Planning a 10-day trip to Europe means you need to think smart to have a great time without feeling rushed. Here’s a simple guide to help you out:
1. Pick Your Spot: One Area or a Few Close Cities?
With only 10 days, it’s a good idea to focus on one main area or just 2-3 cities that are close to each other. This way, you’ll see more without spending too much time traveling.
Here are some popular ideas for your first trip:
Classic Europe: Think London, Paris, and Amsterdam. These cities are easy to get to, and many people speak English.
Italian Adventure: Visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. You’ll get history, art, and amazing food. You could even take a quick trip to Cinque Terre or Tuscany.
Central European Charm: Check out Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. They have beautiful buildings, lots of culture, and can be easier on your wallet.
Spain & Portugal: Explore Lisbon, Seville, and Barcelona (or Madrid). See their unique history, food, and famous flamenco dancing.
Mountain Fun: Go to Munich, Innsbruck, and parts of Switzerland. Perfect if you love nature and amazing mountain views.
2. Plan Your Money
How much money you have will change your trip. Here’s a rough idea of costs (prices can change a lot depending on when you go, where you stay, and what you do):
Flights: A round-trip flight to Europe can be anywhere from $600 to over $1000. Book early to get better prices.
Places to Stay:
Hostel bed: About €15-30 a night.
Regular hotel/guest house: Around €80-150 a night.
Fancy hotel: €200+ a night.
Airbnb can be good if you’re with a group or staying longer.
Getting Around:
Local transport (metro, bus, tram): About €5-10 a day. Look into city passes for deals.
Trains between cities: Prices vary a lot. A Eurail Pass might save you money if you travel a lot by train, but check if buying single tickets is cheaper for your trip. Fast trains usually cost more.
Inside flights: You can fly for longer distances, but remember airport travel time and costs.
Food and Drinks:
Street food/cheap meals: About €10-20 per meal.
Regular restaurants/cafes: Around €20-40 per meal.
Fancy dinners: €50+ per meal.
Buy food at local markets and supermarkets to save money.
Things to Do & See: About €20-50+ a day. Check if city tourist cards give you cheaper entry to places and public transport.
Other Stuff (souvenirs, emergencies): €50-100+.
Total estimated cost for 10 days (not including your flight to Europe):
Saving money: €1000 – €1500 (about $1100 – $1650 USD)
Regular budget: €1600 – €2600 (about $1750 – $2850 USD)
Tips to save money:
Go during less busy times (like April-May or September-October). Prices are better, and there are fewer people.
Book early: Flights, hotels, and popular attractions often cost less if you book them far ahead.
Pack light: Don’t pay for extra bags. Many European streets are bumpy, and some hotels don’t have elevators, so lighter bags are easier.
Use public transport: It’s good and cheaper than taxis.
Eat like a local: Stay away from tourist traps. Find local eateries and buy snacks at supermarkets.
Find free things to do: Many parks, old neighborhoods, and walking tours cost nothing.
3. What About Visas?
Schengen Visa: If you don’t come from a country that can enter Europe without a visa, you’ll probably need a Schengen visa to visit most European countries.
You need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most time. If you’re visiting a few countries for the same amount of time, apply at the first country you enter.
What you’ll need: Your passport (good for at least 3 months after you get back), travel insurance (with at least €30,000 coverage), flight tickets, hotel bookings, proof you have enough money, and a detailed plan of your trip.
How long it takes: Usually about 15 working days, but it can take longer during busy times. Apply 3-6 weeks before your trip, or even as early as 6 months.
4. Making Your 10-Day Plan (Example: London & Paris)
Let’s say you pick London and Paris as your main stops:
Day 1-3: London
Day 1: Arrive in London. See the River Thames, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Enjoy some classic British food.
Day 2: Visit Buckingham Palace (check when the guards change!), explore Westminster Abbey, and have afternoon tea.
Day 3: Go to museums like the British Museum or National Gallery. Walk around cool areas like Notting Hill or Shoreditch.
Day 4: Travel to Paris
Take the Eurostar train from London to Paris (about 2.5 hours).
Check into your hotel.
Evening: Take a tour to see the city lights or a boat ride on the Seine River.
Day 5-7: Paris
Day 5: Visit the Eiffel Tower (book tickets early!), explore the Louvre Museum (book tickets to skip lines), and walk along the Champs-Élysées.
Day 6: Explore Montmartre, see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy the art scene. You could also take a day trip to Versailles.
Day 7: Explore more Paris neighborhoods, like the Latin Quarter, or visit a market. Enjoy some amazing French food.
Day 8-9: Your Choice City (like Amsterdam or Brussels)
Day 8: Take a fast train to Amsterdam (about 3.5 hours from Paris) or Brussels (about 1.5 hours from Paris).
