How I Choose Where to Travel Next in Europe
With so many incredible places to visit in Europe, deciding where to go next can feel overwhelming. Here's the process I use to choose destinations based on budget, logistics, travel style, and the kind of experience I'm looking for.
TRAVEL TIPS & ESSENTIALS
6/15/20264 min read
1. Europe Has Too Many Good Options
One of the best and most overwhelming parts of living in Europe is that there are so many incredible places to visit. Every time I open Instagram, Pinterest, etc. I discover another destination I suddenly want to add to my list. Everyone has different recommendations and travel styles, which can make it hard to know what’s actually worth prioritizing.
The challenge isn’t finding somewhere to go—it’s narrowing it down.
2. First, I Figure Out How Much Time I Actually Have
The first thing I consider is how much time I realistically have. A weekend trip is going to look very different from a full week away.
If I only have a weekend, I usually look for destinations closer to home. For example, my trip to Mont Saint-Michel was the perfect weekend getaway from France. (link: How I Spent a Weekend at Mont Saint-Michel)
When I had a long weekend, I was able to spend a few days exploring Switzerland. (link: How I Planned My Switzerland Trip)
And when I've had a full week off, I've been able to take bigger trips to places like Italy and Spain. (links: How I Planned My 1-Week Italy Trip + My Solo Travel Week in Spain)
Once I know how much time I have, it becomes much easier to narrow down my options.
3. Then I Think About the Vibe I Want
I don’t choose destinations entirely based on vibes, but they definitely play a role.
Sometimes I’m looking for a big-city trip. Other times I want coastal views, mountain scenery, charming small towns, or a mix of everything.
When I planned my Italy trip, I wanted both city energy and a taste of the coast. That’s ultimately what led me to split my time between Florence, Rome, and a day trip to Sorrento.
I think one of the best ways to plan a trip is to ask yourself not just where you want to go, but how you want the trip to feel.
4. Budget Always Plays a Role
As a solo traveler, I’m always thinking about how to make a trip affordable without sacrificing the experience.
The first thing I book is almost always transportation. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to your departure date, so booking early can make a huge difference.
(link to travel sites I use: SNCF Connect, Omio, Expedia)
For accommodation, I almost always stay in hostels—especially on longer trips. They’re budget-friendly, great for meeting people, and often include perks like free breakfast or organized activities.
(link to where I book hostels: Hostelworld)
When it comes to food, I try to find a balance. I’m not interested in eating the cheapest possible meal every day, but I’m also not eating at expensive restaurants for every meal. I usually save money where I can and splurge on meals or experiences that feel truly worth it.
And if a hostel offers free breakfast? You better believe I’m taking advantage of it.
5. How Easy Is It to Get There?
Logistics matter more than people sometimes realize.
For weekend trips, I generally stick to destinations that are easy to reach by train. If I’m flying somewhere, I usually take a train from where I live in France to the airport with the best flight options—often Paris.
One of the biggest advantages of being based in Europe is that travel times are relatively short. Sometimes flying is cheaper than taking the train, and other times the train is the better option. It really depends on the destination.
The easier it is to get somewhere, the more time I have to actually enjoy the trip.
6. I Like Choosing Different Types of Trips
I don’t necessarily avoid repeating destinations, but I do enjoy mixing up the kinds of experiences I have.
Spain gave me a fun social atmosphere and some unforgettable late nights.
Italy felt more focused on history, sightseeing, and incredible food.
Switzerland was all about scenery, wandering, and slowing down.
Each trip offered something completely different, which is part of what makes travel so exciting.
7. I Research—But Not Too Much
I like to be prepared, but I don’t want every minute of my trip planned before I even arrive.
I usually research transportation, accommodation, and any attractions that require advance reservations. For example, places like the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums are worth booking ahead of time.
Beyond that, I prefer to leave room for spontaneity.
Some of my favorite travel moments have happened because I wandered down a random street, stumbled across a great café, or changed my plans at the last minute.
8. I Don’t Try to See Everything
This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned.
I’m not someone who wants to squeeze five cities into one week just so I can say I’ve been there.
Could I see more places that way? Sure.
Would I enjoy it as much? Probably not.
I’d rather spend more time exploring a few places than rush through a long checklist of destinations. Some cities can absolutely be seen in a day, but when you have the opportunity to slow down and really experience a place, I think that’s where the magic happens.
9. My Travel Decision Checklist
Before I book a trip, I usually ask myself:
How much time do I have?
What’s my budget?
What kind of trip am I craving?
How easy is it to get there?
Can I see what I want without rushing?
Am I genuinely excited about it?
If the answer to most of those questions is yes, I’ve probably found my next destination.
10. Final Thoughts
The more trips I plan, the more I realize that choosing where to travel next isn’t about finding the "best" destination.
It’s about finding the destination that fits your budget, your schedule, and the kind of experience you’re looking for right now.
There will always be another incredible place to visit. You don’t have to see everything at once.
For me, the best trips happen when I stop trying to maximize how much I can see and start focusing on how much I can enjoy the experience.