Planning Your First Couples Trip to Europe
Limit your itinerary to three cities over 14 days to avoid burnout and focus on shared experiences rather than checking off sights. Prioritize one 'base' city for a week to establish a rhythm before moving to more fast-paced locations.
- Set a non-negotiable budget. Before looking at flights, agree on a total spend. Assume a baseline of $250 per day for a couple (excluding long-haul flights) for a mid-range trip, covering lodging, food, and regional trains.
- Pick a 'hub' city. Select one major city like London, Paris, or Rome as your anchor. Spend the first 5 days here to get over jet lag and learn how to navigate European transit without rushing.
- Use the 'Two-City' rule. For a two-week trip, only choose two additional cities. Use regional trains (like the TGV in France or Frecciarossa in Italy) to move between them, as they drop you in city centers rather than remote airports.
- Book activities together. Pre-book one major 'must-see' per day—like the Louvre or the Colosseum—at least 4 weeks in advance. Leave the rest of the afternoon unplanned to wander or rest.
- Should we move hotels every two days?
- No. Changing hotels is the fastest way to kill the mood of a couple's trip. Stay at least 4 nights in each location.
- How do we handle money?
- Use one primary credit card with no foreign transaction fees for all expenses. Carry one backup card and about 100 Euros in cash for small purchases.