Tips for Spending a Summer Traveling in Europe

Whether you’re 19, 39, 59 or older, a summer traveling in Europe can be life changing. This is the kind of trip that is usually associated with being a student, but you can do it at any age. The tips below will help you plan it whatever your situation is.

Table of Contents

Time

If you are a student, this one is pretty easy: you have summers off. If you’re out of school but not retired, getting this time off can be harder but not impossible. Some companies offer sabbaticals to their employees. Others might be amenable to giving you some unpaid time off or even allowing you to work remotely. There are some common financial mistakes to be aware of and avoid when planning a large-scale event such as this. Quitting altogether might be a last resort, but if you’re planning to change careers or there is demand in your industry, this could be workable.

Money

Money is another big hurdle for many people. There are ways to travel on the cheap, such as doing home exchanges, house sitting, staying in hostels, or and cooking for yourself. All the same, you do need some money. This is where some people turn to credit cards, but a better way to fund your trip is with a personal loan, which usually has lower interest rates and a more favorable plan for repayment.

Transportation

The traditional way to travel Europe is with a rail pass, but this is not always the most economical option. Even if you stick with trains, it may be cheaper to buy point-to-point tickets. There are also a number of bus companies that you can travel on inexpensively although it may lack the romance of the train. Car rental is another option, but be sure that you are comfortable driving in a foreign country.

Language

For many, not knowing another language is one of the most intimidating aspects of traveling to another country. English is widely spoken in Europe, but where it is not, language apps can help you get your meaning across. You’ll have a better time if you learn a few polite words first in the languages of the places you’re visiting.

Planning

Planning can be the most challenging element because there are so many places to go and only so much time. Some people will be more committed to slower travel than others, but even if you are a Type A traveler who likes to be on the go, don’t plan to visit so many countries that you spend most of your time in transit. Ideally, you should try to spend at least a few days in most places. You will also need to build in time to get from one place to another and a few off days to do things like catch up on your laundry and just get your breath.

Think about what you prioritize. Is it history, art museums, nightclubs, food, natural scenery, hanging out with locals or something else? Another thing to consider in your planning is whether you’ll take the trip alone or with a friend, family member or significant other. Taking a tour instead of doing the planning on your own is another option.