From the emerald green hills of Ireland to bullfights in Madrid or the royal pomp and circumstance of London, traveling to Europe is a dream vacation for many. If you are planning a trip abroad in the near future, there are many helpful travel tips for Europe you should know, like ordering foreign currency before you go and using mobile banking to manage your checking account while you’re there. As you prepare to embark on the vacation of a lifetime, use our Europe trip tips to make traveling to Europe a success.
Affordable European accommodations
While you may find more costly hotel rates in the metropolitan areas of Europe, there are ways you can book more affordable accommodations for your stay. If you’re traveling in a group, consider staying in a hostel or low-cost villa. Most hostels offer dormitory living with bunk beds in each room. Because hostels are a very inexpensive option, they are most common among young travelers backpacking through Europe. If you’re traveling with a significant other, try a bed-and-breakfast (or B&B) for a more intimate cultural experience. You’ll likely save money with this option as the first meal of the day will typically be included in your stay. If you’re traveling during a peak tourist season, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations ahead of time. Most hostels and B&B’s can be found online and booked ahead of time.
Methods of transportation
Whether you plan to spend your entire trip in one area or will be exploring multiple European attractions, you should determine how you’ll get from place to place before you arrive. If you are staying in one city during your trip, you may be able to use public transportation. However, if you’re exploring different regions, you will likely need alternative ways to get around. Listed below are a few of the most convenient and affordable options:
- Fly with inter-city airlines: Europe is known for airlines that offer inexpensive inter-city flights. While you plan your itinerary and reserve your accommodations, look online for flight deals to get you from one stop to the other.
- Travel by train: For picturesque views of Europe’s breathtaking countryside, consider traveling via Europe’s high-speed rail network. With services now extending across the continent offering routes to and from Spain, France, England, Italy and more, traveling by train has become popular for people who desire convenience and affordability.
- Book a rental car: If you prefer independent travel means, consider renting a car. Driving yourself will allow you to discover parts of the country you may not have otherwise been able to experience. Driving is not for everyone, however, as the driver will be on the opposite side of the road and the car in many countries. Research the traffic regulations before you decide to rent a car, and consider purchasing rental car insurance while you’re there.
International spending
Foreign currency and exchange rates will vary from country to country. Check the exchange rates before creating your budget for traveling to Europe, as the value of the U.S. dollar will likely be different than local money in the country you are visiting. Many day-to-day transactions in Europe are cash-based, especially in rural villages, so consider ordering foreign currency or traveler’s checks ahead of time so you have cash on hand if needed. If you plan to visit multiple countries, determine what currency is used and order cash for each country as needed. In addition to cash, consider loading a prepaid card with a portion of your vacation funds to avoid having the entire balance with you in case the card is lost.
It’s wise to contact your bank or credit card lender before you travel to notify them that you will be leaving the country. If you forget to do so and make a purchase abroad, a freeze may be placed on your debit or credit card for security purposes, which will prohibit you from accessing your savings or checking account. Also, while there will likely be ATMs in the larger cities and many chain vendors will accept major American credit cards, there may be fees associated with using your card. Speak with your bank ahead of time so you’re prepared for the extra expenses you may incur.
Use mobile banking to manage your checking account abroad
From tracking expenditures to ensuring bills are paid on time, manage your checking account online or with mobile banking while you are traveling in Europe. Keep in mind that your phone carrier may have data and calling restrictions for areas outside of the U.S., so be sure to look into international data plans before you go. Download a mobile banking application on your phone to help keep track of your checking account while you’re abroad, and use it to transfer money from your savings account to checking if additional spending money is needed. From sampling exotic fare to purchasing souvenirs for friends and family, make sure you budget appropriately for your once-in-a-lifetime European vacation so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
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