FAQs about European Travel

In my opinion, the best time to travel to Europe is during the shoulder seasons: spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). You’ll get pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices than peak summer, ideal for exploring comfortably.
Summer (July–August) is peak season. The weather is fantastic, but prices and crowds are at their highest. Many Europeans are also on vacation, which can mean lots of tourists, though it’s perfect for beach destinations and long evenings with an Aperol Spritz.
Winter is colder, darker, and quieter, making it great for museum-heavy trips and indoor cultural activities. November and December are the exception, thanks to festive Christmas markets that make the chill worthwhile.
It all depends on your travel goals, but for balance, shoulder season usually wins.

For most travelers, it’s best to start planning a Europe trip at least six months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. This gives you the best choice of accommodations, flight options, and overall flexibility.
In highly popular cities like Paris, London, and Rome, three months before your trip accommodation choice will be slim, particularly for well-located hotels and apartments. Waiting too long often means higher prices or fewer good options.
When it comes to museum tickets and major attractions, planning ahead is essential. Booking one to three months in advance is ideal. For extremely popular sights, such as the Louvre, Tower of London, or Colosseum, waiting less than a month before your visit can mean limited availability or sometimes none at all.
Planning early helps reduce stress, saves money, and allows you to build a smoother, more enjoyable Europe trip.

Getting around Europe is easier than most people expect. Low-cost airlines are popular for longer distances, but my personal favorite is train travel, with its growing network of high-speed and night trains, which are comfortable, scenic, and often save time and a hotel night.

Overall, Europe is very safe for travelers, including first-time and solo visitors. The most common issues are petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in busy tourist areas and public transportation.
Basic awareness goes a long way. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful in crowded spaces.
Safety can vary slightly by region, so it’s smart to check the country’s official travel advisories for up-to-date information.
Personally, safety is non-negotiable. I would never create a travel guide for a destination that isn’t safe to travel to. Every Guided by Andrew travel guide focuses on places where you can explore confidently and responsibly.

Understanding the differences between European hotel room types is essential for travellers, especially when it comes to bed sizes and configurations. Room labels like single, twin, or double can mean something very different in Europe compared to North America, and knowing what to expect can make the difference between a comfortable stay and a cramped night. Single rooms usually feature one twin bed and are ideal for solo travellers, though they are less common. Twin rooms offer two separate twin beds, 90 cm wide each; while photos may show the beds pushed together, they usually remain two individual mattresses. Double rooms feature a single shared mattress, often between 135 and 160 cm wide, which can feel cozy for couples unless the hotel provides exact dimensions. Any rooms that offer a King bed will be labeled King rooms, since they are very rare and usually only found in luxury hotels. Being aware of these distinctions helps you book rooms that truly match their comfort preferences and avoid surprises upon arrival.

What you’ll experience at European border control depends on your citizenship, so the first step is to check the official government websites of the countries you plan to visit. This will confirm whether you need a visa, how long you’re allowed to stay, and any entry requirements that apply to your passport.
For travelers entering the Schengen Area, border procedures are evolving. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) digitally records when non-EU travelers enter and leave Schengen countries, replacing passport stamps. This means your entry and exit dates will be tracked electronically.
If your destination is the United Kingdom, the rules are separate. Travelers from certain countries will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. ETA is a quick online authorization, not a visa, and ensures you meet the UK’s entry requirements.
It’s also important to know that you’ll go through border control when leaving Europe, not just when arriving, to confirm you’ve respected your allowed stay.
Rules can change, so always verify details before you travel.

Europe isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and true budget trips are becoming harder to find. Popular destinations like Italy, France, Spain, and Croatia are no longer inexpensive, especially during peak season.
At the higher end, Switzerland and Scandinavia are consistently the most expensive, with high costs for hotels, food, and daily expenses.
For better value, parts of the Balkans like Albania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are still great options - affordable, less crowded, and culturally rich.
Where, when, and accommodation type make the biggest impact on price.

It depends on the destination and your interests, but a solid rule of thumb is three to five full days per city or region.
This allows time to see major sights, explore neighbourhoods, enjoy local food, and actually experience the place without rushing. Larger cities or regions may need closer to five days, while smaller destinations can work well in three.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t include travel days, so you’ll want to factor those in when planning.
The goal isn’t to see everything – you can’t. Rather, it’s to enjoy what you do see.

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