Travel Tips for Your European Vacation

We have all been there. You arrive in a new country and you are perplexed at how to use the ATM in a foreign language, metro ticket machine or which plugs are needed. We live in the EU and want to make your travel experience to Europe more pleasant so you can relax more on your vacation. Whether you're headed to Portugal or exploring other EU destinations, these tips and resources are here to make your planning a little bit easier.

Happy travels ahead. Bon Voyage!

Cappuccino on a table with a notepad and readers

General Info:

ATM’s are easily accessible but decline the currency conversion option, this is where they get you on fees. Use local currency.

Credit cards: You will find that many places accept Mastercard and Visa but American Express is rarely accepted. It is always a good idea to keep some euros on hand as smaller businesses may be cash only.

Tipping: In many cases this is optional or simply round up or a tip of 5-10% is acceptable in restaurants. Each country is slightly different. Click here EU Tip Guide

Adaptors: The C type plug is used throughout the EU. Note that the UK and Ireland use G.

Convertors: Most electronics (such as laptops or phone chargers) are multi or dual voltage and only need the plug adaptor. Do not bring your hairdryer unless you have a convertor.

Vintage convertible old car driving on open country road

Useful Travel Apps and Tips

Ride Share: Uber and Bolt are available in most EU destinations

Taxis: Make sure the taxi has a working meter and that it’s’ on.

Navigation: City Mapper is available in most large cities

Money: Currency Convertor and EX are helpful

Digital ESim: Airalo Great for dual sim phones

Language: Google Translate and DeepL - Download offline use.

Free Calls/Texts: WhatsApp, Skype or Messenger

Restaurant Reservations: The Fork

Luggage Delayed or Lost? US DOT information

White Chihuahua in suitcase wanting to go on vacation

Packing Tips

Travel Light. We cannot stress enough, pack light. You do not want to be schlepping a heavy bag up a narrow hill with cobblestone streets or up a 5 story Air BnB walk up . Pack clothing you can easily mix and match and dress up or down. I find it helpful to select 3 neutrals plus an accent color. Take pictures of what you pack for future travel reference.

Size Matters: If you are traveling in the EU, many budget carriers have strict carry on and checked luggage requirements. They do check and will charge a hefty fees if you have to check luggage at the airport. Guide to International Luggage Standards

Important Items: Be sure and carry on your most necessary and valuable items on you such as medications, glasses, jewelry, important documents and a pen for filling out customs forms as needed.

Plan B: We are all reliant on our phones but if your battery runs out or you can’t access wifi, good luck pulling up your boarding pass or ticket. Consider having a print out or screen grabs just in case.

More packing blogs: Travel and Leisure Packing Tips

Travel Insurance

Have a vacation coming up? PLEASE don't forget your travel insurance!  

The unexpected can happen. Between cancelled flights, lost luggage, and people coming down with “you know what” again you definitely want to make sure you're covered both for your travel investment and medically while traveling.

Our preferred Travel Insurance company is IMG which is A rated. IMG bundles Trip Interruption and international medical insurance to make sure you're totally protected. It provides peace of mind knowing you are covered abroad during your trip.