After taking countless trips to Europe over the years, I've started to get planning down to an art form. Before we dive in, a few things worth knowing about how we travel — because the approach that shaped this guide may or may not match yours.
- We are a couple not traveling with children.
- We have always been pretty flexible about when and where we travel.
- We are constantly looking for new places to explore.
- We are not hung up on visiting the most famous sites.
You don't have to be the same kind of traveler — but if you want to plan your own journey instead of following what the websites and tour guides tell you, I hope this can help.
Before You Start
A Note on Advance Planning for Specific Sites
If going to Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, plan way in advance. The chances of seeing the Last Supper in Milan are almost nil without booking ahead. Similarly, you can visit the Alhambra in Granada on short notice — but to see the world-famous royal garden, you need tickets weeks in advance.
If your heart is set on a specific site, museum, or attraction, check ticket availability before working through the planning steps below. Availability — not price — is often the constraint that shapes everything else.
The Guide
All Five Steps — Start Anywhere
Ready to start planning? Work through the steps in order, or jump to wherever you are in the process.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing!