Europe for me has been one of those places that I feel no matter how many times I visit, I will still not be done with it. You need to make multiple trips to cover parts of the continent because there is so much to see. It has an irresistible charm, offering diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's your first trip or a return visit, planning your Europe adventure on your own can be incredibly rewarding. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your Europe trip from India, packed with practical tips and personal insights.

1. Flexibility

   Organized tours can be restrictive, with fixed itineraries and timelines. Planning your own trip allows you to explore at your own pace, sleep in when you want, and spend more time at places you love.

2. Personalized Experience

   You can tailor your trip to include only the destinations and activities that interest you. This level of customization is often not possible with pre-packaged tours.

3. Budget-Friendly

   We traveled for a month, covering 5 countries and 18 cities, staying in comfortable Airbnbs and 4-star hotels, renting a car, and enjoying local food and activities—all for about ₹8.5 lakhs for two people. This cost would likely be higher with a travel agency. Plus, you learn how to save money and make better choices along the way.

4. Knowledge and Growth

   Planning your trip involves learning about different cultures, histories, and geographies, enriching your travel experience.

Europe's appeal is vast and varied, offering something for everyone. Popular TV shows like Emily in Paris and Outlander highlight the charm and romance of European cities, while Money Heist and Dark offer thrilling glimpses into the continent's cultural diversity and intrigue. These shows spark curiosity about destinations like Paris, Edinburgh, and Berlin. For history enthusiasts, Europe is a treasure trove, from ancient Roman ruins to WWII sites.

For those who appreciate art and architecture, cities like Florence and Barcelona are like living museums. And if you love picturesque landscapes, the scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps or the stunning coastlines of Croatia are sure to captivate you. Whether you're drawn to vibrant city life, historical depth, or breathtaking natural beauty, Europe is a continent that never fails to inspire and enchant.

For optimal weather and fewer crowds, plan your trip for late April to early May or around September. These months avoid the peak summer rush and offer pleasant weather.

• Northern Europe: May to June or August to September.

• Southern Europe: April to May or September to October.

PS: If you’re anything like my husband, who calls himself a “tropical animal” and refuses to go anywhere too cold, plan your visit for when Europe is warm and sunny. Make the most of those European summer vibes!

Flights

Flights can cost anywhere from ₹40,000 for a roundtrip and upwards, depending on your departure city in India and your destination city in Europe. We spent around ₹75,000 per person for a roundtrip with Emirates, choosing it for its ideal travel times, duration, and comfort. We booked via MakeMyTrip and availed of card offers for HDFC and ICICI cardholders. Google Flights and Skyscanner are also good options for finding deals.

Accommodation

Costs vary widely. Major cities like Paris and Rome are expensive, while Eastern Europe offers more affordable options. We used Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com to make our bookings and our average nightly spending was ₹7500 (for a couple).

Transportation

We spent about ₹1,200 per person per day on intercity transfers and public transportation. Flixbus and BlaBlaCar are budget-friendly options, while high-speed trains offer comfort and convenience. We used Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe for our train bookings, as well as some of the other country specific companies such as SNCF, Deutsche Bahn and Trenitalia amongst others.

Food

We spent about ₹5,000 per person per day on food, enjoying local cuisines and food tours.

Activities

Around ₹2,800 per person per day on entrance tickets and activities.

Car Rental

Car rentals cost approximately ₹8,000 per day (including fuel), depending on the car type. We booked a car in France through a local rental company. Some other sites to book your rental car in Europe are Discover cars (booking.com), klook, Kayak, Hertz, Sixt and EuropCar.

Other Expenses

Include visa fees, travel insurance, and SIM cards.

1. Book in Advance

   Secure your flights, accommodations, and activities early for the best deals. Some hotels/ Airbnbs offer early bird discounts as well. It’s often cheaper to fly mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It's generally recommended to book your flight between 120 to 90 days before your travel date. This window often provides a good balance between availability and price, allowing you to secure better deals while still having a variety of options to choose from. However, it's always a good idea to monitor prices regularly and set fare alerts, as prices can fluctuate based on demand, season, and other factors.

2. Free Walking Tours

   Many cities offer tip-based walking tours. Platforms like Guruwalk or Sandemans are great resources.

3. Public Transportation

   It's sustainable and budget-friendly. Use Man in Seat 61 and Rome2Rio for planning.

4. Student Discounts

   Always check for available student discounts or any other discount category that you may fall in.

