Europe is a dream destination for many travelers around the world. With its rich history, culture, nature, and diversity, Europe offers something for everyone. However, traveling in Europe can also be expensive, complicated, and stressful if you don’t plan ahead. That’s why many people opt for Europe free travel, which means planning your own itinerary instead of following a fixed tour package.
Europe free travel gives you more freedom, flexibility, and fun. You can choose your own destinations, transportation, accommodation, activities, and pace according to your budget, time, interests, and preferences. You can also explore off-the-beaten-path places, meet local people, experience authentic culture, and discover hidden gems that you won’t find in any guidebook.
However, Europe free travel also comes with some challenges and risks. You need to do a lot of research, preparation, booking, packing, and problem-solving on your own. You also need to deal with different languages, currencies, laws, customs, and expectations in each country. You may encounter some difficulties or surprises along the way that can affect your trip.
So how do you plan your personalized itinerary for Europe free travel? In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and tips that will help you create your own unforgettable European adventure.
How to Choose Your Destinations
The first step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is choosing your destinations. Europe has 44 countries and countless cities, towns, villages, and regions that you can visit. However, you can’t see them all in one trip, so you need to prioritize and narrow down your options.
There are several factors that you should consider when choosing your destinations:
Budget: Europe is generally an expensive continent, but some countries are more affordable than others. For example, Eastern Europe tends to be cheaper than Western Europe, and Scandinavia tends to be more expensive than Southern Europe. You should also factor in the exchange rate, the cost of living, and the tourist season in each country.
Time: Depending on how long you have for your trip, you can visit more or fewer destinations. A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 3 days in each major city, and 1 or 2 days in each smaller town or region. You should also consider the travel time and distance between your destinations, and avoid cramming too many places in a short period.
Interests: Europe has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, art, architecture, nature, food, and entertainment. You should think about what you are most interested in and passionate about, and choose destinations that match your interests. For example, if you love museums and monuments, you may want to visit Paris, Rome, or Berlin. If you love nature and adventure, you may want to visit the Alps, the fjords, or the Scottish Highlands.
Visa: Depending on your nationality and the countries you want to visit, you may need a visa to enter Europe. Most countries in Europe are part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for citizens of certain countries. However, some countries are not part of the Schengen Area, such as the UK, Ireland, Turkey, and Russia. You should check the visa requirements and procedures for each country before you plan your trip.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start researching and comparing different destinations. You can use online tools and resources, such as:
Travel blogs and websites: There are many travel blogs and websites that provide useful information, tips, reviews, photos, and videos of various destinations in Europe. You can read about other travelers’ experiences, recommendations, itineraries, and insights, and get inspired by their stories. Some examples of popular travel blogs and websites are Nomadic Matt, Lonely Planet, The Savvy Backpacker, and Rick Steves.
Travel guides and books: There are also many travel guides and books that provide detailed information, maps, history, culture, attractions, activities, and practical advice for each destination in Europe. You can buy or borrow them from bookstores or libraries, or download them online. Some examples of well-known travel guides and books are Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, DK Eyewitness, and Frommer’s.
Travel forums and communities: There are also many travel forums and communities where you can ask questions, share opinions, get feedback, and connect with other travelers who have visited or are planning to visit the same destinations as you. You can learn from their experiences, tips, suggestions, warnings, and insights, and make informed decisions. Some examples of popular travel forums and communities are TripAdvisor, Reddit Travel, Couchsurfing, and Facebook Groups.
You can also use online tools and resources to plan your route. You can use:
Google Maps: Google Maps is a free online service that allows you to view maps, satellite images, street views, directions, distances, travel times, traffic conditions, public transportation options, and nearby attractions for any location in the world. You can use it to plan your route by entering your starting point, destination, mode of transportation, date, and time. You can also save your route offline or share it with others.
Rome2rio: Rome2rio is a free online service that allows you to find the best way to get from one place to another by comparing different modes of transportation, such as train, bus, car, flight, ferry, bike, etc. You can use it to plan your route by entering your starting point and destination. It will show you the available options with prices, durations, schedules, operators, booking links and maps.
Omio: Omio is a free online service that allows you to book train bus car and flight tickets across Europe. You can use it to plan your route by entering your starting point destination date and time. It will show you the available options with prices durations schedules operators booking links and maps.
