Europe

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Multi-Country Europe Trip in 2025

Bharat

16 Jun 2025 — 5 min read

From the historical landmarks of Rome to the wonders of the world in Paris, and from the vibrant culture of Spain to the Alps of Switzerland, Europe is a beautiful tapestry of attractive countries.

Are you planning your dream European trip? Curate the best multi-country travel itinerary of Europe with the help of our step-by-step travel and planning guide. Say hello to European adventure and goodbye to the hassle and hustle of confused planning!

The Ultimate Guide - Step by Step

1. Pen down the types of places you want to visit or like.

2. Finalise the cities or countries you want to visit

3. Check the necessary things like travel documents and visas, along with entry and exit cities.

4. Make a budget, rough itinerary, and book advance tickets for experiences, if needed.

5. Pack smart and light.

Choose the Right Destinations: Assess Your Needs & Style of Travelling

Planning a vacation for a place so vast, the first and most crucial step is identifying all your trip needs beforehand, meaning, pen down your travel style, budget, and personal interests. With 46 diverse countries, Europe has something for everyone—history buffs can explore France, Italy, or Greece; party lovers may prefer Spain, Berlin, or the Netherlands; and nature enthusiasts might enjoy Switzerland or Croatia. Matching destinations to your preferences helps shape a fulfilling and personalised itinerary.

The choice of your interests will help you decide the countries and will influence everything else, such as flights, train passes, visa requirements, accommodations, and even the pace of your trip. Lastly, estimate your total budget by accounting for key expenses like airfare, local transportation, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and other miscellaneous costs.

Also Read: Top 10 Hidden Gems of Europe

Finalise the Countries You Want to Visit

Europe offers something unique for every traveller, solo, couple or group. Food, culture, history, nightlife, beaches, and romance all around - planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming, and you can always over-plan it! Here’s an easy travel between European countries tip - instead of trying to visit 10 countries in two weeks, focus on 3–5 countries with logical geographic proximity. For instance:

Western Europe route: France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany
Southern Europe route: Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece
Central Europe route: Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland

Choosing nearby countries minimises travel time and maximises experiences.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps to Plan Your Route and Assess ConnectivityTo create a practical itinerary, plot your chosen cities on Google Maps. This helps visualise your journey and avoid backtracking.

Decide Your Entry & Exit Cities with Visa Requirements

Choose your entry and exit cities based on visa rules, flight availability, and travel flow. Start in a major hub with easy international access, like Paris or Amsterdam, and end in a city with good return options. Ensure your route aligns with Schengen visa rules to avoid complications during your multi-country Europe trip in 2025.

Pro Tip: Most U.S. passport holders don’t need a Schengen visa for short stays, but starting in 2025, ETIAS authorisation will be required. Check all entry requirements before planning your trip.

Make Your Budget - Tips

Seasonal Bookings:

Choosing the time of travel makes a huge difference to your budget. Book flights and major attractions well in advance, especially if travelling during summer or holiday periods. Consider shoulder seasons, during spring and fall, for better deals and fewer crowds.

Accommodation options:

If you are travelling on a budget, go for accommodations like hostels, Airbnb, or budget hotels. Staying outside city centres can offer good value stays and help you save a little without sacrificing convenience.

Transportation within the city:

Most countries in Europe have impeccable public transport connectivity. Use public transport passes or multi-day travel cards in major cities to save on metro, tram, or bus rides. Walking or renting bikes in pedestrian-friendly cities like Amsterdam or Prague can also cut costs and enhance your experience.

Plan Sightseeing & Activities

For each country and destination, curate a rough plan of sights you want to visit and experiences you want to indulge in. Research well with the help of travel blogs and Google to find the most interesting activities to do and places to visit, and make an itinerary.

Prioritise top attractions, local experiences, and free walking tours. Some experiences (like the Eiffel Tower, Vatican Museums, or Anne Frank House) require advance booking weeks or months ahead.Check the rates and tickets on different apps and book everything in advance for popular attractions.

Pack Smart & Keep All Travel Essentials

Before travelling to a new country, it's important to make a list of essential items you will need. First, obtain health insurance and pack a small first aid kit along with any medications you take daily. Make sure to include some small snack packets in your luggage, and remember to pack smartly since you won’t want to carry heavy bags around.

Also, make digital and printed copies of all important documents, including your itinerary. Here are some travel essentials you should pack:- Lightweight clothing with layers- Comfortable shoes for walking- Power adapter (Type C or F plugs)- A small backpack or daypack- Travel documents (passport, ETIAS, insurance)

The last step is, stay flexible and enjoy your vacation! To help you have the best European travel experience with ease and affordability, check out TriWize, the best affordable flight booking website. You can book multi-country flights from here and plan a memorable trip with no hassle.

FAQs

What are the most budget-friendly cities to travel to in Europe?

Some of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe include Budapest, Prague, Kraków, Lisbon, and Sofia. These cities offer affordable accommodations, cheap local food, and great public transport while being rich in culture and attractions.

What is ETIAS, and how do I apply for it?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a mandatory online travel authorisation for travellers from visa-exempt countries. It costs a small fee and is valid for three years or until your passport expires.

How many countries should I include in my Europe trip?

It’s best to limit your trip to 3–5 countries, especially if travelling for 2–3 weeks. This allows you to explore each destination more deeply without feeling rushed.

Should I book everything in advance?

You do not have to book everything in advance. Only book major transportation from country to country and city to city, accommodations, and popular attractions in advance. For local experiences and restaurants, keeping some flexibility allows for spontaneous plans.