How to Plan a Europe Trip Using Our Tools

Why Use Our Tools?

Planning a European trip involves juggling multiple countries, currencies, and transportation options. Our suite of tools simplifies the process by helping you calculate costs, plan routes, compare destinations, and build the perfect itinerary.

Step-by-Step Planning Process

Choose Your Countries & Cities

Start by selecting which European countries and cities you want to visit. Use our comparison tool to evaluate options.

Compare Destinations

Popular Routes:

• Western Europe: Paris → Amsterdam → Brussels → London
• Mediterranean: Barcelona → French Riviera → Rome → Athens
• Central Europe: Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest
• Scandinavia: Copenhagen → Stockholm → Oslo → Helsinki

Calculate Your Budget

Europe can be expensive, but costs vary significantly by country. Use our cost calculator to estimate your total trip budget.

Cost Calculator Europe Tools

Daily Budget by Region:

• Western Europe: $100-200/day (UK, France, Netherlands)
• Southern Europe: $70-150/day (Spain, Italy, Greece)
• Central Europe: $60-120/day (Germany, Austria, Czech)
• Eastern Europe: $40-80/day (Poland, Hungary, Romania)
• Scandinavia: $150-250/day (Norway, Sweden, Denmark)

Plan Your Route & Transportation

Calculate distances and travel times between cities to optimize your route and choose the best transportation method.

Distance Calculator Driving Calculator

Transportation Options:

Eurail Pass: Best for 3+ countries, unlimited train travel
Budget Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet for longer distances
Buses: FlixBus for budget travel between cities
Car Rental: Great for countryside and flexibility

Check Visa & Schengen Rules

Understand Schengen Area rules and visa requirements for your nationality.

Schengen Area Rules:

• 90/180 Rule: 90 days within any 180-day period
• 26 Countries: Most of Europe (not UK, Ireland)
• Single Entry: One visa covers all Schengen countries
• US/Canada/Australia: Visa-free for 90 days
• ETIAS (2024): New travel authorization required

Book Flights

Use our flight calculator to find the best arrival and departure cities, then book your flights.

Flight Calculator

Flight Tips:

• Book 2-3 months in advance for best prices
• Consider open-jaw tickets (fly into one city, out of another)
• Major hubs: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam
• Budget airlines for intra-Europe flights

Find Accommodation

Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments near your planned destinations.

Find Hotels

Accommodation Options:

• Hostels: $20-40/night (great for solo travelers)
• Budget hotels: $50-80/night
• Mid-range hotels: $80-150/night
• Airbnb: $60-120/night (good for groups)
• Book major cities in advance, smaller towns as you go

Build Your Itinerary

Create a day-by-day plan for each city using our itinerary planning tools.

Plan Your Trip

Sample Timeline (2 weeks):

• Paris: 3 days (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Versailles)
• Amsterdam: 2 days (Canals, Museums, Day trip)
• Brussels: 1 day (Grand Place, Chocolate, Beer)
• London: 4 days (Big Ben, Museums, Day trips)
• Travel days: 2 days between cities

Prepare for Your Trip

Final preparations including travel insurance, money, and packing.

Travel Tips

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Travel insurance with medical coverage
• Notify bank of travel dates
• Download offline maps
• Learn basic phrases in each language
• Pack light (carry-on only if possible)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to See Too Much

Don't rush through Europe. Spend 2-3 days minimum per major city.

Ignoring the 90-Day Rule

Track your Schengen days carefully to avoid overstaying.

Not Booking Trains Early

Train tickets get expensive. Book 1-2 months ahead for best prices.

Overpacking

You'll be moving frequently. Pack light and do laundry.

Money-Saving Tips

Get a Eurail Pass

If visiting 3+ countries, a Eurail pass saves money on trains.

Eat Like a Local

Skip tourist restaurants. Find local markets and bakeries.

Free Museum Days

Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

Walk Everywhere

European cities are walkable. Save on transportation.