Time Lapse in Europe

This was a trip of a lifetime, and I am sure many more to follow. Getting a 18 days off from work was a daunting task and so is matching the dates with friends traveling, applying for Schengen visa, planning meticulously almost for a year. We had changed the plan so many times since there were uncertain facts about itinerary, stay and local transport. With so much to include in just 18 days, we were spoilt for choices!! Voila but it was done nonetheless in a way we wanted.

This was the route map for us, a completely customized self organised trip. We landed in Euro zone from Munich in Germany,starting from Mumbai ✈️ Munich ✈️ Paris 🚅 Toulouse 🚅 Girona 🚙 Lloret De Mar 🚙 Barcelona 🚌 Valencia ✈️ Lisbon ✈️ Frankfurt ✈️Mumbai. 

Even after planning so much, we were not sure every morning, about which places to include when we were actually at those places, that's the fun part as you have so much of options that European cities offer and also as unplanned traveler. You are on your own and no fixed plan, just a roadmap (read google maps) and eagerness to explore, experience. The stories of co-traveler, you meet along, sparks your curiosity and yes online reviews also plays a part in your decisions. The time got lapsed so fast, that it went past like a quick time lapse video with so much happening in those 18 days.

The objective of the this trip was to curate professional content which will have long lasting memories, monetize it, as well as precisely advise on DO's and DONT's for Europe. 

Some DO's if you're planning a trip on your own, either solo, couple or small group. 

DO's

1. Only plan the destination cities/towns, never plan on which places to include within a city/town unless its a must see, try to be as flexible as possible. 
2. If you are an Asian, traveling to Europe, make sure all your documentation is thorough, passport, IT returns, Bank statements etc unless you have already visited Europe before. You need to get the visa from the country consulate of where you are spending the most of your days. Eg, in our case it was Spain. 
3. If you have Schengen stamped earlier already on your passport, explore the BnB, hostels for the stay, else you will have to give all the details of your stay with dates during the visa processing. 
4. Do carry enough food, if you are vegetarian as the options gets reduced. Even if you're non-vegetarian it always great to save on food cost which is quite high in the restaurants. The Indian food is more expensive in European restaurants, than in India because of the exclusivity and demand. 
5. Do make use of the amazingly efficient options of public transport anywhere in Europe, they are economical, connectivity is great, not hard to understand. If that's not your cup of tea then just hire a bicycle or electric vehicles or walk. We were covering 10-15 kms every day on foot. Although it was tiring, it was worth the every step with took in wrong direction. 
6. Make sure to do an inter-city train journey.

DONT'S

1. DON'T take European summer for granted because you are from the tropical country climate. It can be quite harsh. Carry enough sunscreen and a proper sunglasses if you're visiting Spain since it gets a lot of hot during July-August with temperatures hovering around 35°C and more in the day. 
2. If you're not sure about driving, do NOT go for self drive option, it will set you back in terms of time (due to parking) and also money. Driving in Asian countries is not same as driving in Europe. Unless you are very sure about your driving and have an international driving license and experience. Albeit with such a great public transport I will advise you not to go for it. 
3. DON'T only depend on the major attractions you know and have read on internet, connect with local communities, mingle with travelers, stay at a hostel of backpackers and make a plan with them, you will get to see gem of places you haven't heard of and which doesn't exists on google maps. 
4. DON'T buy foreign exchange at the airport or even banks, always get it from your local forex exchange or agent who will give you best rates. 
5. DON'T go through agent for visa, air tickets and hotel booking. Take some time out to do your own research, ask people who have already visited those destinations, or your friends who are working in your destination country. Always book your own airline tickets, make use of the coupons, you will save substantial amount of money, while doing it. Reliable sites for booking air tickets GoIbibo.com, Skyscanner.com and for hotel & hostels Booking.com, Airbnb.com and Hostelworld.com  

Remember just plan the destinations, never plan the local places for sight seeing, it becomes quit monotonous to see tourist places only. An unplanned sight seeing, throws up a number of surprises, about which I am going to talk about. Check out my detailed blogs below for each of our destinations.

• France - The Eternal Beauty. Read My 20 Observations about Paris
• The Best of Spain - 20 Best Moments in Spain
• Portugal - A complete surprise package

For more tips and details, you can leave your comments below and I will surely get back to you. For now enjoy the ride and let me know if you have planned a Europe trip. 

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