Visiting Europe For The First Time is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. How do you choose from so many incredible destinations and experiences? There’s plenty of historic architecture and ‘Ye Olde’ cobbled streets, but it also offers the newest technological advances, vibrant modern cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. So, where do you start?
Here are eight insider tips you should know before you start narrowing down the must-see destinations for your European adventure.
1. Where to Go and What to See
It’s impossible to start recommending destinations in this article – there’s far too much to see. However, we have three recommendations about how to approach your planning.
- Make it count: Rather than just going to one or two famous holiday destinations (e.g. a Greek island or coastal party city), make a list. Include your favourites among the capitals and famous landmarks you’ve perhaps seen on the big screen, read, or often heard about. Most of them are absolutely worth a visit, so include them on your first visit to Europe if time and money allow.
- Don’t jam it in: Do as much as you can afford to, but remember to build in some ‘slow’ days. It will help you to store and reinforce your memories, or you risk your entire trip becoming a blur.
- Keep it simple: While most travellers live for rare unscripted or impromptu experiences, these seldom happen when you’re nervous. It’s hard to immerse yourself in a new culture when you don’t really know where you are or how to get around. So, don’t be too proud to book a standard sightseeing tour of a new city. Commercial introductory city tours are a great way to get orientated and identify what is worth further exploration. You can gather more information on what you’d like to do when you have more time.
2. Visas for Europe
Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your intended return date. It is a specific requirement for travel to Schengen zone countries. Generally, Canadians don’t need a visa to visit most European countries, but some countries may limit your stay. For instance, Schengen zone countries like Bilbao Spain, Portugal, Iceland, and Italy limit visa-free travel to a stay (or stays) of up to 90 days in a given 180-day period.
Countries outside the Schengen area, however, have different rules. For example, Canadians may stay in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months without a visa.
From 2025, Canadians must apply for the new European Travel Information Authorization Systems (ETIAS) to visit selected European countries. The ETIAS visa waiver program permits Canadian travellers to stay in certain European countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. Check the complete list of countries where the ETIAS will apply on the European Union website. The ETIAS permit costs 7 EUR and will be valid for multiple trips within three years of approval.
3. Money Matters
The Euro (EUR) is widely but not universally accepted throughout Europe. Six countries are part of the EU but use their national currencies (Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Romania, and Sweden). Additionally, some non-EU member countries, like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, also use their own currencies. However, if you stick to EU member countries, you won’t have to deal with currency conversion issues every time you reach a new destination.
Use your credit card (with a choice to pay in Canadian or local currency), a prepaid travel debit card, or cash. It’s not hard to find currency exchange shops, but using an ATM to withdraw cash is far cheaper. Just a note: Amex cards are not universally accepted, especially in smaller towns, and attempts to use traveller’s cheques will merely earn you odd looks of suspicion.
And say hello to VAT, or “value added tax.” It’s an EU (and UK) sales tax included in almost everything you purchase. The price you see is the price you’ll pay. Non-EU residents can claim VAT back under certain conditions when they leave the EU. There’s a threshold — you can’t claim the VAT on every pizza and taxi ride. But, when buying bigger items, ask the shop assistant in advance whether they can accommodate a VAT claim invoice and what the procedure is.
5. Get an eSIM Before you go
Getting an eSIM before traveling to Europe is a game-changer for staying connected on the go. With an eSIM like Holafly, you can bypass the hassle of searching for local SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming fees. It allows you to activate your data plan instantly upon arrival, so you’re ready to navigate, book accommodations, and stay in touch from the moment you land. Plus, with flexible plans tailored to your travel needs, it’s a reliable, stress-free solution for exploring Europe. For a deeper dive, check out my Holafly eSIM review.
Order Here: Use PROMO Code THISLIFEINTRIPS to get 5% off your eSIM!4. The Best Way to Get Around Europe
The differences between most of Europe and Canada are sharply visible when you compare their respective transportation networks. Canada’s relatively tiny population is strung out across an absolutely vast portion of the continent. In contrast, Europe is more densely populated with closely interconnected, yet distinct countries and cultures. Partly because of their interconnectedness, public transport has become built into most Europeans’ lives. Every large city (and most towns) provides a criss-cross of public buses, bicycles, motorcycles, metros/underground or high-speed rails and more.
- Trains: The networks are extensive, modern, safe, and efficient. Shorter trips are priced competitively, but shop around for better prices for longer journeys between countries or sectors on high-speed trains. Your best option may be to get a Eurail Pass. Some sites like RailEurope check the schedules and fares of 50-plus European train companies.
