Taking a trip to Europe isn’t just reserved for college graduates. At any stage of your life, you might want to leave your home continent behind and see what wonders Europe has to offer. Due to its distance, you might want to think about going for a few weeks, especially when you factor in how long the flights may be, including connections and waiting around, and the jetlag it can cause. Taking on a few tips could help you to enjoy this time to its fullest.
Greece, Switzerland, and Cyprus are three of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Greece is known for its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and delicious food. Switzerland is home to the Alps, beautiful lakes, and charming villages. Cyprus is a sunny island with a rich history and culture.
Here are some top tips for planning a European break:
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Get a European Union (EU) passport if you are not a citizen of an EU country. This will allow you to travel freely between most European countries including Cyprus.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. This will make it easier to communicate with locals and get around.
- Be prepared for different weather conditions. Europe has a variety of climates, so it is important to pack accordingly.
- Be aware of the different cultures in Europe. Each country has its own unique customs and traditions.
- Be respectful of the local people and their culture. This will help you have a more enjoyable experience.
Here are some specific tips for each country:
- Greece: Visit the Acropolis in Athens, swim in the Aegean Sea, and sample the local cuisine.
- Switzerland: Hike in the Alps, visit the Matterhorn, and enjoy the Swiss chocolate.
- Cyprus: Relax on the beach, explore the ancient ruins, and learn about the island’s history.
Book tickets in advance
When you have a lot of time available to you, you might think you can get away with simply winging each day to see what happens. However, this could lead to disappointment, especially if you then find out that some trips or events are sold out, or need to be booked in advance. Taking a day trip to Wieliczka from Krakow can be a wonderful way to explore Poland, should you choose to spend time here. Something like this could be best planned in advance so that you know which day you will be going. Doing so in advance can also enable you to create an itinerary, potentially allowing you to maximize the things you can do by fitting them around other excursions.
Figure out who to go with
Some of your friends may not feel comfortable leaving the country for a few weeks, if not longer. Others may have commitments that could prevent them from going on your chosen dates. Rather than leaving things to the last minute, you might want to start thinking about who to take with you, or even if you will go to Europe on your own. While you may love all your friends, it could be a good idea to consider those whose interests align more with your own, so you can increase the likelihood of everyone enjoying each activity. Alternatively, if you decide that a solo journey is needed, you may then want to start thinking about how you will keep yourself safe in a foreign country with no one you know around you.
Be in the moment
For some, a vacation to Europe may be an experience you only get to take once. Therefore, you might want to make the most of it. While it may be tempting to take photos of everything you see, this could detract from your enjoyment. Getting a few quick snapshots, and then putting your camera or phone away so you can really be present, may be a better idea. Realistically, it is unlikely that those photos would ever have much use beyond uploading to social network, so it might be better, and more fun, for the experience to live on in your memory, as opposed to a hard drive.
Europe encompasses a number of countries and cultures, so you might want to take your time when booking your break. Whether you choose to visit a single country, or go to as many as possible, you may be able to make smarter, more informed decisions by thinking before you book.
