A Comprehensive Guide to Your Europe Tour

Posted on: Sep 15, 2022 | | Written by:

A Comprehensive Guide to Your Europe Tour

Published on September 12, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

The mesmerising Swiss highlands, gorgeous, romantic Paris, sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean or the heritage, gigantic monuments of Italy and Greece, Europe never fails to impress their travellers in its charming glory. With proper planning, you can execute your dream into reality. Apart from Schengen travel insurance, you must keep certain things in mind to enjoy a smooth, hassle-free trip.

If you are travelling to Europe this season for the first time, you must consider certain crucial factors. These are as follows:

1. Visa essentials:

While travelling to different European countries, you need to apply for the exclusive Schengen visa, either from the embassy or consulate of the country you visit. However, before applying for it, you need to keep certain essential factors in mind:

a. The validity of your passport lasts for 6 months, beginning from the date of travel. The passport must have at least two blank pages and must enclose the copies of the previous visas applied through that particular passport.

b. The essential documents required for a Schengen visa are recent photographs, visa application form, all tickets and other hotel booking confirmation documents and vouchers, entire itinerary, duly approved leave application from the concerned employer and NOC from educational institutions in case of students, along with sufficient financial backup.

c. You must possess authorised and valid travel insurance maintaining the current Schengen requirement so that it is enough to cover the entire Schengen zone.

d. Tourists who are travelling to several countries must apply for the visa of the concerned country, mentioning the maximum number of days, without considering the primary port of entry. However, if you are travelling for an equal number of days in multiple countries, the visa application should be based on first port entry.

2. Trip timing:

If you are willing to capture the true essence and fervour of the European countries, it is best to choose an off-season. Summer is the peak season there when all the beaches remain crowded with tourists from several corners of the world. Moreover, the flight and hotel rates remain high, and the popular attractions witness long queues. Since most of the popular sites remain open throughout the year. It is best to choose an off-season for travelling, to avoid overcrowding and high rates.

3. Currency:

The primary thing you need to remember in this context is never to try to exchange money at the airport. You should receive better rates within the city or exchange it from India only to avoid unnecessary loss.

Most of the nationalised and private sector banks issue international travel cards. For enjoying smooth travel, it is best to issue one such card beforehand and pre-load it with sufficient Euro. However, certain European countries do not use Euro. So, keeping some cash in handy is always a wise idea.

4. Train travel:

Most European countries recommend train travel from one country to another. It is a fast, convenient, and economical mode of travel. However, it is also important to reserve tickets in advance to ensure smooth travel.

5. Language:

Never egg on this misconception that everyone in Europe can comfortably communicate in English. Knowing and understanding certain basic keywords of the country you are travelling to is best. It is no big deal in this digital era. If you travel to Paris, learning a few French phrases or certain Italian terms is best if your travel destination includes Italy.

6. Ensuring proper mobile connectivity:

We are all digitally challenged without an active mobile phone in this digital era. One of the most vital factors you must remember is that no such European confection runs in all the European countries. Therefore, activating an international roaming plan is best before leaving your hometown, depending on the countries you are planning to visit

7. Online ticket booking:

Europe has awe-trucking structures, monuments, elaborate gardens, churches, and museums. It is best to book tickets online to enjoy these monuments' fervour. It saves you from experiencing long, time-taking queues.

8. Packing tips:

You may be at a loss about what to take and avoid while undertaking a Europe trip. Depending on the season, you must pick your clothes. However, certain essentials include rain wears and umbrellas, at least two to three pairs of comfortable footwear, sunglasses, all the relevant documents, a mobile phone, charger, emergency medical kit, doctor’s prescription, enough finances, etc.

9. Shopping Tips:

Europe is a paradise for shopping lovers. Its wide array of exotic things will never fail to captivate your attention. Every country you visit has something or the other to offer, and you simply cannot forego it. Moreover, the charming souvenirs will keep your memories afresh for a long time.

10. Food tips:

We are all aware that European cuisine differs from country to country. Be it France, Greece, Italy or Hungary, each country offers you multiple special cuisines for you to try out at least once in your lifetime. Some of these may not prove to be quite appreciable to your taste buds. However nevertheless, they will never make your trip any less memorable. On the contrary, it will add to your list of endless travel anecdotes.

11. Travelling down the non-Euro countries:

There are certain non-Euro countries like Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, etc. which, when not visited, leave a hollow on your Europe travel. Therefore, arranging and implementing befitting financial strategies, you must head out for these exotic destinations to complete your Europe travel.

12. Joining walking tours:
Habitual travellers are always of the opinion that unless you walk around, you can never understand and feel the true pulse of the place you are travelling. Under such circumstances, joining walking tours is a grand idea of exploring the country in more detail. This will give you more detailed insight and view of the place concerned.

13. Accommodation:

You have to ensure proper accommodation beforehand to avoid any hassle. You can get rooms easily during the off-season, and they are comparatively cheaper too. Securing accommodations during peak season becomes a tough challenge. However, things might prove to be a bit easier but pricier if you are engaging a travel agent/agency.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is evident all the crucial factors that you need to keep in mind while undertaking Europe travel this time. This checklist will be a handy guideline while planning your trip, especially if it is for the first time. Apart from these, you must ensure maintaining and carrying Schengen travel insurance without fail, ensuring smooth Europe travel.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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