How to plan a multi-country trip across Europe
Limit your itinerary to one city every three days to avoid burnout and keep travel costs predictable. Use a combination of high-speed rail for short distances and budget airlines for crossings over 800 kilometers.
- Budget
- 150 dollars per day
- Duration
- 14 days recommended
- Best Time
- May, June, September, and October
- Visa Required
- Depends; check your country's status for the Schengen Area.
Step by step
Pick a regional theme
Don't try to see the whole continent. Pick one region—like Central Europe (Prague, Vienna, Budapest) or the Iberian Peninsula (Madrid, Lisbon, Porto)—to minimize time spent in transit.
Use the 3-day rule
Allocate a minimum of 3 days per city. This allows for one travel day, one sightseeing day, and one buffer day to handle logistics or just relax.
Map your route by train
Check routes on the Trainline app or Omio. If the train ride is under 6 hours, take it. If it is longer, book a flight via EasyJet or Ryanair at least 4 weeks in advance to save money.
Book your 'anchor' legs
Book your arrival flight into your first city and your departure flight out of your last city before booking anything in between. This locks in your total trip window.
Questions people ask
Is an Interrail or Eurail pass worth it?
Only if you plan to travel by train more than 5 times in a month. For shorter trips, individual point-to-point tickets booked 30 days in advance are almost always cheaper.
Should I book all my hostels/hotels before I leave?
Yes. Booking last-minute accommodation in popular European cities often results in paying double the price for low-quality rooms.
- Breakdown
- Expect to spend 60 USD on mid-range accommodation, 50 USD on food, and 40 USD on local transport and museum entries. Budget an additional 200–400 USD for inter-city travel.
- Daily Average
- 150 USD per person
Packing
- A 40-liter backpack (avoid suitcases with wheels, as cobblestone streets are brutal)
- One universal power adapter with two USB ports
- A dedicated document folder for printed train and flight tickets
- A lightweight, waterproof shell jacket for unpredictable weather