First time in Europe? Here are some tips to make your trip easier
If it's not an ambitious Euro Trip, at least a few European stops make any traveler's dream-destination list.
There are different ways to do it, whether you go DIY or hire a company for the complete tour, or decide to go backpacking rather than spend luxuriously on a dream vacation. There are museums, churches, shopping districts, and beaches. You can take a plane, bus, train, or go on a road trip.
Europe is the perfect place to immerse yourself in different cultures, languages, and cuisines. But if it's your first time visiting, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when there's so much to see and experience, and you want to make the most of every moment.
The visa process is always an arduous task no matter where you're going, but a Schengen visa opens the door to 29 countries that include some of their most famous destinations like Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. A 14-day trip can be a good starting point, although it would still depend on a lot of factors and circumstances. It may not be quite the Emily in Paris experience, but it's more than enough time to have your own Lizzie McGuire moment.
Wherever your itinerary takes you, here are some practical survival tips from a Pinay who lived and traveled around Europe for almost two years.
Quality over quantity
While it’s tempting to try and squeeze in as many countries as possible in two weeks, keeping it below five will make sure you have ample time exploring a country—you could even do two to three cities each.
Moving around will be less stressful, and you'll have more time to familiarize yourself with some places like a local. You can afford to have slow days, too. After all, it may be your first time in Europe, but it doesn’t have to be your last.
Try to pack light
It’s time to pull out the winter coats and sport IG-worthy looks. But if you can, try to bring a suitcase just enough for some clothes and whatever souvenirs you decide to bring home.
It’s true that moving around will be difficult, especially in places like Spain with the cobblestones, Portugal with hills, and big cities in France and Italy where some places are only accessible by walking.
European summer is amazing but also incredibly hot, so explore other seasons to travel in so you can also adjust your outfits accordingly.
Take advantage of the transportation system
My favorite thing about Europe? Trains. Other than that, there are buses and trams, too. Ride-sharing apps exist, even for long distances.
If you’re in a new city, explore its commute options and buy yourself a card. Besides walking, commuting is an efficient way to get around the city.
If you’re moving from one country to another and don’t mind a longer way, looking at trains and buses might be a better option than taking another flight and dealing with the stress of strict luggage allowances repeatedly.
Go for an immersive experience
Plan your itinerary well so you can travel efficiently from one country to another, but also keep your schedule flexible enough to enjoy spontaneous detours along the way.
Some tourist spots are worth the visit, but give your TikTok FYP a rest and actually go around town and see where the locals eat. Not everything about your trip should be catered to your Instagram feed.
Explore the neighborhood your accommodation is in. Learn a few useful phrases in their language; I promise you, they'll appreciate it—especially the Spanish.
Interact with people, but practice awareness
Join activities when you can and make friends. A pasta and tiramisu class in Milan, in particular, was one of my best memories.
However, it's true that big cities have pickpockets. A lot of things could go wrong on a trip, but take note that if you lose your passport, there is no emergency replacement. Instead, you’ll be provided with a travel document by the embassy to go back to the Philippines. If you lose your phone and other belongings, the stress of having to communicate in a different language will make the search futile. Buy bags with a zipper and be mindful of your belongings at all times, especially in crowded places like the Metro. If you put something in your pocket, consider it gone.
Like anywhere else, try to book hotels, tickets, and activities in advance. Most prices will be cheaper. Some places get sold out quickly, like the Vatican Museum and most museums in Amsterdam.
There are also long lines in typical spots like the Colosseum in Rome or literally anywhere in Paris. In Spain, a lot of shops close in the afternoon for siesta and then reopen again at night. Have a mix of cash and card options for paying.
Learn what you can, but expect that it won’t always go as planned.
Lastly, be open to surprises, but try to limit it to the good ones. Hasta luego!
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