If you’re thinking about a trip across Europe, you probably have a long list of places you want to see. The good news is that traveling inside the EU is easier than most people think. In this guide I’ll break down the basics – visas, money, transport and a few must‑visit spots – so you can start planning without getting overwhelmed.
Most EU citizens can move from country to country with just a passport or national ID. If you’re from the UK, you’ll need a valid passport and a short‑stay visa‑free allowance of up to 90 days in any 180‑day period for Schengen countries. Remember the 90‑day clock resets when you leave the Schengen area, so a quick hop to a non‑Schengen country like Croatia (now in Schengen, but check) or the UK can extend your stay.
Check the visa requirements for your nationality before you book anything. The official EU website has a simple tool where you type your country and it tells you whether you need a visa, a travel authorization, or nothing at all.
Euro is the go‑to currency for most EU nations, but a handful still use their own money – think Poland (złoty), Czech Republic (koruna) and Sweden (krona). Having a small amount of local cash can help with tiny purchases, but a no‑foreign‑transaction‑fee debit or credit card covers the rest.
To stretch your budget, use free city walking tours, buy groceries for picnics, and travel by train or bus rather than flights. Many countries offer rail passes that let you hop on and off as often as you like for a flat fee. If you’re hopping between several countries, a Eurail Global Pass can be a solid deal.
Don’t forget to set up travel alerts on your bank app. A quick text will let you know if a transaction looks suspicious, which can save you a lot of hassle abroad.
Europe is diverse, so pick a mix of big cities, small towns and nature spots. Here are a few favorites that work well together on a two‑week itinerary:
Mixing a capital city with a smaller town gives you both the buzz and the chance to unwind. You can also use low‑cost airlines for longer jumps, but always compare the extra fees for baggage and airport transfers.
Pack light. A 40‑liter backpack fits most European train compartments and keeps you mobile. Bring a universal plug adapter – the EU uses Type C and Type E/F sockets.
Download offline maps of the cities you’ll visit. Google Maps lets you save entire areas, so you won’t get lost when data roaming is pricey.
Stay connected with a local SIM or an eSIM if your phone supports it. A small data plan can cover navigation, translation apps and a few photos without breaking the bank.
Finally, respect local customs. A simple “please” and “thank you” in the native language goes a long way, and many places appreciate when visitors try a few words.
With the basics covered, you’re ready to hit the road. Europe is full of surprises, and the best part is that you can explore a new country in just a few days. Pack your curiosity, follow these tips, and enjoy the adventure.
Turkish citizens are seeing Schengen visa rejections soar, with refusal rates jumping from 15% in 2022 to nearly 50% in 2023. Top EU countries, especially Germany and France, are turning away more applicants, causing frustration, financial strain, and claims of political discrimination from Turkey.
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