Considerations for European Travel
Traveling abroad to Europe is undoubtedly a thrilling experience, and with it comes a number of additional considerations groups and travel planners will need to keep top of mind—whether it's your first trip or 50th. To learn more, we connected with Justin Osbon, Sales Director at Image Tours, a company which has been helping travelers see Europe for decades.
While Image Tours has maintained solid relationships with guides, vendors and partners in Europe since 1939, they still sit down each year to reevaluate each of their guides for the upcoming year—a smart approach for ensuring quality remains high. Osbon also said that while traveler questions and concerns have evolved over the years, they're still mostly focused on currency, language and packing.
"For currency, we recommend the use of ATMs, so you only have to carry a couple of day's cash with you while traveling for smaller purchases and use credit cards for larger purchases; this way, you ensure better exchange rates and minimize the risk of loss or theft," Osbon shared. Apple Pay is another popular payment option. "Language can also be a concern, but most places speak English and will treat you respectfully if you're struggling—as long as you, too, are being respectful."
Google translate is a great resource for both conversations and translating text from one language to another on the go.
"For packing, clients should pack and plan with comfort in mind, layering and choosing basic colors to help mix and match outfits is key," Osbon suggested. "Nobody's trying to win a fashion contest so just plan to be comfortable and enjoy your surroundings."
Don't forget to research what's needed for your chargers and other electrical devices like hair tools, as the standard electric current in Europe is 220V/50H, which varies from that in North America and requires different plug/outlet styles.
"If clients need to carry electrical appliances, take along a plug adapter based on the typical style needed for the countries they're visiting," Osbon said. "A 'Type C' plug will work in most countries, but a 'Type F' or 'Type E' might be needed in others."
Your cell phone will also need some attention before your departure.
"Before your trip, check with your cell provider to confirm your phone's make and model will work in Europe and ask about short-term international plans to minimize fees for calls, texts and data while outside of the U.S.," Osbon advised. "We recommend clients download WhatsApp, a free phone app that offers a cost-free way to communicate over Wi-Fi with other smartphones. Most hotels have free Wi-Fi access, so it's best to email, text, call or download in the evenings when at the hotel."
When it comes to your passport, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If necessary, travelers should plan to start their passport renewal process six to nine months prior to their passport's expiration or travel date—whichever comes first.
"We recommend making three copies of your passport: One in your luggage, one on you while traveling and another with someone back home to ensure a quicker process of getting you home in the event your passport becomes lost," Osbon said, also encouraging travelers to respect the European way of life and adapt to any situation graciously. "Enjoy your travel adventure and make the most of what's in front of you."
Also worth noting: Originally slated to go into effect in 2025, the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)—an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries—has been delayed until the last quarter of 2026. More information can be found by visiting the official ETIAS website: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the May/Jun '25 issue of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Justin Osborn, Image Tours.
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