European Union and United Kingdom

Stretching from the sunlit plazas of Spain to the fjords of Scandinavia and the historic streets of London and Edinburgh, the European Union and United Kingdom offer an incredible variety of trips packed into relatively short distances. Start by deciding on a rough route: maybe a classic Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam loop, a Mediterranean swing through Barcelona and Rome, or a culture-heavy circuit including Dublin, London, and Berlin. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to group cities, train journeys, and flights into one tidy itinerary, so you can see travel times and avoid overpacking your schedule.

Schengen-area countries share a common border policy, meaning once you enter one (like France or Italy) you can travel between many EU nations without passport checks. The UK and Ireland, however, have separate entry rules and passport control, so plan extra time when flying into London Heathrow or ferrying into Dublin. Check visa requirements carefully and keep digital copies of bookings and insurance.

Distances that look small on a map can still involve long train or bus rides. Build in buffer days, especially in winter when weather can disrupt ferries to Greek islands or flights into smaller airports. With everything saved in Hello, it’s easier to shift plans, rebook a leg, or add a spontaneous weekend in Prague or Lisbon when inspiration strikes.

Travel within the EU and UK is famously flexible: high-speed trains, budget airlines, and efficient metros make it easy to connect major cities. For medium distances, trains like France’s TGV, Spain’s AVE, and Germany’s ICE are comfortable and centrally located. Booking early can snag deals, especially on popular routes like Paris–London via the Eurostar or Milan–Rome. Use Hello’s trip planning to line up departure times, platform details, and connections, so you’re not scrambling at the station.

For longer hops, low-cost airlines link hubs like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin, and London for as little as €30–€60 (about $35–$65), though luggage fees can add up quickly. Always double-check which airport you’re using—some budget carriers fly into secondary airports farther from the city center.

Within cities, public transport is usually the smartest option. London’s Oyster/contactless system, Berlin’s U-Bahn, and Lisbon’s trams are all easy to use once you’re online to check routes. Activate a Hello eSIM before you land to access transit apps and live maps without paying roaming charges. In many places, contactless card payments work directly on buses and metros.

If you’re renting a car for rural regions like the Scottish Highlands, the Algarve, or the Tuscan countryside, remember that the UK drives on the left, while most EU countries use the right.

The EU and UK involve a patchwork of currencies and price levels, so smart budgeting makes a big difference. Most EU countries use the euro (€), but you’ll encounter pounds (£) in the UK, krona in Sweden, and złoty in Poland, among others. Many places are card-friendly, but smaller cafés, markets, and rural guesthouses may still prefer cash.

Rough benchmarks: a simple restaurant meal in cities like Madrid or Berlin might cost €12–€18 ($13–$20), while in London or Copenhagen you might pay £15–£25 or 150–200 DKK ($18–$30). Museum tickets often range from €10–€20, though many national museums have free days or discounted evenings.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to categorize spending in local currencies—accommodation, meals, transport—and see where your money’s going across multiple countries. When traveling with friends, Hello’s expense splitting makes it easy to divide shared costs like apartment rentals, car hire, or tasting menus without complicated spreadsheets.

When withdrawing cash, avoid dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and terminals—it often gives poor exchange rates. Choose to be charged in the local currency instead. For trains and long-distance buses, booking in advance can save substantial amounts, especially on popular routes in France, Italy, and the UK’s intercity lines.

From tapas in Barcelona to pierogi in Kraków, moules-frites in Brussels, and fish and chips in London, the EU and UK are a paradise for travelers who love to eat their way through a trip. Try regional specialties: croissants in Paris, goulash in Budapest, fresh seafood in Lisbon, or haggis and whisky in Edinburgh. Street food can be both affordable and memorable—think Berlin’s currywurst or Prague’s trdelník.

Dining customs vary. In much of southern Europe, dinner starts later—locals might not sit down until 9 pm. In the UK and northern Europe, restaurants close earlier, but pub culture is strong, and a Sunday roast is a classic experience. Tipping isn’t usually mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is appreciated.

Museums like the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Prado often require timed tickets, especially in peak season. Use Hello’s trip planning to slot key attractions around local opening hours and public holidays, which can vary widely between countries.

Staying online with a Hello eSIM lets you quickly translate menus, check cultural norms, or book last-minute walking tours. A few local phrases—merci, grazie, danke, gracias, dzień dobry—go a long way, especially outside major tourist areas.