If you're thinking about traveling to Europe this fall, you'll have a wonderful time. Europe is incredibly vibrant and rich with breathtaking architecture, stunning natural beauties, and friendly people.
But before you set sails for your adventure, check out these tips for avoiding some common mistakes and making your time in Europe fantastic.
Find Out if You Need a Visa
There's probably nothing that could ruin your trip more than finding out you can't visit the desired country because you don't have a visa.
You don't need a visa for every European country, especially if you're visiting for a little while, but there are countries that require a visa.
Check the European visa requirements for all the countries you wish to visit and make sure you obtain them well in advance. This is because getting a visa may take from a couple of weeks to even two months.
Get Accommodation Upfront
This is crucial both for getting the best prices and finding good places to stay. You don't want to end up searching for accommodation when you arrive and wasting precious sightseeing time.
When booking accommodation before your trip, make sure you also book tours. If you wait to do it on the spot, you may not find anything available.
Travel Light
Traveling light is a must in Europe. First, you'll avoid expensive airfares if you have a small suitcase or backpack that you can use as a carry-on. Second, you'll be able to easily navigate the train and bus stations.
Also, many hotels in Europe don't have elevators, so it would be quite tricky carrying a large, heavy suitcase up the stairs.
Pack a small backpack with only the most necessary stuff and explore Europe in the utmost comfort.
Always Have Some Cash on You
There are various restaurants, bars, shops, and markets in Europe that don't accept credit cards. This is why you should always carry some cash as well.
That way, you can easily give tips in bars and restaurants, pay for a cab, get museum tickets, and buy at local markets. You'll also save a great deal of money on foreign transaction fees.
Venture off the Beaten Track
All the capital cities in Europe have a unique charm and offer plenty of beauties to explore, and exciting activities to engage in.
However, going off the beaten track will provide you with a more authentic experience that you'll never forget. You'll uncover some hidden gems and meet some friendly locals who'll help you get around and discover lots of cool places.
Also, you'll escape the crowds, as tourists are generally flocking to the most famous landmarks. Visit the popular landmarks, but don't linger around for more than a couple of minutes. Take the time to breathe in every city you go to, and take in its unique spirit.
Bring a Travel Umbrella
An umbrella that you can pack in a small backpack or purse is a must when traveling to Europe in the fall. Spring and fall are the rainiest seasons in Europe, so don't start exploring the places without a travel umbrella.
You don't have to bring one from home, though. You can buy it for several dollars once you get to your destination.
Use a VPN to Bypass Geo-Blocks
Getting a VPN is also a must if you want to access particular online content without having to deal geo-restrictions while abroad.
For instance, if you want to watch Netflix before falling asleep, you may find that it doesn't show the same content as back home. If you want to play your favorite game online, it may not be available in the country you're visiting. This is why you should think about getting a Virtual Private Network before your trip.
But what is a VPN, really? It's a service that hides your IP address and assigns you a fake IP so that you appear as if you were in a different geographical location. This means you can access any geo-blocked content online like a local. Find more about VPN on NordVPN site.
This service also encrypts your internet connection (even over public WiFi), keeping your devices and data perfectly safe from various cybersecurity threats.
Make sure you follow all these tips when preparing for a trip to Europe so that you can have peace of mind, and explore all the nooks and crannies completely stress-free.
The fall is a wonderful season for visiting Europe, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer, so you'll definitely have a wonderful time.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
