5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Eurotrip

5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Eurotrip
And yes, I’ve made most of them so you don’t have to.

​Europe has a way of dazzling you with its storybook charm... until you're lost in Venice with 25kg of luggage and no WiFi.

I’ve learned these lessons not from guidebooks, but from the good ol’ school of travel mistakes.


​So here are the 5 most common Eurotrip mistakes people make (with receipts from my own journeys!), plus how you can avoid them.

1. Trying to Visit 10 Countries in 10 Days
The race isn’t real, and your feet will file a complaint.

During my first Eurotrip, I was so excited that I crammed 5 countries in just 12 days. I told myself, “It’s Europe! Everything’s close!” True, but proximity doesn’t equal peace of mind. By Day 5, I was already exhausted, dragging myself (and my overpacked suitcase) through train stations, barely remembering what city I was in.

From Budapest, I took an overnight train to Krakow, stayed one night, then hopped on a bus to Prague. Sounds adventurous, but all I remember was sleeping upright and confusing my zloty with koruna. My biggest regret? Not giving myself time to just be in the cities.

Tip:
Stick to 2–3 countries max in a two-week trip. Choose quality over quantity. And don’t underestimate the joy of a slow morning in a local café.

2. Booking Too Many Tours and Skipping Free Ones
I once paid €40 for a walking tour… then joined a free one that was 10x better.

In Helsinki, I joined a free walking tour on my first morning. It gave me not just historical nuggets, but also tips on where locals eat, how the Finnish use saunas (very differently from how we imagine it!), and even a shortcut to the best cinnamon buns in town.

In Tallinn, Estonia, I went with Est Adventures’ "Tallinn in a Nutshell" walking tour. It was a game-changer! Had I not joined it, I would've never found out about the hidden viewing platform that gave me the best photo of my trip- no crowds, just cobblestone charm.
Tip:
Make free walking tours your first activity in every city. You’ll feel grounded and informed without breaking the bank. Save the paid tours for things truly special to you.

3. Ignoring Off-Peak Perks

Not every moment in Europe needs to be during summer or Christmas.
My winter trip to Finland and Estonia in February taught me that off-season doesn't mean off-limits. Sure, it was cold but there were no lines, no overpriced hotels, and snow-covered streets that looked straight out of a movie.

I had a magical sauna experience in Helsinki, where I was the only tourist in the room. Locals even showed me how to do the ice plunge properly. Would that have happened in July with 200 tourists in line? Unlikely.

Tip:
Travel during shoulder seasons- like March, May, or October. You’ll get better prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic feel of the place.

4. Not Researching Transport Options in Advance

Spoiler: Not all European trains are cheap and romantic.
I once assumed train rides across Europe were always scenic and affordable. Until I paid €89 for a one-way ticket from Munich to Zurich, booked the day before. My wallet wept.

But when I traveled from Barcelona to Seville, I booked an early bird Renfe ticket two months ahead for just €25. Same train, different price. Lesson? Planning pays... literally.
Tip:
Use apps like Trainline or Omio to compare bus, train, and budget airline prices. Sometimes, a €15 Flixbus with WiFi and a toilet is better than a €60 train.

5. Overpacking... Then Shopping More
I once brought 4 pairs of shoes and still bought another one in Italy.
Let’s just say Venice wasn’t kind to my suitcase wheels. I overpacked thinking I’d need outfit changes for every photo op. But honestly? No one cares if you repeat clothes. They care if you look like you’re about to collapse in a narrow alley with cobblestones mocking your every step.

When I traveled with just a carry-on to Portugal, I was freer, faster, and more focused on the experience—not on finding elevators in every station.

Finally, just remember to pack light and leave space for local finds.

Remember: every European trip includes a souvenir shirt, magnet, or scarf you didn’t plan to buy but will.

Travel is meant to be joyful... not stressful or survival-mode. I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to. A well-paced, flexible, and thoughtful Eurotrip always wins over a rushed, checklist-filled one.

So take your time, talk to locals, walk aimlessly… and maybe skip that third pair of boots.

Because Europe isn’t going anywhere. But your energy? That one needs saving.