12 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Planning A Trip To Europe

We all know that traveling is fun and exciting, but it can also be nerve-racking as you consider mistakes to avoid in Europe. When you’re traveling far and exploring a continent as rich as Europe, you don’t want to mess up!

Your experience can turn from exciting to exhausting if you’re not well-prepared for the trip. So whether you are an experienced traveler or a newbie, please review this list! There are tons of things to consider when looking at what not to do in Europe, so follow these Europe travel tips!

A young woman in a hat sits on the edge of a river, overlooking boats and a city with her hands up in the air, knowing she is aware of the mistakes to avoid in Europe.

1. Mistake #1: Trying to See Too Many Countries in One Trip

Europe covers over 3.93 million square miles. That is 2% of Earth’s surface! And within that content, there are about fifteen sovereign states. So, when considering what to see when traveling, don’t over do it. If you are only there for 1 week, trying to get to places like Greece, Spain and Ireland is near impossible.

In fact, these countries are far apart so you are wasting a lot of time traveling! If you do country-hop, stay close in proximity. But don’t overkill. It is exhausting when planning a trip tp Europe. can you imagine actually traveling it?

Another young woman in a sun hat sits on the edge of the river, looking across the river at colorful buildings in Venice, as boats rock in the water.

2. Mistake #2: Not Booking Tickets in Advance to Major Attractions

We get it! When you’re only in a location for a week, you want to hit all the big attractions. Places like the Louvre, the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, or even the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia are attractions for a reason.

However, if you’re trying to book these tickets, book them early! You don’t want to miss out because tickets are capped out for the day. If you are traveling during high peak seasons, this is especially true. Book early! This is a huge tip to keep in mind when mapping out an Europe vacation Guide.

The Colosseum stands tall and crowds gather at the grounds: places like this require booking in advance, and not doing so is one of those mistakes to avoid in Europe.

3. Mistake #3: Not Being Aware of Common Scams/Watching for Pickpockets

We want your to be safe and smart! So, this is one of those Europe tips for travelers you have to keep in mind of constantly. Be aware of scams! Things like “demonstrating” for a vendor may get you caught in a purchase. Watch for slow counting cashiers, or with cash switcheroos.

Keep your bag by your side zip up everything. Especially on public transport! Don’t take anything from anyone, and double check that the police are the police. Oh, and as a note, watch for ATMs with bad exchange rates.

And always avoid eating near major attractions: you’ll spend so much more! These are just some tips. Do note that many of these tips are also prominent in major cities like London or Rome or Paris.

In general, places like Ireland or Iceland are less likely to have intense scams. But this doesn’t mean that places like London or Rome are places to avoid in Europe!

A women I a purple shirt reads a map as a hand reachers for her wallet in her blue back pack that was left open.

4. Mistake #4: Being Afraid to Drive in Europe

Opposite sides of the road can be scary. I get it. New signs, different colors, different spelling, and even auto-rental-travel insurance is overwhelming. But one of the major tourist mistakes in Europe is refusing to drive!

We all know Europe has insane public transport. It is so easy to get from place to place. But, often, this is at someone else’s pace. Feel free to drive and explore on your own time! Most people consider driving as one of those things not to do in Europe, but that is far from the the truth!

A red car hugs the coast of a highway in Italy, with rocky coasts and blue waters: this drive isn't afraid of driving, which is mistakes to avoid in Europe.

5. Mistake #5: Not Getting an International Driving Permit if You Plan to Drive in Europe

If you do plan on driving, make sure to check out the rules and regulations for whichever country you plan to drive in. Some counties require and IDP– an international driving permit.

You need to check the laws of each country you visit and cross reference if your license in allowed in the country or not. This is a legal requirement, and there are many unofficial sellers online claiming to be legit, so be careful! Those fakes are things to avoid in Europe because they can get you in some serious trouble.

A women has pulled off to the side of the road to take a picture of the fog rolling over the greens in Ireland: her car window frames the photo of her standing outside the car itself.

6. Mistake #6: Arriving at the Wrong Airport or Train Station

Europe is huge, and some of its cities are huge, so naturally there are a ton of train stations and airports. Make sure to always do your research prior to traveling so you know where you are going. Some airports or stations are far from the city center, so I suggest always cross-referencing maps.

Further away locations can be cheaper, but they take more time to travel to! Also, always make sure that you are spelling names correctly when booking flights and train travel! Of all the things of what not to do in Europe, you don’t want to miss a flight or train because you went to the wrong airport or station.

Of all mistakes to avoid in Europe, getting lost or going to wrong train stations and airports is a major one: know where you are going. Places like the tube, and this Victoria station that is red, white and blue, are easy to find if you follow maps!

