Travelling around Europe is one of the most enriching things a person can experience, as there are so many different wonders to explore throughout the continent. As you traverse the beautiful landscapes that European countries have to offer, you will get to know more about the rich history and diverse cultures that make it an amazing set of destinations to travel through. Whether you’re looking to roam major cities like Paris, London and Madrid or looking for a more rural location, you will never be short of choice.
During your travels, you need to consider several factors to ensure that you have the best possible experience. The not-so-fun visa and entry requirements always need to be looked at prior to embarking on your travels, as well as transportation methods and routes. You will also need a good plan of accommodation and must-visit areas during your journey.
This ultimate guide will unpack everything you need to know to help you with your European expedition. We will leave no stone unturned, as we let you into all the travel tips and tricks to ensure that you have an experience filled with excitement while also staying safe.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Every European country will have different visa and entry requirements that travelers must be aware of before starting their journey. This is for both multi-country expeditions and one-off holiday destinations, so you need to be aware of all the details for a streamlined travel experience.
Schengen Visa
The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus. Anyone from this area can travel borderless and don’t need to worry about visas. The Schengen visa allows for countries that are located outside of this area to travel freely. Holders of the visa can travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism.
ETIAS Authorisation
Visa-exempt non-EU citizens now need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before their travels. Compared to a traditional visa application, the ETIAS application is completed online in a faster and easier way. Travellers should apply well in advance of their trip dates and ensure that they’re eligible for the authorisation.
UK and Ireland Visa Requirements
Travellers that are wishing to spend time in the UK or Ireland during their travels may need to apply for a separate visa, as these countries are not part of the Schengen Agreement. Whether or not you need to apply for a visa for the UK and Ireland will depend on your nationality, so you will need to conduct some research regarding this.
Long-stay Visas
Those outside of Europe who are planning to stay in the continent for over 90 days will likely need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit. This will be specific to the one particular country that you’re staying in, so you need to check the laws of your chosen country. You will need additional documentation, such as income proof or job contracts.
Required Documentation
Your documentation needs to be accurate and completed correctly to be able to apply for a visa or travel authorisation. The required documentation usually consists of a valid passport, proof of sufficient travel funds, travel tickets, accommodation bookings and any travel insurance that you have purchased. Delays or rejection of visas can occur with incorrect or incomplete applications.
Transportation
Most people will opt for aviation as their primary mode of travel when travelling to Europe. There are many airports around the continent to make travelling around Europe easy and efficient, such as Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle and Aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca. You can find many budget airlines that will make travelling much cheaper, such as EasyJet and Wizz Air.
Rail travel is also a very popular way of getting around Europe, as the rail network is well-renowned to be the best in the world. The most cost-effective way to utilise this mode of transport is by purchasing a Eurail Pass, as you won’t have to waste money buying a plethora of tickets during your journey.
Public transport can be a good solution to travelling Europe too, as many major cities will have a great selection of systems to help tourists get around easier. You might need to conduct your own research and study some metro maps to streamline your travels.
You can also take your personal vehicle or a hired car around Europe, with many of the major cities having new state-of-the-art car parks to store your car. For example, the Victoria car park in Leeds has been enhanced with new technology to streamline parking for travelers.
Accommodation
Depending on what you’re looking to get out of your travels, there are many accommodation types that you can consider. If you’re prioritising comfort and privacy, hotels will offer you the best solution, whereas hostels are the perfect accommodation choice for travellers looking to chat and mingle with other travellers. Hostels are also way more affordable.
A great perk about staying in Europe is that they offer some of the most amazingly unique accommodation options in the world. You can find castles, treehouse huts and igloo stays that will give you an experience not found anywhere else. Adding a special touch to your trip can make a huge difference.
Food and Dining
With there being so many different cultures within a small area, the biggest perk of European travel is that you can find unique local cuisine wherever you go. Spain has paella and Italy has pizza, but if you’re looking for something quirky you should try Smørrebrød in Denmark or Bigos in Poland.
You can choose the way you want to eat during your travels, as you can either dine out at a restaurant for the best quality food or seek self-catering methods to save money. Most European countries will also have local markets that serve the most authentic dishes with Christmas markets in Germany being the perfect example.
Conclusion
Europe is a rich travel destination with something to offer all kinds of tourists, whether you’re looking for a peaceful journey or want to discover top nightclubs. If you are prepared and have a spirit of adventure, your trip across Europe will be full of treasured memories. Keep in mind that responsible travel respects the environments and cultures that make Europe so alluring before you set off and you will have a truly unforgettable experience.
