- I live in Paris and like to take day trips to other European cities.
- I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way, like not dressing properly for the weather.
- After letting my phone die on a trip to Copenhagen, I now carry a portable charger with me.
As someone who’s been living in Europe for the past three years, I never pass up the opportunity to visit a new city. The ability to hop on a cheap flight and change environments for the day is something I just can’t resist.
However, although day trips can be fun and exciting experiences, there are a few things that can turn an amazing trip into an OK one.
Here are four mistakes I’ve made while traveling around Europe.
Not checking the weather forecast carefully before leaving home
Before visiting Dublin in December, I didn’t pay close enough attention to the weather.
I made the mistake of bringing a very light jacket, and it was so chilly that walking around the city quickly became uncomfortable. I’ve since learned it’s always a good idea to take a few minutes to check the weather before leaving.
Trying to do too much in one trip
When traveling, I often overpack my schedule, trying to see as much as possible in a short period of time.
However, I’ve learned it’s important to prioritize the things I want to see and do most. For example, if I’m going to be in a city for eight to 10 hours, there’s no way I can visit multiple museums, do a walking tour, go to a local bar, and explore different neighborhoods.
I made the mistake of overloading my itinerary in Krakow, Poland, and ended up canceling a walking tour and museum visits. By doing so, I was able to immerse myself in the local culture and explore the city on my own time.
Letting my phone die in the middle of the trip
During my trip to Copenhagen, I forgot my portable charger, and my phone died halfway through the day. I couldn’t find a charging port anywhere, and since I was only in the city for a few hours, I didn’t want to waste time sitting somewhere to charge my phone.
This meant I couldn’t take as many pictures as I wanted, and I had to stay close to familiar areas to avoid getting lost.
Luckily, Copenhagen’s metro system is easy to navigate, and I got back to the airport without any issues. However, my portable charger is now the second thing I put in my travel bag after my passport.
Not planning meals in advance — or having a backup plan
As a self-proclaimed “go with the flow” person, I’ve learned the hard way that planning my meals ahead of time is crucial.
In the past, I’ve wasted a lot of time trying to decide where to eat. Plus, when I’m short on time and visiting a busy restaurant, I can’t afford to wait an hour for a table.
Planning ahead and making reservations (or having a backup option in mind) ensures I’m not disappointed or wasting valuable time.
