Why Europe Changes the Way You See the World (And How to Prep for It)

There is something inherently magical about travel.

Life has a way of settling us into comfortable routines. We wake up, drive the same roads, work with the same people, and eat at the same restaurants. Before long, our daily world becomes comfortably… small. Travel shatters that routine. It reminds us that a massive, vibrant world is waiting just beyond our comfort zone.

While there are incredible places to explore throughout the United States—and we will spend plenty of time sharing those domestic adventures in future posts—today we are talking about something different: crossing the Atlantic to Europe.

Having just spent several weeks overseas exploring everything from winding medieval alleys to sun-drenched coastlines, I came home with a familiar reminder: Travel doesn’t just show you new places; it fundamentally changes the way you think.

Europe Is Closer Than Most Americans Think

One of the biggest misconceptions Americans have is just how “far away” Europe feels. Yes, crossing the Atlantic sounds like a massive psychological hurdle, but in reality, the flight times are incredibly comparable to a cross-country domestic trip.

If you are flying from the East Coast, the time spent in the air is often shorter than a flight to Hawaii or parts of the West Coast:

The biggest hurdle isn’t the physical distance. It’s simply convincing yourself to book the ticket.

A Continent of Endless Variety

What amazes me every time I land in Europe isn't just the postcard scenery; it’s how dramatically culture, language, and geography shift within a relatively compact area.

Europe is home to roughly 50 countries and more than 200 indigenous languages. Because the geography is so dense, every border crossing feels like opening an entirely new chapter of a history book.

• Morning: You’re walking on 2,000-year-old Roman cobblestones.
• Afternoon: You’re sipping espresso in a medieval town square.
• Evening: You’re watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea or looking up at the jagged peaks of the Swiss Alps.

This density of culture forces you to realize just how incredibly diverse—and interconnected—our world really is.

Surviving Day One: My Battle-Tested Jet Lag Routine

The overnight flight is notoriously the hardest part of European travel. Most people don’t sleep well at 35,000 feet, but over years of international travel, I’ve developed a strict first-day routine that helps me beat jet lag fast.

• Pack the Essentials: I never fly without a high-quality neck pillow, a contoured eye mask, and earplugs. Well, I don’t get a full night sleep even getting 3 hours of low-quality sleep makes a massive difference.
• Hydrate and Skip the Pre-Landing Breakfast: Drink plenty of water and skip the second meal service served right before landing. While that breakfast matches local time, your body clock thinks it’s still the middle of the night. Skipping it keeps your digestion from panicking.
• The Fresh-Up Rule: Before landing, brush your teeth and wash your face in the lavatory. It sounds simple, but it acts as a psychological reset button, and freshens your breath so you’re ready to say good morning to the friendly customs official ;)

After You Land

Have your mode of transportation either set upon advance. Have your rental car booked, although most times I seldom get one, or my preferred method when traveling with family is to have a car transfer service with your name ready to pick you up. This is especially valuable if you have a multiple people with you and luggage, or if you’re going further than a 10 minute ride. The other method is to use Uber. Although usually there are plenty of taxis available, I don’t recommend unless you’re familiar with the area and would advise against getting a local cab.

When you arrive at your hotel or AirBnB, which is usually late morning at this point, normally you won’t have the ability to check in as check-in times are going to be after 3 o’clock. Just drop your bags with the Front desk and they’ll call you when your room is ready. Should you be able to check in, the temptation to crawl into bed for a "quick nap" is overwhelming. Don't do it. Going to sleep immediately guarantees you'll struggle with jet lag for a week.

My Golden Rule: Drop your bags at the front desk, grab a local coffee, and get outside.

Natural daylight is the single best tool for resetting your circadian rhythm. Walk through a neighborhood park, find a sidewalk café, people-watch, and absorb the sounds of the city. Later when you get back to the hotel or apartment and check in-take a siesta. I usually get back to my hotel around 4 o’clock, take off my shoes after wandering the streets, and take a 45-60 minute nap to get ready for the night. It’s important that you don’t sleep more than this. Set your alarm. Make sure you get up and get back outside into the sun. Go out for a nice Aperol spritz, cocktail,  or local beer and plan your first night for a great meal. Side note - this which will be typically later than our normal 6-7 o’clock eating time back in the United States. Most restaurants sometimes don’t even open until after seven or 8 o’clock.

Slow Down to Speed Up the Experience

A common mistake first-time visitors make is treating Europe like a competitive checklist. They try to sprint through Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Rome all in ten days.

Europe isn't a checklist; it's an experience.

