Don't Make These 7 Mistakes While Traveling in Europe
Traveling to Europe can be an exhilarating experience, filled with historic landmarks, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. However, it's easy to fall into common traps that can add unnecessary stress and costs to your trip. From overpaying for mobile data to navigating the complexities of local transportation, many North American travelers make avoidable mistakes. This guide will help you sidestep these pitfalls, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable journey through Europe.
Avoid Overpaying for Mobile Data in Europe
Many North Americans overpay for mobile data when traveling to Europe by using their home country's provider for roaming services. A better solution sometimes can be to grab a local SIM card (either minutes and data or data only) when you arrive. For example, in Portugal, a 30-day data plan can be way cheaper than what you'd pay for roaming. You can also look into eSIM options from providers such as Airalo (Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo. Use code RAFAEL837 when you sign up or apply it at checkout. https://ref.airalo.com/dhht) or HolaFly, as long as your phone supports eSIM.
Efficient Travel Options in Europe
Getting around Europe is often easier and cheaper with budget airlines and discount bus lines like FlixBus. These can sometimes beat trains, even though train travel in Europe is often romanticized. Just as a quick example, between Braga and Lisbon, Portugal, you've got trains, flights, and buses to choose from, each with its own pros and cons regarding cost, convenience, and travel time.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Bolt, Lyft) and Taxis
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt work in some European countries but not in others. In some places, such as both Italy and Germany, taxis might be your best bet due to restricted traffic zones. In these places, taxi-hailing apps might be more practical.
Renting a Car
Renting a car can be great for exploring off-the-beaten-path locations but can be tricky in cities due to restricted traffic zones and limited parking. Be sure to know the local driving regulations to avoid fines.
Explore Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path can lead to some unique and memorable experiences. Avoid peak tourist seasons like summer, which can be crowded and hot. Instead, try visiting in early spring or just after summer for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Carry Cash
Lastly, always have some cash on hand. Not all places accept cards, and using cash can help you avoid international transaction fees and potential scams. Services like Wise.com can help with currency exchanges, keeping fees low and ensuring you have the local currency when you need it.
By following these tips, you can make your European travels more enjoyable and cost-effective. Safe travels!