Tips to Keep in Mind While in Europe
✨ We are huge fans of Europe—and we’ve each been lucky enough to visit multiple times! Whether it’s sipping espresso in Rome, getting lost (on purpose) in Paris, or nearly crying trying to carry our luggage up four flights of stairs in Amsterdam (true story), we’ve collected a lot of tips along the way.
What we love most is how Europe feels like a beautiful mix of the familiar and the totally unexpected. You might land thinking you’ve got it all figured out, and then BAM—new currency, new tipping rules, and a sudden realization that those cobblestones are not sneaker-friendly.
So let’s pretend we’re chatting over lattes—we’re going to share what we wish someone had told us before our European adventures. The real stuff. The awkward stuff. The “no one told me that??” stuff. And yes, accessibility and mental wellness are definitely part of the convo, because we believe travel should be for everyone.
🙈 Learn from our mistakes, laugh at our missteps, and get ready to take some notes.
💸 CURRENCY
Not all countries in Europe use the euro (shocking, right?). It’s easy to assume you can tap your card or flash a few euros and be on your way, but not so fast. Some countries are still rocking their own currency—and if you’re not prepared, you could end up overpaying or stuck at a cash-only café with the wrong money.
Here’s a quick rundown of countries that don’t use the euro:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom = British pound sterling
🇨🇭 Switzerland = Swiss franc
🇩🇰 Denmark = Danish krone
🇸🇪 Sweden = Swedish krona
🇳🇴 Norway = Norwegian krone
🇨🇿 Czechia = Czech koruna
🇵🇱 Poland = Polish złoty
🇺🇦 Ukraine = Ukrainian hryvnia
🇭🇺 Hungary = Hungarian forint
🇧🇾 Belarus = Belarusian ruble
🇲🇩 Moldova = Moldovan leu
🇷🇴 Romania = Romanian leu
🇷🇸 Serbia = Serbian dinar
🇧🇦 Bosnia-Herzegovina = Convertible mark
🇹🇷 Turkey = Turkish lira
🇦🇱 Albania = Albanian lek
🇲🇰 North Macedonia = Macedonian denar
✨ Peachy Tip: Check which currency you’ll need before you go. Some small towns and family-run spots still prefer cash. And while many places accept cards, some have minimum purchase amounts or charge fees. Pro tip: get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card and notify your bank that you're traveling.
Accessibility Note: ATMs in major cities are usually accessible, but in older neighborhoods or rural areas, they may involve steps or be tucked into narrow spots. If mobility is a concern, plan to grab local currency at airports or major train stations where accessibility is typically better.
💰 TIP CULTURE
Tipping in Europe is not as intense as in the U.S.—but it’s still a thing! It just varies a lot by country and situation.
We always recommend doing a quick Google search specific to your destination (seriously—it takes two seconds and can save you some weird looks).
Here’s a rough guide:
Restaurants: 5-10% is usually enough. In some places, it’s already included in the bill (look for "service included").
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro or leave a small tip.
Tour Guides: If they were amazing (and many are!), tip around 10%.
Cafés/Bars: Rounding up is common but not required.
‼️ Our (possibly unpopular but deeply held) opinion: always tip at least 10%—because good service is hard work.
Accessibility Note: Many restaurants in Europe have outdoor seating or narrow interiors with stairs—if you use a mobility device, call ahead or check reviews. And don’t hesitate to ask for seating that works for you—your comfort matters.
🛂 VISAS
If you're a U.S. citizen, here’s some good news: you can travel visa-free to 26 European countries in the Schengen Areafor up to 90 days in any 180-day period. That means you can hop from Italy to France to Germany without needing separate entry stamps or forms.
But there’s an update coming, and it’s a big one!
🎟️ Starting in 2025:
U.S. travelers will need to apply for something called ETIAS—the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It’s not a visa, but it is a required travel authorization you’ll need before entering the Schengen Zone.
Here's what you need to know:
You’ll apply online (yay, no embassy visits!).
It’ll cost around €7.
It’s valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
You must get approved before you travel.
Once you land, a border guard will still confirm you meet the entry requirements—so no sketchy vibes at customs, okay?
✅ Check the U.S. Department of State’s "Learn About Your Destination" page before you go for the latest updates and any non-Schengen countries you’re visiting (like the UK or Ireland—they’ve got their own rules).
Accessibility Note: Airports and immigration lines in Europe can be overwhelming. If you need extra time, use assistance services—they’re free but often require advance notice. Look for “special assistance” or “mobility services” on airport websites.
🧳 WEATHER + WHAT TO PACK
Europe’s weather is a shape-shifter. It can be sunny in Barcelona and snowing in Berlin on the same day. Layers are your bestie. Bring a light jacket even in summer, and always check the local forecast before you leave your Airbnb.
✨ Peachy Tip: Wear comfy shoes with good grip—those charming cobblestone streets aren’t great for ankles (or wheelchairs or strollers, tbh).
Accessibility Note: If you use mobility aids or have sensory sensitivities, avoid rubber soles that can slip and bring breathable, layered clothing to adjust as needed throughout the day.
📱 STAYING CONNECTED: SIM CARDS VS. ESIMS
Getting around is way easier with Google Maps, translation apps, or just being able to text “Where r u?” when you get lost in Venice (been there).
✨ Peachy Tip: Get an eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) before you land. It’s cheap, easy, and saves you from the chaos of airport kiosks.
Accessibility Note: A working phone helps with everything from calling accessible taxis to finding step-free routes in metro stations. Download offline maps just in case!
🚨 SAFETY + EMERGENCY TIPS
Europe is generally safe, but here’s what we always do:
Keep a digital AND printed copy of your passport.
Share your itinerary with a friend.
Know how to call emergency services (in the EU: 112).
Watch your bags in touristy areas. Pickpockets love distracted travelers.
Accessibility Note: If you're neurodivergent, anxious, or have a health condition, having a “just-in-case” plan can be super comforting. You’re not paranoid—you’re prepared.
💛 Peachy Mental Health Moment: If travel feels overwhelming, that’s okay. Rest days are productive. You're not “wasting time” by sitting in a park with a croissant and your headphones in. That's living. Give yourself permission to go slow.
That’s just the beginning—but already, you're way ahead of where we were when we first stepped off the plane clutching a phrasebook and praying our debit cards would work.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.
We believe in fun, honest, and inclusive travel that doesn’t gatekeep the basics. So bring your curiosity, pack your comfy shoes (and maybe a portable charger), and enjoy Europe like the savvy explorer you are.
Got questions? Got a funny Europe fail story? Slide into our DMs or leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
📥 Bonus Freebie: Download our Europe Travel Checklist — a printable list of all the little things we always forget until we’re already 30,000 feet in the air. Toiletry minis, adapters, comfy shoes, and that one jacket that works for every outfit? Covered.
