Lessons I Learned While Planning My Europe Adventure
Europe has always felt like a dream — one of those bucket list trips I thought about for years. Preparing for this trip is a mix of paperwork, logistics, and a few lessons learned along the way. Here’s how I planned my first trip and the practical tips I picked up for fellow travelers.
The Schengen Visa: First Gate to Europe
Like many Filipino travelers, the first thing I had to face was the Schengen visa. This sticker on your passport is your golden ticket to 29 countries in Europe — France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and many more.
The process can feel overwhelming at first. I remember double-checking my documents over and over again before submitting them through VFS Global. If you’re applying to Switzerland like I did, you can check their VFS Global page.
To my surprise, my visa was approved in less than a week. I was able to receive my passport with the approved VISA at home since I availed of their delivery service.
Staying Connected with Ease
Once the visa was secured, my next concern was connectivity. Hopping across multiple countries meant I needed a reliable internet solution. I turned to Airalo’s Eurolink eSIM, which covered 42 European countries. It’s very convenient! Each time I crossed a border, my phone automatically switched to a local network. It kept me connected to maps, bookings, and quick updates to family back home, without the hassle of buying SIM cards in every city.
Choosing Where to Stay
Accommodation was another big decision. I spent hours browsing Booking.com, weighing options between hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Pro-tip: Being near a train station or major landmark can save you both time and energy, especially when carrying luggage through unfamiliar streets.
I also made it a point to book cancellable stays. That flexibility gave me peace of mind in case plans changed.
Navigating Europe’s Transit Systems
Aside from Google Maps, each European country has its own reliable transport apps. Here are some you can download ahead of time:
- Switzerland: TPG, SBB
- France: Île-de-France Mobilités, Bonjour RATP
- Belgium: STIB-MIVB
- Netherlands: GVB, NS
If you want to move from one country to another, there are reliable website you can check for train and bus transportation options. In my case, I’ve chosen the bus option as it’s the cheaper alternative.
For convenience, Uber and Bolt are also available in many European cities, but be prepared for higher fares compared to local transport.
The Landmarks and the Lessons
Europe is filled with iconic landmarks, but here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: book popular attractions well in advance. I missed my chance to visit the Louvre Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House because tickets were already sold out or being sold at a very expensive price a few days before my planned visit.
On the brighter side, I discovered the charm of free walking tours. In Amsterdam, I joined one through Free Walking Tours Amsterdam. For just a small booking fee and tips, local guides offered stories and perspectives that made the city feel more alive than any guidebook could.
You can also check travel packages on Klook for special travel packages.
Packing Smart: What I Wish I Knew Earlier
Packing for Europe can be tricky, especially if you’re moving between countries with different climates. It’s important to check the weather prior to going there. Here are some essentials I would recommend:
- Layers over bulky coats — A light jacket, a sweater, and a scarf are easier to mix and match than one heavy coat. They also save space in your luggage.
- Comfortable walking shoes — Most European cities are best explored on foot. My sneakers became my best friend after long walks in cobblestoned streets.
- Universal adapter — Europe uses different plug types, and having one universal adapter saved me from the panic of a dead phone at the wrong time.
- Reusable water bottle — Tap water is safe to drink in many European countries. I carried mine everywhere, which was both practical and eco-friendly.
- Secured bag — Pickpocketing is real in busy tourist areas. A secured bag gave me peace of mind in crowded metros and landmarks.
- Travel-sized toiletries — Not every accommodation provides toiletries, and buying full-sized bottles abroad can be costly. Small sizes did the trick.
Looking back, I realized carrying fewer clothes but more versatile pieces made my trip lighter and less stressful.
Budgeting and Money Matters
One of the questions I often get is: “Should I bring cash or just use my card?” From experience, using a card is far more convenient across Europe. Contactless payments are widely accepted — from train stations and supermarkets to small cafés. Pro-tip for Filipinos: GCash works well abroad, so it’s good to have the card with you.
If you do use your card, here’s a simple tip: always choose to be charged in the local currency rather than Philippine pesos. It gives you a much better conversion rate and saves you from unnecessary fees.
That said, please still carry a small amount of cash in euros for tips, public restrooms, or small shops that only accept coins. This is tricky for some storage facilities or toilets that require coin payment. Having both options gave me flexibility without the stress of exchanging large sums at once.
On daily budgets, Europe can be as affordable or as pricey as you make it. Some days I splurged on sit-down meals, while other days I saved by buying groceries and taking free walking tours. I am also not a big eater, so I always have my extra-food container with me so I can take home food that I can reheat and eat later. The balance kept my trip both enjoyable and sustainable.
The Value of Simple Gestures
While English is widely spoken, I found that learning a few local greetings made a big difference. A warm “Bonjour” in France or a simple “Dank je” in the Netherlands often brought smiles and friendlier conversations.
Looking Back
When I look back on my first European trip, I see that the preparation — tedious as it sometimes felt — was part of the adventure. The nervous wait for a visa, the thrill of booking the walking tour, the relief of finding my way around new cities with colleagues and new friends, each step shaped the journey.
I left Europe with stories, lessons, and a growing list of places I still want to see. And while my adventure is far from over, one thing is certain: the planning was worth every bit of effort.
