How to plan a Europe trip from India - a detailed step by step guide!

Europe is a bucket list destination for most Indian travelers. After all, it's home to iconic castles, stunning Alps, glacial lakes, old-world medieval towns, world-class art galleries and museums, and most importantly, the gorgeous green meadows and colorful flower fields featured in all the Yash Chopra movies. Whatever it is that calls you to Europe, planning the trip can be an overwhelming experience, considering there are so many cities and countless things to do!

Picturesque villages nestled at the foothills of snow-capped mountains.

Spring flowers in bloom on the Mountains, in Switzerland.

We have traveled to Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, and Germany, and we are excited to share a detailed, step-by-step guide to planning your own trip to Europe. This guide will help you structure your journey based on the cities you want to visit and the attractions you wish to see. Whether you are planning a road trip or intend to use the excellent public transport available in most European countries, we've got you covered!

Here is the list of topics I will cover in this blog:

1. Visa

2. Travel Insurance

3. Best time to visit Europe

4. Where/Which Cities to Include in Your Travel Plan?

5. How Many Days are Suitable for Your Trip?

6. Local Transport

7. Accommodation

8. Food

9. Network/SIM

10. Currency

11. Sample Itinerary

Visa -

Schengen basics - Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit the countries in the Schengen Zone. Most European countries are part of this zone, including the Scandinavian countries, with Croatia being the most recent addition.

Documents & & where to apply - The Schengen visa application process is quite straightforward. There is an online application form available on the immigration website of the country you want to apply to.

Appointment tips- After filling out the form, schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS office to submit your documents, complete biometric data, and wait for your visa approval. Typically, it takes around 2 to 3 weeks to process, but it is always wise to apply at least a month ahead of your trip, especially during the holiday season, to ensure you receive the visa on time.

Non-Schengen - It is important to note that the UK (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) is NOT part of the Schengen countries, so you will need a separate visa to travel to the UK.)

Which country should you apply for a visa to if traveling to multiple countries in the Schengen area? Apply to the country that is your port of entry or the country where you plan to spend the maximum number of days.

Cost of Visa:

• Travelers over 12 years of age: 80 euros

• Children 6 to 12 years: 40 euros

• No visa fees for children under 6 years

• VFS also charges some processing fees.

It is important to note that the applicant's passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of travel.

For more information, visit the vfs website.

Nyhavn , Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel Insurance-

Travel insurance is a must while traveling anywhere! It covers the cost of minor and major health issues during your trip. Additionally, it protects you in case of lost baggage, delayed baggage arrival, or flight cancellations. Various companies offer travel insurance, so you can choose the one that best suits your requirements.

Unreal looking waters of Vintgar gorge , Slovenia

Best time to visit

Europe is a popular destination year-round, but most crowds flock during the summer months, typically from June to August. During this time, temperatures are comfortable, there's less rainfall, and daylight hours are long. However, popular attractions can be crowded, and you may experience wait times at museums, castles, and galleries.

We recommend visiting Europe during the shoulder seasons: spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October). During these months, temperatures are still pleasant, but the crowds are significantly fewer, creating a more relaxed experience.

In spring, you can enjoy blooming wildflowers everywhere and see newborn lambs in the fields. In autumn, witness the breathtaking sight of trees changing colors, adding to the charm of your European journey.

Oslo in spring, Norway

Choose countries & route

Deciding on which cities to include in your European travel plan can be challenging due to the vast diversity of offerings across the continent. For your Europe trip from India, First, determine your area of interest: whether it's architecture and history, museums and galleries, hiking and nature, glaciers and fjords, or a mix of everything!

Example first-timer routes - Cities in Europe are well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. You can find affordable flight connections to cities such as Milan, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Rome. A pro tip is to fly into one of these hubs and then travel to nearby cities or countries based on the number of travel days you have. This approach allows you to maximize your time and experience diverse aspects of Europe based on your interests.

Round-trip flights - usually cost less than return from a diffrent city.

Hallstatt - Austria

Decide Trip length

We strongly recommend planning a trip of at least 15 days to Europe. Anything less might not justify the effort and expense you put into the journey.

A valuable tip for slow travel is to avoid cramming too many cities and countries into your itinerary. Traveling to 11 cities in 8 countries over 15 days can be exhausting and only allows for a brief glimpse of each place before moving on.

Base-city strategy & day trips- Have a base city like , Interlaken, or Saalzburg and lan day trips.

Pace rules (nights per city) - focus on visiting 1 or at most 2 countries during your 15-day trip, atleast 2 nights er city. This approach makes travel more enjoyable and relaxing, without rushing through museums and landmarks. Trust me, constantly packing and moving every day is not worth it!

Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, at night.

Getting around Europe

Getting around Europe is both fun and easy! You'll love the efficient public transport systems.

Rail passes vs point-to-point tickets- Switzerland stands out with its exceptional train, bus, and ferry systems, easily navigated through the extremely user friendly SBB travel app ( check out the SBB website). We highly recommend buying the Swiss travel pass if you are planning to explore Switzerland extensively. What's more, children often travel for free on public transport throughout Europe.

Car rental basics for road trips - Planning a road trip in Norway, like us? The roads are well-maintained throughout the country and taking ferries across the magnificent fjords is a hassle free experience with Autopass already installed on your car by the rental car company!

Read our detailed blog on Tips for renting and driving a car in Norway and our experience with EV.

