10 Insider European Travel Tips for Easy Travel

Acropolis in Athens, Greece

From Ireland to Greece and in between, Europe is a fantastic destination with so many different regions, amazing cultures, cuisines and legendary sites.  

Travel to Europe is so easy and convenient now and offers a great vacation for families, couples and solo travelers.

​Check out our insider travel tips to make your journey smooth and seamless so you can focus more time on having fun, making new connections and memories.   

Let's go! 

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First Class Seats

1. Arrive in style and upgrade your flying experience:
Save time, money and upgrade your class of service by booking in advance through a travel professional that specializes in discounted, non-published airfares.  These “private or consolidator airfares” are not available to the public and can offer savings from 10%-60% compared to published airfare for first and business class airfare. 

​Insider Tip:  Book direct flights whenever available and affordable and the earliest flights of the day to avoid delays and allow more time for adjustments if your flight is canceled.  I also prefer early flights as the airplanes and airport are fresh and clean and usually less crowded.  

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A personal travel advisor will make your travel Easy and stretch your budget

2. Use a travel advisor to secure the best savings and enjoy stress-free travel:  

With the mega online travel agencies and so many distribution channels it can be overwhelming to sort through and compare all the airlines, flights, hotels, tours, attractions, transfers, experiences and choices available to decide what is best for you.

Engaging a professional travel advisor that specializes in your destination will save you time and money in crafting the best itinerary based on your timeline, objectives, desires and budget.  Most travel advisors should have access to wholesale pricing to stretch your budget along with VIP benefits at hotels and private tours, so you'll never wait in line. Using their vetted suppliers will insure your always dealing with a trustworthy provider and the ongoing support you'll receive, and travel tips will make your traveling seamless, stress-free and more enjoyable. 

​Insider Tip:  When hiring a travel advisor, chat with them beforehand to see if they have good knowledge of your destination and are a good fit for your travel style as this really is a one-to-one relationship and no one travel advisor can specialize in everything.  
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​3. Breeze through Airport Customs & Security:

• -Enroll in Global Entry to that will expedite you through security and US Customs


• -Use the free mobile passport app to expedite US customs processing  
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4. It's all in your App:
Reduce stress and always be in the know when you have the right travel apps. Some of our favorites are:
-MyTSA – Check waistlines in advance
-Airlines – Monitor and be ready to change flights if delayed or canceled
-FLIO –Instantly connects you with many airports so you know the locations of electronic charging locations, airport lounges, ATM’s shopping, dining, ground transportation, parking and much more…
- Uber and Lyft so always have options for ground transportation
-Google Translation – Never be at loss for words
-Google maps – Download your destination maps in advance
-Units Plus – Calculates currency and units
-Globaltips – International tipping guide
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Traveling Light

5. Travel Light:  
Reduce your baggage and you’ll feel instantly free.  When packing, mix and match your clothing and outfits to fit everything into one checked bag and one carryon bag that you can carry yourself.    You can always buy anything you did not pack in Europe and even reward yourself by buying some fashion clothes to take home.  You’ll love the freedom of dragging less luggage over cobblestone streets, on trains and transferring hotels, etc.   

​Insider Tip: Lock your luggage with TSA approved locks and take pictures of them to help identify them if lost or stolen. Pack basic toiletries and a change of clothes in your carryon bag in case.  Consider shipping your luggage to/from Europe to save hassle on carrying extra bags with you.  
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6. Travel in Comfort:

• -Seat assignments are key to a comfortable flight = If booking economy, keep checking your seats online as it is often less expensive to upgrade your seats once booked for more legroom and benefits. Check Seat Guru for best seats on your aircraft.
• Travel Pillow – always bring at least one to support your neck or back -​ Tip: Bring a clean bag to carry your travel pillow(s) so don’t get dirty
• -Dress comfortably but with secure pockets to store your passport, money, and valuables
• -A fleece or soft sweatshirt is perfect for staying warm and doubling as a blanket or pillow
• -Best noise reducing headphones you can afford or earplugs to drown out engine and cabin noise
• -Large Insulated water bottle so can always hydrate with fresh cold water
• -Bring own entertainment, audio pod casts, books, games, cards, download movies, etc.
• -Stretch and walk around every couple of hours to keep good circulation and consider wearing compression socks
• -Pack healthy snacks, sanitizing wipes, comfortable masks, and small toiletry items

7. Survive Jet Lag:
Jet Lag is real and really disrupt your first few days until your body can adjust to the new time zone so prepare in advance to minimize its affect. 

• -Set watch to your destination local time and start your sleep patterns during travel and even in advance before leaving
• -If arriving to a new destination during the day always go outside for sunlight will help your body adjusts to the new time zone
• -Eat and drink cleanly and limit caffeine, alcohol, greasy and salty foods
• -Go to bed by 10pm in new destination
• -Consider a sleep aid like Melatonin or a relaxing scent like Lavender oil   

ATM in Ireland

8. Manage your money and valuables:

• -Bring Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees…let your credit card providers know your travel plans so your transactions will not be held up
• -Always have a backup credit card but keep in a separate area in case your main credit card goes missing
• -Visa and MC are most popular cards
• -Get some foreign currency in advance through your local bank and then use the in-country ATM's for the best exchange rate (bring debit card and remember your PIN)
• -Bring a change purse to hold coins and foreign currency so can always make change
• -Consider wearing less jewelry or wear costume jewelry in case of theft

 
Insider Tip: Store your money and valuables on you with a money belt when transiting or traveling and then lock in hotel safe or luggage in your hotel room

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9. Pre-arrange airport transportation:  
The number one stress reliever for our clients is having a pre-arranged ride from the airport, cruise port, etc., so have a plan and book this in advance.   This could be a pre-arranged ride, train, shuttle, etc. 

Travel Insurance to protect yourself and travel investment

10. Purchase travel insurance:
Our world is changing daily and there are lots of uncertainties when traveling so gain peace of mind and protect yourself and your travel investment by pre-purchasing travel insurance so always have options and support when unforeseen things happen.  Your travel advisor can help you with a vetted provider and explain the coverages and non-refundable amounts of your trip to insure.  

Insider Tip:  Besides valuable coverage to protect you, most travel insurance companies offer 24/7 travel emergency and traveler assistance that is very helpful.

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 Summary: 
Pack your patience, be in the moment, smile and enjoy the journey as anticipation is always half the fun of any trip.  You’ll love reconnecting again and want to return soon.  Wishing you safe, smoothy journeys and fantastic moments. 

Check out our Travel with Confidence page to stay up to date on travel restrictions and advice.