{2025} 15+ Surprising Europe Travel Hacks You Need to Know

4/21/2025

Wondering how to "beat the odds," save money, avoid crowds, find the best restaurants, stay in the ideal locations, and experience local culture during your trip to Europe? You've come to the right place! Your favorite experienced Europe travel blogger has rounded up the 15 surprising Europe travel hacks I've learned in my years of travel and 7 years of Europe travel blogging. Let's dive right in!

{2025} 15+ Surprising Europe Travel Hacks You Need to Know

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Planning a trip to Europe?

Wondering how to plan the perfect trip "across the pond?"

Well, you've come to the right place! There's nothing I love more than helping Americans plan their European adventures - whether it's your first trip, or your tenth! All of my European travel advice is free, easy, accessible, and honest.

I didn't visit Europe for the first time until our honeymoon when I was 26. In many ways, I think that gives me unique insights into what Americans need to know to be successful overseas. Our first two trips were to the UK (first London, then Edinburgh, with day trips), and our trip to Italy (Rome & Florence) was my first foray into language barriers and material cultural differences. Since then, we've explored France and Spain, and are always looking toward our next adventure. I've written extensively on navigating cultural barriers, using your wardrobe and manners to fit in and ensure a smooth trip, along with, of course, some of my favorite historical and cultural sites.

I so appreciate you stopping by the blog as you plan your trip for Europe! When you're done with this article, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many other free resources I've created over the years! Bon voyage!

15+ Surprising Europe Travel Hacks You Need to Know

Traveling in the best season can save you a fortune

There's no better time to visit Europe than in "shoulder season" - spring and fall, as the summer crowds build/ebb away.

Personally, I'll advocate for exploring Europe in the fall. The weather is perfect (far less rain than spring), the crowds are smaller (imagine seeing the Duomo without long lines!!), and it's a great way to save a lot of money when hotels are lowering rates due to lower demand. Want to know more?

Check out The Best Places to Travel in Europe in October.

Adjust your travel dates for the best deals

If you have the ability to be even remotely flexible on dates, arriving and departing on less popular days can save you money and hassle.

Weekends are always more expensive and crowded at hotels, and arriving on a Wednesday increases the likelihood that there won't have been an occupant in your room the night before, therefore increasing your chances of being able to check in early (key when you're arriving at 7 AM Europe time!!)

You'll have a better shot at low-cost flights traveling on both off-peak times and off-peak days.

FAQ: How do I find the cheapest flights to Europe?

For those of you flying from larger markets than me (Indianapolis), the best bet to find cheap fares to Europe is going to be low-cost airlines on off-peak days in off-peak seasons. Flying into 'less desirable' airports like London Gatwick can sometimes be cheaper as well.

That said, remember that budget airlines do "nickel and dime" you, so remember to do your research on bag feels, ticket printing charges, and flying into a different airport may result in higher transit fees to get to the city centers.

booking a European hotel room isn't as simple as you may think...

Especially if you're exploring budget accommodations, private rooms and en suite bathrooms are not guaranteed. Read the fine print on your hotel website before booking, and if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to email the hotel (it's OK to email in English).

You do not have to sleep in a tiny bed, if you don't want to.

While it can be tempting to snag the cheapest room at your desired hotel, an important hack I've learned over the years is that, unless you're traveling solo, that room is almost never going to be as large as you're anticipating. European hotel rooms are TINY. A "double" room may include a "double" bed - aka a full. I don't know about you, but my husband and I aren't interested in sleeping on a full mattress for 10 days if we can avoid it. Larger, newer hotels, chains, and hotels that cater to tourists tend to have more options.

Do NOT accept the 'friendly' offer to pay in US dollars at the check out!

When paying for items with your credit cards in European countries, you may be asked if you'd like to pay in local currency or US currency. While the staff usually don't even know whey they're asking this question (they're promoted by the computer), they also aren't able to answer your questions.

You should always pay in the local currency. While framed as a courtesy, the entity running the cards is charging its own exchange rates. They might be reasonable, or they might be more than you're willing to pay. There's no benefit to you in paying in US dollars.

For more on this, check out a helpful article on exchange rates from HSBC.

The language barrier doesn't have to be an issue with a few simple tricks:

Learn 5 words in the local language. A simple "bonjour" in Paris goes a long way to making even the French feel like you've made an effort.

In parts of Europe frequented by tourists, all of the staff at hotels, restaurants, etc. will speak enough English to help you with really basic requests. And in areas with fewer English speakers, you're still very unlikely to be stranded. When in doubt, ask another tourist for help.

Additionally, there are easy translation apps you can use (speak or type into the phone and it will provide a rough translation for you). Download a free one and practice with it before your trip!

Etiquette in France: 5+ Easy Ways to Charm the French

There's no need to pay for expensive private tours

If you're looking for a budget-friendly experience, there's no *need* to take expensive private tours, whether of museums (many of which offer free tours in English), or even to travel around to see various tourist sights. If you can hop on a train and either grab a taxi or a bus once you arrive, you're almost certain to be able to see what you want to see.