How to Book Your Transportation
The next step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is booking your transportation. Europe has a well-developed transportation network that connects different countries cities towns and regions by various modes of transportation such as train bus car flight etc.
Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when choosing the best option for your trip:
Train: Train is one of the most popular modes of transportation in Europe because it is fast comfortable scenic environmentally friendly and convenient. You can reach most destinations in Europe by train and enjoy the views of the countryside along the way. However train tickets can also be expensive especially if you book them last minute or during peak season. You may also need to make reservations or pay extra fees for some trains such as high-speed trains or overnight trains.
Bus: Bus is another common mode of transportation in Europe because it is cheap flexible and accessible. You can find buses that go to almost any destination in Europe even remote or rural areas that are not served by trains. However bus tickets can also be uncomfortable slow unreliable and crowded especially if you travel long distances or during peak season. You may also have to deal with multiple transfers, delays, cancellations, or scams.
Car: Car is another option for transportation in Europe because it gives you more freedom, flexibility, and privacy. You can drive at your own pace, stop whenever and wherever you want, and explore off-the-beaten-path places that are not accessible by public transportation. However, car rental can also be expensive, complicated, and risky. You have to pay for gas, tolls, parking, insurance, and possible fines or damages. You also have to deal with different driving rules, regulations, signs, and languages in each country. You may also need an international driving permit or a special license to drive in some countries.
Flight: Flight is another alternative for transportation in Europe because it is fast, convenient, and sometimes cheaper than other modes of transportation. You can fly to most major cities in Europe in a few hours or less, and save time and energy. However, flight tickets can also be expensive, unpredictable, and stressful. You have to pay for baggage fees, taxes, surcharges, and possible changes or cancellations. You also have to deal with security checks, passport controls, airport transfers, and possible delays or disruptions.
Once you have decided on the best mode of transportation for your trip, you can start looking for the best deals and discounts for your tickets. You can use online tools and resources, such as:
Trainline: Trainline is a free online service that allows you to book train tickets across Europe. You can use it to find the cheapest, fastest, or best train options for your route by entering your starting point, destination, date, and time. It will show you the available trains with prices, durations, schedules, operators, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to make reservations or buy passes for some trains.
Flixbus: Flixbus is a free online service that allows you to book bus tickets across Europe. You can use it to find the cheapest, fastest, or best bus options for your route by entering your starting point, destination, date, and time. It will show you the available buses with prices, durations, schedules, operators booking links and maps. You can also use it to track your bus change or cancel your booking or contact customer service.
Rentalcars.com: Rentalcars.com is a free online service that allows you to compare and book car rental deals from various providers across Europe. You can use it to find the best car rental options for your route by entering your pick-up and drop-off locations dates and times. It will show you the available cars with prices features reviews booking links and maps. You can also use it to modify or cancel your booking or contact customer service.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a free online service that allows you to compare and book flight tickets from various airlines across Europe. You can use it to find the cheapest fastest or best flight options for your route by entering your departure and arrival airports dates and times. It will show you the available flights with prices durations schedules airlines booking links and maps. You can also use it to set up price alerts find the best time to fly or explore other destinations.
You should book your tickets as early as possible to get the best prices and availability. However, you should also be flexible and adaptable in case of any changes or disruptions in your travel plans.
How to Find Your Accommodation
The third step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is finding your accommodation. Europe has a wide range of accommodation options that suit different budgets needs and preferences such as hotel hostel Airbnb couchsurfing etc.
Each type of accommodation has its own pros and cons that you should consider when choosing the best option for your trip:
Hotel: Hotel is one of the most common types of accommodation in Europe because it is comfortable convenient and reliable. You can enjoy a private room with a bed bathroom TV Wi-Fi and other amenities. You can also benefit from services such as breakfast laundry room service and concierge. However, hotel rooms can also be expensive boring and impersonal. You may have to pay extra fees for taxes tips or services. You may also miss out on the local culture and atmosphere.
Hostel: Hostel is another popular type of accommodation in Europe because it is cheap social and fun. You can stay in a shared dormitory with bunk beds or a private room with basic facilities. You can also meet other travelers from different countries and backgrounds and join activities such as tours parties or games. However, hostel rooms can also be noisy dirty and unsafe. You may have to deal with snoring stealing or partying. You may also lack privacy and comfort.
