How to prepare for your first Europe trip?

Europe is the ultimate dream holiday for many travellers across the globe. Nothing quite captures your imagination than an epic Europe trip. Planning a trip to Europe can be quite hard, not to mention confusing. Yet, nothing that a little planning cannot sort. If this is your first time to Europe, here’s how you can prepare for it:

1. Sort out your travel documentation

It is obvious that you will need a valid passport to travel to Europe. However, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your day of arrival in any European country. Make sure to obtain the right Schengen Visa as per your purpose of visit. If you plan on going to Europe for a holiday, you will need to get a Schengen Tourist Visa. Likewise, for business activities, you will need a Schengen Business Visa to travel to Europe. However, if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you may travel to Europe with just a valid passport. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely within all the 26 member states of the Schengen Zone. Get your Schengen Visa from the country where you plan to stay the maximum or the country which will be your port of entry.

2. Prepare a budget and book your flight tickets

Depending on the countries that you plan on visiting in Europe, your cost will vary. However, it is wise to plan a budget of at least $420-$700 per week, as per Travellers Today. When planning a budget make sure to take the following things into account:

• Hotels and accommodation
• Restaurants, cafes and eating out
• Cost of travel via air, road or rail
• Sight-seeing
• Buying gifts and souvenirs

Most outlets in Europe accept Visa and Mastercards which means that you do not need to carry a lot of local currency. However, make sure you inform your bank that you intend to use your card abroad. The last thing that you want is a temporary block on your card while travelling abroad.

3. Packing essentials

Like with any abroad trip, it is necessary that you keep certain essentials handy. When travelling to Europe, you should pack:

• Travel guides for the countries that you plan on visiting
• Local language phrase-book
• Travel toiletries
• A travel outlet adapter

Pack your clothes as per the season of your travel.

4. Plan your route carefully

There are several ways to travel around Europe. You can opt for flights, trains or even buses for your travel. Travelling by air in Europe You can find several cheap flight options for travelling around Europe. Your flight could take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on where you are travelling. Make sure to book your flights at least 3 months in advance to get the best deals. Flying early in the morning or late at night is often cheaper. Travelling light will also make your travel much more comfortable. Travelling by Euro-rail network If you like to view the natural beauty and the landscapes of Europe, you should travel by train. International train travel throughout the Schengen Zone is pretty seamless and convenient. You may also take sleeper trains to make your journey more comfortable. Travelling by road Travelling by bus around Europe is by far the cheapest way. There are several bus companies that offer both national and international travel options. If you, however, plan to drive around Europe yourself, make sure to bring along your international driving license. If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company. If you found this blog engaging, you may also like… Why is Travel Insurance important when travelling abroad?