Europe is the most visited continent on the planet, welcoming 793 million vacationers in 2025, in keeping with the UN World Tourism Group. But, the variety of journey fake pas vacationers make whereas strolling the streets of Milan, meandering by means of historical ruins in Athens, or cruising across the Mediterranean stays fairly excessive, contemplating the rise in visits to Europe’s main cities. 

That is true for tour guides, who witness nearly all of these errors firsthand on the bottom.  

From disrespecting native customs and getting pickpocketed to forgetting to reapply sunscreen and overpacking, European tour guides have actually seen all of it. Beneath, two tour operators share the most typical errors they see vacationers make in Europe—and the options they advocate to grow to be a greater traveler, options which are simpler and extra inexpensive than you would possibly assume.

Tour Information-approved Europe Journey Necessities

Mistake: Packing hard-to-walk-in footwear

Resolution: Pack flat, snug footwear

“In Rome (and most historic European cities), cobblestones and uneven streets make excessive heels a harmful recreation,” Kenny Dunn, CEO and Founding father of Consuming Europe, instructed Journey + Leisure—and but, so many vacationers take their possibilities. Whereas “model is all the pieces” in Italy, he quipped, you’d be higher off packing and sporting flat footwear like Skechers Go Stroll Slip-in Footwear to “keep away from a really retro fall” that might probably damage your journey. Additional, don’t overlook to interrupt them in earlier than the journey to keep away from any uncomfortable blisters which will seem with new footwear.

Mistake: Not having money to tip

Resolution: At all times maintain a number of euros available

We stay in such a digital, on-demand world that right this moment, everybody assumes they’ll add a tip on a bank card. “One of many greatest surprises for Individuals is that in a lot of Europe, there’s no line so as to add a tip on the cardboard slip,” Dunn shared. That’s as a result of tipping isn’t of their tradition, however Individuals nonetheless would possibly want to add gratuity for wonderful service. “The answer is holding some euro cash useful for tipping, like locals do,” he defined. A coin pouch with a key ring is a straightforward repair to make sure you at all times have some change accessible. Professional tip: In the event you overlook to pack or buy a coin purse forward of your travels, many memento retailers promote them for under a few Euros. 

Mistake: Not packing sufficient remedy

Resolution: Carry further doses and have a plan in place for emergencies

In the event you’re on any type of remedy, it’s so vital to convey a enough quantity of doses at some stage in the journey. In actual fact, Stavros Makris, co-founder of Bearing True South primarily based in Athens, Greece, says you need to pack further doses in case of flight delays or cancellations that lengthen your journey. To maintain them organized, buy a easy capsule case or two and maintain the second as your “simply in case” stash. Additional, “Make sure that to be taught the native identify of the remedy(s) you are taking, since most medicine have totally different names in Europe, and if attainable, have your physician’s prescription with you,” Makris suggested. And most significantly, don’t overlook to tell your information of any allergy symptoms or well being situations they need to know to streamline the method in case of emergency. 

Mistake: Overpacking

Resolution: Pack calmly and effectively

One mistake Makris at all times sees is vacationers who don’t know the right way to pack effectively. “There’s a science to packing,” he says. This contains packing on the lighter facet relating to clothes, as most locations in Europe have an unimaginable choice of attire that you could purchase on the bottom (in the event you really feel you even want it). Packing cubes assist arrange your suitcase and your outfits. Attempt filling them in keeping with day versus evening outfits or first half of the journey versus second half of the journey. It helps you intend and, in flip, notice what you really want. 

Mistake: Forgetting to reapply sunscreen

Resolution: Carry a small sunscreen in your day bag

“Lots of people overlook to reapply sunblock throughout their European journeys, resulting in warmth exhaustion, dehydration, and sometimes a go to to the emergency room,” Makris warned. Don’t overlook to pack sunscreen (single-use packs or a sunscreen stick might be useful for throwing in a bag or pocket) and apply it all through the day.

Mistake: Getting dehydrated

Resolution: Preserve water with you always

Relating to combating warmth exhaustion, staying hydrated is as vital as making use of sunscreen. “Pack a reusable water bottle, as faucet water is drinkable in most locations in Europe,” Makris suggested. If you already know you’re prone to overheating, you also needs to pack some hydration packs so as to add to your water bottle on longer tour days. 

Mistake: Not being vigilant together with your belongings

Resolution: Preserve your gadgets shut and guarded

The quantity of native scams and pickpockets in lots of European cities is a continuing problem for vacationers. “Learn to be snug standing your floor and saying ‘NO,’ safe your private belongings, and keep away from overcrowded practice carriages,” Makris instructed. One of the best ways to safe your private belongings is by holding them shut in a crossbody bag quite than in your pockets or in a backpack, the place they’re not in your line of imaginative and prescient. 

Mistake: Not understanding any of the language

Resolution: Write down key phrases you will want within the native language

It’s really easy to inadvertently disrespect native customs and tradition when you’re used to a distinct lifestyle. Some research goes a great distance, Makris mentioned: “Be taught the native customs and observe the principles, even when they do not make a lot sense, and you will really feel accepted, valued, and welcomed.” On that observe, maintain a small pocket book with some key phrases that can assist you get by and encourage extra genuine interactions with the locals. Whereas you can too maintain key phrases in your telephone, expertise might be misconstrued and act as a barrier, so it’s higher to have the paper in entrance of you. Once more, a easy ciao or merci goes a great distance with the locals. 

Mistake: Not making ready for consuming dinner later than common

Resolution: Preserve snacks with you

Many U.S. vacationers are accustomed to consuming dinner early, however in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, locals eat later. “In actual fact, typically, eating places that solely cater to locals open at 7 and even 8 p.m.,” Dunn mentioned. Because of this, he suggests packing a snack to assist battle any starvation pains in between meals. Whether or not it’s a wholesome nibble like a protein bar or beef jerky, or a neighborhood deal with like a day gelato in Italy, this may assist guests regulate to their new meal schedule.

Mistake: Shedding vitality in the midst of the day

Resolution: Keep caffeinated and hydrated

Many Individuals are shocked by the dimensions of espresso in Europe. “Guests order a espresso anticipating a tall mug and as an alternative stare on the tiny cup of espresso prefer it’s a joke,” Dunn mentioned. To get each a cultural expertise and sate your caffeine habits, order the espresso, and benefit from the fast, concentrated shot, then pack an electrolyte pill infused with caffeine in your day bag that can assist you maintain feeling energized whereas on the go. 

Love an important deal? Join our T+L Recommends publication and we’ll ship you our favourite journey merchandise every week.