11 Countries in 30 Days: 5 Europe Trip Mistakes I Made

I will never forget my first trip to Europe. I was so excited. I planned to see 11 countries in just 30 days. It was a big adventure. But I made some big mistakes. I moved too fast. I did not see enough. I was always tired. Now I want to share my story. I hope you can learn from my errors. This guide will show you what I did wrong. It will also give you tips for a better trip. Let us get started.

My Big European Adventure Plan

My plan was simple. I wanted to see everything. I started in London. Then I went to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid. I finished in Lisbon. I traveled by train and plane. I had one small backpack. I thought I was smart. But I was not smart. I was in a hurry all the time.

I booked all my tickets before I left. I had a strict schedule. I could not change my plans. This was my first mistake. Travel should be flexible. You never know what you will find. You might love a city and want to stay longer. Or you might not like a place and want to leave early. My plan did not allow for that.

The Rush Through Cities

In some cities, I only had one day. For example, I was in Prague for just 24 hours. That is not enough time. Prague is a beautiful city. It has old castles and bridges. I saw the famous clock. I walked over Charles Bridge. But I did not have time to sit in a cafe. I did not talk to local people. I just took photos and left. It felt like a checklist, not a vacation.

According to a study by Psychology Today, vacations help your brain relax. But my trip was not relaxing. It was stressful. I was always worried about missing my next train.

5 Things I Wish I Had Done Differently

After my trip, I thought a lot. I realized my errors. Here are the five biggest mistakes I made. I hope you can avoid them on your trip.

1. I Tried to See Too Many Places

This was my biggest mistake. Eleven countries in one month is too many. I spent more time on trains than in cities. I was always packing and unpacking. I did not enjoy the journey. I should have visited fewer places. Maybe four or five countries. Then I could have spent more time in each city.

What you should do: Choose fewer destinations. Spend at least three or four days in each major city. This gives you time to explore. You can see the main sights. You can also find hidden gems. You will feel less rushed.

2. I Did Not Learn Basic Local Phrases

I thought everyone in Europe speaks English. This is not true. In big cities, many people do. But in smaller towns, they often do not. I felt rude when I did not say "hello" or "thank you" in the local language. It made interactions difficult sometimes.

What you should do: Learn a few key phrases for each country. Say "hello," "please," "thank you," and "sorry." People appreciate the effort. It shows respect. Use a free app like Duolingo to learn basics quickly.

3. I Overpacked My Schedule

I had a list of sights for each city. I tried to see them all. I did not leave time for rest. I did not sit in parks or cafes. I was running from one museum to another. By the end, I was exhausted. I did not enjoy the art because I was too tired.

What you should do: Plan only one or two big activities per day. Leave time to wander. Some of my best memories are from unplanned walks. Do not try to see everything. You can always come back.

4. I Did Not Budget Properly

I thought Europe was cheap. I was wrong. Some cities are very expensive. For example, London and Paris cost a lot. I spent too much money on trains and entry fees. I did not save enough for food and fun. I ate cheap sandwiches instead of nice local meals.

What you should do: Research costs before you go. Numbeo is a good website for this. Make a daily budget. Include money for food, transport, and sights. Add extra for surprises.

5. I Traveled Alone and Did Not Meet People

I traveled by myself. I am shy. I did not talk to other travelers or locals. I felt lonely sometimes. I missed sharing experiences with others. I have friends who met great people in hostels. I wish I had tried harder.

What you should do: Stay in social hostels. Join free walking tours. Use apps like Meetup to find events. Talk to people. Most travelers are friendly. They want to share stories too.

Practical Tips for a Better Europe Trip

Here are some actionable tips based on my mistakes. Use them to plan a better trip.

How to Plan Your Route

Do not try to see everything. Choose a region. For example, focus on Central Europe or Scandinavia. Use a map to see distances. Trains and buses take time. Do not underestimate travel time.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Pick 3-4 countries you really want to see.
Check travel times between cities on Rome2Rio.
Allow at least 3 nights per city.
Book flexible tickets if possible.

Packing Smart

I packed too many clothes. I had to carry my bag everywhere. It was heavy. Pack light. You can wash clothes on the road.

Essential Packing List:

2-3 pairs of pants
4-5 shirts
1 warm layer
Good walking shoes
Universal power adapter
Portable charger

Saving Money

Europe can be expensive. But you can save money with some tricks.

Money-Saving Tips:

Eat lunch from supermarkets.
Use city tourism cards for discounts.
Travel by bus instead of train.
Stay in hostels or use Airbnb.
Walk or use public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many countries should I visit in one month?

I recommend 4-5 countries maximum. This gives you time to enjoy each place. You will not feel rushed.

Is it safe to travel alone in Europe?

Yes, Europe is very safe for solo travelers. Just use common sense. Watch your bags in crowded places.

Do I need a visa for Europe?

It depends on your passport. Check the Schengen visa website for rules. Americans can stay 90 days without a visa.

What is the best way to travel between countries?

Trains are great in Western Europe. Buses are cheaper in Eastern Europe. Flights can be fast for long distances.

How much money do I need per day?

It varies by country. In Western Europe, budget $70-100 per day. In Eastern Europe, $40-60 may be enough.

Should I book everything in advance?

No. Book your first few nights. Then keep your plans flexible. You might want to change your route.

What is the best time to visit Europe?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are best. The weather is good. There are fewer tourists.

Real Examples and Statistics

I am not the only one who made these mistakes. A survey by Travel + Leisure found that 60% of first-time visitors to Europe try to see too much. They feel tired and stressed.

Another study showed that travelers who stay longer in one place enjoy their trip more. They make deeper connections with the culture.

Here is a table showing ideal days per city:

City	Minimum Recommended Stay
Paris	4 days
Rome	4 days
Berlin	3 days
Prague	3 days
Budapest	3 days

Conclusion: Learn From My Mistakes

My first trip to Europe was amazing. But it could have been better. I saw many beautiful places. But I was always in a hurry. I did not truly experience the cultures. I was like a ghost moving through cities.

Now I know better. Travel is not about counting countries. It is about making memories. It is about tasting new foods. It is about meeting new people. It is about learning new ways of life.

So please, learn from my mistakes. Slow down. Choose fewer places. Talk to people. Try local foods. Be flexible. Your trip will be much more rewarding.

Europe will always be there. You can return. It is better to see a few places well than many places poorly. Happy travels!