Travelling Through Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Before you can experience authentic Spanish tapas, Roman pizzas and drinks on a rooftop terrace in Prague, your European travels requires some serious planning. Although the logistics involved in planning a trip through Europe may seem overwhelming, the more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a successful trip. The following guide gives you everything you need to know from creating an itinerary to arranging transportation.

Valid Passport

While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning your trip to Europe, it is important to remember to check if your passport is valid. If it is still intact, the other thing you will need to check for is how long your passport is valid for once you have started your travels.

Some European countries require a three-month timeframe whilst others require up to six months so be sure to check its expiration date. If your passport falls short of these requirements, it is likely that you will not be allowed to enter the country.

If you don't have a passport, it can take up to six weeks from the time of application for you to receive one, so it is always best to be prepared and sort it out in advance.

Check Visa Requirements

It is fundamental that you take responsibility for knowing the visa requirements for anywhere to which you are travelling to. If you are unsure or unable to find the information you need then don't hesitate to contact a specialist immigration solicitors or visa team prior to your trip. When travelling round Europe, you can literally drive for a few hours and be welcomed to a whole new country, culture and region so having the correct travel documents is essential.

Packing (yay)

Be sure to pack light as not only will this save you from arm ache and a sore back, it will also save you from the cost of checking in luggage. If you are planning on doing some shopping on your travels or are a sucker for souvenirs then pack a spare lightweight bag so you check it in on your return if you have to. As an alternative or back-up to a digital camera you can pack a disposable camera that you can get developed when you return.

European Food Guide

In recent years, travelling has become more and more about having a food experience. Travellers now plan their trip with their bellies in mind and local cuisines have become the forefront of tourist attractions. With this being said, are many reasons to visit Europe, not least of which is the opportunity to sample traditional gastronomy delights of European homelands.

Indulge in Adventure

When travelling through Europe, avoid eating at the big chains that you find in the cities and resist the urge to stick to what you'r familiar with. Your European travels could be a once in a lifetime experience so be sure to make the most out of it and try your dishes - after all, you may be surprised.

Trying the local cuisines is the perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture as well as discovering foods that you may have never have tried and knew you liked. Europe is home to some of the best chefs in the world thanks to its fresh quality and local produce. For those adventurous foodies that desire a travelling experience of high-end European cuisines, visit one of the many Michelin star restaurants your destination has to offer.

Street Food

European street food is about so much more than saving money. You can get a real feel for a city by its street food as well as it being cheap, quick and readily available on-the-go.

London's street food scene is definitely worth a try. Bleeker Street Burger has a simple yet beautiful menu and a veggie option for those of you who are strong enough to have chosen ethics over the taste of the grill.

When in Belgium, don't leave without trying the crunchy waffles that are soft and gooey in the middle, typically served hot with a choice of toppings like melted chocolate, cream and fresh strawberries.

When in Rome, be sure to venture beyond the slices of pizza (although these are good). Suppli is regarded as one of Rome's best street foods and makes a nice change from pasta and gelato. So, what is Suppli? With a heart of stringy mozzarella, Suppli is deep-fried balls of rice coated in a fresh and tangy tomato sauce.

Spain is renowned for its unique tapas culture of bar hopping combined with delicious miniature dishes which has become one of the most popular forms of dining, not just in Spain but all over the world. Barcelona has some of the most authentic tapas in Spain which is sure to leave you wanting to come back for more.

Transport

Transportation through Europe is fairly straightforward. Travelling by train is one of the most popular modes of transport throughout Europe as well as being the cheapest and most enjoyable (if it's not too busy and you can see out of the window).

In western Europe, you can travel to nearly every single destination by train thanks to extensive network rail and rail-lines. In central Europe, trains are still accessible and reliable but become more expensive for tickets. Investing in a rail pass is a great way to travel to multiple destinations in one trip whilst keeping the cost low.

The bus is the second most popular mode of transport although it can be quite time consuming and not an option if you are aiming to get somewhere quickly. If you are sticking to a tight budget then the bus is the best option however you should remember to allow yourself more time to reach your desired location.

In Eastern Europe, the use of trains becomes a little trickier and less accessible, so the bus is your solution.