Independent Travel to Europe 2025 – Sharing experiences you need to know

1. Europe – The dream journey for independent travel

1.1. Should I travel to Europe on my own?

If you have traveled to Thailand, Korea or Japan on your own and found it okay, then Europe is not too difficult – even more attractive thanks to the diversity of culture, landscape and cost if you know how to plan.

Traveling on your own gives you complete flexibility: sit in a cafe in Paris, browse the flea market in Florence or stroll through Prague at your own pace. If you book your tickets and hotel early, you can save significantly – for example, a round-trip ticket is under 15 million VND, a 3-star hotel is only about 1 million VND/night.

However, you need to prepare your visa carefully, budget for living expenses and be ready to deal with language barriers. But in return, the feeling of conquering Europe by yourself is unforgettable.

1.2. Countries to prioritize when traveling to Europe on your own

Venice Canals glow yellow in the setting sun, a romantic rendezvous in Europe

Instead of trying to “visit all” countries on your first trip, you should choose 3 to 4 countries that are close together, have good transportation systems, and are easy to travel to by high-speed train or cheap plane. Below are some popular groups of countries, depending on your preferences and budget:

Popular groups:

• France: Highlights Paris, Lyon and small towns in the South of France.

• Italy: Venice, Rome, Florence – great if you like history and food.

• Netherlands: Amsterdam and small satellite cities, convenient to travel.

• Spain: Barcelona and Madrid are always vibrant and affordable.

Affordable country group:

• Czech Republic: Beautiful, historic Prague at affordable prices.

• Hungary: Budapest has hot springs, beautiful scenery, and great food.

• Portugal: Lisbon, Porto – lovely coastal cities, mild weather.

• Poland: Warsaw and Krakow are little known to Vietnamese people, but are worth exploring.

Nature lovers group:

• Austria: Hallstatt is known as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

• Switzerland: High standard of living, majestic mountain scenery that is second to none.

• Norway: Suitable for those who love fjords, cruise ships, or want to see the winter aurora.

2. Schedule and cost of independent travel to Europe

2.1 Suggested locations for independent travel itinerary in Europe

Traveling independently in Europe becomes easier when you have the right tools. With Tatinta, you can choose to have the Travel Assistant advise you on your personal itinerary, or look up and plan your own itinerary based on available destination information.

Stroll across Amsterdam's ancient bridges, where the sunset touches history and art

Suggested 10-day itinerary: Start in Paris, France with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre and a cruise on the Seine. Then move on to Switzerland , where you can stay in Lucerne or Interlaken, see the Alps, take a train to the Jungfraujoch or experience the crystal-clear lakes and ancient villages typical of the mountains.

The final stop is Amsterdam (Netherlands) with its canal system, Van Gogh Museum, cheese market and Zaanse Schans windmill village. All three countries have convenient transportation systems, easy to travel by high-speed train or long-distance bus.

Tatinta offers a full range of sightseeing tickets, short tours, transportation and support services, helping you save time, money and easily manage your schedule. If you want personalized advice, just send a request to the Travel Assistant right on the platform.

Lost in the streets of old Paris, where every corner tells a story

A symphony of nature, culture and sophistication

Lost among poetic canals and ancient architecture - Amsterdam is like a gentle European dream.

2.2 Is it possible to travel to Europe on a budget?

It is completely possible if you know how to plan properly and be proactive in hunting for tickets, choosing destinations and adjusting spending when necessary.

A 10-day independent trip to Europe can cost between 33 and 45 million VND , including all basic expenses such as round-trip airfare, visa, accommodation, transportation and sightseeing. If you go with friends to share the cost of accommodation, food or group train tickets, you can save a few million more.

Here are some ways to help you optimize your budget while still having a complete experience:

• Book your flight early : If you are flexible with your time and destination (for example, choose to fly to Frankfurt, Milan or Vienna instead of Paris), you can buy a round-trip ticket for under 15 million if you book 3–6 months in advance.

• Choose budget accommodation : Bunk bed hostels (dorms) are a popular choice for young travelers, costing only around 20–30 euros/night. If you are traveling in a group, renting an apartment on Airbnb will be more economical, and it also has a kitchen for self-cooking.

