Essential Preparations for Independent Travel in Europe

Exploring Europe becomes easier when you plan meticulously from the start.

Essential Preparations for Independent Travel in Europe

Beyond opting for guided tours, many enthusiasts prefer venturing into the cities of Europe on their own. Here are some suggestions to help you organize a trip tailored to your preferences, with flexibility in time and destinations:

Find Travel Companions

The first thing to do when considering solo travel in Europe is to find like-minded companions if you prefer not to go alone. The ideal number for such an extensive trip ranges from four to six people – a convenient and manageable figure for accommodation and transportation bookings.

For a long and distant journey, carefully choose your travel companions. It's essential to select individuals with similar interests; you wouldn't want a nature explorer in a group of avid shoppers, or vice versa. Choose travel buddies based on their travel habits and preferences.

Calculate Your Destinations

Europe is home to numerous captivating cities, each with its unique charm. However, avoid being overly ambitious and trying to cover too much in a single trip. Consider the efficiency of moving between attractions to save time.

You'll end up flying a lot and have little time to enjoy if you attempt to cover the Netherlands, Portugal, Hungary, and Greece all in one trip as they represent the four corners of Europe. Plan an itinerary based on regions like France – Belgium – Netherlands; Eastern Europe (Czech – Poland – Hungary), Southern Europe (Italy – Greece – Croatia). Traveling by train or bus will allow you to appreciate the scenery along the way.

Consider the Timing of Your Journey

Europe experiences distinct seasons due to its temperate climate. However, the peak season in July and August is hot, expensive, and crowded. If you prefer summer travel, scheduling slightly earlier in June and early July would be more reasonable. Autumn is ideal for October, while the most beautiful time in spring is April and May.

Some places have standout travel seasons like summer in Italy, May flower season in Amsterdam (Netherlands), lavender season in July in Provence (France), beer festival season in Germany in October, and winter fairytale season in Denmark.

Start a Savings Account

When embarking on independent travel in Europe, you'll need to prove financial stability for visa applications. As soon as you decide to go, open an account if you don't have one and transfer the estimated trip funds along with an extra amount for contingencies. Typically, a savings account with a balance of $5,000 or more is suitable.

Choose Flights with Convenient Timing

Not necessarily are direct flights with expensive fares the perfect choice. Opt for flights with possible layovers but reasonable layover durations. Currently, Turkish Airlines is a favorite among travelers for flights to Europe due to their convenient timing (night flights, around 10 hours to Istanbul, then a short layover for rest and another two to three hours to reach major European cities).

During your layover in Istanbul, you can apply for an online visa to explore Turkey for up to 72 hours. This city is highly acclaimed globally for its culture and history, showcasing a unique blend between Asia and Europe.

Install Group Expense Management App on Your Phone

There are numerous expense-sharing apps for group travel. Consider apps like SplitWise, which helps your group track expenses and automatically splits the amount each person needs to contribute or receive. Each person can contribute different amounts and enter keywords like 'Hotel Booking,' 'Flight Tickets,' and SplitWise will automatically divide the costs.

Book Accommodation

Thoroughly research the places you'll visit to find out where daily living costs are low or high for suitable accommodation booking. In expensive tourist cities, consider searching on Airbnb or homestay websites. For less popular destinations, opt for hotels as the prices won't differ much from homestays or Airbnb, but they offer more convenience in terms of location and daily room cleaning services.

Apply for a Visa

The visa application process may seem daunting but is straightforward with careful research. In Vietnam, popular countries granting tourist visas include France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Some other countries are also starting to issue tourist visas for Vietnamese citizens. However, choose to apply for a visa in countries that have shifted this service to visa information centers. You only need to register online for your appointment without enduring long queues. The European visa fee is over two million Vietnamese dong.

Purchase 3G-4G SIM Card from Vietnam

To save time upon arrival, buy a 3G-4G SIM card from home, so you can simply insert and use it when you arrive. There are various SIM card options compatible with almost all European countries. The average price ranges from 700,000 to 800,000 VND for a 13 GB capacity SIM card, usable for one month.

Prepare a Rich Music Playlist

For long and distant journeys, music is crucial. Take the time to prepare a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to on the plane or during travel. In Europe, try to select music playlists characteristic of each city you visit. The combination of European scenery and music creates unforgettable memories.

According to Nguyen Minh/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour