5 Essential Steps Before Planning Your Major European Vacation
Here’s a handy pre-trip checklist to help you prepare—complete with savvy tips for flights, Christmas market resources, and more.
1. Pick Your Trip Length, Timing & Destinations
- Decide how long you can realistically travel—at least 10 days is recommended for longer-haul flights to make the journey worthwhile.
- Choose when to go: Early season (late Nov–early Dec) offers fewer crowds and better deals, while midweek visits help avoid market and hotel surges.
- Combine major city markets (Berlin, Vienna, Strasbourg) with charming smaller towns like Bamberg or Strasbourg for a richer experience.
2. Secure Cheap Flights Early
- Book by June for the best holiday season fares—prices rise as the holidays approach.
- Fly midweek (Tues, Wed, Sat) and use tools like private browsing or “Flight Search Stacking” to find better deals.
- Consider Budget or Low Cost Airlines. Flights such as French Bee or SAS can be $300-$400 less than the Major Airlines
3. Book Trains and Accommodations Ahead of Time
- Book hotels as soon as possible—Christmas markets inflate prices and sell out quickly
- Make your visit easier with an open-jaw flight (arrive in one city, depart another) for efficiency and extra sightseeing
- Look for train flash deals, like Eurostar offers this can make your transfer from Paris to London much more affordable
4. Deep Dive into Christmas Market Research
- Explore both iconic and hidden gem markets—from Strasbourg’s centuries-old stalls (Christkindelsmärik) to Tallinn’s charming Old Town
Supplement your plans with curated guides offering insider tips and sample itineraries.A - Best times to visit markets are weekday afternoons rather than weekends or evenings when crowds peak
5. Tidy Up Documentation & Packing
- Check visa requirements or ETIAS authorization for travelers heading to Schengen countries, especially after late 2026.
Start packing thoughtfully: layered cold-weather gear is a must for market strolling—and mulled wine!
