15 Mistakes to Avoid While Exploring Europe
Traveling in Europe has become increasingly popular, attracting more than 700 million international visitors annually, according to the UNWTO. This surge has caused an explosion of travel options in the most popular places, making them crowded, expensive, and hard to get around in.
The increasing transportation, accommodations, and dining costs have forced many travelers to reevaluate how they will approach their adventure to Europe. As many travelers anticipate Europe’s rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, it is good to prepare carefully and avoid common mistakes.
Overpacking Your Itinerary
Many tourists make the common mistake of trying to see everything by overfilling their itinerary with too many destinations and activities. As enchanting as Europe’s diversity may be, trying to do too much can only result in stress and exhaustion.
A study conducted for the European Travel Commission revealed that travelers who spend more time in fewer locations report higher satisfaction because they can delve deeper. Focus on a few key destinations, allowing time to soak up each place’s culture, food, and history.
Ignoring Local Transportation Systems
This system operates differently in many European cities like Paris: it is efficient, accessible, and inexpensive. Few tourists bother learning how to utilize it, automatically hailing cabs or booking private transportation.
For example, in some cities like Berlin or Barcelona, single metro tickets start from €2. Taking a taxi for the same distance would cost upwards of €20 for distances that could be covered in a few minutes. This is a missed opportunity for hassle-free, inexpensive travel.
Not Acting Like a Local
Some cultural norms and traditions in Europe vary from country to country, so if not adhered to, they may lead to misunderstandings or even offending citizens.
For example, Europe has wildly divergent tipping practices. In places like France and Italy, the tip is usually already added to the bill, while in Germany, it is customary to round up slightly. Also, knowing a few basic phrases of the local tongue can go a long way in showing respect for the culture.
Too Much Reliance on Credit Cards
Even though credit cards are widely accepted throughout Europe, having some cash is always a good idea. Many establishments, especially smaller shops, cafes, and markets, may not accept anything but cold, hard cash.
In countries like Austria, Germany, and Italy, it is better to opt for cash for small transactions, and you may even get a discount if you pay by cash.
Not Checking Visa and Passport Requirements
Europe may appear as one unified continent, but visa and passport requirements vary depending on one’s nationality and the countries one will visit. For example, the Schengen Area rules allow borderless travel across 26 European countries, but not all EU countries belong to this zone.
Failing to research visa requirements could result in unnecessary delays if traveling from outside the EU. According to the European Commission, travelers from non-EU countries should ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure date.
Underestimating Travel Times
Europe may appear compact on a map, but travel times between destinations can be longer than expected. High-speed trains like the Eurostar and Thalys make travel convenient, but bus and rail journeys can take several hours in some regions.
For instance, while a train ride from Paris to Brussels takes about 1.5 hours, the same ride by bus may take upwards of 4 hours. Public transport is also less frequent in rural areas, and one has to plan for travel time.
Not Accounting for Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is often perceived as an extra, frivolous expense, but it may save you from tremendous losses in emergencies. According to the European Commission, health care for tourists without insurance is expensive. In countries like Switzerland, one visit may cost hundreds of euros.
Travel insurance also covers issues like lost luggage, flight cancellations, and trip interruptions, providing peace of mind throughout your journey. Many European countries require proof of health insurance for visa applications.
Staying in Tourist Traps
Europe has iconic tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum. However, the surrounding popular sites often have overpriced restaurants, shops, and accommodations designed to target tourists.
These “tourist traps” often drive up prices and make for disappointing experiences. For instance, eating at restaurants near major landmarks may be triple the cost of similar restaurants only a few blocks away.
Not Eating Breakfast or Meals
Many travelers get caught up in sightseeing or shopping and neglect their meals, particularly breakfast. However, skipping meals can leave you fatigued, irritable, and unable to enjoy the rest of your day.
In countries like France and Italy, breakfast is an integral part of the culture, and coffee and pastry are delightful. Some restaurants may even offer a special “prix-fixe” breakfast deal, offering a more economical way to begin your day.
Not Booking Accommodations in Advance
While traveling can be a thrill, the urge to book accommodation at the last minute may prove a very costly mistake, especially in popular European destinations. During peak travel seasons, hotel rates increase, and most places are booked in advance.
For instance, the prices of hotels in cities like Paris or Barcelona increase by 20-30% during summer. Booking your accommodation well in advance will save you money and ensure you get a place in the area of your choice.
Not Checking Opening Hours
One of the most significant mistakes tourists make is not checking the opening hours for attractions, museums, and restaurants. Many European places might be closed on specific days or holidays, ruining their plans.
For instance, most museums in Italy, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, do not open on Mondays. Restaurants in smaller towns, especially in Southern Europe, may also be closed for several hours in the afternoon.
Not Researching About the Local Food
Europe is known for its diversity and elegance in food, and the fun of traversing the continent involves tasting the food the locals prepare. Tourists usually stick to food they are accustomed to rather than try a local cuisine.
In Italy, for example, having pizza at every turn misses out on a treat like risotto or fresh seafood. Culinary tourism is on the rise, with over 40% of travelers seeking authentic food experiences, according to a World Travel & Tourism Council report.
Underestimating the Cost of Popular Destinations
While Europe has many budget-friendly options, it also has costly places. Zurich, Paris, and London regularly rank among the most expensive cities for tourists.
A simple dinner in central London can cost upwards of €40 per person, while museum entry fees may reach €20-€30. Budgeting for these costs and researching options for saving money, such as free museum days or discounts for students and seniors, is essential. You can also lower costs by staying in less touristy neighborhoods and eating at local markets.
Safety Precautions Overlooked
Europe is generally a safe destination; however, tourists can be targeted by petty theft and scams, among other security issues. Pickpocketing incidents occur at busy tourist spots, and being unaware of one’s surroundings often results in loss.
A new study by QuoteZone highlights that pickpocketing has risen 5% over the last five years in major cities, including Paris and Rome. Always keep your valuables secure, especially in high-traffic areas like metro stations or tourist attractions. A money belt or anti-theft backpack could also be a good investment.
Not Being a Sustainable Tourist
For many travelers, sustainability has become an essential factor in travel. Europe has several eco-conscious destinations, but too frequently, tourists neglect to consider the environmental impact of their activities. Overtourism, carbon emissions from flights, and waste from single-use plastics are all growing concerns.
WTTC’s Environmental and Social Research found that tourism contributes 8% of global carbon emissions, a footprint the EU has targeted for reduction by 2030. Among the easy travel practices that would help minimize one’s environmental impact include using public transport, eco-friendly accommodation options, and not wasting anything.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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