Top 30 Europe Travel Blogs For Serious Wanderlust in 2019

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Your budget for backpacking in Europe is usually the most important factor when planning your travels. Unfortunately, planning is very confusing because it is so difficult to know how much you’re actually going to spend.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on budgeting between 50€-70€/day for Western Europe and around 30€-50€/day for Eastern Europe.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
No matter where you travel in Europe (whether on land or on a cruise), it’s good to be prepared for your trip, but do not book all in advance, maybe the first 1-2 nights. From there on try to stay spontaneous and flexible and see what happens. For many destinations that works, unless you travel to the very popular places, which are usually the big cities. There you should book your room far in advance.

Get lost when in you are in a new destination and wander around. Walk more than usual. You will then have experiences which you will never forget… and to 99% in a positive way. 🙂

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
The Europe power adapter! All the electronic stuff is worthless if you can’t charge it! Then I love my sunglasses and I never leave them at home, even if it’s cloudy. Think positive… there is always the sun behind the clouds! 😉

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Know where you want to go and create a rough plan to fit them on your trip, but keep it loose as you’ll discover so many other beautiful places you’ll want to go to, yet never imagined they existed. Flexibility, and a sense of adventure, is key to explore the best of Iceland (and any country).

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My iPhone. Keeps me connected, entertained, and I pretty much manage everything with it.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
One of the best ways to explore Portugal is via its food – so make sure you come hungry! Like anywhere else, Portuguese dishes tell the story of the land and its people. But the difference is that, in Portugal, eating well and drinking plenty just happens to be the best ice-breaker to make friends with locals!

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Spend some time sailing the Adriatic Sea. The Croatian coast is simply stunning and something everyone needs to experience at least once. The waters are crystal clear with over a 1000 islands which have been inhabited since ancient times. You’ll also find national and nature parks and you can also visit the great cities of Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Experience the real France, not just Paris. Go to a small village, rent an apartment or house and feel the joie de vivre, the joy of life, that makes a trip to France so compelling in the first place. Travel off the beaten path and you will be rewarded with amazing memories, a hint of adventure and a true connection with the country and its people. Try the local cuisine and the fabulous wines. Keep it simple and have a picnic. This is what France is all about!

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Book your accommodation as soon as possible. Usually the best deals for a summer vacation in Sardinia are secured starting from January! Rome can be very busy too.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Forget the beach and venture out beyond the big cities for a great cultural adventure.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My iPhone – camera, hotel reservations, maps, translations, calculator all in one!

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
The Balkan countries are way more affordable than western Europe and I find them to be full of history, beautiful landscapes, and great food! Expect people to be very welcoming. Most of the time it’s not an act for tourists at all, but because hospitality is engrained in the culture there. They will offer you more food, wine, and ready to guide you if you’re lost or need a recommendation.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My #1 travel item is my iPhone 7+ because it allows me to capture incredible photos and videos in the palm of my hand. I can also take care of emails, banking and my social medias from anywhere in the world.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Take it slow and make sure to visit at least a couple of islands the first time visiting. Don’t try to visit everything but instead focus on the most beautiful parts.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Prepare for rain and know that there’s more to see than just Brussels and Brugesè

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Go with the flow and relax if everything doesn’t quite happen as planned – just enjoy the sunshine

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My iPhone – it’s my computer, camera, video camera, social media. I get very twitchy if parted from my iPhone!

