Spring (April–June)
Mild weather, fewer crowds than summer, and everything is open again after winter. This is one of the easiest times to travel between countries without dealing with peak-season chaos.
Summer (July–August)
Warm weather and long days, but this is peak travel season. Prices go up, crowds are heavier, and popular cities get noticeably busy—especially places like Paris, Rome, and the Greek islands.
Fall (September–October)
Still warm in many places, but with fewer crowds. This is one of the best times for a balanced trip—good weather without peak-season pricing.
Winter (November–March)
Colder, shorter days, and some smaller towns shut down. That said, cities like Vienna or Prague are known for Christmas markets, which change the experience completely.
Visit Major Landmarks (But Plan Around Them)
Seeing places like the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum is usually part of the plan, but timing matters. Early morning or late evening makes a noticeable difference.
Take a Train Between Cities
Europe’s train system is one of the easiest ways to travel. Routes between cities like Paris to Amsterdam or Rome to Florence are straightforward and save time compared to flying once you factor in airport logistics.
Explore Smaller Towns
Some of the best parts of Europe are outside the major cities. Places in Nantes, the South of France, or smaller Dutch towns feel completely different from capital cities.
Plan Around Food (It Matters Here)
Meals are slower and more intentional. Lunch can take an hour or more, and dinner is often later than in the U.S. It’s less about grabbing something quick and more about sitting down and staying a while.
Walk the Cities
Most cities are designed to be explored on foot. Comfortable shoes make a difference quickly.
Most major cities in Europe have international airports, so where you fly into depends on your itinerary. Common entry points include:
If you’re visiting multiple countries, it often makes sense to fly into one city and out of another (multi-city flights are usually worth checking).
Trains
The most efficient way to travel between cities. High-speed trains connect major destinations and are usually on time.
Flights (for longer distances)
Budget airlines make it easy to move between countries if you’re covering more ground.
Rental Cars (for rural areas)
If you’re visiting smaller towns, coastal areas, or countryside regions, renting a car makes a big difference.
Public Transportation
Most major cities have metros, buses, and trams that are easy to use. Walking is still a big part of getting around, even with public transport.
Power Outlets
Europe uses Type C, E, and F plugs (two round pins). You’ll need a universal adapter.
Time Zone
Most of Europe runs 5–9 hours ahead of the U.S., depending on location.
Tipping
Tipping is not the same as in the U.S. In many places, service is included, and rounding up is common instead of adding 20%.
Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most countries.
Payments
Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller places still prefer cash.
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
Make Dynamic
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
