After visiting 50+ European cities and making every travel mistake in the book, I've learned what really works. These aren't generic tips you'll find everywhere – they're hard-earned insights from years of real-world travel.
Master the Art of Packing
Pack smart, not heavy
The One-Week Europe Packing Formula
After countless trips, I've perfected the art of packing everything you need for a week-long European city break in just a carry-on bag. Here's my tried-and-tested system:
Lucy's 7-3-1 Rule
7 days of underwear and socks (non-negotiable!)
3 bottoms (one for travel, one dressy, one casual)
1 week's worth of tops that mix and match with everything
- Choose a color palette of 2-3 colors maximum. Everything should coordinate.
- Pack one "magic" piece that can go from day to night (a midi dress or smart blazer)
- Bring layers, not heavy items. A cardigan beats a coat for most of Europe
- Roll, don't fold. You'll fit 30% more in your case
- Wear your heaviest shoes and coat on the plane
- Pack cubes are a game-changer for organization and compression
Pro Tip from the Road
I always pack an empty tote bag in my suitcase. It becomes my personal item on the way home when I inevitably buy too much stuff, and serves as a day bag during the trip.
Essential Items You'll Forget
- European plug adapter (type C/F for most of Europe)
- Portable phone charger – European cities = lots of walking and GPS use
- Comfortable walking shoes you can wear 12+ hours
- Small umbrella (trust me on this one)
- European emergency health insurance card
Budget Travel Mastery
See Europe without breaking the bank
How I Travel Europe on £50-80 Per Day
You don't need a trust fund to explore Europe beautifully. With smart planning and local knowledge, you can have incredible experiences on a modest budget.
Accommodation Hacks
- Stay in residential neighborhoods, not tourist centers
- Book apartments for 3+ nights (often cheaper than hotels)
- Consider hostels with private rooms – great facilities, lower prices
- Use public transport from budget hotels outside the center
Food & Drink Savings
- Eat lunch at dinner restaurants for cheaper prices
- Shop at local markets and supermarkets
- Happy hour is your friend (especially in Scandinavia!)
- Follow locals to the best cheap eats
Free Things That Don't Feel Free
Some of Europe's best experiences cost nothing: walking tours (tip-based), free museum days, city parks and gardens, markets, street art tours, and sunset viewpoints. I've had magical evenings in Rome's Trastevere, Prague's Charles Bridge at dawn, and Barcelona's Park Güell – all free!
Money-Saving Secret
Use city tourism cards strategically. They're not always worth it, but for museum-heavy days or cities with expensive public transport (like London or Berlin), they can save you 30-50%.
Solo Female Travel Safety
Confident, safe, and empowered solo adventures
Traveling Solo as a Woman in Europe
I've been traveling solo across Europe for over 8 years, and I want every woman to feel confident doing the same. Here's what I've learned about staying safe while having incredible solo adventures.
Before You Go
- Research the local culture and dress codes
- Share your itinerary with someone at home
- Download offline maps for your phone
- Learn basic phrases in the local language
- Register with your embassy if staying long-term
Accommodation Safety
- Choose well-reviewed places in safe neighborhoods
- Request rooms on floors 2-7 (safer than ground floor, accessible for emergency services)
- Check locks and security features on arrival
- Keep a small flashlight handy
Out and About
- Trust your instincts – they're usually right
- Keep some cash hidden separately from your main wallet
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or flash electronics
- Sit near other women or families on public transport
My Solo Travel Confidence Boosters
Book at least one thing in advance for your first day (walking tour, museum visit, restaurant reservation). Having a plan reduces anxiety and gives you an instant way to meet people or ask for help if needed.
The Power Move
Carry yourself with confidence. I walk purposefully, keep my phone navigation discreet, and act like I belong. Most safety issues can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and trusting your gut feelings.
Travel Insurance Wisdom
Protect yourself without overpaying
The Insurance Nobody Talks About (But Should)
I learned this the hard way when I got food poisoning in Prague and needed emergency care. Good travel insurance isn't just about lost luggage – it's about peace of mind.
What You Actually Need Coverage For
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Emergency dental care (tooth pain doesn't wait for home)
- Trip cancellation due to illness or family emergency
- Lost or stolen belongings (but check your limits)
- Flight delays and missed connections
- Personal liability (accidentally breaking something expensive)
The EHIC/GHIC Card Myth
If you're British, your GHIC card covers basic emergency healthcare in the EU, but NOT things like repatriation, private treatment, or non-emergency care. You still need proper travel insurance!
Insurance Hack
Annual multi-trip policies are often cheaper than single-trip coverage if you travel more than twice a year. I pay about £80 annually for worldwide coverage that includes everything I need.
Essential Travel Apps
Your digital travel toolkit
Apps That Actually Make Travel Easier
I've tried hundreds of travel apps. These are the ones that live permanently on my phone because they solve real problems.
Citymapper
The best public transport app for European cities. Real-time updates, walking directions, and bike options.
Google Translate
Camera translation feature is magic for menus and signs. Download offline language packs before you go.
XE Currency
Works offline and updates rates when you get WiFi. Essential for quick price conversions.
Maps.me
Detailed offline maps that work without data. Saved me so many times in areas with poor signal.
TripIt
Forward confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and it creates a beautiful itinerary. Works offline too.
Rome2Rio
Shows every possible way to get from A to B – flights, trains, buses, ferries. Great for multi-city trips.
App Organization Tip
Create a "Travel" folder on your phone with all these apps. Before each trip, download offline maps, offline translation packs, and update all apps. Nothing worse than trying to download something important on slow hotel WiFi!
Travel Photography Tips
Capture memories like a pro
Creating Instagram-Worthy Travel Photos
You don't need expensive equipment to take beautiful travel photos. Here's how I capture the shots that make people ask "Where was this taken?"
Golden Hour is Everything
The hour after sunrise and before sunset makes any location look magical. I plan my sightseeing around these times, especially for iconic landmarks.
Composition Secrets
- Use leading lines (bridges, roads, railings)
- Frame your shots with doorways or arches
- Include people for scale and storytelling
- Shoot from unusual angles – get low or find height
- Fill the frame – get closer to your subject
Smartphone Photography
- Clean your lens (seriously, it makes a huge difference)
- Use portrait mode for depth of field
- Tap to focus on your main subject
- Don't rely on digital zoom – move closer instead
- Edit with VSCO or Lightroom Mobile
The Anti-Tourist Photo Trick
Wake up early or stay late. The same famous square that's packed with tourists at 2pm is often completely empty at 7am. Some of my best photos of iconic European landmarks were taken when everyone else was still sleeping.
Photo Storage Lifesaver
Back up photos to cloud storage daily. I use Google Photos with unlimited storage. There's nothing worse than losing a week's worth of memories to a lost or broken phone!