Pre-Trip Tips

Pre-Trip Tips:

There are so many tips I can think of for pre-trip checklists... and I know I am going to leave something out, so remember life is a journey, not a race.

    Passports. Apply early (6-8 months before the trip), there is a huge waiting period. Since this trip is hypothetically in June 2025, I would apply today. There are a few different ways to apply and the State Department's website will guide you through all of the steps. 

    Plane Tickets: I personally tend to buy plane tickets 6-8 months out from my trip, which is supposedly when the best deals can be had. I look to leave on a Monday or Tuesday for the same reason, Weekend tickets are more expensive. Book Directly with the airline, third-party websites make refunds, flight changes, etc. much more of a hassle! 

    Accommodations: I tend to start looking at accommodations while looking at plane tickets but I usually do not book until about 5-6 months before my trip. I have been known to book it all at the same time too, so I do not have a real method to my madness here. (Again, book directly with the hotel if you can!)

    Week Before the Trip: Call your bank. Make sure you call your bank and have them put a travel note on your account so you can use your bank card. ATMs are everywhere and you will need some cash in Europe. Buy your suitcase (if you don't have one). Do laundry. Clean your house bc who likes to come back to a dirty house (remember the fridge, throw out what needs to be thrown out). 

    Cell-Phone: because I travel alone, I have to have a working cell phone. I have the Magenta-Max plan with T-Mobile which means I can travel to over 200 countries and my phone will work on arrival. There is no need to purchase a local SIM card. While this makes my monthly bill a little more expensive, it is BEYOND worth the price. I have used E-SIM cards before, but make sure your phone is unlocked with your carrier before you purchase. Airalo is a great app for E-SIM cards, cheap, reliable, and easy to use. 

    Packing: I suggest only packing a carry-on size, hard-shell, wheeled suitcase and a medium backpack. Pack one pair of spare shoes and a pair of flip-flops. Take out the five extra pairs of underwear you packed (they sell them in Europe... I promise). and leave those books at home, we need space to buy souvenirs and your back will thank me later! I also suggest packing a raincoat, you never know and you might not have the hands to carry an umbrella.     

    24 Hours Before the Trip:  Take out the trash. Drink water. Avoid the nap. Check into your flight and if you are cheap like me, pray to the airline gods you didn't get a middle seat. 

    Night Before the Trip: Go through your bags one more time. Make sure you don't have anything you're not supposed to, pack your medicine (pack the NyQuil and Tylenol... I will share my German sickness horror story sometime... just trust me, pack it, you never know.) Make sure you have your chargers, your debit and credit cards, headphones, battery pack, etc. Charge your phone.

    Morning of the Trip: The day has arrived!!! We are heading to the airport, change those thermostats, remember Kevin, make sure you have your passport, lock your doors. Go to the Airport, park the car, get to the terminal, go through security, check to make sure your gate exists, go pee, grab something to eat, then go back to your gate. And because most flights to Europe from the East Coast are evening or night flights which get you there anywhere from 6-11am, try to stay awake until you are on the plane to Europe... which might mean you drink a little caffeine. 

My trusty carry-on bag! This bag has seen too many cobblestone streets and will likely have to retire soon!