Traveling to Europe is an incredible experience filled with beautiful history, delicious food, and diverse cultures. However, an unorganized trip can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a stressful mess.

To get the most out of your dream vacation, you need a plan that covers all the essential steps before you go. Taking the time to properly prepare for traveling to Europe will ensure you can relax and truly enjoy the moment when you arrive.

This guide breaks down all the preparation steps you need for a stress-free European trip.

TL;DR

To properly prepare for your European trip, confirm your passport is valid for six months past your return date and understand new entry rules like ETIAS (starting in 2026). Make sure your bank knows your travel dates and use a credit card without foreign transaction fees. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for safety. Pack light, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and remember a universal adapter for electronics. Finally, book major sights and transportation, learn a few local phrases, and review tipping customs before you go.

1. Get Your Documents and Entry Requirements Ready

Your documents are the most important part of your preparation. Without the right paperwork, your trip will not even begin. This section covers what you need to confirm before booking your flight.

Check Passport Validity and New Authorizations

The first step in planning any trip to Europe is to check your passport.

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and any other European countries you plan to visit. An expired passport will stop your travel before it even starts.
Schengen Area: U.S. citizens generally do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) in the Schengen area countries. This agreement allows you to travel freely between these countries without border checks once you enter the zone.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Starting in 2026, many non-EU travelers, including U.S. citizens, will need to apply and be approved for an ETIAS authorization for short-term visits to Schengen countries. This is a pre-travel screening system, not a visa. You will need a valid U.S. passport, personal information, travel plans, and a credit card to pay the fee (around €20). Most applications process quickly, but plan ahead and apply well before your travel date.
UK & Ireland: These countries have separate entry requirements. For example, the UK requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short trips, business, or tourism. Always check the specific rules for each country you visit.

Secure Important Records

Losing your passport or cards while traveling is scary. You can prepare for this problem by having backup documents.

Copies: Make both digital and physical copies of your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, and travel insurance details. Store the copies in a secure place separate from the originals. Keeping photos of these documents on your phone is also a good idea.
Driving Permit: If you want to rent a car, some countries like Italy, Spain, and Germany require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Make sure your driver’s license is current before you go.

2. Plan Your Money and Finances

How you manage your money abroad directly impacts your travel experience. Planning your finances avoids unexpected fees and stress.

Bank and Card Strategy

Notify Your Bank: Tell your bank and credit card companies your travel dates and destinations. This step prevents fraud alerts from freezing your cards when you try to use them.
Avoid Fees: Use credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Foreign transaction fees add up quickly over a trip.
Get a PIN: Get the PIN for your credit card, as you may need it for transactions like buying train tickets.
Split Up Your Money: Keep cash and cards in various places, not all in one wallet. Carry at least two debit cards from separate accounts and store them apart.

Cash and Exchange

Withdraw Local Currency: Plan to withdraw local currency (like Euros) from an ATM upon arrival. Airport currency exchange kiosks often have poor rates, so it is better to use an ATM.
Choose Local Currency: When using an ATM or making a card purchase, always choose to be charged in the local currency. Decline the ATM or vendor’s currency conversion offer. This action ensures your bank handles the conversion, which usually results in a better exchange rate.
Carry Some Cash: Cash is still important in street markets, local shops, and smaller villages across Europe.

Keep Valuables Safe

Use Secure Storage: Wear a money belt or a secure crossbody bag to keep your valuables (passport, primary cash, and cards) safe. Avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket, which is a prime target for pickpockets in major cities.
Watch for Pickpockets: Be aware of your surroundings, as phone theft and pickpocketing are problems in major European cities like Paris and Rome.

3. Prioritize Health and Safety

Being safe and healthy allows you to fully enjoy your trip. Taking a few simple steps before you leave gives you peace of mind.

Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. It should cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, and luggage loss or delay.
Prescriptions and First Aid: Pack enough prescription medication for your entire trip. Keep all medications in your carry-on bag with the original labels. Also, include a small medical kit with things like Band-Aids (for blisters), painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), and hand sanitizer.
Emergency Contact: Know the unified emergency number in Europe, which is 112.
Enroll in STEP: U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program helps the U.S. embassy contact you with safety updates or in case of an emergency.