Read more about Autopaas here.

Trains vs budget flights vs buses- Traveling between cities in Europe is straightforward, thanks to cheap flight options (just mind the baggage allowances to avoid extra fees at check-in) and a well-connected train and bus network. You can use Omio (formerly known as GoEuro) to book your tickets conveniently.

City cards - Many cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Copenhagen, and Oslo offer city cards that include free public transport and entry to various tourist attractions.If you don't have a city card, you can usually buy bus tickets directly from the driver.

explore more about city cards from our blogs :

exploring copenhagen with copenhagen card - day 1

exploring copenhagen with copenhagen card - day 2.

Oslo city with Oslo pass

SALZBURG – the perfect city break with kids.

Stays that work for Indians & families

Hostel vs hotel vs apartment (kitchenette, laundry) -Apart from travel and food, accommodation is a major expense when traveling to Europe. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, and seeking budget-friendly options, consider staying in dorms or private rooms within hostels.

Hostels - There are many excellent hostels across Europe that cater to families, offering family rooms with or without private bathrooms.Contrary to popular belief, most hostels welcome children and provide community kitchens and dining areas, allowing you to connect with travelers from around the world.

Read about our experience of staying in a hostel with kids in our blog ,VIENNA - our first HOSTEL experience.

Apartment - Another family-friendly option is Airbnb, where you can rent rooms in someone's home or even an entire house for a few days. Make sure to read the property description carefully to understand what's included.Airbnb often provides cooking facilities, helping you keep travel costs down.

Hotels - Hotels to suit all budgets are available throughout Europe, making it easy to find accommodation that suits your needs and preferences.

Experiencing farmstay in Slovenia

Food Budget & cost breakdown

Indian restaurants - are available in all major cities in Europe, so if you're someone who can't do without Indian food, you're in luck! There are plenty of places to choose from. You can also bring along snacks and ready-to-eat packets from India like thepla, laddoo, nuts, and other munchies.

Supermarkets - There are excellent supermarkets throughout Europe that offer ready-to-eat meals and fresh produce. This is perfect for days when you want to whip up a quick meal after a long day of exploring or cook something more elaborate.

Bakeries - Don't miss out on the famous bakeries in every city you visit—they offer a tempting array of mouth-watering goodies worth trying!

breakfast spread - Lake Bled - Slovenia

Connectivity & essentials

eSIM vs local SIM - Upon arrival in Europe, purchase a local SIM card based on the countries you plan to visit. These are readily available at airports and offer convenient packages for data and calls. Alternatively, you can opt for a roaming data package from India. We prefer Airtel for its seamless process and good network coverage in Europe, ensuring you stay connected at all times.

Power plugs (Type C/E/F) - always carry an universal adapter for all your devices.

Switzerland

Money, forex & payments

Credit/forex card vs cash - In Schengen countries, some use the Euro if they are part of the Eurozone, while others use their local currencies like the Norwegian Krone, Danish Krone, or Swiss Franc. You don't need to carry a lot of cash from India. Credit cards and Forex cards work at most places across Europe.

ATM, charges & safety- If you do need cash, it's best to withdraw from local ATMs rather than exchanging currency at the airport, as this often provides better rates.

Sample Itineraries -

Itinerary 1 - For Castle and Alps Enthusiasts, Hiking, and Offbeat Destinations

7 Days in Slovenia: Perfect 7 day Itinerary to Slovenia!

Highlights - Discover Ljubljana, the charming capital city . Explore Lake Bled and its picturesque surroundings, including Bled Castle. Visit the stunning Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.Enjoy the natural beauty of Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps.

Itinerary 2 - For Yash Chopra Movie Fans and Cheese Fondue Lovers

10 Days in Switzerland: The perfect itinerary to Switzerland trip! 10 days in paradise.

Explore Lucerne and take a cruise on Lake Lucerne.Visit Interlaken and enjoy breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region.Indulge in cheese fondue and explore the charming villages of the Swiss countryside.

Itinerary 3 - Road Trip Lovers, Untouched Natural Beauty, with City Break for Kids

12 Days Norway Road Trip: NORWAY - The ultimate 14 day Road trip itinerary you need!!

Drive through the stunning fjords and landscapes of western Norway.Explore glaciers. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Oslo and its cultural attractions.

Snow covered mountains in Switzerland

FAQ

Q: What’s the best time to visit Europe from India?

Shoulder seasons (April–June, Sept–Oct) balance good weather, lighter crowds, and better prices.

Q: How long does the Schengen visa take?

Processing often takes a few weeks after your appointment—book slots early and apply well in advance, especially in peak season.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes—Schengen countries require travel medical insurance; carry your policy and emergency contacts.

Q: Is a Schengen visa valid for the UK?

No—you need a separate UK visa if you plan to add London or elsewhere in the UK.

Q: Eurail Pass or point-to-point tickets?

Passes suit multi-country, train-heavy routes; for a few intercity rides, advance point-to-point tickets are usually cheaper.

Q: How should I budget my trip?

Use a split like Flights 35–45%, Stay 25–35%, In-Europe transport 10–15%, Food 10–15%, Activities 5–10%—adjust by travel style and season.

Q: eSIM or local SIM for Europe?

eSIMs are convenient to activate before departure; local SIMs can be cheaper if you’ll stay longer in one country

Hope you find yourself one step closer to planning that dream Europe trip, for you and your family.

Happy travels!