Airbnb: Airbnb is another option for accommodation in Europe because it is flexible authentic and diverse. You can rent a room or an entire apartment or house from a local host who can offer you a home away from home. You can also experience the local lifestyle culture and neighborhood. However, Airbnb rentals can also be unpredictable risky and illegal. You may have to deal with scams cancellations or complaints. You may also face legal issues or fines in some countries or cities that regulate or ban Airbnb.
Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is another alternative for accommodation in Europe because it is free friendly and adventurous. You can stay on a couch or a spare room of a local host who can offer you hospitality and friendship. You can also learn from their stories tips and insights. However, couchsurfing can also be challenging awkward and dangerous. You may have to deal with incompatible unreliable or abusive hosts. You may also expose yourself to potential threats or harms.
Once you have decided on the best type of accommodation for your trip, you can start looking for the best deals and reviews for your bookings. You can use online tools and resources, such as:
Booking.com: Booking.com is a free online service that allows you to compare and book hotel rooms across Europe. You can use it to find the best hotel options for your destination by entering your location, date, and number of guests. It will show you the available hotels with prices, ratings, reviews, photos, features, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to filter your results by price, star rating, location, facilities, etc.
Hostelworld: Hostelworld is a free online service that allows you to compare and book hostel rooms across Europe. You can use it to find the best hostel options for your destination by entering your location, date, and number of guests. It will show you the available hostels with prices, ratings, reviews, photos, features, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to filter your results by price, rating, location, facilities, etc.
Airbnb: Airbnb is a free online service that allows you to compare and book Airbnb rentals across Europe. You can use it to find the best Airbnb options for your destination by entering your location, date, and number of guests. It will show you the available rentals with prices, ratings, reviews, photos, features, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to filter your results by price, type, amenities, etc.
Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is a free online service that allows you to find and contact couchsurfing hosts across Europe. You can use it to find the best couchsurfing options for your destination by entering your location, date, and number of guests. It will show you the available hosts with profiles, references, photos, preferences, availability, and messages. You can also use it to filter your results by age, gender, language, interests, etc.
You should book your accommodation as early as possible to get the best prices and availability. However, you should also be respectful and responsible when staying at someone else’s place.
How to Plan Your Activities
The fourth step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is planning your activities. Europe has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, culture, nature, and leisure activities. You can visit famous landmarks, museums, churches, castles, parks, and monuments. You can also enjoy local cuisine, music, art, festivals, and nightlife.
However, you can’t do everything in one trip, so you need to balance and prioritize your activities according to your interests and preferences.
You should consider the following factors when planning your activities:
Budget: Some activities are more expensive than others in Europe. For example, entrance fees for museums or attractions can range from a few euros to tens of euros per person. You should also factor in the cost of transportation, food, drinks, tips, or souvenirs for each activity. You should set a daily budget for your activities and stick to it. You should also look for ways to save money on your activities such as buying tickets online or in advance using discount cards or passes visiting free or cheap attractions or joining free walking tours.
Time: Some activities take more time than others in Europe. For example, visiting a museum or a castle can take several hours or even a whole day depending on how much you want to see and learn. You should also consider the opening hours closing days or seasonal variations of each activity. You should allocate enough time for each activity and avoid rushing or skipping. You should also leave some room for spontaneity and flexibility in case of any changes or surprises in your travel plans.
Interests: Some activities are more appealing than others to different people in Europe. For example, some people may love art and history, while others may prefer nature and adventure. You should think about what you are most interested in and passionate about, and plan your activities accordingly. You should also try to diversify your activities and experience different aspects of each destination. For example, you can visit a museum in the morning, a park in the afternoon, and a pub in the evening.
Weather: Some activities are more suitable than others for different weather conditions in Europe. For example, some activities are better done indoors, while others are better done outdoors. You should also consider the seasonal variations, such as temperature, precipitation, daylight, or festivals, that may affect your activities. You should check the weather forecast for each destination before you plan your activities. You should also pack appropriate clothing and gear for each activity.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start researching and comparing different activities for each destination. You can use online tools and resources, such as:
TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is a free online service that allows you to find and book the best attractions and experiences in Europe. You can use it to find the best activities for your destination by entering your location, date, and category. It will show you the available activities with prices, ratings, reviews, photos, features, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to filter your results by price, rating, popularity, duration, etc.
