How to Plan the Best Europe Vacation

by | Mar 10, 2023 | Destinations, Europe, Group Travel, Travel Bucket Lists, Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Europe is a continent with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and diverse cuisines that make it a top destination for vacationers. However, planning an Europe vacation can be an overwhelming task. Fret not! With proper planning, you can make it an unforgettable experience. Therefore, in this blog post, we will share some tips on how to plan the best Europe vacation.

How do you plan a perfect Europe trip?

  1. Decide on the countries to visit
  2. Determine the best time to plan for a Europe vacation
  3. Plan your itinerary
  4. Preparation before going for a Europe vacation
  5. Learn the local languages
  6. Planning a group tour for a Europe vacation

Decide on the countries to visit

Europe has 44 countries, each with its unique cultural experiences. Therefore, you must decide on the countries you want to visit based on your interests, budget, and time. Moreover, if it is your first time in Europe, you may want to consider popular destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain. Alternatively, if you are interested in history, Greece and Rome would be the perfect choices. In addition to that, for nature lovers, Norway and Switzerland offer breathtaking scenery.

However, to make it simple for you and make, we have compiled a list of perfect destinations for a great Europe vacation. Check them out:

Western Europe

western europe
Copyright: Chris Karidis

Western Europe is a popular tourist destination for its art, fashion, and cuisine. It includes countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

  • France: France is popular for its romantic vibe, stunning architecture, world-renowned museums, and delectable cuisine. Visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles.
  • Germany: Germany is famous for its beer, bratwurst, and beautiful castles. Visit Berlin to see the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, or visit Bavaria to see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • United Kingdom: The United Kingdom is home to London, a bustling city with world-class museums, shopping, and entertainment. Visit Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum.

Eastern Europe

eastern europe
Copyright: Anthony DELANOIX

Eastern Europe is home to some of the most beautiful and affordable destinations in Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

  • Poland: Poland is famous for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Krakow to see the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square, or visit Auschwitz to learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
  • Hungary: Hungary is famous for its thermal baths, delicious cuisine, and beautiful architecture. Visit Budapest to see the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Parliament Building.
  • Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is famous for its medieval castles and stunning landscapes. Visit Prague to see the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, and Prague Castle.

Southern Europe

southern europe
Copyright: Rebe Adelaida

Southern Europe is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and delicious food. It includes countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece.

  • Italy: Italy is famous for its art, fashion, and cuisine. Visit Rome to see the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon, or visit Florence to see the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
  • Spain: Spain is famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Visit Barcelona to see the Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell, or visit Madrid to see the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace.
  • Greece: Greece is famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and delicious food. Visit Athens to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, or visit Santorini to see the stunning caldera and the white-washed houses.

Northern Europe

northern europe
Copyright: Johny Goerend

Northern Europe is famous for its stunning landscapes, beautiful fjords, and friendly people. It includes countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

  • Norway: Norway is famous for its stunning fjords, breathtaking landscapes, and beautiful cities. Visit Oslo to see the Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum, or visit Bergen to see the colorful houses of Bryggen.
  • Sweden: Sweden is famous for its beautiful cities, stunning architecture, and friendly people. Visit Stockholm to see the Vasa Museum and the Royal Palace, or visit Gothenburg to see the Liseberg amusement park.
  • Denmark: Denmark is famous for its beautiful cities, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Visit Copenhagen to see the Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid statue, or visit Aarhus to see the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum.

Determine the best time to plan for a Europe vacation

best time europe vacation
Copyright: James Padolsey

The best time to visit Europe depends on the countries you want to visit and the activities you want to engage in. So, if you are interested in skiing, you may want to visit during winter. Alternatively, if you are looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer would be a perfect time. However, keep in mind that popular tourist destinations are likely to be crowded during peak seasons. Therefore, planning accordingly is important to make your Europe vacation perfect.

Plan your itinerary

build itinerary for a vacation
Copyright: Christine Roy

Once you have decided on the countries to visit and the best time to travel, it is time to plan your itinerary. Firstly, research the top attractions, activities, and events in each country and create a list of must-visit places. Moreover, you may also want to consider the travel time between destinations and factor it into your itinerary. However, if you are short on time, consider visiting fewer countries and spending more time in each.