7. Mistake #7: Not Having Copies of Your Documents

Call me paranoid, but I always have digital copies of my tickets, passports, credit cards, ID and more. I even go as far as ensuring that all of this information can be accessed via email, in case I lose my phone. Some people recommend having paper print outs too!

But, truly, you never know what is going to happen. And you don’t want to be without ID or money. Being stranded is the worst, and having access to copies of your documents will save you time and a major headache. Of all travel planning trips for Europe, this is the easiest one to plan for, and one that will save you in many unfortunate circumstances.

A hand holds and Italian passport, which is red in color with gold writing, at customs in the airport: having copies of documents like this is vital, and one of those mistakes to avoid in Europe.

8. Mistake #8: Saving Money at the Expense of Time

Time is money too. Don’t forget that! When enjoying your first time to Europe, sacrificing time is a huge mistake most people make. Especially under the pretense of saving money. But waiting 45 minutes in an attraction line that will save you five dollars on a ticket because you bought it in person rather than online is truly a waste. Think of all that time you could have spent exploring!!

Now, if you are traveling on a budget, we understand this. But weigh the pros and cons out! You only get so much time in one location, and money can always come back.

An overhead photo shows the bottom of the Eiffel Tower and the line that snakes around the grounds as people wait in line for a ticket to go up to the top. — Photo Credit: ExFlow via Shutterstock.com

9. Mistake #9: Not Validating Bus or Train Tickets

In Europe, many places have yo validate your own ticket when you board. If you don’t you can get a hefty fine! For example, in Italy and in France, you must validate all train tickets, except for the print-at-home and mobile tickets.

To validate your ticket, simply present the ticket into a slot at a machine ant the machine will stamp the date and validation code on the back! Most machines are located near the entrance of the platforms!

A hand reaches forward the validate their tickets at a French train station. The yellow compostage stamps a ticket, and not validating tickets is one of those mistakes to avoid in Europe.

10. Mistake #10: Not Packing the Correct Clothing

Whether this is for the weather, or for the culture, be careful of what you pack and how much you pack! And don’t overpack too! Traveling with heavy baggage is awful when using public transports and you can get charged extra when you bags weigh too much.

But when packing, make sure to pack appropriately. For summer, shorts and tanks, for example. But also check local weather: Ireland in May calls for rain jackets! Don’t stop there, though. Being culturally sensitive is important as well. No low cut-shirts in more conservative regions is good practice and shows locals respect.

A young woman enjoys the sun and warm weather while traveling, wearing a floral sun dress and flip flops on the edge of a rocky coast.

11. Mistake #11: Researching too Much or too Little

This feels ironic to write about since we are literally helping you research your mistakes to a void in Europe, and yet…. it’s true. You can research too much! This leaves no room for surprises. And over-planning can add stress.

You want to be flexible and enjoy this vacation. In the same breath, however, you also want to research a bit. You don’t want to be insensitive and know nothing about your destinations. Basic understandings are great so you can avoid insulting locals, getting truly lost, or even getting scammed. This is especially true for a first-time trip to Europe!

A young woman gets caught up in her guide book, doing too much research, which is one of the mistakes to avoid in Europe. She points across the street at something but missing the beautiful, historic pubs behind her.

12. Mistake #12: Forgetting to Check Your Phone Plan and/or Forgetting to Notify Your Bank of Traveling

Many phone carriers are offering international roaming these days! This is great. But always make sure to cross reference your plan’s details to make sure you have data while being abroad. And if not, airplane mode is your best friend! As is the free-wifi in most places!

We recommend checking for sure, though, because Google Maps is beyond helpful. The same thing goes for your cash and credit access. Always notify your bank that you are traveling so you cards aren’t frozen!

A women with a red head covering and pink backpack points her phone up at a tall building, snapping photos, enjoying her free cell data with an international data plan.

13. Mistake #13: Not Taking Advantage of the Free Things

You don’t have to always be spending money. Just imagine the memories of seeing a sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. And what does that cost you? Nothing! For teachers, the Lourve entrance is free.

In Edinburgh, you can conquer Arthur’s Seat for great city views. Wandering around the Thames in London is always a great way to explore the afternoon, and more. There are always great, free walking tours that are rich with culture and history in the cities as well. We love taking advantage of the free things! It leaves room for more money spending later!

waverly bridge in edinburgh with brown buildings

And there you have it, folks. some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Europe! Now, we know things will never be perfect, and mistakes are bound to happen. But being prepared and thinking critically about tourist mistakes in Europe can help you ensure your trip goes more smoothly! Think of this as your Europe travel guide.