GetYourGuide: GetYourGuide is a free online service that allows you to find and book the best tours and tickets in Europe. You can use it to find the best tours and tickets for your destination by entering your location, date, and category. It will show you the available tours and tickets with prices, ratings, reviews, photos, features, booking links, and maps. You can also use it to filter your results by price rating popularity duration etc.
Culture Trip: Culture Trip is a free online service that allows you to discover and explore the best of culture art food and travel in Europe. You can use it to find the best of culture art food and travel for your destination by entering your location or browsing by category. It will show you articles videos photos and guides that feature the best of culture art food and travel for your destination. You can also use it to save or share your favorites.
Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a free online service that allows you to find and plan the best of travel in Europe. You can use it to find the best of travel for your destination by entering your location or browsing by category. It will show you information tips advice and recommendations that feature the best of travel for your destination. You can also use it to buy or download travel guides or books.
You should book your tickets and tours as early as possible to get the best prices and availability. However, you should also be open-minded and adventurous when trying new activities.
How to Pack Your Luggage
The fifth step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is packing your luggage. Packing your luggage is an important part of your trip preparation because it can affect your comfort convenience and safety while traveling.
You should consider the following factors when packing your luggage:
What to pack: What to pack depends on your destination duration season activities and personal needs. However, there are some general items that you should pack for any trip in Europe such as:
Passport visa tickets reservations insurance and other documents.
Money credit cards debit cards and other payment methods.
Phone charger adapter power bank and other electronics.
Clothes shoes, accessories, and other personal items.
Toiletries, medicines, first aid kit, and other health items.
Camera, notebook, pen, and other entertainment items.
You should also pack some specific items depending on your destination, season, or activities, such as:
Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and other sun protection items.
Umbrella, raincoat, boots, and other rain protection items.
Jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves, and other cold protection items.
Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and other beach items.
Hiking shoes, backpack, water bottle, and other outdoor items.
You should pack only what you need and what you can carry. You should also pack light and smart for different seasons and climates.
What not to pack: What not to pack depends on your destination duration season activities and personal preferences. However, there are some general items that you should not pack for any trip in Europe such as:
Valuables, jewelry, expensive items, or items that you can’t afford to lose or damage.
Weapons, drugs, alcohol, or items that are illegal or restricted in your destination country.
Heavy, bulky, fragile, or items that take up too much space or weight in your luggage.
Duplicate, unnecessary, or items that you can buy or borrow at your destination.
You should not pack anything that you don’t need or that you can’t carry. You should also avoid packing too much or too little for different seasons and climates.
How to pack: How to pack depends on your luggage type size shape and weight. However, there are some general tips and tricks that can help you pack more efficiently and effectively such as:
Use a suitcase duffel bag or backpack that is durable lightweight and easy to carry.
Use packing cubes ziplock bags or compression bags to organize and compress your items.
Use the rolling folding or bundling method to pack your clothes and save space.
Use the empty spaces in your shoes hats or pockets to store small or fragile items.
Use the layering technique to pack your clothes and adapt to different temperatures.
Use the mix and match strategy to pack your clothes and create different outfits.
Use the laundry service washing machine or sink to wash your clothes and reuse them.
You should pack your luggage in a way that is convenient and comfortable for you. You should also follow the luggage rules and regulations of your transportation and accommodation providers.
How to Travel Safely and Comfortably
The sixth and final step of planning your Europe free travel itinerary is traveling safely and comfortably. Traveling safely and comfortably is an essential part of your trip enjoyment because it can affect your health, money, documents, and belongings while traveling.
You should consider the following factors when traveling safely and comfortably:
How to prepare for emergencies and contingencies: Emergencies and contingencies are unpredictable events that can happen during your trip, such as accidents, illnesses, thefts, losses, delays, cancellations, strikes, protests, natural disasters, etc. You should prepare for emergencies and contingencies by:
Buying travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, personal liability, etc.
Making copies of your passport, visa, tickets, reservations, insurance, and other documents, and storing them online or offline.
Having a list of emergency contacts, such as family, friends, embassy, consulate, bank, airline, etc., and keeping them updated on your whereabouts.
