For many of us, a trip to Europe is on our bucket list. Packed with gorgeous architecture, fascinating cultures, delicious food, and friendly faces, Europe is also immensely accessible.
Most destinations have speakers with English as a second language, so it can feel less intimidating to travel. Fantastic public transport makes getting around on a budget easy.
You can easily access first-class hotels and amenities, and it’s much more accessible to pedestrians than most of the US. If you’re sick of the typical European tourist trail, however, you can power up your visit with some of these hidden European Gems.
Traveling Smartly
Before you rush off and book your tickets, let’s chat about packing for an overseas trip. One of the biggest novice mistakes travelers make is trying to fit everything and the kitchen sink in their bags! This seems great in the comfort of your home, and not so much when you haul bags up and down trains and escalators across Europe. Too much luggage can ruin a travel experience, so pack light.
Almost all popular European destinations are very solidly developed nations. You can access most of the same convenience stores and other amenities back home, including fast food chains you recognize! There’s no need to overdo your packing ‘in case.’ Here are some essentials to consider, however:
- Medications: The one exception to the light pack rule is if you need chronic medicines, especially on a prescription. Make sure you take all your medications to cover your trip, with some wiggle room for flight or travel delays. A light and basic first aid/comfort package with your preferred brand of headache tablet, allergy med, and some first aid basics are brilliant too. Still, you will be able to access most OTC medications in Europe easily, so don’t go hog wild.
- Tech Essentials: The first rule of travel is don’t flash your valuables. You are on holiday, but local thieves aren’t! Don’t be that person wandering around with a technology nest screaming ‘rob me’! However, you will need some basic tech essentials to make the trip smooth and comfortable and stay in touch with your family. Choose smartly, keep it discrete, and don’t forget your gear’s chargers, cables, SD cards, and other peripherals!
- Packing: You will pack differently depending on location and planned activities. Here’s some excellent travel packing advice.
Hidden European Travel Gems
If you’re looking to get off the beaten trail and find somewhere exceptional, try these less-visited European destinations everyone should experience once in their lives:
- Illha Das Flores, Portugal: Few realize Portugal has islands, let alone that one is an autonomous region! This exquisite island archipelago has everything, from crystal clear water to dolphins, and should be on every traveler’s list.
- Sirmione, Lombardia, Italy: Spa waters abound in this 13th-century fortress town rich in architecture and history. It also has a very rare fortified quay.
- Torquay, UK: Few realize that the UK has beach towns. While once a trendy travel destination, it’s fallen off the radar in recent years.
- Sami, Kefalonia, Greece: The Greek Islands are immensely popular, but Sami is less crowded and just as beautiful as better-known destinations.
- L’ile Louet, Brittany, France: this magical little island will even let you stay overnight at the lighthouse if you book in advance and should be on every traveler’s list of hidden gems.
Where will you head first on your European adventure? Travel is a great way to relax, unwind, and see a different side of life, so it’s time to plan that vacation!