Europe – the land of ancient castles, romantic cities, and diverse cultures – has always been a dream destination for many travelers. From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the picturesque canals of Venice, Europe offers countless unique experiences. To help you prepare for a complete trip, NVK Travel shares travel tips for Europe, from planning, visa application, to cost-saving tips, suitable for both independent travelers and those on tours.
Why travel to Europe?
Europe is an ideal destination with a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Here are some reasons you cannot miss:
Sharing effective travel experiences in Europe
Cultural diversity: Each country like France, Italy, Germany, Spain has its own identity, from Gothic architecture to traditional festivals.
Stunning scenery: From the majestic Alps, the vibrant Amalfi coast, to the tulip fields in the Netherlands.
Rich cuisine: Enjoy authentic Italian pizza, French croissants, or German beer.
Convenient transportation: High-speed train systems (like Eurostar), buses, and budget airlines make exploring multiple countries easy.
However, traveling in Europe requires careful preparation due to high costs, complex visa procedures, and differences in language and culture. Let’s find out how to plan effectively!
Europe is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s an analysis to help you choose the right time:
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather (10-20°C), tulips bloom in the Netherlands, fewer tourists than peak season. However, flight and hotel prices are still quite high.
Summer (June-August): Peak season, warm weather (20-30°C), ideal for outdoor activities like music festivals in Germany or beaches in Greece. Downsides: crowded, high prices.
Autumn (September-November): Cool temperatures (10-20°C), romantic golden leaves falling in Paris, Munich. Service prices are lower than in summer, fewer tourists.
Winter (December-February): Cold (-5-10°C), but ideal for experiencing Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, or skiing in Switzerland. Accommodation costs are usually low, except during holidays.
Recommendation: Spring and autumn are the best times to balance weather, costs, and crowd levels.
Preparation before traveling to Europe
Europe is located in the Eurasian continent and has an area of 10,180,000 km2.
Apply for a Schengen visa
Most European countries belong to the Schengen area (26 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands…), requiring Vietnamese citizens to apply for a Schengen visa to enter. Here are some key points:
Documents to prepare:
Passport valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages.
2 photos 3.5x4.5 cm (white background, taken within 6 months).
Schengen visa application form (download from the Embassy/Consulate website).
Detailed itinerary (in English), round-trip flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation.
Travel insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR, about 800,000-1,200,000 VND for 7 days).
Financial proof (savings book of at least 100 million VND, bank statements).
Where to submit the application: VFS Global visa application center in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (depending on the country you first enter).
Visa fee: 80 EUR (about 2,200,000 VND), processed within 15-30 days.
Tip: Submit your application 2-3 months in advance, choose the country where you will stay the longest to apply for the visa. NVK Travel can assist you in preparing accurate and quick documentation.
There are no direct flights from Vietnam to Europe. You need to transit through cities like Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Istanbul. Popular airlines include:
Qatar Airways, Emirates: Transit in Doha or Dubai, prices from 15-25 million VND (round trip).
Turkish Airlines: Transit in Istanbul, prices from 14-22 million VND.
Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines: Prices from 18-28 million VND, good service.
Tip: Book tickets early through Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to hunt for cheap prices. Choose short transit flights (4-6 hours) to save time.
Winter: Down jacket, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes.
Essential items: Power bank, universal power adapter (Europe uses Type C/F plugs), basic medications.
Plan your itinerary in Europe
Choose a destination
Europe has dozens of countries, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular suggestions:
France: Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum), Nice (Cote d’Azur beach).
Italy: Rome (Colosseum), Venice (canals), Florence (the cradle of art).
Germany: Munich (Oktoberfest), Berlin (Berlin Wall).
Netherlands: Amsterdam (canals, tulip fields).
Switzerland: Zurich, Interlaken (the Alps, skiing).
7-day itinerary suggestion (France - Italy):
Day 1-3: Paris (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum).
Day 4: Travel by Eurostar train to Milan.
Day 5-6: Venice (canals, St. Mark's Square).
Day 7: Rome (Colosseum, Pantheon).
Traveling between countries
Most European countries have a temperate maritime and continental climate.
High-speed trains: Eurostar (Paris-London), TGV (France), Frecciarossa (Italy). Prices range from 30-100 EUR/ride, book through Rail Europe.
Low-cost airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, prices from 20-50 EUR/flight if booked early.
Buses: FlixBus, affordable (10-30 EUR/ride), but travel time is longer.
Tip: Buy a Eurail Pass (from 200 EUR) for unlimited train travel in multiple countries, suitable if you explore 3-4 countries.
Accommodation in Europe
Hotels
Luxury (4-5 stars): Prices from 3-10 million VND/night (e.g., Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris).
Budget (2-3 stars): Prices from 1-3 million VND/night, common in major cities.
Hostels: Prices from 300,000-800,000 VND/night, suitable for self-catering travelers.
Airbnb and guesthouses
Renting an apartment through Airbnb in Italy, Netherlands costs from 1-3 million VND/night, suitable for groups or families.
Traditional guesthouses (pension, guesthouse) in Germany, Austria cost from 800,000-2 million VND/night.
Tip: Book early through Booking.com, Agoda for better prices. Choose accommodation near the center or train station to save travel time.
European cuisine – Flavors not to miss
Each European country offers a unique culinary experience:
France: Croissant, escargot, Bordeaux wine. A meal at a restaurant costs from 300,000-800,000 VND.
Italy: Pizza Margherita, pasta carbonara, gelato. Prices from 200,000-500,000 VND.
Germany: Bratwurst sausage, German beer. Prices from 150,000-400,000 VND.
Spain: Paella, tapas. Prices from 200,000-600,000 VND.
Saving tips:
Eat at budget restaurants or markets (like Borough Market in London).
Buy ready-to-eat food at supermarkets (Lidl, Carrefour) to reduce costs.
Estimated costs for a trip to Europe
Item
Cost (7 days/person)
Round-trip airfare
15-25 million VND
Schengen visa
2.2 million VND
Accommodation
3-10 million VND
Domestic travel
2-5 million VND
Food and drink
2-5 million VND
Sightseeing
1-3 million VND
Total
25-50 million VND
Savings tips:
Hunt for cheap flight tickets, book early.
Stay in hostels or Airbnb, cook on-site.
Use discount attraction passes (like Paris Pass, Roma Pass).
Important notes when traveling in Europe
Language: English is widely spoken in major cities, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language (French, Italian, German) will earn you points.
Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like train stations, squares.
Currency: Most Schengen countries use Euro (EUR, 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND). Bring a credit card and some cash.
Internet: Buy a Europe travel SIM (like Orange, Vodafone) priced from 300,000-800,000 VND for 5-10GB.
NVK Travel – Accompanying you to explore Europe
In Europe, there are 5 modes of transportation
Traveling in Europe is an inspiring journey, but thorough preparation will help you fully enjoy it. NVK Travel offers professionally designed European tours, from flexible itineraries to all-inclusive services:
Schengen visa consulting: Quick and accurate document support.
Diverse itineraries: Explore France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, or combine multiple countries.
Quality services: Book flights, hotels, transfers, and local guides.
Let NVK Travel make your European dream come true! Visit https://nvktravel.com/ today to receive free consultation and attractive offers for your 2025 Europe trip.