Lucky you, we have made some ultimate travel guides in some countries in Europe. So, check out some of our best travel guides to make your Europe vacation perfect.

  1. The Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide
  2. Madeira Travel Guide for the Best 10 Days Vacation
  3. The Ultimate Malta Travel Guide
  4. Spain Travel Guide for Your 2-Week Trip
  5. The Complete Netherlands Travel Guide: A Post-Covid Edition
  6. The Essential South of France Travel Guide
  7. Helsinki Group Travel Guide
  8. Switzerland Group Travel Guide
  9. Paris Travel Guide
  10. The Picture-Perfect Portugal Travel Guide
  11. The Ultimate Greece Travel Guide
  12. The Ultimate Travel Guide: Iceland
  13. Travel in Europe on a Budget: A Complete Guide
  14. The Ultimate Berlin Guide
  15. The Ultimate Guide to Dublin, Ireland

Preparation before going for a Europe vacation

preparation for a vacation
Copyright: Annie Spratt

Now that you have decided on where to go and planned your itinerary perfectly, you need to get everything prepared before your flight! So, for your perusal, these are some things that you need to consider before flying for your perfect Europe vacation. 

Book your flights and accommodations in advance

When booking flights, consider booking in advance to get the best deals. You may also want to consider budget airlines for cheaper options. Moreover, for accommodations, consider staying in centrally located hotels or apartments that are close to major attractions. Also, consider booking accommodations in advance to get the best deals. 

Pack wisely

When packing for your vacation to Europe, consider the weather and the activities you will be engaging in. Therefore, pack comfortable shoes for walking and clothes that can be layered. Also, do not forget to pack travel adapters, chargers, and any medication you may need. Remember to bring your passport and wallet, if needed, and keep them in a safe place to avoid being robbed or lost.

Moreover, if you are traveling in a group, it is important to pack light and smart. Choose a suitcase or backpack that’s easy to carry and fits all your essentials. Consider packing clothes that can be mixed and matched, and bring comfortable shoes for walking.

Learn the local languages

While English is widely spoken in Europe, it is always helpful to learn some basic phrases in the local language. It shows respect for the local culture and can also help you communicate better with locals.

Planning a group tour for a Europe vacation

group tour europe vacation
Copyright: Tegan Mierle

Traveling to Europe with a group can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to share the excitement of exploring new places, but you can also split the costs and make lifelong memories together. You can check the detail about how to travel in a group from this blog

Here are some little tips for planning a group tour vacation to Europe:

Communicate with your group to set a budget

Before booking your tour, it is important to set a budget and itinerary that everyone in the group can agree on. Consider the length of the trip, the destinations you want to visit, and the activities you want to do. Be sure to factor in the cost of flights, accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Communication is key when planning a group tour vacation to Europe. Be sure to keep everyone in the loop about the trip details, including the itinerary, budget, and any important information. Set up a group chat or email thread to stay in touch and make decisions together.

Choose a tour company that meets your needs

Many tour companies offer group tours to Europe, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs. Look for a company that offers tours to the destinations you want to visit, has a good reputation, and provides excellent customer service. You can check out our latest blog about the best group travel companies for your reference.

As a matter of fact, out of those group travel companies, we highly recommend you choose JoinMyTrip. Why? JoinMyTrip offers you curated and unique trips. Moreover, the platforms give you the flexibility to find travel buddies worldwide easily. On top of that, JoinMyTrip has a powerful travel community on Facebook and Instagram, where you can share your experiences and fun with.


So, have you got the big picture of how you would make your Europe vacation perfect? Go book a trip with JoinMyTrip! With our like-minded TripLeaders, you will be taken on a perfect Europe vacation you have never thought possible before in a group tour! So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip now!

Welcome to JoinMyTrip

At JoinMyTrip, we bring together travelers from around the world.

Find your next small group travel adventure to unique destinations with JoinMyTrip.

subscribe now and get a €20 discount

Categories