If you’ve never traveled to Europe, there are certain things that are great to know before going. Europe is one of the best places for tourists to visit every year, as more than 500 million people visit Europe annually and the number of tourists is expected to rise in the coming years. Now that you’ve decided to set out on an adventurous trip, it is important to keep a few things in mind before setting off.
Here is a list of few things to know before you set out on a European tour:
1. Make Sure You Have a Valid Passport
Find your passport immediately after you decide to travel out of the country. Don’t forget, most countries require your passport to be valid for six months after you gain entry into their state. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a country for just a day visit. If your passport isn’t valid for at least six more months, you may be denied entry. Therefore, you need to make sure you have a valid passport when travelling to Europe.
2. Book Flights in the Off-Season
The best way to get the maximum discount on your trip is to book a flight in off-season. Say, if you want to travel to Europe in summer, consider booking your flight in early February or March. Similarly, whenever you want to visit, it is better to book 2 to 4 months before the actual date. Download an EU flight delay compensation form to find out about getting a flight upgrade in case there is a delay.
3. Pack Light
Most people who don’t travel a lot internationally tend to over pack. One of my top tips for travelling is to pack as little as you possibly can. Keep in mind, the more you pack, the higher the stress of carrying it with you all the time. Your travel experience will be much better if you carry lightweight bags. Just carry essential items such as a first aid kit, a camera or cell phone for photos and videos, a minimal amount of clothes, and snacks.
4. Inform Your Credit Card Company
Call your credit card company and let them know before you leave for the trip. Once you book your flight, email them the dates or inform them over the phone. If you travel without informing, the company may block your credit card as soon as you use it in another country. Credit card companies scrutinize the bank account as soon as a foreign transaction is made, and they may put a hold on the account.
5. Download Google Maps
If you’re traveling to a country for the first time, it is essential to download an app that helps in tracking your location. Secondly, if you’re visiting a country where the native language is not English, it will be difficult for you to interact with the locals. Unless you have a translator with you on a business trip, downloading a location app (and maybe a translator app) will be a must.