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Don’t just see Oslo, and if you can, head west! I think some people who only come to Oslo are disappointed because it’s not what they expect Norway to be. If you want to see mountains and fjords you’ll need to go west. The entire west coast of Norway is stunning, and definitely worth the journey.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
While Europe as a whole is my most blogged about area, I’d have to say before visiting Montenegro, be prepared to be stunned as it’s the most underrated country in Europe in my opinion.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Leave your generalisations and media shaped opinions at home, pack your smile and be ready for the best trip of your life.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
People usually don’t know what to expect from an Eastern European and a Balkan country such as Bulgaria. Is there something interesting, is it worth it? My #1 tip for first time visitors is to ditch the stereotypes and to open their mind for new experiences. That way you’ll definitely see that Bulgaria has so much to offer that you’ll want to stay for twice the time you planned.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My gadgets – a camera, an action camera, my laptop, a portable Wi-Fi and a portable charger. I feel most comfortable when I’m connected and when I can do my work from anywhere.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Hang out at the pubs even if you don’t drink. The Irish people are the friendliest in the world, and getting to know them is such a treat. Learn “Danny Boy” before you go, and you will be welcomed like a family member! Oh, and bring an empty suitcase to fill with gorgeous hand woven blankets from Avoca.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Those with limited time will skip Slovenia for more popular European countries like Italy, Greece or Spain – this is such a big mistake! Slovenia is such an underrated country: it’s beautiful, the people are lovely and the food is great. Go in the summer and be prepared to try adventurous sports in breathtaking nature.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Norway has a reputation for being expensive, particularly when it comes to alcohol. That’s true. But only in part. If you’re in Oslo and in the mood for a beer, move just a little ways away from main street Karl Johan and the Aker Brygge area. East of the central station, only a few minutes’ walk away, a pint is one third of the price.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
I travel as a light as possible. And if it’s just for 1 day, I usually limit myself to only things I can fit in my pockets. The #1 item is my (no surprise) all-in-one phone/camera/computer/interview recorder/flight ticket/hotel reservation/you-name-it.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, don’t be put off by the stereotype of Germany as an expensive country: Berlin is very affordable! In fact, it may be one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities with great food for under €5 a meal. Of course, like in any city in the world, you can go crazy and spend thousands, but your money really can go further than you think in Berlin.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
I always travel with earplugs, as my sleep is very important to me. This is especially true when I travel, when I want to be awake and alert during the day to be able to make the most of my destination. Having earplugs with me, even if I don’t use them, gives me the peace of mind that I know I’ll be able to sleep well even if I’m in a less than silent place!

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Hitchhike in Romania. It is very common and one of the cheapest and fun ways to get around in the country. Payment is usually expected but it is cheap at $1.25 per 100 km. Thumbs up means you are looking for a free ride. Waving your hand down means, you are willing to pay. Most drivers will offer you a free ride if they know you are a foreigner.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
I believe Portugal is one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Europe. It has amazing weather, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a cuisine that mixes all of the cultural influences picked up from the Romans, the Moors, the former colonies in Africa and India. Arrive knowing some basics like the language (please, don’t speak Spanish with the Portuguese), currency, time zone, a list of must-sees, but toss the travel guide book.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
Comfortable shoes because I don’t know of any place in this country that doesn’t have at least one street or one square with “calçada portuguesa”, the white-and-black patterned cobblestones that everyone raves about in Portugal.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
When visiting Slovenia, which by the way you should, don’t stick to Ljubljana and the island of Bled. Even though this is a fairly petit country, it offers plenty of sights – visit them. Go to Bohinj lake, visit the castle in Celje, drive to the sea, stop at the Postojna cave… leave plenty of time to also savour the food and wine.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
My favorite ebook. Because all our travels are also time off for us. And time we can relax. I relax best with a good book – preferably on a beach somewhere.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Read up about life in modern Turkey before you come to get the most out of your trip.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
A large cotton scarf. It’s essential to have one if you want to enter a mosque, perfect to use over your swimming costume, great when the sun goes down and it get a bit chilly and can double as a light throw on planes and buses.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Go to Poland as soon as you can. Do not delay. Do not pass go, do not collect £200. Poland is the jewel of Europe, you will fall in love with it.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Russia is a huge and very diverse country – don’t be afraid to take a trip off the beaten path. Moscow and St. Petersburg are cool, but don’t get stuck in the typical Russian destinations. You’ll be amazed at all the culture, history, and adventure you find there.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
While Bucharest is a great destination for (affordable) nightlife, if you really want to see what’s Romania about rent a car and head to small villages like Zabala, Viscri or Saschiz. You’ll find cheap accommodation, authentic rural life and delicious food. Not to mention the great landscape. The roads may be bad here and there, but the view is worth it. You can hike, bike or just swing in a hammock and enjoy the silence and fresh air.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Most people that visit Portugal come to one of the cities (Lisbon or Porto, usually) or to the beaches in the Algarve. Very few people go inland and explore rural Portugal, but this is probably one of the country’s most interesting parts. Here, you’ll find a way of life that’s still traditional and relatively untouched by tourism. A part of Portugal where many people still wear traditional dress and where you’ll often see a farmer driving his tractor, the trailer loaded with veg to sell at the market and his wife sitting on top of it all.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
Berlin is not an easy city like paris or london. it was destroyed a bunch of times and suffered a lot during the last few decades. Berlin is raw and demands a high level of knowledge to fully understand what is going on. this for me is what makes me in love with this city here. I think that, beyond the ridiculous amount of museums and galleries this city has to offer, to just walk around the east and west to see the signs of history is a must and berlin demands also a day tour and a nightlife tour, of course.

What’s your #1 tip for first timers visiting there?
We found Plovdiv to be more interesting place than Sofia.

What’s your #1 packing list item and why?
Cooking knife. How else a food enthusiast can try all new ingredients whenever our next destination is?