Day Europe Free and Easy Travel Guide: Essential Tips to Avoid Theft, Fines & Maximize Your Budget

Here’s your go-to guide covering **visas, transportation, accommodation, food, supplies, and safety**—packed with practical tips to make your European adventure smooth and unforgettable!

1. **Visa**
Plan ahead and book your visa appointment 1–2 months before your trip, especially for popular destinations like France or Nordic countries, where delays or strikes can occur. Snag your slot early to avoid last-minute stress.
For a hassle-free Schengen visa, Spain is your best bet—it’s known for quick processing (often just a week!

) and generous 90-day stays within a 180-day window. Starting your journey in Spain and heading east is not only efficient but also saves you from backtracking.
When applying, go the DIY route: prepare a realistic 7–10 day itinerary (longer plans raise red flags), round-trip flight tickets, employment proof, and solid financial records.

Bank statements with steady income and a final balance of 30,000–50,000 RMB will boost your chances significantly.

2. **Itinerary**
Kick off your trip in Spain, France, or Italy—just make sure your longest stay matches the visa-issuing country. These hubs offer plenty of flight options at great prices. For instance, I snagged a Shanghai-to-Paris ticket via Vietnam for just 1,900 RMB! Beginning in Spain or France and moving eastward keeps your travels seamless.

Try this winning route: Spain (Barcelona) → France (Paris) → Switzerland (Geneva) → Germany (Munich) → Hungary (Budapest) → Italy (Milan, Rome) → Iceland → back to Italy → Greece.
Heading to Iceland? Fly from Milan—I booked a budget-friendly Wizz Air round-trip to Reykjavik for only 1,200 RMB.

3. **Transportation**
I relied on public transport across Europe, except in Switzerland and Iceland where I rented a car. A pro tip: skipping full coverage to save cash isn’t wise. If you do, document the car meticulously at pickup—snap photos and videos with clear license plates, timestamps, and any dents.

Repeat this when returning the vehicle.
Renting in Switzerland? Think twice. I did it for a short 2.5-day stay because the Swiss Travel Pass was pricey, but driving there is tricky with steep hills, tram lanes, and spotty Google Maps. Not ideal for nervous drivers.
In Iceland, watch out for weather-related surprises.

Bottom line: opt for full coverage, but buy it directly from the rental counter—some third-party insurance may not be valid.