Europe is a dream destination for many travelers—and for good reason. With over 40 countries packed into one compact continent, you can hop from Roman ruins in Italy to Gothic cathedrals in France, then sip coffee in a cozy Austrian café—all in one trip. But with so many choices, planning can feel overwhelming.
Where do you even start? How do you pick countries, manage travel between them, and not blow your budget?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan a trip to Europe, step by step. We’ll also share sample travel itineraries for different interests and timeframes. Whether you’re a first-timer, traveling with teens, or planning a budget-friendly trip, you’ll find something here to make your adventure smooth and memorable.
Step 1: Decide When to Go
The best time to visit Europe really depends on what you want.
- Summer (June–August): Great weather, long daylight hours, and endless festivals. But it’s crowded and pricey.
- Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October): These shoulder seasons are ideal. Think fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and lower costs.
- Winter (November–March): Perfect for Christmas markets, snow-covered villages, and ski trips. But many tourist spots have shorter hours or close completely.
If you’re planning your first Europe trip, late spring or early fall is often the sweet spot. You’ll avoid the peak crowds while still enjoying decent weather.
Step 2: Pick Your Travel Style
Are you the type who loves slow travel and soaking up the vibe of one city? Or do you want to tick off as many bucket-list spots as possible in a whirlwind tour? Your travel style shapes your itinerary.
Here are a few common styles:
- Classic Highlights Tour: Great for first-timers. Covers iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam in one trip.
- Theme-Based Travel: Love art, food, or history? Build your itinerary around that.
- Road Trip Style: Explore the countryside by car—perfect in places like France, Germany, or the Balkans.
- Train Travel: Europe’s rail network is fast, scenic, and easy to navigate. Perfect if you want to avoid airports and rental cars.
- Slow and Local: Base yourself in one or two places. Day-trip out and really get to know the region.
Start by being honest with yourself: Do you want to see more, or feel more? There’s no wrong answer.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Timeline
Time is the biggest constraint on any trip. Don’t try to squeeze ten countries into ten days—it’s exhausting and expensive.
Here’s a general guide to what you can reasonably see:
- 1 Week in Europe: Stick to one country or two neighboring cities. For example, Paris + Amsterdam, or Rome + Florence.
- 10 Days in Europe: You can explore 2–3 countries. Think Italy–Switzerland–Austria, or France–Belgium–Netherlands.
- 2 Weeks in Europe: Perfect for a 3–5 city itinerary. This allows for deeper travel and fewer rushed days.
- 3 Weeks or More: You can do a broader loop—perhaps Southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy) or Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary).
We’ll cover some specific itinerary samples later in this article.
Step 4: Budget Wisely
Europe doesn’t have to break the bank—but it can if you’re not careful. The cost of your trip depends on where you go and how you travel.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Western Europe (France, Germany, UK, Netherlands): $120–200 per day
- Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Romania): $60–100 per day
- Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece): $80–150 per day
- Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark): $150–250+ per day
To stay within your budget:
- Mix expensive cities with cheaper ones.
- Use trains and budget airlines.
- Stay in hostels, apartments, or affordable boutique hotels.
- Eat like a local—picnic lunches and street food are your friends.
Also, consider using travel cards like the Eurail Pass, which can save money on longer train journeys.
Step 5: Choose Countries That Make Sense Together
It’s tempting to jump from London to Santorini to Prague in one trip, but that kind of zigzag burns time and money. Instead, build your route around geographic logic.
Start by choosing a region. Here are a few combinations that work well:
- Western Europe: France, Belgium, Netherlands
- Southern Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal
- Central Europe: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary
- Eastern Europe: Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria
- Nordic Loop: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland
- UK + Ireland: England, Scotland, Ireland
Travel Tip: Use an “open jaw” flight—fly into one city and out of another. For example, fly into Paris and out of Rome. This saves backtracking and lets you cover more ground.
Step 6: Plan Your Transportation
Transportation is where a Europe trip can get complicated—but also fun. Depending on where you’re going, you’ll want a mix of trains, flights, and local options.
Here’s a quick guide:
Trains
- Best for medium distances (2–6 hours between cities).
- Comfortable, scenic, and you usually arrive in the city center.
- Book tickets in advance for better prices.
- Look into rail passes (Eurail, Interrail) if you’re doing multiple trips.
Budget Flights
- Great for long distances (like Paris to Athens).
- Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer cheap fares.
- Be mindful of baggage fees and remote airports.
Road Trips
- Ideal for countryside areas like Provence, Tuscany, or Bavaria.
- Gives you flexibility for hidden villages, wineries, and scenic routes.
- Check for toll roads and parking rules.
