Should I get a Eurail Pass?

Only if you're taking 4+ long train rides. For the standard 4-5 city route, individual train tickets cost less. Calculate your actual routes on eurail.com before buying.

How much cash should I carry?

€100-200 total. Most places take cards, but you'll need cash for public restrooms (€0.50-1), small cafes, and tips. Get euros from ATMs in Europe for better exchange rates.

Can I do laundry on the road?

Yes. Most hostels have laundry facilities (€3-6 per load). Hotels often offer laundry service (expensive). In cities, find self-service laundromats. Pack 1 week of clothes and wash halfway through.

What if I want to change my route?

Book refundable train tickets when possible. Most cost 10-15% more but give flexibility. Accommodation: book first 3-4 nights firm, then book as you go. Always keep your flight home fixed.

How to Plan a 2-Week Europe Route for First-Timers

Focus on 4-5 cities maximum with 2-3 nights each. Book flights into one city and out of another to save backtracking. Start with the classic triangle: London-Paris-Amsterdam or Rome-Florence-Paris, then add 1-2 more stops based on your interests.

Pick your entry and exit cities. Choose cities with major international airports. Flying into London and out of Rome costs the same as round-trip but saves you 2 days of travel time. Popular combinations: London-Rome, Amsterdam-Barcelona, Paris-Berlin.
Select 4-5 cities maximum. More than 5 cities means you'll spend more time packing than exploring. Plan 2-3 nights minimum per city. Classic first-timer route: London (3 nights) → Paris (3 nights) → Amsterdam (2 nights) → Berlin (3 nights) → Prague (3 nights).
Map your train connections. Use trainline.com to check routes and times. London-Paris: 2.5 hours via Eurostar. Paris-Amsterdam: 3.5 hours. Amsterdam-Berlin: 6 hours. Book trains 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Get a Eurail Pass only if you're taking 4+ long routes.
Book accommodation in city centers. Stay within walking distance of main attractions. Book 3-4 months ahead for summer travel. Budget hostels: €25-40/night. Mid-range hotels: €80-150/night. Use booking.com but check hotel websites directly for better rates.
Plan 2-3 must-sees per city. Don't over-schedule. Research opening hours and book timed entries for popular spots like Louvre, Sagrada Familia, or Anne Frank House. Leave afternoons flexible for wandering and spontaneous discoveries.
Handle money and connectivity. Notify your bank of travel dates. Get a no-foreign-fee debit card. Download offline maps and get a European SIM card or international plan. Most places take cards, but carry €100-200 cash for small purchases.

Should I get a Eurail Pass?: Only if you're taking 4+ long train rides. For the standard 4-5 city route, individual train tickets cost less. Calculate your actual routes on eurail.com before buying.
How much cash should I carry?: €100-200 total. Most places take cards, but you'll need cash for public restrooms (€0.50-1), small cafes, and tips. Get euros from ATMs in Europe for better exchange rates.
Can I do laundry on the road?: Yes. Most hostels have laundry facilities (€3-6 per load). Hotels often offer laundry service (expensive). In cities, find self-service laundromats. Pack 1 week of clothes and wash halfway through.
What if I want to change my route?: Book refundable train tickets when possible. Most cost 10-15% more but give flexibility. Accommodation: book first 3-4 nights firm, then book as you go. Always keep your flight home fixed.