4. Packing Essentials for Traveling to Europe

The secret to a successful European trip is to pack light. You will be moving a lot on trains and through stations, and cobblestone streets make heavy luggage difficult.

Clothing and Footwear

Pack Light: Pack versatile, mix-and-match layers. Focus on wearing outfits multiple times, as you can easily find laundromats in Europe.
Layers: Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, even in summer. A light, water-resistant rain jacket is also smart.
Dress Smart: When visiting religious sites, be prepared to dress modestly, often covering shoulders and knees. A versatile scarf or shawl works well for this.
Comfortable Shoes: Europe involves extensive walking, sometimes 20,000 steps a day. You will need comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or sneakers. Leave the brand new shoes at home.

Electronics and Gear

Adapter & Converter: You will need a travel adapter. Europe primarily uses two-pronged Type C or Type F plugs. The UK and Ireland use a different plug (Type G). Check if your electronics are dual-voltage (most modern phones/laptops are); you will need a special voltage converter for items like hair dryers that are not dual-voltage.
Portable Charger: A compact portable phone charger is essential. Do not rely on finding outlets or using the plane’s charging port.
Reusable Water Bottle: Europe has clean tap water, making a reusable water bottle a great choice for saving money and reducing waste.
Day Bag: A small, secure backpack or crossbody bag is necessary for daily sightseeing.

5. Research Your Plan and Book Ahead

A successful trip requires planning and research. Doing your homework now saves stress later.

Book in Advance: Make reservations for popular attractions, museums, and restaurants well ahead of time, especially during peak season. Waiting until you arrive can mean long lines or no entry at all.
Transportation: Research and book your main modes of transport (flights, inter-city trains/flights). Public transit, like the metro or trains, is an efficient and cost-effective way to get around most cities. Taxis are often unnecessary and expensive.
Download Apps: Download useful apps before you go.
- Offline Maps: Download city maps using Google Maps so you can use them without cell service.
- Translation: Google Translate’s picture function is great for reading menus and signs.
- Communication: WhatsApp is widely used in Europe and can be helpful for contacting hosts or local guides.
Itinerary: Create a clear itinerary with your travel dates and accommodation addresses. Make copies and share one with someone at home.

6. Understand Local Customs and Tipping

A little cultural knowledge goes a long way toward showing respect and having a better experience. Researching local norms is an important part of preparation.

Learn Basic Phrases: Learn a few basic phrases (“Hello,” “Please,” and “Thank you”) in the local language of each place you visit. Even knowing these simple words is appreciated by locals.
Tipping: Tipping customs vary across Europe and differ greatly from the U.S.. Most European wait staff receive a living wage, so large tips are not the norm. A small tip, such as rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service, is usually sufficient.
Dining: Be aware that certain items, like bread and water, are often charged for in restaurants, unlike in the U.S.. Refuse the bread basket if you do not want to pay for it.
Modest Dress: Remember the dress code for religious sites. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and midriff. You should wear long skirts, dresses, or trousers instead of shorts.

Ready to Book Your European Escape?

You now know how to prepare for traveling to Europe with confidence. You have the guide for documents, money, safety, and packing. But all this planning takes time and work.

At Team Thompson Travel, we specialize in removing the stress from your trip preparation. We want your travel experience to be seamless and fun. As Independent Travel Consultants, we leverage our personal experience and knowledge to craft the perfect trip for you.

Our Service is Free: Our services come at no extra cost to you! Our commission comes directly from our vendor partners, so you pay no additional fees.
We Handle the Details: We take care of reservations, transportation logistics, and all the research, so you can focus on the fun part: dreaming about your trip.
Inclusive Communication: We are a bilingual team fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language. We communicate with vendors and travelers to make every journey smoother and more inclusive.

Let Ashley and Billy Thompson handle every detail, so you can relax and simply anticipate the magic of Europe. Schedule your free travel consultation today!

How to Prepare for Traveling to Europe?