Euro summer travel essentials - Episode 58
If you're planning a trip to Europe (or dreaming of one), this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of your time abroad.
Following my recent trip to Italy—a castle wedding, a road trip through Tuscany, all of it—this week I’m diving into the logistics side of things.
This is the companion to last week’s more personal Italy recap episode, which focused on all the little details.
Today’s episode is all about how to plan, pack, and get around Europe so you can enjoy your trip with limited stress.
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: finishing up the Italy vlog (which ended up being an editing nightmare) but is finally live now!
What Austen is consuming this week: Krystal Bick and Courtney Halverson (@prettylittlefawn) did a joint post for T3 Micro that is so creative! I really need to start consuming Love Island because I’ve avoided spoilers so far but I need to catch up.
In this episode:
Planning your trip
Start by watching travel vlogs and reading blogs to help narrow down what attractions and experiences matter most to you.
Once you know your must-sees, be sure to book tickets ahead of time—especially for big attractions like Michelangelo’s David.
Some sell out weeks in advance during summer, and waiting in hours-long lines under the sun is not the vibe.
I love using Viator to book tours and skip-the-line experiences. Many activities allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which gives you some flexibility.
Where you stay can impact your budget and your experience.
Hotels in city centers might cost more upfront, but can save money (and time) on transportation. Walkability is a huge plus in historic cities like Rome and Paris.
Check the calendar for local holidays or festivals.
Sometimes they’re an amazing cultural bonus, but they can also mean closures or crowds you weren’t expecting.
It’s also a good idea to research weather ahead of time—southern Europe can be extremely hot in July and August.
If you’re heat-sensitive, consider visiting in the shoulder season like May, early June, or September for fewer crowds and more comfortable temps.
What to pack
Comfortable, cute walking shoes are non-negotiable. You’ll be walking a lot, often on cobblestones, so I recommend sneakers for everyday wear.
I wore Allbirds and loved that they worked with dresses and casual outfits. If you want to dress up, try low block heels or espadrilles. Also, flats are having a moment.
When it comes to clothes, stick to breezy, mix-and-match pieces like linen pants, matching sets, and lightweight dresses. Outfits that work all day and look cute in photos are ideal.
I’ve seen creators on TikTok build travel wardrobes around one hero piece like a dress—and I love that idea.
One thing I forgot but wish I’d brought? A portable handheld fan. This would have been perfect for long lines or warm museums. I did see some for sale in local shops though.
Other must-haves: a mini SPF to reapply throughout the day, bug spray or insect repellent wipes for rural areas, and a refillable water bottle.
Don’t forget a plug adapter and voltage converter. European outlets are different and so is the voltage—make sure your electronics are compatible with 220 volts.
I don’t recommend bringing your Dyson Airwrap. I packed a curling iron with a European plug I bought in Florence ten years ago and it still worked perfectly.
I also recommend packing a light scarf or shawl. It’s great for layering on the plane, covering your shoulders for church visits, or handling surprise breezes.
Definitely pack a change of clothes or any important outfits in your carry-on, especially if you're traveling for a wedding or special event.
Getting around easily
If you’re planning to rent a car, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Italy requires it, and it’s easy to get in the U.S. through AAA.
Learn the basic road signs ahead of time and watch out for ZTLs (limited traffic zones) in many old towns—those are restricted traffic areas where tourists often get ticketed.
Download the Google Translate app! You can type phrases or even take photos of signs and menus to get quick translations.
Public transportation in Europe is usually widely available and reliable, especially in major cities. Subways, trams, and buses are efficient and affordable, and many cities offer multi-day transit passes that are worth it.
For travel between cities, high-speed trains like Trenitalia (Italy), SNCF (France), and Eurostar (UK to Paris/Brussels) are super convenient.
If you're relying on rideshare apps, keep in mind that Uber isn’t available everywhere or works differently depending on the country. In Italy, it was more like booking a private driver.
Extra tips
Cash is still useful in some places. While most places accept cards, small businesses, markets, or gas stations may prefer cash so plan to have some Euros on hand. We used cash often for tipping and fueling up.
Download Google Maps offline or use Citymapper to navigate without data. I like to pin key places like our hotel, restaurants, and sights in advance.
Also, make sure to check your phone plan before you leave. I used Verizon’s $12/day travel pass, but eSIMs or local SIM cards can be a cheaper option if you’re staying longer.
If it’s hot, head to a museum in the middle of the day—they’re often air-conditioned and a nice break from the sun.
Pay attention to cultural norms too—for example, in Italy, people eat late, tipping isn’t always expected, and religious sites may have dress codes.
Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs—or bring a foldable tote in case you do a little shopping.
Don’t over-plan. Some of our favorite moments came from wandering and finding things on the fly. When in doubt, search “lunch” or “cocktails” on Google Maps wherever you are.
One final tip: be mindful of pickpockets in busy areas and carry a secure bag with a zipper.
Also—book a photo shoot! We used a website called Local Lens to get matched with a local photographer and it was such a fun way to capture the trip with professional photos.
Summary
Wherever you're headed in Europe this summer (or if you're just visiting in a day dream) I hope you found some practical tips and advice from this episode. This is definitely the podcast episode I wish I had listened to before I left and I will be referring back to it for all future European travel.
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