Europe Travel Guide
Custom Travel Planning • iTravel
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Useful Apps
Apple Pay tip: double-click the side button before checkout for faster, safer payment with Face ID or Touch ID.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Check your flight details. Go to your airline's website or app, click "My Trip," and enter your last name and reservation number.
Update your info. Add your passport number, emergency contact, email, and complete any pre-departure requests.
Set a check-in reminder. Download the airline's app and check in 24 hours before your flight.
Arrive early. Get to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight with your passport and travel documents.
After landing. Clear customs, collect your luggage, and head to your taxi, rental car, or private transfer.
Money & Mobile Tips
Use bank ATMs at the airport or in town. Avoid random, non-bank machines to reduce fees and fraud risk.
Always choose to pay in local currency so your bank handles the exchange rate, usually far better than the retailer's rate.
Skip currency exchange desks. They offer some of the worst rates you'll find.
Bring an ATM card with a chip plus one or two backup credit cards, since not all cards work everywhere.
In Europe and many other countries, tap-to-pay is king, so make sure your cards or digital wallet are ready to go.
Call your mobile provider before you travel to activate an international plan.
Basic Packing Tips
- Dress in layers for changing weather
- 2+ pairs of comfy walking shoes
- Extra socks and underwear, more than you think you'll need
- Packing cubes to stay organized and separate dirty laundry
- Sun and rain gear: hat, sunscreen, compact umbrella
- Sleepwear and basic toiletries
- Bar soap in a travel case for no leaks
- Power bank and 2 European plug adapters
- Bandages for blisters
- Check the weather before you pack
Tipping Guidelines
Tour Guides
Half-day: $25 / €10–15
Full-day: $50 / €20–30
Multi-day: tip at the end
Drivers (Not Guiding)
$10 / €8–10 per day
Porters & Hotel Bell Staff
US$1 per bag is standard
Consider tipping more for heavier luggage or exceptional help, especially when transfers are not included
Hotel Housekeeping
US$2 per night, left in a marked envelope in your room
Waitstaff
10–15% of your pre-tax bill is standard in restaurants and for room service
Check your bill, some establishments may automatically include a service charge (usually 10–15%)
Quick Tips
Tip in local currency when possible
Always base your tip on quality of service
Don't feel pressured, a sincere thank you also goes a long way
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