It takes an entire day to fly there and the cost of a ticket is two trips to Bali, but that doesn’t stop us flocking to Europe in droves. There’s something special about the place.

When you travel Europe, you’re travelling to hundreds of cultures, customs and landscapes that are vibrant and interesting year-round.

You’ll go from a Slim Aarons scene on the Amalfi Coast, all Aperol spritz-sipping babes, pebbled beaches curled around dramatic coastline, to hiking the Swiss Alps. You’ll be hopping between islands serving up seafood that’ll make you weep, to standing on the travertine thermal terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey wondering how such a place exists.

So, what are you waiting for? These hacks will help you breeze through your next Euro summer vacay.

#1 You’re Going To Need Money, So Plan Ahead

If you haven’t already got a budget, you need to get one. Not just for an upcoming trip, but so you can budget future travel into your daily life now. This means you can buy those crazy cheap tickets when they become available, because your budget already accounted for it months ago. Here is a fool-proof budget to get you started.

And make sure you have a ‘slush fund’ to splash out on a couple of special experiences. Don’t let your European summer holiday become focused on not spending too much. You’re in Europe; learn to be OK with having to spend a little.

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#2 Pack Like A Pro

Packing a full suitcase before you leave is a major no-no. People plan Euro trips for the sole purpose of shopping, so leave space in your luggage because you will want to purchase something.

The best way to be a pro packer is to plan. Check the weather forecast for the places you’re travelling to and pack accordingly. Planning also helps you be realistic about what you’re actually going to wear, not what you imagine in your holiday fantasies. Be brutal and cut the ‘maybes’ or things you’ll probably only wear once or twice. The trick for maximising space is to roll, not fold. Rolling your clothes prevents them from wrinkling, so it’s a double win.

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#3 Hit Up A Few Key Destinations

Slow down. Trying to jam pack an itinerary often means you see less; you’ll rush through the places you’re visiting to allow time to get to airports, re-pack your stuff, and keep track of your itinerary. You skim the top of the destination, only allowing time for the postcard snap, and that’s a total waste.

When you’re able to spend longer in a place, you usually feel like you have a more immersive, memorable experience. So, visit a few key destinations based around a few bucket-list things you want to do and see. The rest has a way of falling into place.

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#4 The Beaten Path Is Popular For A Reason

You might cringe at the idea of crowds, but when it comes to Europe, the big-ticket attractions like The Colosseum, Eiffel Tower and Sagrada Familia live up to their reputations. Don’t do everything a guidebook tells you, but don’t shy away from what you might consider European ‘clichés’, either.

Ditto for major festivals too, like La Tomatina in Spain or the Venice Biennale.

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#5 Save Money On Attractions

You’d be surprised how many walking tours and major attractions are free. You can check out the Notre Dame in Paris, The Roman Forum, London’s Tate Modern Museum or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace for zero cost.

A little Googling will also uncover whether there is discounted admission for famous monuments and experiences. For example, every Friday from 6pm, admission to the Louvre museum in Paris is free for under-26s, and all Bastille Day (July 14).

Book online and pre-pay for most major attractions – you can skip huge lines but also save on the pay-on-arrival cost. If you’re a student, it’s also worth getting an International Student card to have access to more deals.

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#6 Trust Your Instincts

When you’re outside your usual routine, your senses and instincts are firing on all cylinders. If you get a gut feeling that something is off, trust it.

Safety is a huge priority when travelling to Europe (or anywhere, really). Stay safe by drawing less attention to yourself as a tourist; this will see you blend in and avoid pickpockets. Don’t pull out a map and talk loudly in a foreign language unless you want to turn into a human bull’s-eye. Be aware of your belongings, and wary of scams: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. And remember, travel insurance is a good way to cover yourself for those things that you have no control over happening.

Research the culture and customs of the places you visit so you can exercise some cultural sensitivity and avoid being that ignorant foreigner.

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#7 Relax And Leave Your Expectations At Home

We love travelling because it helps us grow and learn more about the world, and Europe is like a high-dose knowledge injection. It’s natural to get excited about the sheer variety of strange and wonderful cultures and customs, but watch out for projecting your own expectations onto the experience because that is the quickest way to ruin it – leave your expectations at home and just enjoy it.

Europe has so much to show and teach you, and it wants you to have an unforgettable time. So let it.

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Europe is the ultimate in classic holiday destinations, so why not plan a trip for next summer? Book your trip through Flight Centre here.