Buses
- Cheapest option but slowest.
- Good for budget travelers or short hops between cities.
Use a route planner like Rome2Rio or Omio to compare options between destinations.
Step 7: Book Accommodation in Advance (but Not Too Much)
It’s a good idea to book places to stay before you go, especially in popular spots or during peak season. But avoid overbooking your entire itinerary—you may want flexibility once you’re on the road.
Types of places to consider:
- Hotels: Reliable but pricier. Great for comfort.
- Hostels: Not just for backpackers anymore—many offer private rooms.
- Airbnbs/Short-Term Rentals: Good for families or longer stays.
- Guesthouses & B&Bs: Charming and often come with breakfast.
- Eco-lodges or farm stays: For unique, local experiences.
Pro tip: Stay near major train stations or in walkable neighborhoods. It’ll save you time and transit costs.
Step 8: Pack Smart and Light
You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe. European cities have cobblestone streets, stairs, and lots of walking—so lugging a heavy suitcase will quickly wear you down.
Essentials:
- A small carry-on or backpack
- Layers (weather can vary a lot, even in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel adapter for electronics
- Travel-size toiletries
- Copies of documents (both digital and print)
Check weather forecasts for your destinations and pack accordingly. For example, summers in Spain are very different from summer in Norway.
Step 9: Learn a Bit of the Local Language
Even if you don’t speak French or Italian, learning a few key phrases goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often leads to friendlier service.
Here are useful ones:
- Hello / Goodbye
- Please / Thank you
- Do you speak English?
- How much does it cost?
- Where is the bathroom?
Apps like Google Translate or Duolingo can help. Also, download offline maps and translation features before you go.
Sample Itinerary 1: Classic Europe in 10 Days
If it’s your first time in Europe and you’re excited to see the highlights, this sample trip offers a little bit of everything—romance, history, art, and iconic landmarks.
Day 1–3: Paris, France
- Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre.
- Walk along the Seine and grab pastries at a local boulangerie.
- Optional day trip to Versailles.
Travel Tip: Book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance to skip long lines.
Day 4–6: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cruise the canals, visit the Anne Frank House, and explore Van Gogh Museum.
- Rent a bike and cycle through Vondelpark.
- Try stroopwafels and Dutch cheese.
Getting there: Take a high-speed train (Thalys) from Paris to Amsterdam in just over 3 hours.
Day 7–10: Rome, Italy
- Marvel at the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain.
- Enjoy authentic pasta and gelato.
- Stroll around Trastevere for local vibes.
Getting there: Take a budget flight from Amsterdam to Rome (about 2.5 hours).
Sample Itinerary 2: Central Europe for Culture Lovers (2 Weeks)
This route is perfect if you want fairytale towns, baroque palaces, and cozy cafés—all within easy reach.
Day 1–3: Prague, Czech Republic
- Explore Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square.
- Enjoy a classical concert and Czech beer.
- Very walkable city with great value.
Day 4–6: Vienna, Austria
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace and the Opera House.
- Try Sachertorte and enjoy a coffee at Café Central.
- Take a Danube river cruise if you have time.
Getting there: A 4-hour train ride from Prague to Vienna.
Day 7–9: Budapest, Hungary
- Relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths.
- Visit Buda Castle and Parliament building.
- Take an evening cruise on the Danube.
Getting there: A scenic train from Vienna to Budapest (around 2.5 hours).
Day 10–14: Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria
- Visit Mozart’s birthplace and the fortress.
- Take a day trip to Hallstatt for stunning lakeside views.
- Enjoy alpine scenery and Sound of Music nostalgia.
Tip: Austria’s regional trains are punctual and scenic—plan your transfers around daylight hours to enjoy the ride.
Sample Itinerary 3: Southern Europe for Food & Sun (10 Days)
Perfect for warm weather, vibrant markets, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Day 1–3: Barcelona, Spain
- Visit Sagrada Familia and stroll down La Rambla.
- Eat tapas, watch a flamenco show, and relax on the beach.
Day 4–6: Nice, France (French Riviera)
- Walk along the Promenade des Anglais.
- Visit nearby Èze or Monaco for a day trip.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and the relaxed coastal vibe.
Getting there: Short flight or scenic train from Barcelona.
Day 7–10: Florence, Italy
- Explore the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.
- Take a Tuscan countryside wine tour.
- Eat plenty of pizza and gelato.
Getting there: A quick flight from Nice to Florence, or take a train via Milan.
These itineraries offer a balance between culture, food, and sightseeing. You’ll get a taste of Europe’s diversity without overpacking your schedule.
