What to Prepare for Traveling to Europe: A Complete Guide from A to Z
Europe, with its ancient cities, stunning nature, and diverse culture, is a dream destination for many Vietnamese travelers. However, to have a smooth and fulfilling trip, thorough preparation is essential. This article from NVK Travel will guide you in detail about what to prepare for traveling to Europe, from documents, luggage, finances to useful tips, helping you confidently explore this beautiful continent.
Preparing necessary documents
Passport and Schengen visa
The first thing to prepare is the visa.
A passport is the most important document when traveling to Europe. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Schengen visa: To enter 26 countries in the Schengen area (France, Germany, Italy, Spain…), you need to apply for a Schengen visa. The application includes:
Original passport and a copy.
Standard passport photo (3.5x4.5cm, white background).
Financial proof (savings book with a minimum of 5,000 USD, bank statement).
Detailed itinerary, round-trip flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation.
Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
Visa application fee: About 80 EUR (2,000,000 – 2,200,000 VND) for adults, plus 400,000 – 1,000,000 VND if using support services.
Tip from NVK Travel: Carefully check your documents before submission to avoid rejection. NVK Travel offers Schengen visa support services with a high approval rate, helping you save time and effort.
Travel insurance is not only a mandatory requirement when applying for a visa but also protects you in situations such as illness, accidents, lost luggage, or trip cancellations.
Cost: 400,000 – 1,200,000 VND for a 7-14 day trip.
Note: Choose insurance packages from reputable companies like Bao Viet, AIG, or Liberty, ensuring they include benefits such as medical expenses and emergency assistance.
Flight tickets and booking confirmation
Round-trip flight tickets: Book tickets 3-6 months in advance for better prices, around 12,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND depending on the destination and time. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, or Vietnam Airlines often have promotions.
Hotel/transfer booking confirmation: Required when applying for a visa and to ensure a smooth itinerary.
Money-saving tip: Use platforms like Skyscanner or contact NVK Travel for assistance in booking flights and hotels at discounted prices.
Planning your itinerary
Currency when traveling
Choosing a destination
Europe has hundreds of attractive destinations, from romantic Paris, ancient Rome to picturesque Amsterdam. Determine:
Western Europe (France, Italy, Spain): Suitable for those who love culture, architecture, and fine dining, but with higher costs.
Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech): More budget-friendly, rich in history and unique landscapes.
Time: A trip of 7-14 days is usually enough to explore 3-4 countries.
Create a detailed itinerary
Research prominent attractions: Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Sagrada Familia…
Check opening hours, ticket prices, and free admission days (for example: the Louvre Museum is free on the first Sunday of the month).
Use apps like Google Maps, TripAdvisor to plan your travel and sightseeing.
Tip from NVK Travel: If you choose a complete tour from NVK Travel, we will provide an optimized itinerary, including highlighted destinations and reasonable timing.
Package tours: 59,900,000 – 80,000,000 VND for 10 days, covering most basic costs.
Payment methods
Cash: Bring 500-1,000 EUR (equivalent to 13,000,000 – 26,000,000 VND) for small expenses, tips, or shopping at markets.
Credit card/Visa/Mastercard: Widely accepted in major cities, but check international transaction fees with your bank.
Payment apps: Apple Pay, Google Pay are popular in Europe.
Savings tip: Exchange money for EUR in Vietnam for better rates. Avoid exchanging money at the airport due to high fees.
Learn about local culture and regulations
Language: English is common in major cities, but learning a few basic phrases in French, Italian, or German will help you make a good impression.
Tipping culture: Tip 5-10% at restaurants in Western Europe, not mandatory in Eastern Europe.
Regulations: Respect queues, do not litter, do not smoke in public places.
Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots like Paris, Barcelona.
Choose between package tours or self-guided travel?
Prepare some essential items for a successful trip
Self-guided travel: Suitable for those who want the freedom to explore, but requires more preparation time and experience.
Package tours: Save time, optimize costs, with a guide for support. NVK Travel offers diverse European tours, from France – Italy – Switzerland to Eastern Europe (Poland – Hungary – Czech), ensuring a complete experience.
Book services with NVK Travel – The perfect choice for your trip to Europe
NVK Travel, under Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., with over 12 years of experience in tourism, proudly offers you memorable European journeys. We provide:
All-inclusive European tours: Scientifically designed itineraries, exploring prominent destinations at reasonable costs.
Professional visa services: Quick and efficient application support, high visa approval rates.
Booking flights, hotels, transfers: Commitment to good prices, quality service.
Dedicated consultation: Our team is ready to answer all your questions, helping you prepare a perfect journey.
Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore Europe! Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ or contact our hotline for detailed advice and attractive offers. Europe is waiting for you, start your journey today!
