GTPP Episode 57 - 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips

In episode 57 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins team up to share their top 15 essential tips for first-time visitors to Europe. Drawing on a wealth of personal travel experience, including living in several European countries and journeying by plane, train, and even cable car, Tracy and Doug offer practical wisdom for making the most of any European adventure.

Listeners receive a step-by-step guide that covers everything from selecting the best time to visit to navigating transportation options, understanding how to pack, and maximising the unique cultural opportunities. The discussion is peppered with real-life anecdotes, valuable resources, and tried-and-tested strategies to help travellers avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked Mediterranean escapes or snowy Christmas markets, this episode delivers actionable advice and inspires a confident, enjoyable European trip.

Click the blue button below to listen:

Listen on Apple >

Listen on Spotify >

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 57

Episode 57 – Summary

In episode 57 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with co-host Doug Collins. Drawing on their extensive experience travelling and living in Europe, Tracy and Doug share their top 15 practical tips for first-time visitors to Europe.

Key topics include how to choose the best time to visit, why it’s important not to try to see too much, preferred methods of transport, tips for packing smart and light, why and how to book tickets in advance for major attractions, food tours, staying safe from scams, local customs, money strategies, accommodation choices, and the importance of travel insurance.

Listeners will find actionable advice for planning a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable first trip to Europe.

What you’ll learn in this episode

📍 How to select the ideal time to visit Europe and avoid crowds, extreme weather, and event-related surges.
📅 Smart strategies for route planning, pacing your trip and resisting the urge to overschedule.
🚄 Honest takes on transportation – when to use trains, buses, planes, or rental cars, and vital packing advice for each.
🛏️ How to choose accommodation types that fit your needs, with pro tips for amenities and booking.
🥢 Ways to dive into local culture – including food tours, learning key phrases, and embracing regional customs.
😲 The importance of adaptability, safety awareness, and why embracing differences is the key to amazing memories.

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Seville: Known for its beautiful spring climate and intense summer heat; a launching point for discussing Southern European travel timing.
Rome (Italy): Example of the challenges of summer travel with large crowds and high temperatures, plus the significance of sites like Palatine Hill.
London (United Kingdom): A frequent reference for itinerary planning and event impacts—marathons, festivals, and more.
Paris: Cited as a world-famous destination where bookings and crowd management are vital.
Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin: Spotlighted for immersive food tours and rich sightseeing experiences.
Norway, France, Switzerland: Hosts’ lived-in countries, setting the stage for authentic travel insights.
Puglia (Italy): A destination where car rental opens up less-accessible gems off the train network.
Turkey, Morocco, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Sri Lanka: Example locations representing broad travel experience or illustrating practical tips.

Food

Devour Food Tours (Paris, Seville, Madrid, London, Barcelona, Berlin): Highly recommended for local food experiences, early cultural immersion, and insider tips on dishes.
Regional eats (not specifically named, but implied): Encouraged as part of food tours—expect to sample iconic and off-the-beaten-path specialities.
Wine Tours: Noted in the context of accommodating dietary preferences.
Local eateries: Emphasised through examples on food tours and suggestions from

Words/Concepts mentioned

Rail Passes (Eurail, etc.): Advice on choosing and comparing rail passes vs. point-to-point tickets for efficient European train travel.
Carry-On Only Packing: Discussed in depth, including Europe-specific size and weight restrictions, and the value of compression packing cubes.
Tripiamo: A trusted resource for learning country-specific driving rules, especially when hiring cars in Europe.
eSIMs (Airalo, others): Preferred way to stay connected across multiple countries, with practical setup tips.
WhatsApp: Essential app for communication with hotels and tour companies while in Europe.
Pickpocket Awareness: Proactive tips on staying safe in crowded environments, plus the value of crossbody bags and leaving valuables in hotel safes.
Local Phrases: The Importance of learning greetings and simple words as a sign of respect and smoother local interactions.
Travel Insurance: Strongly urged as vital and non-negotiable for any European trip.
Adaptors: Must-have packing item for navigating Europe’s varied electrical socket types.
Cash vs. Card: Guidance on when you can rely on cards, countries not using the euro, and safe cash withdrawal practices.
Cultural Differences: Embrace variance in meal times, shops closing on Sundays, or hotel amenities as part of the journey.