Sample Itinerary 4: 2 Weeks in Europe with Teens
Traveling with teens? Keep the pace balanced—enough adventure to keep things exciting, but with downtime for rest or exploring independently.
Day 1–3: London, UK
- Visit the British Museum, Tower of London, and ride the London Eye.
- Explore Camden Market and grab fish and chips.
- Take a Harry Potter studio tour if they’re fans.
Tip: Get Oyster Cards for easy public transport.
Day 4–6: Paris, France
- Climb the Eiffel Tower and explore the Louvre (even just the highlights).
- Chill at a sidewalk café or picnic in Luxembourg Gardens.
- Teens love the street art and vibes in Le Marais.
Getting there: Eurostar train from London to Paris in under 2.5 hours.
Day 7–9: Lucerne, Switzerland
- Take a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Titlis.
- Walk across the Chapel Bridge and enjoy lakeside scenery.
- Swiss chocolate and alpine hikes are always a win.
Getting there: Train from Paris to Lucerne (around 6 hours with views along the way).
Day 10–14: Venice + Rome, Italy
- Ride a gondola, get lost in Venice’s alleys.
- End in Rome for history: Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City.
- Try a pizza-making class or Vespa tour to keep things fun.
Getting there: Lucerne to Venice by train (~7 hours with one change), then fast train to Rome.
Sample Itinerary 5: 10 Days in Europe on a Budget
Europe can be affordable with a smart route and some local tips. Eastern and parts of Central Europe offer great value.
Day 1–3: Kraków, Poland
- Visit the Old Town and Wawel Castle.
- Take a sobering day trip to Auschwitz.
- Enjoy hearty, affordable Polish food.
Day 4–6: Budapest, Hungary
- Stay in a centrally located hostel with kitchen access.
- Visit free attractions like Fisherman’s Bastion and Margaret Island.
- Soak in thermal baths and explore ruin pubs.
Getting there: Budget bus or train from Kraków (6–7 hours).
Day 7–10: Ljubljana, Slovenia + Lake Bled
- Chill in Ljubljana’s charming old town and riverside cafés.
- Day trip to Lake Bled—row to the island or hike to the viewpoint.
- Slovenia is compact, clean, and budget-friendly.
Tip: Use FlixBus or BlaBlaCar for cheap transport across these regions.
Customize Your Itinerary
Of course, these are just sample frameworks. You can mix and match cities, add stopovers, or replace places based on your interests. Here are some easy swaps:
- Don’t want big cities? Replace Paris with Lyon, or Rome with Bologna.
- Want beach time? Add Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, or Algarve, Portugal.
- Love hiking? Spend time in the Swiss Alps or Dolomites in Italy.
- Into wine? Visit Bordeaux, Tuscany, or the Mosel Valley in Germany.
You can also travel more slowly—spending 5–7 days in a single country to really dig in. Remember, it’s your trip. What works for others might not be your style.
Final Travel Tips: What Most People Forget
Even the best-planned trip can hit bumps. Here are some final tips to help things run smoothly.
Stay Connected
Buy a local SIM card or get an eSIM before departure. This helps with maps, bookings, and translation tools. Apps like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, Omio, and Rick Steves Audio Europe are incredibly handy.
Keep Important Docs Safe
Scan your passport, tickets, and travel insurance details and save them online (Google Drive, Dropbox). Always have a backup in case of loss or theft.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
It’s tempting to cut this out, especially if you’re on a budget. But travel insurance protects you in case of lost luggage, delays, medical issues, or cancellations. Choose a plan that covers both health and trip protection.
Use a Travel-Friendly Card
Pick a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees. Always choose to be charged in local currency when given the option—it’s usually cheaper.
Leave Space for Spontaneity
Don’t overplan every hour. Leave room for a lazy morning, a surprise street market, or a detour to a charming town you hadn’t heard of before. The best moments are often the unplanned ones.
Wrapping Up: Your Europe Adventure Starts Now
Planning a trip to Europe doesn’t have to feel like solving a giant puzzle. Start with your timeframe, pick a region, and build your route based on what feels right—not just what’s popular.
Whether you’re seeing the classics, chasing sunsets in the Mediterranean, or strolling through lesser-known villages, Europe rewards every kind of traveler. Go slow when you can. Eat well. Get a little lost. Talk to locals. And always carry a small notebook or open notes app—because you’re going to want to remember these moments forever.
With a little prep and the right mindset, your Europe trip will be unforgettable—whether it’s ten days or ten weeks.
Keyword Recap
This guide on how to plan a trip to Europe included sample travel itineraries, travel styles, budget tips, and practical planning steps. Whether you’re visiting for a week or exploring multiple countries, you now have the tools to create your own unforgettable European journey.
