How to Plan a Multi-Country Trip in Europe

Start with 2-4 countries max for your first multi-country trip. Book flights into one city and out of another, plan 4-7 days per country, and use trains or budget airlines between destinations. Budget £60-120 per day depending on your style.

1. Pick your route and timing. Choose 2-4 countries maximum. More than 4 becomes exhausting. Plan your route geographically - don't zigzag across the continent. Popular first-timer routes: London-Paris-Amsterdam-Berlin or Rome-Florence-Venice-Vienna. Allow 4-7 days per country minimum.
2. Book multi-city flights. Search for 'multi-city' or 'open jaw' flights - fly into one city, out of another. Often costs the same as round-trip. Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare.
3. Sort out transport between countries. Trains: Book through Trainline or national railway sites. High-speed trains need reservations. Budget airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air for £20-80. Check baggage policies - they're strict. Buses: FlixBus for budget option, takes longer but costs £15-40.
4. Book accommodation strategically. Book first and last nights immediately. Leave middle nights flexible if you're comfortable winging it. Hostels: £15-35/night. Budget hotels: £40-80/night. Book city centers for first trips - transport costs add up from suburbs.
5. Handle visas and documents. UK passport holders need passport valid 6+ months for Schengen area. No visa needed for tourism under 90 days. Keep digital and physical copies of passport, insurance, bookings. Download offline maps before you go.
6. Plan your daily logistics. Don't over-schedule. Plan 1-2 major activities per day maximum. Book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions online. Research local transport apps (Citymapper works in most European cities). Leave buffer time between transport connections.

How many countries should I visit on my first trip?

Stick to 2-4 countries maximum. More than that becomes a checklist rather than travel. You'll spend more time in transit than actually experiencing places.

Should I buy a Eurail pass?

Usually no. Eurail passes are overpriced unless you're taking 5+ long-distance trains. Point-to-point tickets are often cheaper, especially if booked in advance. Budget airlines are frequently cheaper than trains.

How much time should I spend in each city?

Minimum 2 full days in any city, 4-7 days for countries. One day isn't enough to get past jet lag and tourist traps. Less than 4 days per country means you're just ticking boxes.

What if I don't speak the languages?

English works in tourist areas of major cities. Download Google Translate app with offline language packs. Learn basic phrases: hello, please, thank you, excuse me, where is, how much. Pointing and gesturing work surprisingly well.