traveling to and from. The trains are generally punctual, but it’s good to plan for peak hours when they can get crowded.
### Best Choice Apps for Booking Train Tickets
For traveling across Europe, the Rail Europe and Omio apps are invaluable. Rail Europe is excellent for booking tickets a month or two in advance, while Omio is ideal for finding last-minute deals and offers more flexible options. Omio was so great and got us to so many places throughout the European Union.
### Country-Specific Transportation Tips
Moving across different countries in Europe means using various transportation modes. In France, use the efficient train system to travel long distances. In Italy, consider using trains as well, but be aware that Uber is generally only available as Uber Black, which is more expensive. In Switzerland, the SBB app is your best friend for navigating their extensive rail network. Consider getting a travel pass that offers half-priced tickets for an entire month or specific regional passes.
### Explore European Cities with Scooters and Bikes
Scooters and bikes are increasingly popular in European cities. They are a convenient and fun way to explore, especially in cities like Paris and Marseille. Lime scooters and bikes can be easily rented using the Uber app. Note that scooters must be driven on the road, not the sidewalk, so always check for the nearest drop-off zones to avoid hefty fines.
### Rent a Car with an International Driver’s Permit
If you prefer renting a car, ensure you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), obtainable from AAA. Be cautious when driving in historic cities like Florence, where driving can be challenging due to narrow streets and restricted zones. Planning ahead for parking and using Google Maps to find parking lots with good reviews can make your driving experience more pleasant.
### Must-Have Travel Apps for Europe
Download essential travel apps like Google Maps for navigation, Omio for booking train tickets, and the SBB app if you’re traveling in Switzerland. These apps can help you plan your journey, find the best routes, and even check train timetables in advance to avoid waiting.
### Choose the Right Luggage Size for Traveling Europe
Using the right luggage can make a world of difference. We recommend investing in medium-sized luggage like the Travel Pro Max Light 5, which is durable and fits easily in most trains’ luggage compartments. We highly recommend getting the 25 in sized suitcase (medium sized). The large sized (29 in) turned out to be way to big and Kim regretted her choice of bringing a large suitcase almost immediately. Avoid overpacking; you are going to want to be bringing souvenirs and new clothing home so leaving extra space, especially for your first trip, is a great idea. Also bring a laptop bag that can easily attach to your luggage handle for convenience.
### Save Money with the Right ATM and Currency Exchange Practices
Always use bank-affiliated ATMs to avoid hefty fees. Standalone ATMs can charge significant fees and might be unreliable. Decline the ATM’s offer to convert your money; let your bank handle the exchange rate to save additional money. If you need to exchange currency, avoid airport and train station counters as they charge higher fees.
###European Travel Medical Insurance
Planning an extensive trip to Europe is exhilarating, but it comes with its own set of potential headaches and unforeseen circumstances. As experienced travelers, we know just how crucial it is to have reliable travel insurance, and that’s where Safety Wing Travel Insurance comes into play.
Our Experience with Safety Wing Europe Travel Insurance
When we embarked on our three-month journey across Europe, we opted for Nomad Safety Wing Travel Insurance, specifically designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers because it covered our entire trip. For just $250 per person for three months, Safety Wing covered us extensively in all the countries we were visiting. Safety Wing’s policy covers a wide range of potential travel mishaps: from emergency medical treatment to coverage for certain types of dental emergencies. What stood out to us was how well they handled a real-life emergency during our trip.
Unexpected Dental Emergency Far Away from Any Major Cities
In the middle of our stay in Switzerland, Kim started experiencing excruciating tooth pain which required an emergency root canal. We were staying up on a mountain, about an hour away from the nearest dental clinic. The entire process, from initial consultation to treatment, was not only prompt but also high-quality. Safety Wing came through, covering $1,000 of unexpected dental work. Their customer service worked closely with us to ensure we maximized the coverage benefits, a rare experience with insurance companies.
Safety Wing allows you to pick which countries you’ll be visiting and tailor your coverage duration to suit your itinerary. This flexibility, combined with their extensive network and seamless service, makes it easier for long-term travelers to journey without concerns.
Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Kim has a quirky way of describing how Safety Wing embodies reliability and safety. Their branding features humanized birds, making the experience somewhat whimsical but highly dependable. We found Safety Wing to be true to their message.
