Traveling in Europe is easy, but every country has its own customs, costs, and rules. These can come as a surprise to first-time travelers. From tipping at restaurants to choosing between a train and a rental car, knowing a few details before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and minor inconveniences. With this guide, the Tourial team highlights some European countries worth exploring from a practical standpoint. Don’t get caught off guard—make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with the area you’re about to visit.
Czech Republic: Be Mindful of Tipping
In the Czech Republic, tipping isn’t mandatory, as it is in the United States, but in restaurants it’s customary to leave at least a 10% tip for good service. Before paying, always check the bill to see if a service charge has already been included. Also, always pay attention to the currency and the exchange rate—this will help you make more informed decisions.
Avoid driving
One practical tip we’d like to give you definitely has to do with the capital. In Prague, you can easily get by without a car. Trains and public transportation are more convenient for exploring the city and connecting to many other destinations. By downloading the PID app, you can easily purchase tickets from your smartphone without any trouble.
Portugal: Driving Is Fine, But Watch Out for Tolls
Portugal is one of the countries where renting a car can make sense, especially if you want to explore the Algarve, the Alentejo, or small towns outside the major cities. The problem is the tolls: on the highways, there are both traditional toll booths and fully electronic systems. Your travel costs could get out of hand, so be sure to check the rates before you set out.
A quick tip for saving money
To save money, take advantage of tapas and daily specials, especially away from the most touristy areas. And don’t limit yourself to paella: every region has its own specialties. Use your trip as an opportunity to try new flavors while staying within your budget.
Greece: Eating Local Pays Off
In Greece, it’s worth avoiding, whenever possible, restaurants with menus designed exclusively for tourists. The local cuisine offers much more than just the classic souvlaki: try moussaka, fava, feta, vegetables, fresh fish, and dishes made with legumes. In Athens, for example, you can find souvlaki for around €3, coffee for around €2.50, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for around €30; these are approximate prices and can vary significantly depending on the area.
Switzerland: The Country Where the Budget Matters Most
Switzerland requires a larger budget than many other European destinations. A main course starts at around 20 CHF, a cup of coffee at about 4 CHF, and a public transportation ticket at about 2.50 CHF. Considering that the euro is worth slightly more than the Swiss franc, imagine the cost of everything we’ve listed. Fortunately, though, the public transportation system is excellent: the rail and public transit networks are particularly extensive.
Tipping works differently here, too: service is already included, and you’re not required to leave a tip. If the service was particularly good, you can simply round up or add about 5–10%.