Amsterdam: Ride a boat through the canals, visit the Anne Frank House (book way early!), and explore the Jordaan area.
Brussels: See the Grand Place, find the Manneken Pis statue, and try Belgian fries and waffles.
Day 9: Keep exploring your chosen city. In Amsterdam, see the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum. In Brussels, visit Atomium or another museum.
Day 10: Go Home
Have a last European breakfast and head to the airport for your flight.
Things to remember for your plan:
- Travel time: Add time for traveling between cities, checking in and out of hotels, and getting to train stations or airports.
- Pace yourself: Don’t try to do too much. It’s better to really enjoy a few places than rush through many.
- Your interests: Make the plan fit what you like (art, history, food, nature, etc.).
5. Important Travel Advice
Visa: Make sure you have your Schengen visa if you need one, and get it well before your trip.
Passport: Your passport must be good for at least 3 months after you plan to leave Europe.
Travel Insurance: You need this for a Schengen visa, and it’s a very good idea for everyone.
Money: Find out what money each country uses. Many use the Euro (€), but some don’t (like the UK uses GBP £). Tell your bank you’re traveling so your cards work. Think about a credit card that doesn’t charge extra fees for foreign money.
Phone/Internet: Get a local SIM card or an international eSIM for data. Most hotels and cafes have Wi-Fi.
Language: Many people in big tourist spots speak English. But it’s nice to learn a few basic words in the local language, like “hello” or “thank you.”
Public Transport: Use it! European cities have great systems for metros, buses, and trams.
Tipping: Tipping rules are different everywhere. Often, service fees are included, and small tips (like rounding up the bill) are common for good service.
Safety: Europe is generally safe, but be careful in crowded places to avoid pickpockets.
Book Attractions Early: For popular places (like the Eiffel Tower or Anne Frank House), book tickets online way before your trip. This saves you time and makes sure you get in.
Comfy Shoes: You’ll walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes!
Adaptor: Bring a universal travel adaptor to charge your gadgets.
The Golden Rule: Focus, Don’t Rush
For your 10-day European adventure, here’s the most important tip: Don’t try to see too much.
The biggest mistake many travelers make is trying to cram too many countries or cities into a short trip. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose – you’ll get wet, but you won’t taste anything!
Choosing “less is more” for your trip has huge benefits. First, it cuts down on travel time and costs. Instead of constantly packing and unpacking, you’ll spend more time enjoying where you are.
Second, it lets you explore deeper and really feel the culture of a place. You can wander charming streets, discover local spots, and soak it all in. Third, it helps you avoid feeling tired and jet-lagged.
We recommend you limit yourself to just 2-3 cities or focus on a single region, like Italy or Central Europe.
You could even pick one city as a “home base” and take easy day trips to nearby sights. This way, you’ll make real memories instead of just ticking boxes off a list.
Choosing Your 10-Day European Adventure: Popular Itinerary Ideas
When you’re planning your trip, think about what kind of experience you’re hoping for. Do you love old buildings, great food, or stunning nature? Here are some fantastic ideas for how you can spend your 10 days in Europe.
Classic European Capitals
Theme/Region: Iconic Cityscapes & First-Time Fun Cities/Countries: London (England), Paris (France), Amsterdam (Netherlands) Highlights/Key Attractions:
London: See famous spots like the British Museum, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace where the King lives.
Paris: Visit the grand Eiffel Tower, explore the famous Louvre Museum, and take a lovely boat ride on the Seine River.
Amsterdam: Enjoy relaxing canal cruises, visit the important Anne Frank House, and wander through the charming Jordaan district.
Travel time/Logistics: Getting between these cities is super easy with fast trains like the Eurostar (London to Paris) and Thalys (Paris to Amsterdam). You’ll spend about 2-3 days in each city.
Target Audience: This is perfect for first-timers to Europe or anyone who wants to see some of the most famous places.
A Taste of Italy
Theme/Region: History, Art, and Amazing Food Cities/Countries: Rome, Florence, and either Venice or Cinque Terre (all in Italy) Highlights/Key Attractions:
Rome: Explore ancient wonders like the Colosseum, the Vatican City (where the Pope lives), and the old Pantheon temple.
Florence: See incredible art at the Duomo (its famous dome!) and the Uffizi Gallery. You could even take a quick day trip to the Tuscan countryside or see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Venice: Experience the unique charm of St. Mark’s Square, take a romantic gondola ride, and get lost exploring the many canals.
OR Cinque Terre: If you love nature, you can hike between these five beautiful coastal towns, each with colorful houses clinging to cliffs. Travel time/Logistics: Italy has a great train system, making it easy to travel between these cities. Target Audience: Ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and foodies who want to experience Italy’s rich culture.