- Buses: Intercity buses are another cheap way to get around the continent. They’re generally clean and well-appointed, with wi-fi and electrical outlets.
- Car Hire: If you want to explore smaller geographic areas, rent a car. Roads are excellent, and European drivers are generally courteous. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you get from the CAA under a UN-approved mandate. It currently costs $25 and is valid for one year from the issue date. Remember to buy insurance to cover any vehicle-related mishaps in Europe.
- Private car transfers: This is a great option if you’re looking for a stress-free, door-to-door way to get between cities—especially on routes that aren’t well served by trains or budget airlines. You can book a ride with a local driver who picks you up at your accommodation and drops you off at your next one, often with the option to stop at interesting sights along the way. It’s a comfortable and efficient way to travel without the hassle of stations or schedules. This service is one of the most popular and reliable options in Europe.
- Flights: Europe has hundreds of low-cost and regional airlines that serve every notable location. However, they all have different luggage restrictions, which can cause a panicky luggage shuffle or unexpected charges at check-in. The differences can be particularly stark if you have to transfer from a long-haul or international flight to a local or regional flight. Check the luggage requirements for every airline on your itinerary and pack your must-have items in a light, optimal-sized piece of hand luggage.
5. Safety and Security in Europe
Most Canadians have a laid-back attitude towards personal security since they seldom encounter violent crimes. It’s hardly fair to label Europe as a high-crime area overall. However, many European countries have criminal elements that specifically target tourists.
- Petty crime: You’ll likely encounter pickpocketing and purse snatching somewhere in Europe. It’s best to check the travel advisories and learn more about the common scams and cons prevalent in each country. Lock your luggage, hide your valuables, and keep your cards and travel documents in a safe place. Store copies of your documents in encrypted storage in the cloud.
- Encrypt your digital communications: Digital crimes are prevalent in Europe’s tourist hotspots, especially around free wi-fi hotspots. Cybercriminals can intercept your internet connections and copy your social media sites, banking, or email login credentials. A VPN (virtual private network) is an irreplaceable cybersecurity tool for travel. It encrypts everything you send and receive on your smartphone or laptop to ensure safe online banking and privacy for your chat apps. As a bonus, it allows you to bypass region-specific content rules. For example, you can log into your Netflix or other streaming platform as if you’re at home. If you log in without a VPN, you’ll only see the content allowed for viewers in the country you’re visiting. If you are looking for the best VPN in Canada that performs just as well all across Europe as it does back home in Canada, check what server coverage the provider offers.
6. Languages in Europe
With a few exceptions, English is not the first language in European countries. And in some countries, centuries-old enmities may influence how they treat English-speaking visitors. There’s an old saying that you should rather speak Zulu than English when first approaching a Frenchman, or you’ll be met with an unhelpful attitude. Some travellers report this to be still true.
French Canadians may have an easier time of it, but remember that Canadian French and “French” French differ somewhat.
Study a few essential words and phrases in French, Spanish and German to help you get by, even if your pronunciation is not perfect. The locals will appreciate the effort. They’ll usually switch to English or try another language without prompting.
7. Tourist levies in Europe
Some of the most famous European cities experience such intense tourism pressure that individual local authorities impose a tourism tax on foreigners. The tourism tax is usually added to the price of your accommodation. The rate varies according to your accommodation type. The tax can range from 5 to 7 EUR per person per night in a 5-star hotel.
8. Tipping in Europe
Expect to encounter a different tipping custom. In Canada, tipping is expected. Tipping is often unnecessary in most European countries and the United Kingdom, especially in casual places like bars and cafés. The default behaviour is to round up the bill to the nearest euro. Some countries (France, Greece, etc.) include a service charge or cover charge in your bill. It ranges from 10 to 15 percent. If you don’t see a service fee on your bill, a 10-15 percent tip is ample. You can consult the local tourism board of each country, or simply ask if you’re unsure.
Visiting Europe For The First Time – Expect to Be Amazed
Europe is quite different from Canada. A trip to the birthplace of Western culture will surely expand your horizons and open your mind to new opportunities. Prioritize your must-see destinations, but allow extra time for leisurely exploration beyond the typical tourist experience. You’ll be making mental notes for even better future trips every day. Happy travels!
What say you?
Thoughts on Visiting Europe For The First Time?
Let’s hear it!