Having a backup plan for your itinerary, transportation, accommodation, activities, etc., in case of any changes or disruptions.
Having a travel kit that contains essential items such as water, food, flashlight, whistle, knife, matches, etc., in case of any emergencies.
You should prepare for emergencies and contingencies by being proactive and cautious. You should also be flexible and adaptable in case of any emergencies or contingencies.
How to protect your health, money, documents, and belongings while traveling: Health, money, documents, and belongings are valuable assets that you should protect while traveling. You can protect your health money documents and belongings by:
Taking care of your physical and mental health by eating well drinking enough water sleeping enough exercising regularly avoiding stress and seeking medical help if needed.
Taking care of your money by using a secure payment method such as credit card or debit card instead of cash avoiding carrying too much cash or showing it off using a money belt or a hidden pocket to store your cash or cards notifying your bank of your travel plans and checking your account statements regularly avoiding scams or frauds by being alert and skeptical.
Taking care of your documents by keeping them in a safe place such as a hotel safe or a locker carrying them with you only when necessary showing them only when required avoiding losing them or leaving them unattended reporting them immediately if lost or stolen applying for replacements as soon as possible.
Taking care of your belongings by packing them securely and labeling them clearly locking them with a padlock or a cable lock keeping them with you at all times or storing them in a safe place avoiding overpacking or leaving them unattended reporting them immediately if lost or stolen claiming them as soon as possible.
You should protect your health, money, documents, and belongings by being responsible and careful. You should also be aware and respectful of the local customs, laws, and etiquette in each country.
Conclusion
Europe free travel is a great way to explore and enjoy the continent at your own pace and style. You can plan your own itinerary according to your budget, time, interests, and preferences. You can also experience the diversity, beauty, and charm of Europe in a more authentic and personal way.
However, Europe free travel also requires a lot of research, preparation, booking, packing, and problem-solving on your own. You also need to deal with different languages, currencies, laws, customs, and expectations in each country. You may encounter some difficulties or surprises along the way that can affect your trip.
That’s why we have created this guide to help you plan your personalized itinerary for Europe free travel. We have covered the essential steps and tips that will help you choose your destinations, book your transportation, find your accommodation, plan your activities, pack your luggage, and travel safely and comfortably.
We hope that this guide will help you create your own unforgettable European adventure. We also hope that you will have a lot of fun, learning, and memories during your trip.
Thank you for reading this article and happy travels!
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Europe?
A: The best time to visit Europe depends on your destination, season, weather, budget, and preferences. Generally speaking, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Europe because they offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful scenery. However, summer (June-August) and winter (December-February) can also be good times to visit Europe if you want to enjoy the peak season or the off-season attractions and activities.
Q: What is the best way to get around Europe?
A: The best way to get around Europe depends on your destination, distance, budget, time, and preferences. Generally speaking, train is the best way to get around Europe because it is fast, comfortable, scenic, environmentally friendly, and convenient. However, bus, car, flight, or other modes of transportation can also be good ways to get around Europe if you want to save money, have more flexibility, or reach remote or rural areas.
Q: What are some of the must-see attractions in Europe?
A: Some of the must-see attractions in Europe are:
The Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Colosseum in Rome
The Acropolis in Athens
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
The Big Ben in London
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
The Louvre Museum in Paris
The Vatican Museums in Vatican City
The Alhambra in Granada
The Matterhorn in Switzerland
The Northern Lights in Scandinavia
The Oktoberfest in Munich
The Christmas Markets in Germany
The Venice Carnival in Venice
Q: What are some of the best tips for traveling in Europe?
A: Some of the best tips for traveling in Europe are:
Plan ahead but be flexible.
Book early but be adaptable.
Pack light but be prepared.
Travel slow but see more.
Mix and match but balance.
Be respectful but be adventurous.
Be careful but have fun.
Q: How much does it cost to travel in Europe?
A: The cost of traveling in Europe depends on your destination, duration, season, style, and activities. However, a general estimate is that you can travel in Europe for about €50-€100 per day per person on a budget, €100-€200 per day per person on a moderate, or €200+ per day per person on a luxury level. This includes transportation, accommodation, food, drinks, attractions, and entertainment. You can also save money by traveling off-season, using discount cards or passes, visiting free or cheap attractions, or joining free walking tours.