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12 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Europe

Writer's picture: Anne Marie aka BaldgirlwilltravelAnne Marie aka Baldgirlwilltravel

Updated: Jan 21

12 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Europe

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Planning your first European escapade? Buckle up because I’ve got some golden nuggets of wisdom to ensure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Picture this: strolling along the Arno River in Florence or gliding along the canals of Venice. But slow your roll, my friends, because, without proper preparation, those dreamy moments can quickly turn into travel nightmares. Fear not, for I’ve compiled a list of blunders to sidestep, sparing you from rookie mishaps and saving both your sanity and your pocketbook.


1. Skip the Taxi Cab


Resist the allure of those shiny taxi cabs, even from the airport. European cities boast impeccable public transit systems—embrace them! Several also have rideshare services like Uber. Whether it’s hopping on a train in Paris or snagging a spot on the Trenitalia or  Italo in Rome, you’ll save both time and euros if you skip the taxi cabs.


2. Avoid the Last-Minute Attraction Ticket Frenzy


Trust me, procrastination isn’t your friend when it comes to entry to popular spots in Europe. Booking tickets on the fly might leave you stranded in endless queues or worse, locked out of must-see attractions. Secure your spots in advance and consider snagging multi-day sightseeing passes for added convenience.


3. Avoid Tourist Dining Traps


Don’t fall prey to the first restaurant that beckons to you. Research, my friends, is key. Scope out local gems ahead of time and steer clear of tourist traps. If you find yourself in a pinch, politely decline the multilingual menus and seek out authentic eateries recommended by locals. I like to ask my Uber driver, Airbnb host or the concierge at my hotel.  In a pinch Tripadvisor is also a good place for Restaurant picks. 


4. Don’t carry too much cash


While it’s wise to have a bit of cash on hand, lugging around a wad of bills is so last century. Opt for plastic whenever possible to thwart pickpockets and save yourself the hassle of constant ATM withdrawals. A small amount of cash is fine but using a credit card is better than carry wads of cash around.


5. Embrace Al Fresco Feasting


Europeans have mastered the art of dining en plein air, and you should too! Grab a picnic blanket, stock up on goodies from a nearby market, and savor your meals against the backdrop of a charming plaza or tranquil riverbank.


6. Have a Phone Plan – Plan


Before you jet off, double-check your phone plan to ensure seamless connectivity abroad. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without Google Maps when wandering the labyrinthine streets of Florence. Consider purchasing a Sim card at the airport or downtown upon arrival if your phone plan is not affordable. Vodaphone works all over Europe and is always a good pick for a SIM card. 


7. Skip the Water & Bread Basket


Contrary to popular belief, those complimentary bread baskets aren’t always complimentary. Also always ask whether the water you are offered is complimentary before accepting.  Often water incurs a fee even when it is in a pitcher versus bottle.   Politely decline the carb overload and opt for budget-friendly hydration by snagging a jug of water from a local convenience store. In Italy you can often find fountains with clean drinking water so bringing a refillable water bottle is a good option. Check out my Travel Essentials list HERE to see my favorite water bottles.


8. Claim Your Vat Tax Refund


If you plan to indulge in a bit of retail therapy during your European jaunt don’t forget to reclaim those VAT refunds! Simply gather the necessary paperwork and prepare to pocket some extra cash at the airport. Check out this mini guide to maximizing VAT Tax Refunds on Luxury shopping in Europe!



9. Master Military Time


Avoid scheduling snafus by switching your phone to 24-hour time. Trust me, missing a crucial event due to a time misread is a headache you don’t want to endure.


10. Prioritize Comfort


Sayonara, uncomfortable attire! Europe is made for exploring, but you’ll be singing a different tune if you’re hobbling around in ill-fitting shoes. Invest in some travel-friendly kicks to keep your feet happy and your adventures carefree. Read about My “Top 5 Favorite Walking Shoes for Solo Travel. Also check out my Amazon storefront for links to comfortable but stylish walking shoes.


11. Practice common sense safety awareness


No matter where you plan to travel your travel should include a travel safety plan. Research your destination and visit the United States Department of State website to research your destination. Grab the BaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers and ensure you follow the safety tips to ensure a safe solo travel experience.


12.  Take a Deep Breath and Smile


Remember, even the best-laid plans can hit a snag. Embrace the bumps in the road with a smile because, hey, you’re on vacation! Take a deep breath, soak in the beauty around you, and revel in the magic of your European adventure.

So there you have it, my fellow wanderers! Armed with these tips, your maiden voyage to Europe is destined to be nothing short of spectacular. 


Bon voyage and happy travels!



Download the  Travel Safety and Security Guide for Solo Female Travelers



For more detailed information on how to stay safe while exploring the world solo, check out my guide Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers. This guide covers everything from cultural norms to situational awareness, empowering you to travel confidently.


This resource is packed with expert advice to empower solo female travelers with the knowledge to explore the world confidently and safely.



Thinking about travel but not ready to go completely alone? 



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Thank You For Reading!


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