Tips on Visiting Europe for the First Time

Old cozy street in Lucca, Italy. Lucca is a city and comune in Tuscany. It is the capital of the Province of Lucca. Shutterstock

Looking back, I see the mistakes I made on my first trip to Europe. Two college friends and I spent 10 days exploring Europe, but we picked the wrong mode of transportation, packed too much into a short timeframe, overpaid at restaurants and more. We must have done something right, though, because that trip ignited my love of Europe. I went home and told my parents I was moving to Vienna for school—and I did.

These days, I visit Europe as often as I can, but I’ve learned a few things through experience and from other travelers. Here are a few tips that will help your first trip to Europe go smoothly.

Getting Around

My friends and I rented a car to visit three countries on that first trip. That was, after all, how we often traveled in the States. Yet, driving a car in a new place can be stressful and take a lot of time. Unless you’re visiting rural areas, a rental car isn’t the best option to get around.