Central European Gems
Theme/Region: Fairytale Cities & Rich History Cities/Countries: Prague (Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary) Highlights/Key Attractions:
Prague: Walk across the magical Charles Bridge, visit the grand Prague Castle, and enjoy the lively Old Town Square.
Vienna: See the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the historic Hofburg Palace.
Budapest: Relax in famous thermal baths, admire the amazing Parliament Building, and explore the Buda Castle area.
Travel time/Logistics: Trains are the best way to travel between these cities, offering comfortable and scenic journeys.
Target Audience: Great for those who love old-world charm, beautiful architecture, and perhaps a slightly more budget-friendly adventure.
Alpine Escape
Theme/Region: Stunning Mountains & Charming Towns Cities/Countries: Munich (Germany), Salzburg (Austria), and the Swiss Alps (Switzerland) or Innsbruck (Austria) Highlights/Key Attractions:
Munich: Experience the lively Marienplatz, visit traditional beer halls, and take a day trip to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.
Salzburg: Explore the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress and visit sights famous from “The Sound of Music.”
Swiss Alps: If you choose Switzerland, you can base yourself in places like Interlaken or Grindelwald for amazing mountain views and outdoor activities, or explore the beautiful city of Lucerne.
OR Innsbruck: If you stay in Austria, visit the famous Golden Roof and take a cable car up the Nordkette mountains for incredible views.
Travel time/Logistics: You’ll enjoy very scenic train rides in this region. If you want more freedom in the mountains, you might even consider renting a car.
Target Audience: Perfect for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking picturesque landscapes and charming alpine towns.
Essential Planning Steps for Your 10-Day Trip
Now that you have an idea of where you might want to go, let’s talk about the important steps to make your trip happen.
Set Your Budget
Before anything else, figure out how much money you want to spend.
Think about all the big parts: your flights, where you’ll sleep, what you’ll eat, how you’ll get around, fun activities, and travel insurance.
Keep in mind that some parts of Europe, like Switzerland or Scandinavia, can be more expensive than places in Eastern Europe. To save money, you can look for cheaper airlines, stay in hostels or guesthouses, use public transport, join free walking tours, and even buy groceries to make some of your own meals.
Book Flights & Accommodation
It’s smart to book your flights early to get the best prices. Try to be flexible with your travel dates and which airports you fly into or out of.
You might even consider flying into one city and flying home from another (this is called an “open-jaw” flight).
For places to stay, you have choices like hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or guesthouses. Try to book places that are easy to get to, maybe in the city center, so you can walk to many sights.
Internal Transportation
Getting around Europe is often best by train. They’re comfortable and connect many cities. You can look into a Eurail pass if you’re doing a lot of train travel, or just buy individual tickets.
For longer distances between different parts of Europe, budget airlines can be a good choice.
Once you’re in a city, use the public transport like subways, buses, and trams – they’re usually excellent and save you money. Some cities even have special passes for tourists that include transport and attractions.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
If you’re not from a country in the European Union, you’ll likely be entering the Schengen Area, which usually allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
It’s also highly recommended to get travel insurance in case of unexpected issues.
Packing Smart (Carry-on Only)
This is a big one: try to pack only a carry-on bag! You’ll be moving around a lot, and lighter luggage makes everything easier.
Bring clothes you can layer, and definitely pack comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget a travel adapter for your electronics, a power bank, and a reusable water bottle.
Daily Itinerary & Activities
While it’s good to have a plan, don’t overschedule yourself. Leave some room for unexpected discoveries or just relaxing.
Pick 1-2 “must-do” activities for each day, and remember to book popular attractions in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy times. Handy apps like Google Maps (which works offline!), Citymapper, and translation apps can be lifesavers.
Pre-Trip Checklist & Important Tips
Before you jet off, here are some quick but important things to do and keep in mind to make your trip smoother:
Tell Your Bank
Let your bank know you’ll be traveling. This way, they won’t think your card is stolen and block it when you try to use it in Europe.
Learn a Few Phrases
Even knowing simple words like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Please” in the local language can make a big difference and locals will appreciate your effort.
Handle Your Money
While it’s good to have some local cash for small purchases, you can mostly rely on your credit and debit cards. Just be sure to check for any foreign transaction fees.
Stay Connected
Consider getting an eSIM or buying a local SIM card when you arrive. This makes navigating, looking up restaurants, and staying in touch much easier.
Stay Safe
Europe is generally very safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
Embrace the Unexpected
Remember, travel rarely goes exactly as planned! Be ready for little changes or surprises, and try to enjoy them as part of the adventure.
Conclusion
Planning a fantastic 10-day trip to Europe is absolutely doable with a bit of smart preparation.
By focusing your journey and following these steps, you’re set for an amazing adventure. Now, go forth and explore! What cities are you dreaming of for your European getaway?
