Travel tips
Your first trip to Europe from the US: where to go and how to plan it
How long to go for, which cities to combine, when to travel and the paperwork to sort out before you fly.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- For a first trip, plan 10 to 14 days and two or three cities connected by train, rather than trying to see a country a day.
- May, June, September and early October offer the best mix of weather, daylight and crowds.
- US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK, and the EU is introducing new entry systems, so check the official rules before you go.
| Ideal length | 10–14 days, 2–3 bases |
|---|---|
| Best months | May, June, September, early October |
| East Coast to London or Paris | About 7–8 hours overnight |
| West Coast to London or Paris | About 10–11 hours |
| London to Paris by train | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
Classic routes for a first trip
Choose cities that are a short train ride apart, so you spend your time exploring instead of in airports.
- London and Paris: the most popular first trip, linked by the Eurostar under the Channel in about two and a quarter hours. Add Amsterdam, about three and a half hours from Paris by train.
- Rome, Florence and Venice: Italy's big three, each one to two hours apart by high-speed train. See our Italy by train guide.
- Madrid and Barcelona: about two and a half hours apart by high-speed train, with great food and late nights.
- Lisbon and Porto: good value, friendly and about three hours apart by train.
When to go
July and August bring the longest days but also the biggest crowds, highest prices and, increasingly, heat waves in southern Europe. Late spring and early fall are more comfortable for walking all day.
Winter is cheap and quiet, and December has Christmas markets, but days are short and northern cities are cold.
Before you fly
- Passport: check the expiry date now. For most of Europe, it should be valid for at least three months after the day you leave.
- UK: US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. Apply on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app.
- EU and Schengen countries: the EU is rolling out a digital Entry/Exit System at borders and plans a pre-travel authorization called ETIAS. Check the EU's official travel website for what applies on your dates.
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees and carry a little cash in euros or pounds.
- Phone: an eSIM or your carrier's international plan is usually cheaper than paying per day.
Getting around
Trains are the best way to travel between nearby cities, from city center to city center. Book high-speed tickets in advance for the lowest fares; rail passes only pay off if you plan many long journeys.
Use budget flights for longer hops, such as Paris to Rome, but check the baggage rules, because carry-on limits are often strict.
Beating jet lag
Most flights from the East Coast leave in the evening and land in the morning. Sleep on the plane if you can, stay outside in daylight on your first day, and save big sights for day two.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for a first trip to Europe?
Ten to fourteen days is ideal for two or three cities. With a week, choose two cities close together, such as London and Paris.
Do US citizens need a visa for Europe?
US citizens don't need a visa for short tourist trips to the UK or the Schengen area, but the UK requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the EU is introducing new entry checks. Check the official UK and EU websites before you travel.
What is the cheapest time to fly to Europe from the US?
Late fall and winter, outside Thanksgiving and the holidays, usually have the lowest fares. Spring and early fall offer a good balance of price and weather.
