Five Things We Would NEVER Do When Planning Your Trip to Europe
At Vacations To Remember, we believe that travel should be a source of joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories—not stress. With our team of professional travel advisors who live and breathe Europe, we’ve learned what works and, more importantly, what doesn't.
We don't just book trips; we craft authentic, seamless experiences. To help you travel like a seasoned pro, here are five common pitfalls we would never fall into when planning your dream European getaway.
* Plan a trip based on TikTok recommendations or ChatGPT searches
Why we avoid this: While a viral TikTok video of a hidden gem or a ChatGPT-generated itinerary might seem like a quick, fun starting point, they are often deeply flawed. These sources lack real-time context, personal knowledge, and crucial vetting. A TikTok spot might be dangerously overcrowded now, and an AI-generated itinerary can easily suggest logistically impossible travel times, recommend restaurants that have closed, or overlook vital visa and safety requirements. Our advisors provide human-vetted, up-to-the-minute expertise that accounts for everything from current local events to the actual walking distance between attractions, ensuring your plan is practical and personalized, not just picture-perfect for a quick video.
* Schedule you to see five cities in 10 days
Why we avoid this: The temptation to check off as many iconic destinations as possible is strong, but a five-cities-in-ten-days itinerary is the recipe for a exhausting "blur" vacation. By the time you factor in travel time between locations—checking out of one hotel, getting to a train station or airport, traveling, and checking into the next—you effectively lose half a day, every time you move. This leaves you with barely a full day in each place, turning your trip into a frantic cycle of packing and unpacking. We prioritize a slower, more immersive approach. We prefer to focus on two or three key locations, allowing you to genuinely experience the local culture, find those hidden neighborhood spots, and truly relax.
* Not offer the purchase travel insurance
Why we avoid this: Travel insurance is not an optional luxury; it is a non-negotiable safety net. Even the most perfectly planned trip can be derailed by an unexpected event—a sudden illness, a family emergency, a missed connection, or a lost piece of luggage. Without insurance, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in emergency medical expenses or lose the full, non-refundable cost of your flights, hotels, and tours. Our professional advisors always offer comprehensive travel insurance because we know peace of mind is priceless. It’s the ultimate way to protect your investment and ensure that, no matter what happens, you have professional assistance and financial protection.
* Skip the Private transfer on arrival
Why we avoid this: After a long, transatlantic flight, the last thing you want is the stress of navigating a foreign airport, hauling luggage onto crowded public transport, or haggling with a taxi driver who may not speak your language. A pre-arranged private transfer is the smoothest path from plane to pillow. Our advisors will always offer this service because it eliminates anxiety and jet lag-fueled mistakes. Your driver will be waiting for you with a sign, help with your bags, and take you directly to your accommodation in a safe, comfortable, and pre-paid vehicle. It's a small expense that provides an enormous return in comfort and convenience, setting a positive tone for the entire vacation.
* Pick hotels that haven’t been thoroughly vetted
Why we avoid this: The photos on a major booking website often tell only half the story. A hotel might look beautiful online but be located in a noisy, unsafe neighborhood, have a notoriously slow check-in process, or suffer from poor maintenance. We rely on our professional network, trusted supplier relationships, personal experience and client feedback to meticulously vet every accommodation option. This ensures the hotel is not just aesthetically pleasing but also safe, conveniently located for your itinerary, and offers a level of service that meets our high standards, while keeping your budget in mind. We save you from hidden fees, inaccurate amenity listings, and the disappointment of an underwhelming or problematic stay.
When you are ready to plan a trip with expert guidance that avoids all of the pitfalls, contact Vacations To Remember so we can design your next stress-free European adventure!