Traveling is a great way to explore different cultures and meet new people. While getting your itinerary in order is pretty straightforward, things get a little more complicated when traveling internationally. This is especially true if you plan on traveling to Europe.
In order to ensure things go smooth, it’s important to make sure you have everything ready. This means valid passports, filled prescriptions, currency exchange and everything in between. We hope this article will serve as a checklist of things to do in order to have a pleasant trip to Europe.
10 Things To Know Before Traveling To Europe
#1 Getting the basics covered
If you want to be able to truly relax and enjoy the European culture you better get your affairs in order! This means getting the basics covered. Since international medical insurance isn’t available for everyone, it’s best to get the green light from your doctor. This means getting a check-up to make sure you’re in good health. This is also the perfect time to refill your prescriptions.
Next, make sure you cancel your newspaper subscriptions so potential burglars won’t see them stack up and figure out no one is home. Then, contact your post office and ask them to hold your mail.
Also, pay any upcoming bills before leaving, so you won’t get into trouble for not paying certain services and utilities on time.
TIP: Make a copy of all your travel documents, as well as IDs and passports. You never know when your original ones get lost or damaged.
#2 Cash vs. Credit Cards
The second most important thing to consider before traveling to Europe is money. Whether you have a set budget or not, without money you are lost. It’s needless to always have currency cash on hand. You never know when you might need it! For anything else, use a credit card.
Credit cards are time-savers when traveling. You can shop, dine, pay for transportation, hotel rooms, etc. in no time! Of course, don’t forget to contact your credit card company before traveling to let them know where you’re headed and for how long. This way your credit cards won’t be locked due to “suspicious transactions”. Do this for all your credit cards.
#3 How To Pack For Europe
A lot of people are tempted to pack a lot of clothes. After all, it’s not just a foreign country. It’s a different continent. It makes sense you’ll want to prepare for hot weather and cold weather. However, if you want to pack smart, you have to think smart.
When it comes to packing for Europe, the keyword is “light”. Keep it to a minimum. The last thing you want when visiting a foreign country is to be weighed down by heavy luggage.
#4 Take A Photo Of Your Valuables
The number of lost objects reports from tourists is very high. If you don’t want to be among the unfortunate tourists who lost their electronics or jewelry, take a photo of them.
All of your valuables should be listed along with a photo of each item. Make sure to list the serial number, model number and brand name for electronics. This way, if you lose them or someone steals them, they can be traced.
#5 Cell Phone Plans
Before traveling to Europe, make sure to contact your cell phone provider. Cell phone plans in the USA don’t work in the EU. While you will still be able to access Wi-fi, you won’t be able to make or receive phone calls.
In order to ensure your phone works with your current plan, contact your cell phone provider and ask them what you need in order to use your phone in Europe.
Traveling to Europe can be an incredible experience if you plan accordingly. Instead of getting there with little to no preparation, take a little time to prepare a checklist and an itinerary. Make sure your passport is valid and that you have everything you need in terms of documents, phone coverage, packing, and money. After all, you can only truly relax and enjoy your trip to Europe if you have everything you need!