Expensive car rentals remain an option for you, assuming you're willing to get insurance, incur the rental car costs, and, potentially, drive on the wrong side of the road, but don't feel like areas are closed to you if you're uncomfortable driving in a foreign country (I am!!). Do some basic research and plan your dream trip.

The Ultimate Guide: Exploring the Scottish Highlands without Renting a Car

Pre-bought tickets aren't always necessary...or real

Figuring out what you actually "need" tickets to can be a little confusing. Beware!! Always Google before you buy and ensure that you are buying tickets from the entity itself.

For example, there are many free attractions you can visit in Europe that are privately or publicly run and can obviously be a good value. Some private tour companies/online vendors will try to "sell" you "cut the line" tickets to these free admission locations.

Public transportation in Europe is inexpensive, safe, and user-friendly

For in-city travel, or even longer distances, public transportation/ "public transit" in the UK, is a great way to see everything you want to visit as a tourist. While many of us live in spread out/suburban areas without public transit (or where public transit isn't comfortable, as with where I live), European cities do public transportation *right.* I strongly encourage you to dive into the public transit system in whatever city you visit.

Wear your heaviest shoes on the airplane, and other Europe travel packing hacks

Grab your packing cubes and let's pack those bags!

Packing for a trip to Europe is one of my favorite topics to discuss, and I've written extensively on the topic.

A few packing hacks to keep in mind:

Where possible, opt for fabrics that don't have to be washed after each use (denim, wool)
Stick to neutral colors for more versatility in creating outfits
Avoid specific-event clothes or special outfits unless you're attending a wedding
Limit athleisure, logos, baseball caps
Sneakers are OK, as long as they're clean, low-profile, and have limited logos
And, yes, packing cubes making packing quicker and easier both before and after your trip. Additionally, you can leave your items in the cubes if you're worried about the cleanliness of the hotel drawers. Or, you can put dirty laundry/shoes into the packing cubes to keep you organized on your return.

For everything you need to know, check out {2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 10 Days in Europe

It's easy to eat 'local' food the way 'locals' do - at a reasonable price

Buying food in Europe doesn't have to be expensive on a day-to-day basis. To the extent possible, try to eat what the locals eat - in sidewalk cafes, street food, or grab a quick sandwich at a Pret a Manger in the City of London. If you sit/have a waiter, it's going to cost more.

Grab some to-go food at a market and sit on a bench and enjoy the views of Paris. Make a picnic overlooking the Seine.

Eating at a nice restaurant in Europe doesn't have to be intimidating

Dining tips you need to know

the waiter won't come back frequently because they are giving you space
many places will serve you "tap" water if you ask, but people generally order (and pay for) "still" or "sparking" water
drinks, including alcohol, come in sizes and there are not free refills
Europeans always get multiple courses at a restaurant. You don't 'have to,' but the waiter may be perplexed if you only order a main course
at a sit-down restaurant, a tip is considerate for good service, but not "expected" 20% like we do in the United States. 10% is enough for good service. Don't be bullied into tipping 20% by pushy staff trying to take advantage of tourists.

The simple trick to finding the best restaurants in Europe

While doing research in advance is your best way to find good restaurants, sometimes you're in a pinch and just need food. I find it's easier to remember what to avoid, rather than what to look for. So here's what you should avoid when looking for a place to eat in Europe

Huge menus
Plastic, laminated menus in multiple languages, or purporting to serve American food
Restaurant staff who flag you down and try to get you to come into the restaurant

Here's how you'll always find a bathroom in Europe when you need one:

Public restrooms in Europe are relatively plentiful in the crowded city center areas where most tourists are, but they often require a small fee. This route is obviously fine when you need it, but you might as well go to a cafe or a pub if you're going to have to pay anyway

Use the bathroom at any museum you visit or restaurant where you eat
Cafe - just buy something
Hotel. the bigger the better

You're always welcome to bring a reusable water bottle

Just like here in the US. It'll save you a fortune on water, if you don't mind lugging it around.

Being able to use your phone in Europe doesn't have to be expensive...or complicated

There are a number of ways you can "unlock". your phone to be able to use mobile data while in Europe. It will depend on your service provider and the foreign transaction fees can be hefty if you aren't careful. That said, so many places has WiFi in Europe now, that relying on free WiFi is a legitimate option, if you're looking to save money or forgot to take care of this in advance. During our trips to Europe, I have always just relied on free WiFi. Yes I'll occasionally be "off the grid," but the additional fees and hassle of handling it another way just don't appeal to me.

Here's a helpful summary from our favorite Europe travel expert, Rick Steves: Using Your Own Phone in Europe.

Hoping to use the map capability on your phone? Learn how to use Google Maps offline.

Cheap train travel in Europe is within your grasp...with a little bit of legwork in advance

If you're able to book your train tickets in advance, it's often cheaper than buying day-of. Additionally, you'll be able to do a bit of research to ensure you're traveling on the cheapest day.
If you'll be using a lot of trains in Europe, consider looking into a Eurail Pass!

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope I gave you some food for thought as you plan your trip to Europe! Before you know it, you'll be sipping a glass of wine and gazing at the Eiffel Tower! Bon voyage!

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