Planning a trip to Europe is thrilling, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to think about—choosing your destinations, booking flights, finding accommodation, and figuring out transportation. But don’t worry! I’ve been traveling around Europe for years, and I’m here to break it all down for you so that you can enjoy every step of your planning process and your actual trip.

Step 1: Understand the Schengen Zone

First things first: if you’re new to European travel, you need to understand what the Schengen Zone is. This is a group of 27 countries where, once you’re in, you can travel freely between them without going through passport control each time. It’s super convenient! But not all European countries are part of the Schengen Zone. For instance, places like the UK, Ireland, Bulgaria, and Romania aren’t included. So it’s important to check your visa requirements before you book anything.

Step 2: Decide How Much Time You Have

The next step is deciding how long you’ll be in Europe. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, a good rule of thumb is to spend at least 10 days there to truly get a feel for the continent and recover from any jet lag. But keep in mind that if you’re in the Schengen Zone, you can only stay for 90 days out of every 180 days, so plan your time accordingly.

If you want to stay longer, consider visiting non-Schengen countries like the UK or Ireland once your 90 days are up.

Step 3: Choose Your Destinations

This part is exciting but can also be a little tricky because there are so many places to choose from! I always recommend focusing on one or two countries instead of trying to cram in too many cities. Trust me, taking the time to really experience one or two countries is far more rewarding than rushing through a bunch of them.

Once you have a destination in mind, start looking up activities and landmarks. If you’re like me and love to plan ahead, social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok are great for finding cool places to visit, and travel blogs often have hidden gems you might not find in typical guidebooks.

Step 4: Apply for Visas (If Needed)

Depending on where you’re from, you might need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. If you’re coming from countries like the US, Canada, or Australia, you don’t need a visa for short stays. However, things are changing , as travelers will need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) online. Be sure to check your country’s official government website to see what exactly you need.

Step 5: Book Your Flights

Let’s face it—finding the right flight can get pretty stressful with all the noise online. Every site claims to have the lowest prices, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Personally, I’ve found that keeping it simple makes the whole process way easier. That’s why I usually just head straight to mytrip.com to start my search—and honestly, I usually end up booking there too. It’s quick, reliable, and what I really appreciate is that it compares a bunch of airlines at once—so I’m not wasting time bouncing between tabs.

What makes it even better is that you can bundle your flights with hotels or even car rentals right there on the same platform. It just saves you the hassle of managing everything separately. Plus, I’ve noticed that booking everything in one place tends to help you spot better deals, and honestly, it keeps my inbox from turning into a chaotic mess of confirmation emails.

So whether you’re flying into a major city or looking for a more off-the-beaten-path arrival, mytrip.com is a solid go-to. It’s not just about saving a few bucks—it’s about peace of mind, and having all your travel details in one place really makes the whole experience smoother.

Step 6: Book Your Accommodation

After you’ve got your flights sorted, the next step is to figure out where you’ll stay. Europe offers a range of accommodations, from hostels to high-end hotels, and mytrip.com is a great platform to help you compare prices and find the best deals. You can also book car rentals and homes through the same platform for more flexibility in your travel plans. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a breakdown of accommodation options:

• Hostels: Perfect for travelers on a budget and those looking to meet new people.
• Guesthouses: A more personal, affordable option compared to hotels.
• Hotels: Reliable, with lots of amenities like breakfast, concierge services, and more.
• Airbnb: Ideal if you prefer staying in a local’s home for a more unique experience.

Using mytrip.com makes it easy to book directly with no hidden fees. It’s a great choice to find the perfect spot for your stay.

Step 7: Choose Your Transportation

Public transportation in Europe is fantastic—trains, buses, and metros are easy to navigate and can take you almost anywhere. If you’re planning to explore multiple cities or even remote villages, it’s definitely the best way to get around. I often use tools like Omio to compare different transportation options, so you can see all the trains, buses, and even flights between two cities.

But if you’re heading somewhere a bit more remote or want to have more flexibility, renting a car might be a good option. mytrip.com also offers car rentals, which is super convenient if you want to explore off the beaten path.

Step 8: Plan Your Itinerary

Once your travel logistics are in place, it’s time to start planning what you’ll do in each city. While it’s tempting to just wing it, I always find that a bit of pre-trip research goes a long way. Start with Google or Atlas Obscura to find the must-see tourist spots, then go deeper to find local favorites, whether that’s a hidden café or a quirky museum. I also like to use social media (especially TikTok) to find cool things that are trending at the moment.

One of my favorite tips is to use Google Maps to star the places you want to visit. This way, you can group activities by neighborhood, making it much easier to explore without getting lost or wasting time.

Step 9: Packing Tips

When it comes to packing, my advice is simple: pack light. The fewer things you have to carry, the easier your trip will be. I swear by packing cubes—they’re inexpensive and keep everything organized so you don’t have to dig through your bag for that one shirt you need. Stick to the basics and plan to do laundry while you’re traveling.

Final Thoughts: Why I Use MyTrip.com

After planning a bunch of trips over the years, I’ve realized that having everything in one place just makes life easier. That’s why I’ve started using MyTrip.com for most of my travel bookings. Whether it’s flights, hotels, cute little vacation rentals, or even a car for road trips—it’s all there. I like that I don’t have to jump between five different tabs or worry about missing out on a better deal somewhere else. It’s just a super straightforward way to plan a trip without the usual stress.