You’re ready to turn your dreams of a European rendezvous into reality. But before you jump into booking your trip, take some time to plot out a plan to, well, plan it all thoughtfully! To make the most of your European vacation, be sure to avoid these all-too-common mistakes:
1) Booking a flight to the wrong destination.
This is the kind of mistake you think will never happen to you … until it does! Airport codes can be deceivingly similar—for example, Florence, South Carolina’s code is FLO, while one of Rome’s airports has the code FCO. And yes, people do mix them up and book the wrong one! When you have a bunch of tabs open while planning your trip, this can be an easy mistake to make—so double check your tickets! You always have 24 hours to cancel a flight after you book it if you discover a mistake.
2) Flying into the wrong airport.
Okay, you’ve made it to the right destination—but you find yourself at the wrong airport. Major cities in Europe usually have more than one airport, so double check that you’re booking the right one; some airports are a lot farther out from the city center than others. This becomes even more important for your return flight … you don’t want to accidentally show up at the wrong airport for departure, and then realize you don’t have enough time to get to the right airport before your flight takes off!
3) Not opting for private airport transfers.
True, many destinations in Europe have excellent public transportation systems—but you don’t want to try to navigate them as soon as you hop off your flight jet-lagged (especially if you’d have to figure out how a metro system works in a foreign language). Start your vacation in a seamless and stress-free way by opting to have a private driver pick you up right at the airport and take you straight to your hotel. You’ll also be able to start your vacation more quickly, since you won’t be making multiple stops to drop off passengers like you would in a shared van. I recommend pre-arranged transfers over taxis as well, since you know ahead of time exactly what it will cost and don’t have to worry about possibly getting “scammed” right at the start of your vacation.
4) Jamming way too much in.
If you’re going to Europe for 2-3 weeks, you may be tempted to pack in as much as possible—country- or hotel-hopping every few days. But Europe is meant to be savored! I recommend slowing down your itinerary and building in plenty of free time. This ensures you’ll avoid burning out by constantly unpacking and re-packing (and having to heave your luggage over cobblestones!). It also leaves you more opportunities for some unexpected discoveries—in Europe, you never know what magic awaits you around the next corner! The beauty of a European vacation is that it’s generally safe enough to follow your curiosity wherever it takes you.
5) Not opting for travel insurance.
A trip to Europe is a big deal—I HIGHLY recommend you safeguard your vacation investment with travel insurance. Choose insurance that not only covers you for things like trip delays and lost luggage, but also provides medical coverage (your U.S.-based health insurance will not cover you if you get sick or injured abroad). Your credit card may provide some level of coverage … but generally it’s very low and certainly won’t cover everything if an emergency arises while you travel. Your peace of mind is worth it!
6) Only doing “group” tours.
It can be fun to meet other like-minded travelers via group tours and day trips. But nothing beats a totally custom experience, where it’s just you, your expert guide, and your travel companion. When you go the private route, you can tailor the experience to your interests and preferred pace—want to linger longer at a certain site? No problem! No packed tour buses, no struggling to hear the guide’s explanation over the crowd … just an intimate experience that maximizes your time spent exploring.
7) Not booking experiences ahead of time.
When it comes to Europe, it pays to plan ahead. Many destinations are so popular—especially during high season—that special experiences can book out months before you’re set to arrive. If there’s an experience you have your heart set on, don’t wait until the last minute to book; this goes for experiences like dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant, indulging in a private, after-hours tour of an iconic site, or enjoying a hands-on cooking class. Even tickets to the most popular museums can sell out in advance!
Want expert help planning your European escape?
Leave it all to me! I provide comprehensive itinerary design and concierge care—meaning I book everything down to your tours, transfers, and special dining experiences. Learn more about my custom travel services, or complete a brief trip inquiry form to start planning together soon.
