Booking a trip across the ocean has its own special thrill! The promise of basking in Italy’s Mediterranean sun while eating gelato, strolling along the Seine at sunset, or listening to the soulful melodies of Fado in Lisbon’s medieval streets: Europe promises a journey to remember and a dream come to life. Yet, between the excitement of planning your future travels, packing your bags and dealing with different time zones, preparation is essential!
Because we believe in the power of knowledge, we have compiled a slow travel Europe guide to help you embrace the journey and the destinations. From adjusting to local customs to learning how to plan extended stays in Europe, you will find practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Time to grab your passport and get started on your cross-continental voyage!
Europe is a synonym of diversity, beauty, and deliciousness. Every country in this exciting continent offers the opportunity for an unforgettable adventure. Think Douro Valley, Spanish tapas, the Eiffel Tower, or even Big Ben and the beaches of Sicily. The question is: Where to start?
Portugal and Spain are a wonderful opening act to the way of life across the Atlantic. From the warm and sun-drenched cities of the Iberian Peninsula, it is simple to either move north to France, the City of Lights and the historic Normandy, or east to Italy, by high-speed train or a quick flight. Seeking the tranquility of the English and or Irish countryside? European air companies offer you competitive rates to these destinations with direct itineraries and short flights.
When choosing the best European destinations for mature travelers, we recommend you think "story" over "checklist", and, soon enough, you will have before you the vacation of your dreams. This way, each region will have the time to shine on its own, without forcing you to rave from sight to sight. The key is to sketch a flexible plan and leave room for spontaneous detours. Europe is ready to inspire you every step of the way!
Let us share our Europe trip packing tips. Have you ever tried to drag a suitcase on a cobblestoned street? Then, you already know that Europe has its own sense of humor. From the small elevators to the winding medieval lanes and uneven terrain of some of the lands of the countryside, this destination favors those who pack light and smart!
In countries like France, England, and Ireland, layers are key! Especially in the winter season, you can expect rain and colder weather that contrasts with the warmth inside restaurants, shops, and museums. You must be prepared for contrasting temperatures while being comfortable. Mix and match pieces will be your best friends. As for shoes, aim for two to three pairs. Plus, ensure you have a comfortable pair for the walking tours and exploration adventures (your feet will thank you). Remember, Europeans dress neatly but rarely fuss over flashiness!
Staying connected goes beyond having a Wi-Fi connection. It is, in part, having a sense of “home” while hopping between time zones and different cities. One of our top travel tips for seniors in Europe is to sort out your phone plan before takeoff. eSIMs are now among the favorites for travelers. These allow you to download local data instantly, without having to physically change cards. However, if you are more of a traditionalist, SIM cards do work fine and Wi-Fi can be found in most hotels, cafés, and trains (always taking it with a pinch of salt; rural areas take a simpler way of life seriously!).
As for money, Europe is now mostly cashless, but coins can always come in handy. Having a couple of euros with you can save you on a trip to a more local café or market in times of craving for a gelato or a macaron! Over this side of the pond, tipping is also refreshingly simple. Rounding up the bill, in most cases, is plenty, as rewarding is seen as arbitrary and not mandatory.
One of the most fascinating surprises of extended European vacation planning is realizing that time flows differently here. In Spain, dinner will probably prove to be closer to your bedtime, while in France and Italy, lunch is a leisurely affair that can stretch into the afternoon. For most of these destinations, a meal is a moment to leave stress behind and let the joy of food take over. So, leave your clock aside and prepare your taste buds for delicacies like paella, pizza, and arancini.
Looking for something to do at the weekend? Sundays are sacred; mostly a family day, ideal to slow down and prepare for the new week. You will find the streets to be quieter and many stores to be closed. Notice locals lingering over family meals and take it as your cue to rest and admire the streets of big cities like London and Madrid from a new perspective.
When it comes to how to travel Europe stress-free, moving around seamlessly between cities is part of the adventure. This corner of the world has practically invented convenient travel, especially when it comes to trains. Whether you are gliding past France’s lavender fields, racing between Portugal’s two big cities, like Lisbon and Porto, or passing by Spain’s golden countryside, train rides in these countries will prove to be scenic experiences of great efficiency. For longer hops, like between Portugal and Ireland or Scotland, short flights are the way to go! Just remember that these mean more time in queues, so balance these connections with care.
Once you are established in a city, embrace the metro, buses, trams, or even “gondolas”! Locals use them for a reason, and you should not exclude them from your travel. It is a good way to fit into the local way of life and avoid long, strenuous walks to reach must-visit attractions.
In your process of planning long trips to Europe after 60, you have the benefit of having the power to shape your whole experience from transportation to accommodation, season and activities. In Europe, location is everything when choosing a hotel. Staying central in the city means you can stroll to cafés, markets, and museums. Walking gives you a good opportunity to discover hidden gems and the magic of everyday life.
However, be prepared for a few quirks. Elevators tend to be on the smaller size, and outlets may require an adapter. Some smaller hotels offer personality and experiences to remember. So, pick wisely and prioritize your comfort!
An essential part of any senior travel Europe checklist is to start with good travel insurance, especially for long trips. This is the kind of thing you hope you never need but will make a difference if your suitcase takes the wrong turn or you catch a sniffle halfway through. In the cities, pharmacies are usually easy to spot (signaled with a glowing green cross). In case of emergency, 112 is the universal emergency number across the EU, while 999 is England’s and Scotland’s.
Cross-continent travel also adds a component to be considered: jet lag. The different time zones can take a toll on your body. Therefore, we recommend you drink water, take short walks and try to sync with local time right away. A gentle stroll on your arrival day will do wonders!
The best travel tips for seniors in Europe are mostly about mindset. Europe is an open invitation to slow down, look around and join in the timeless rhythm where ancient traditions and modern habits converge. Knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” in the local language will help you break barriers. Locals always appreciate the effort, even if your accent isn’t a match to their own.
If meals are prolonged and relaxed, take that opportunity to linger over your coffee or much-awaited dessert and let food and other social events become part of your itinerary. Longer vacations are all about connection with places, people and yourself. So, embracing the local way is just one step towards savoring moments and creating unforgettable memories.
The best tips for multi-country travel in Europe all come down to flexibility and staying curious; the rest is up to Europe’s awe-inspiring cities to work their magic. Every train ride, every border crossing, every café and detour has the potential to introduce you to dazzling vistas and landscapes to remember. Ultimately, the beauty of long European journeys is gradually fitting into the local way of life with each stop. So, pack light and wander freely! As for the planning, you can count on TourTailors to design your personalized European adventure fit for your dreams.