How to Plan a First Time Trip to Europe

• 10, Dec, 2017
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This past September, I successfully took an American to Europe for the first time for an amazing trip. Having grown up in various parts of Europe myself, I’ve already experienced the magic of Europe many times over. However, when my nearly 30 year old boyfriend confessed to me that he had never been to the Eastern hemisphere, I knew what I wanted my next big trip to be: a tour of the classic cities of Western and Southern Europe. Plus, one of my favorite things to do is play tour guide, so this would benefit both of us greatly.

Here’s how I prepared for my three week trip to Europe, including how I decided which cities to visit, how to travel from city to city, and how to pack.

Europe Trip Preparation by Timeline

6 months (March 2012):

– Language refresher (French, German, Italian)
– Plot route and cities to visit
– Purchase European guidebook

3 months (June 2012):

– Purchase airfare (21 June)
– Apply for passport
– Purchase walking shoes

2 months (July 2012):

– Post apartment on AirBnB
– Hotel reservations (19 July)

1 month (August 2012):
– Purchases: luggage, clothing, camera(s)
– Train tickets (30 Aug)
– Complete detailed budget

Right Before (September 2012):
– Call credit card companies
– Get haircut + make final trip-related purchases
– Double-check packing list & State Department Travel Warnings

 

When to Visit Europe

Dates: Wed, 9/19/12 – Sun, 10/7/12

I knew I wanted to visit Europe in late September, because it’s my favorite time of year in any city. But Western Europe is especially enchanting

High-level Itinerary

 

Paris > Brussels > Amsterdam > Stuttgart > Mannheim > Heidelberg > Eberbach > Heilbronn > Bad Wimpfen > Schwabisch Hall > Munich > Garmisch > Venice > Pisa > Florence > Rome