Plan your budget

This has to be the first step in planning a trip to Europe. If you already know your budget, it’s easy to get to planning. But if you don’t, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your trip, and how you will save for it.

A good way to start is by estimating your major expenses, such as flights, accommodation, transportation, food, and attractions. You can use online tools like Skyscanner, Booking.com, Eurail.com, and TripAdvisor to get an idea of the costs in different destinations. You can also use travel blogs and guides to get tips on how to save money on your trip.

Quickly calculate current exchange rate using online exchange converter.

Decide on Region and Destination

Figure out the region, countries, and cities Europe is a huge continent with over 40 countries and hundreds of cities to choose from. You can’t see it all in one trip, so you need to narrow down your options based on your interests, preferences, and budget. Some factors to consider are:

The region: Europe can be divided into several regions based on geography, culture, and history. Some of the most popular regions are Western Europe (France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.), Central Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.), Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), Northern Europe (Scandinavia), Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria etc.), and the British Isles (UK and Ireland). Each region has its own charm and attractions, but also its own challenges and costs.

The countries: Once you have decided on a region or two that interest you, you can start researching the countries within them. You can use resources like Guidester to provide you with a personal travel guide detailing everything you might want to do in each destination you visit.

View Full List of European Countries 

Determine when to go

The best time to visit Europe depends on your personal preferences, but there are some general factors to consider:

The weather: Europe has four distinct seasons, each with its own pros and cons. Summer is the peak season, with warm weather, long days, and lots of festivals and events. But it’s also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. 

Winter is the low season, with cold weather, short days, and fewer tourists. But it’s also the best time to enjoy winter sports, Christmas markets, and cozy atmosphere. Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. But they can also be unpredictable and rainy.

The attractions: Some attractions are open year-round, while others have seasonal closures or reduced hours. For example, some museums and castles may close on certain days of the week or during winter months. Some outdoor activities and natural sights may also be affected by the weather or daylight hours. 

For example, hiking in the Alps may not be possible in winter due to snow, while seeing the northern lights in Scandinavia may not be possible in summer due to long daylight hours.

The events: Europe is full of cultural events and festivals that can enhance your trip experience. For example, you can celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany, Carnival in Venice, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, or Bastille Day in France. However, these events can also draw large crowds and inflate prices, so you need to plan ahead and book early if you want to attend them.

Read More: Europe’s Most Popular Festivals and Cultural Events in 2023

In my personal opinion, the two best months to visit Europe, generally speaking, are September and June. These months typically have the best balance of good weather, lesser crowds, and lower prices.