5. Restaurant Prices

   Check on Google the average meal costs of restaurants before visiting to avoid unpleasant surprises.

6. Take Away vs. Dine-In

   In places like Italy, getting food from a take-away can be cheaper than dining in.

7. Travel Passes

   Consider Deutsche Bahn rail passes in Germany and other similar weekly or monthly travel passes in other countries based on how long you plan to stay and how much you plan on using public transportation.

8. Water

   Carry reusable water bottles and fill them from taps or fountains wherever recommended and safe to do so.

9. Forex and Currency

   Get a good forex card and exchange currency in India before leaving.

10. Avoid Tourist Traps

    Eat at places slightly away from major attractions.

11. Stay Realistic

    Don’t over-plan your days. Be realistic about what you can cover and save on booking too many paid activities.

12. Hostels

    For solo travelers, book hostels via Hostelworld or Booking.com.

13. City Passes

    Evaluate if city passes are worth it based on your itinerary.

14. Be vigilant for pickpockets and scams

    Petty thefts are common in popular destinations in Europe, and it is important to take good care of your personal belongings. You can buy an anti-theft backpack like we did for our trip. Do read up on the common scams in the city you are visiting.

To make the most of your trip, group countries by geographical proximity and cultural similarities. Here are some ideal combinations:

Western Europe: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg

Southern Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta

Northern Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland

Nordics: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland

Central Europe: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia

Eastern Europe: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Belarus

The Balkans: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo

Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Southeastern Europe: Turkey, Cyprus

Caucasus Region: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan

1. Choose Destination Countries: List the countries you dream of visiting and research their weather, local festivals, and major attractions.

2. Decide Number of Days and Dates: Based on your vacation time and budget, decide how many days you can spend. A minimum of 10-15 days is recommended.

3. Set Your Budget: Factor in flights, accommodation, internal transfers, food, activities, and shopping. Use tools like Excel or budgeting apps to keep track.

4. Plan Your Itinerary: Decide what cities and attractions you want to visit in each country. Be realistic about travel times and rest days.

5. Choose Entry Point for Schengen Visa: Decide which Schengen country you'll be entering first, as you'll need to apply for a visa through their embassy.

6. Book Appointment for Visa Application: Use VFS Global or the respective embassy website to book your visa appointment. Gather all required documents, including flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, and a cover letter.

7. Book Flights: Once your visa appointment is confirmed, book your international flights. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or MakeMyTrip.

8. Book Accommodation: Use Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda to book your stays. Consider the location and accessibility to public transport.

9. Book Train, Flights, and Other Internal Transfers: Use platforms like Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe for train and bus bookings.

10. Buy Travel Insurance: Essential for covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Compare plans on Policybazaar or Coverfox.

11. Visit Visa Application Center: Attend your visa appointment with all required documents. Track your visa status online.

12. Book Activities on Tour Aggregators: Use GetYourGuide, Viator, or Airbnb Experiences to book tours and activities in advance.

13. Apply for International Driver's License: If you plan to rent a car, check whether an International Driving Permit is necessary in the country you’re visiting (Some countries like France and Germany accept an Indian Driving License). In case needed, apply for an International Driving Permit through your local RTO. It usually takes 3-7 days to receive your IDP.

14. Book Forex: Get a reliable forex card and some cash. Compare rates from Niyo, Thomas Cook, BookMyForex, or your bank. We got a forex card and Euros in cash from Orient Exchange as we found their exchange rate to be the best at the time.

15. Make a Packing List or Start Shopping: Prepare a list of essentials, considering the weather and activities planned. Shop for travel-size toiletries, power adapters, and other necessities. A portable jet-spray and wet wipes are necessities for an Indian traveler.

16. Buy SIM at the Airport or in the City: Local e-SIM cards offer cheaper plans than International Roaming with Indian Service Providers. We opted for an Orange SIM for data and calls. Some other popular service providers are Airalo, Holafly, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Swisscom and Deutsche Telekom. You can buy the eSIM at the airport, online or in the city upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Planning a trip to Europe from India is no small feat, but with the right approach, it can be an immensely rewarding experience. From selecting destinations and setting a budget to booking flights and accommodations, every step adds to the excitement of your journey. Remember, flexibility is key, and sometimes the best experiences come from spontaneous adventures. Embrace the planning process and enjoy the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes Europe has to offer.

Happy travels!