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What you need to know when traveling Europe

Are you thinking about how and where to spend your summer? Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Trevi Fountain in Rome or the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam does sound great, right? Well, if you are considering spending your summer traveling through Europe, here is everything you need to know.

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Visa

The first thing you need is a valid passport and a visa. Learn everything about the laws of the country you plan to visit. Some countries require you to have a valid passport for some months, depending on the country, after your arrival date. Otherwise, you will probably be denied entry to a certain country.

However, there is an easier way for you to get all documentation required and travel freely through Europe and that is ETIAS. As you know getting a visa can be complicated and time-consuming. You can apply for ETIAS by filling the application online and once approved; you will able to move freely through the Schengen area countries.

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Transportation

While in Europe, you can use any mean of transportation you like. If you book a flight in advance, you will pay it cheaper. Additionally, public transportation in European capital cities is also economical. You can buy 3 or even 7-day ticket and use it in the metro or buses. Make sure to always have your ticket with you, because you will probably encounter transport ticket police and if you don’t have a validated ticket, you could end up paying a large fine.

Accommodation

Be sure to always book your hotel room on time, before starting your trip. If you are on a budget, you should avoid accommodation in the city center because it can be very expensive due to high demand. You should consider accommodation on the outskirts of the city. Yes, you will not be able to see the city’s main square from your balcony, but as mentioned above, public transportation in every European city is cheap and accessible.

Money

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Another major thing you should be informed about is the currency rate and prices. All countries that are part of the European Union use the euro as the official currency. However, if you are visiting some country that is not a member of the EU, you should learn everything about the currency they use. Make sure to always pay in local currency. It may seem easier to pay in U.S. dollars, but a lot of local restaurants and stores will charge you a higher currency rate, so you’ll be just wasting your money. Moreover, you should avoid using ATMs. Why? Well, if you use a foreign ATM, you’ll probably be charged with additional fees. Research the exchange offices in the area with the lowest currency rate and get your money there. Also, make sure to always have cash with you, because sometimes your credit card can be declined in a foreign country.

Places to visit

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Before going on your trip, research all the places you want to visit. There are so many interesting things to see and try in Europe and each city is unique. Make a plan of your journey to visit as many cities as you can and discover the diversity of cultures, life and food. Drink wine in France; eat ice-cream in Italy, chocolate in Switzerland and waffles in Belgium. Explore different architectural style in Budapest and Prague, follow in the footsteps of Italian emperors in Rome, learn about Greek mythology in Athens or explore the Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia.

This is the list of some basic items to consider before starting your journey through Europe. It shouldn’t take you a lot of time to research all practical aspects of your trip, and then you should dedicate your time to investigating all the places you should visit and things you should experience while in Europe.


Peter is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience covering topics in politics. He was one of the guys that were here when the foreignpolicyi.org started.