Discover Europe’s Hidden Gems: A Must-Watch for First-Time Travelers!

If planning a trip to Europe feels overwhelming, you're not alone. This guide from Christina at Happy to Wander breaks everything down step-by-step, making it easy even for first-time travelers. She covers everything from understanding the Schengen Zone to choosing where to go, booking flights and accommodation, and figuring out what to pack.

The video starts with Christina introducing herself and explaining her mission to help people travel smarter. The first step she walks you through is understanding the Schengen Zone, which is crucial for knowing the visa and travel requirements. Not all European countries are in the Schengen Zone, so it's important to distinguish which ones are, like France and Germany, and which ones aren't, like the UK and Ireland.

Next, she tackles how long to spend in Europe. Christina recommends a minimum of 10 days to make the most out of your trip. She even talks about her personal experiences, like how her first independent trip was six weeks and felt short! She also makes it clear that you should plan your trip according to your vacation days and keep in mind the time restrictions like the 90-day rule for non-EU passport holders.

When it comes to picking destinations, Christina suggests not trying to cram too many places into one trip. Even though Europe seems small on a map, traveling between countries takes time. She recommends focusing on one or two countries for a more relaxed trip. Her personal story about overplanning her first backpacking trip after a few glasses of wine is both relatable and cautionary.

Booking flights and accommodations are crucial steps that Christina covers in detail. She prefers using Google Flights for booking air travel and suggests using booking.com for accommodations. She talks about different types of accommodation options from hostels to hotels to vacation rentals, explaining the pros and cons of each. Her tip about booking directly through hotels to get better deals or extra perks like free breakfast is super practical.

Once you've got your flights and accommodation sorted, Christina discusses how to get around. Public transportation is her go-to recommendation, but she also gives tips on renting cars if you plan on visiting remote locations. Tools like Omio can help compare different transportation options.

Planning your itinerary is a big deal, and Christina is a self-professed planner. She recommends starting with Google searches for popular things to do and then diving deeper into resources like Atlas Obscura for hidden gems. Using apps like TikTok and Pinterest for ideas and starring places on Google Maps to create your custom itinerary can save tons of time.

Finally, packing for your trip can be stressful, but Christina's advice makes it easier. She emphasizes packing only a week's worth of clothes and highlights the importance of packing cubes. These tips can help you travel lighter and make your trip more enjoyable.

Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide! Watch this video from Happy to Wander to learn all the ins and outs of planning your first trip to Europe. Follow our blog for more awesome travel content and tips.

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