5 Travel Tips for Visiting Europe in 2022

By Bharti Rana

Nomads everywhere love Europe for a reason: variety, cultural heritage, good food, safe exploration and natural wonders. But visiting Europe in 2022 has some challenges for the would-be savvy traveler.

Of course, it’s easier if you’re already a European national but, depending on your ancestry, you might have the right to become one – with an Italian, Spanish or Lithuanian citizenship, for example.

MORE: How to buy a house in a crazy market like L.A.

But what else should you know before your great European adventure? Living your best digital nomad life in the sun-kissed South or the sophisticated North will be simple with these travel tips. Read on!

1. Research the current rules of every country

In 2022, many travelers aren’t sure where they stand. Is the pandemic over? Are there still restrictions? The most straightforward answer: it depends. You should always check the most recent rules set up by your destination.

For example, Spain and Portugal are mostly mask-free. Nearby Italy still has travel restrictions for some non-EU countries. As of May 2022, Sweden, Latvia, and the Netherlands have no restrictions. Malta still requires a negative PCR to enter.

Consider which country you’ll visit, where you come from, and your vaccination status. To keep all the information straight, check the official Reopen EU site often, and it’s also available as a mobile app.

2. Get your documents in order

Gone are the days when a non-EU national could simply walk into Europe and the Schengen Area. Now, most countries require extra documents to roam freely.

Check the Reopen EU app for weekly updates and ensure you have the key documents. These include proof of vaccination or recovery and possibly an EU Digital Passenger Locator Form. Plus, of course, your valid passport (don’t forget to renew it if necessary!) and travel insurance covering COVID.

Exploring the region as an EU national is easier. With Lithuanian citizenship, for example, you can travel through Europe with fewer restrictions (and visa-free, of course). You have the right to medical assistance just as any citizen of any EU country and the right to get a vaccine or booster to complete your Covid certificate.

Don’t sleep on it – getting your documents right is more important than ever.

MORE: Using Cinematic mode on the iPhone

3. Book in advance

After a couple of non-nomadic years, it’s no wonder everyone’s itching to get out and explore the world. In 2022, tourism has more than doubled compared to the previous year, according to the World Tourism Organization.

The takeaway? You should book accommodations, travel tickets and any limited activities well in advance. Even better if you can get flexible reservations to cover any unexpected scenarios.

Do your research to get to all your favorite spots before the crowds. Everyone knows it’s no fun getting to your dream restaurant, museum, or hotel only to find it’s at capacity.

Plus, researching and booking before you travel is a good way to ensure you’ll enjoy a relaxing, fully-present dive back into the nomadic life.

4. Travel by train

Choose to travel by Europe’s many scenic, comfortable and eco-friendly trains. You’ll be immersed in the landscape, reduce your carbon footprint, and the Earth will thank you for it. Plus, most trains now have WiFi, so you’ll be able to live your best digital nomad life.

It’s still a well-kept secret that 2022 will see a boom in new, cheaper railway lines. These include Vienna to Paris, Brussels to Prague, and a scenic vintage line from Ancona to Fabriano, Italy. Check out apps like Omio for booking and planning your trail routes – you might be among the first to explore them.

MORE: Sign up for media consulting services!

5. Get off the beaten track

Whether you’re still a bit nervous about crowds or excited for new, unexplored horizons, it’s never a bad idea to search for hidden gems. In a tourist boom, traveling to Europe might require extra creativity.

The secret? Talk to locals! If there’s anyone who’ll know where to get the best pierogi in Warsaw, you bet it’ll be the person who’s lived there their whole life. Some nomads and curious people alike think the best place to connect with locals (other than real life, of course) is couch surfing.

Another great online resource for the oddity-minded is Atlas Obscura, a community-sourced platform where you’ll find unique experiences in the heart of the Old Continent.

But the most important tip to get off the beaten track in 2022 Europe is this: take your time. When staying longer in one place and embracing a less-frantic pace, you’ll escape the crowded times and areas and have more energy to explore.

Traveling to Europe in 2022 might seem harder than in the past. But with these tips, a bit of preparation, and a sense of adventure, you’ll travel like an expert in the Old Continent. Bonus points if you can get Lithuanian citizenship or another European passport – and explore for longer. Bon voyage!

Bharti Rana is a guest blogger for Get Savvy with Social. She is a content marketer and blogger with years of experience in offering quality and unique content to clients. She is a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places and sharing her experiences and insights with readers through blogging.