Some of the best travel memories don’t happen while standing in a three-hour line for a famous landmark. They happen when you slow down, ditch the itinerary, and talk to the people who actually live there.

🇭🇷 A Quick Story From the Road

On our recent trip to Croatia, we decided to skip the heavily trafficked tourist hubs one evening and struck up a long conversation with a local bartender. After chatting for a while, we asked him where he goes when he wants a real meal away from the crowds.

His recommendation led us down a quiet, narrow alleyway completely hidden from the main drag. There, we found a tiny, tucked-away tavern with incredibly limited seating. We sat down to fresh, homemade food served tableside, family-style. It was an unforgettable meal that blew us away—and one we never, ever would have found on a "Top 10" Google search or TripAdvisor list.

• Engage the locals: Ask bartenders, baristas, and shop owners where they eat on their day off.
• Get intentionally lost: Wander down a side street that doesn’t have a souvenir shop in sight.
• Observe: Visit a local grocery store or morning market just to see how the locals live.
• Disconnect: Spend an hour sitting at a neighborhood café without looking at your phone.

Quick Prep Checklist for Smooth Sailing

A little preparation mitigates 90% of international travel anxiety. Before you head to the airport, ensure you've checked off these essentials:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date (many European countries strictly enforce this).
• Offline Maps: Download Google Maps of your destination cities offline so you can navigate without data.
• Pack Light: If you can't comfortably carry your suitcase up three flights of stairs or onto a train, it's too heavy.
• Financials: Use a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees and notify your bank of your travel dates.
• Local Phrases: Learn just five words: Hello, Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, and Goodbye. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.

Who You Become on the Road

The most profound part of international travel has nothing to do with the landmarks you see. It’s about who you become while you’re there.

When you step outside of your comfort zone, you naturally become more curious, more observant, and vastly more patient. You find yourself noticing the intricate architecture of an ordinary residential building, or appreciating traditions that have survived for a millennium. You realize you are entirely capable of navigating unfamiliar transit systems and striking up conversations with strangers.

If Europe has been sitting on your bucket list, stop waiting for the "perfect" time or the "flawless" itinerary. Book the flight. Take the adventure. You’ll come home with photographs and souvenirs, but more importantly, you’ll come home seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Europe

1. Is one week enough time for a trip to Europe?

While you can certainly have an incredible trip in 7 to 9 days (including travel days), the key is staying in one or two closely connected locations. Instead of trying to see three different countries in a week, pick one hub—like Rome or Paris—and do day trips. You’ll spend less time transit-hopping and more time actually enjoying the culture.

2. How do I handle money and currency while in Europe?

The days of carrying massive wads of cash or traveler's checks are over. Most of Europe is highly digitized, and tap-to-pay (like Apple Pay or contactless credit cards) is widely accepted. However, always carry about €20–€50 in local cash for small bakeries, coin-operated public restrooms, or tipping.

Pro-Tip: Always choose to be charged in the local currency (Euros, Swiss Francs, etc.) rather than US Dollars at card terminals. Your home bank will almost always give you a better conversion rate than the merchant's machine.

3. Do I really need to learn the local language?

No, you don't need to be fluent. English is widely spoken in the hospitality industry throughout Europe. However, relying entirely on English without trying can come across as discourteous. Learning just a few basic phrases ("Please," "Thank you," "Good morning") completely changes the energy of an interaction and shows respect for the local culture.

4. What is the best way to get around between European cities?

Europe has one of the best high-speed rail networks in the world. For traveling between major cities or neighboring countries (e.g., Paris to London, or Florence to Rome), trains are almost always faster, more comfortable, and less stressful than flying when you factor in airport security lines. Save flying for massive distances across the continent.

5. How can I avoid being targeted by pickpockets?

Europe is generally very safe, but petty theft is common in crowded tourist areas (like the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower) and on public transit. Avoid keeping your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Keep your bags zipped, stay aware of your surroundings, and never leave your phone sitting out on an outdoor café table. I think we will dive into this as another post with my daughter’s visit to Florence and how she was pickpocketed,  lost her phone, and the journey  and learning lesson lessons from  it.

What's Next?

In the coming weeks, we’ll be diving deep into the incredible destinations we recently explored across Europe—from the pristine alpine lakes of Switzerland to the sun-soaked ancient walls of Croatia (including the exact location of that hidden alleyway restaurant!). We’ll be sharing our exact itineraries, hidden gems, and practical guides to help you plan your own escape.

Further Reading

Why Your Next Trip Shouldn't Be a Checklist

Turning Road Trip Memories Into Meaningful Home Décor

Field Notes: Croatia (Coming Soon)