travel hacks
Tips for Your First Europe Trip
A well-planned Europe itinerary covers more ground with less stress. This guide covers transport, cash, and connectivity - everything you need before you fly.
TL;DR: Spend 3-4 days per city, order stops by proximity, compare trains vs. budget flights for each leg, carry some EUR cash, and get a regional Europe eSIM before you leave home. One eSIM handles connectivity across 35+ countries without swapping SIMs.
How many cities should you visit in Europe?
Europe is vast. Trying to cover too many cities in one trip leads to exhaustion, not memories. A practical rule: allocate at least 3–4 days per major city. That gives you time to explore beyond the main landmarks and actually absorb the place.
Once you've settled on your destinations, order them by proximity. Starting in Paris, cutting to Lisbon, then looping back to Amsterdam wastes days you could spend exploring. A logical geographic route keeps travel time down and costs manageable.
Leave room for flexibility. If you connect with a city more than expected, stay longer. If a stop doesn't click, cut it short. There's no obligation to follow the original plan.
Flights into Europe: Do you need to fly in and out of the same airport?
No, and you probably shouldn't if your route spans multiple countries.
Open-jaw tickets let you fly into one city and out of another. If you're starting in Rome and ending in Amsterdam, booking Rome in / Amsterdam out is almost always cheaper and less stressful than backtracking to your entry point.
Search open-jaw routes on flight comparison tools alongside standard round-trips. The price difference can be significant, and you recover travel time that would otherwise be lost on the return leg.
Getting around Europe: trains or planes?
Both are viable. The right choice depends on the specific route.
Travel time: Flights look faster on paper, but the full door-to-door calculation often narrows the gap. European airports are typically 30–60 minutes from city centres; train stations sit in the middle of things. Add check-in time (plan for 2–3 hours before departure) and the train often wins on routes under 3–4 hours.
Cost: Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet frequently undercut train fares, especially if booked early. Always check both before committing.
Overnight trains: Worth considering on longer routes. You travel while you sleep, skip a night of accommodation costs, and wake up at your next destination. Most major European rail corridors offer overnight options.
A practical approach: use trains for short hops (Paris–Brussels, Zurich–Vienna), and consider flights for longer jumps or when budget fares are significantly cheaper.
How much cash do you need in Europe?
Most major European cities are card-friendly. Contactless payments are widely accepted in restaurants, transport, and shops. But cash remains useful in smaller towns, local markets, and for tips.
A rough daily cash budget of €100–€150 covers meals and incidentals in most Western European cities; Eastern Europe generally runs cheaper.
A few practical points:
- Most of Europe uses EUR, but some countries (UK, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary) have their own currencies. Check before you arrive.
- Withdraw from ATMs in-country rather than exchanging at the airport as rates are typically better.
- Bring at least one card with no foreign transaction fees for day-to-day spending.
Safety and cultural awareness
Petty theft and tourist scams are common in high-traffic European destinations - particularly around major landmarks, busy train stations, and crowded markets. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and target distracted tourists.
Standard precautions: use a bag that closes securely, keep valuables out of back pockets, and be sceptical of strangers who approach with distractions (dropped items, "friendship" bracelets, petition clipboards). Research destination-specific scams before you travel as they vary by city.
Beyond safety, it's worth reading up on local customs before each stop. Dress codes at religious sites, tipping norms, and dining etiquette vary significantly across Europe.
Staying connected across Europe: why a regional eSIM makes sense
Swapping a physical SIM every time you cross a border is impractical. International roaming from your home carrier typically costs far more than local rates. If you're not sure which option suits you, see how a travel eSIM compares to a physical SIM – the difference in cost and convenience is significant for multi-country trips.
A regional Europe eSIM is the practical alternative. You install it once before leaving home and it connects to local networks automatically as you move between countries -- no swapping, no fiddling with tiny SIM trays.
Nomad's Europe eSIM covers 35+ countries on a single plan, with data starting from $1.25/GB. Plans are available in multiple sizes and durations. If you run out of data mid-trip, you can top up without purchasing a new eSIM.
Not sure which provider to go with? Refer to our guide on the best travel eSIM for Europe which compares plans across providers and help you choose the right option for seamless connectivity across the region.
Regional Europe eSIM or Single-Country Plans
One decision to make upfront: whether a single regional plan or separate per-country eSIMs makes more sense for your itinerary. If you're visiting three or more countries, a regional plan almost always wins on both convenience and cost. See our breakdown of regional eSIM vs buying single-country plans if you're weighing both options.
How to activate a Europe eSIM before you fly
- Check device compatibility: Nomad eSIM device compatibility checker. You can also refer to our specific device guides including iPhone eSIM compatibility guide, Samsung eSIM compatiblity guide, Android eSIM compatability guide.
- Confirm your phone isn't carrier-locked: Locked devices can't use third-party eSIM plans regardless of hardware support
- Purchase your plan: Select data size and validity for your route
- Scan the QR code on home Wi-Fi: Install takes under 5 minutes. Confirm the profile appears in device settings. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see the Nomad eSIM installation guide.
- Land and connect: hone connects automatically to the strongest available local carrier
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different SIM card for each European country?
Not with a regional eSIM. A Nomad Europe plan works across 35+ countries on one eSIM profile.
Is a travel eSIM cheaper than international roaming?
In most cases, yes significantly. Carrier roaming rates often run $5–$15/day; a Nomad Europe eSIM starts at $1.25/GB with no daily fees.
What's the best way to travel between European cities?
For routes under 3–4 hours, trains are usually faster door-to-door. For longer distances, compare budget flights as they can be cheaper if booked in advance.
How much cash should I bring to Europe?
Budget roughly €100–€150/day for spending money in Western Europe. Carry enough for small vendors and markets; use a no-fee card for larger purchases.
Can I use hotspot from a Nomad eSIM?
Yes. All Nomad eSIM plans support hotspot (tethering), so you can share data with other devices or travel companions.
Nomad eSIM Free Trial
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