Vacay AlchemistThe most common first-Europe-trip mistake is trying to see five countries in ten days. Pick one region, move slowly, and you'll come home rested and wanting more rather than exhausted and blurry.
Pick one region, not a continent
Good first-trip regions: (1) London-Paris-Amsterdam, all linked by fast train; (2) Rome-Florence-Venice; (3) Spain - Madrid, Barcelona, Seville; (4) the Alps - Switzerland or Austria plus a city. Two to four bases over 10-14 days is a sane pace.
How long
Ten days is a reasonable minimum for a first trip; 14 is better and barely costs more once you've paid for the flight. Under a week, do one or two cities.
Flights and trains
- Fly into your first city and out of your last ('open-jaw') so you're not backtracking
- Between nearby cities, trains beat flights once you count airport time - London-Paris, Rome-Florence, Amsterdam-Brussels
- For longer hops (Barcelona-Rome, Paris-Vienna), budget airlines are cheap; book carry-on only and read the baggage rules
Money and logistics
- Most of Europe uses the euro; the UK, Switzerland, and a few others don't
- Tap-to-pay works nearly everywhere; carry a little cash for markets and small towns
- A data eSIM is cheaper and easier than roaming
- The Schengen Area lets you cross most borders with no checks; a 90-day limit applies to US visitors
Mistakes to avoid
- One-night stays - you lose half a day to packing and transit each time
- Front-loading every museum; build in unstructured wandering time
- Ignoring jet lag on day one - plan something light
Frequently asked
How many countries should I visit on my first trip to Europe?
One region, which might be one country or two or three close ones. Two to four bases over 10-14 days. Five countries in ten days is the classic mistake.
How long should a first trip to Europe be?
Ten days minimum, 14 ideal. The flight is the big fixed cost, so extra days are relatively cheap value.
Should I take trains or flights within Europe?
Trains for nearby cities once you count airport time and transfers; budget flights for longer hops, booked carry-on only.
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