• Travel wisely : You can combine high-speed trains, cheap long-distance buses like Flixbus or night trains to save time and overnight accommodation costs.

• Eat smart : European supermarkets sell a wide range of delicious food – from bread, cheese, fast food to boxed salads. In addition, kebab shops, pizza parlors or local restaurants also offer affordable prices and good quality.

• Take advantage of local offers : In many cities, you can sign up for a free walking tour (free walking tour with a local guide, just tip at the end of the tour), or buy a city pass that gives you access to many attractions and unlimited public transport for a few days. However, Tatinta Guide supports automatic audio commentary at each attraction, helping you experience the journey as if you were accompanied by a real tour guide.

Many people think of Europe as expensive, but the truth is that there are plenty of ways to experience the country without breaking the bank. The key is to choose an itinerary that fits your budget, not to take on too many destinations, and to stay flexible throughout your trip.

3. Experience of traveling to Europe on your own for the first time

Traveling to Europe for the first time is always a memorable experience, but it also comes with a lot of worries, especially if you have never traveled far before, have never applied for a Schengen visa or are backpacking out of Asia for the first time.

3.1. Schengen Visa – Don’t worry if you prepare well

e-Visa service on Tatinta allows users to receive support from experts

European Visa - Schengen Visa is often the most daunting thing for many people when planning to travel to Europe on their own. From choosing the right consulate, preparing financial documents, making an appointment, to going to the interview - everything requires precision and careful preparation. Especially for first-time visa applicants, this process can be confusing or lead to rejection due to a small detail that is incorrect.

Understanding that, Tatinta provides self-sufficient European visa support services , helping you reduce paperwork pressure and increase the chance of getting a visa right from the first time. Services include:

• Advice on choosing the right country to submit application (according to actual schedule).

• Instructions for preparing appropriate financial documents.

• Support with form filling, appointment scheduling, translation and interview preparation.

• Update review status and assist with processing if additional requests arise.

If you are wondering where to start, or simply want to save time, this is the step to let someone with experience accompany you. Your independent European journey will be much easier when you pass the visa "gate" smoothly.

3.2. Self-guided travel app - Use your smartphone "smartly"

Smartphones aren't just for taking selfies – if used properly, they can be a powerful tool to help you book tickets, find your way, exchange money, look up trains, translate languages, and even find a toilet at a train station (if you've ever been confused in Europe, you'll understand).

Instead of downloading dozens of apps and not knowing which one to use, Tatinta will reveal to you some self-guided travel apps that will help you during your time in Europe. The list is short, easy to understand, and fully functional for each stage – from the moment you set foot in Europe until you board the plane back.

Tatinta Guide travel app - your companion for independent travel

3.3. Public transport is easier than you think

• The metro in big cities like Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam is extremely efficient. You can buy single tickets, or buy a day pass / weekly pass to save money if you travel a lot.

• International trains : buy 2–4 weeks in advance via Omio, Trainline to get good prices. Some routes can be hunted for only 10–20 euros.

• Walking : many attractions are close together, especially in the old quarters. I walk 15-20 km every day but I don’t feel tired because the scenery is beautiful, the streets are clean and the people are polite.

Each trip on the European railways depicts a picture of the intersection between the glorious past and the brilliant modernity.

3.4. Some unexpected situations (and how to handle them)

• No coins, no access to public toilets : always keep a few 0.5 – 1 euro coins in your pocket. Some places only accept coins, not cards.

• Train delays are not uncommon, especially on regional trains. Always check the electronic boards at the station, and leave early if you need to catch a flight or make an important connection.

• Meeting a stranger who “offers help” you in Paris : this is one of the most common pickpocketing or begging tricks. Refuse firmly and keep your bag in front of you.

• When you are stopped by a police officer : stay calm, show your passport and train ticket. Do not joke or take photos of the police – this is prohibited in some places.

Traveling to Europe on your own for the first time will have things you cannot prepare for. But because of that, you will become more mature after each time you manage - from reading the electronic board at the train station, buying automatic tickets, to confidently communicating in English with strangers. And most of all, you will realize that: expensive things are not considered luxurious - but the freedom to explore the world in your own way is the most "luxurious" thing that travel brings.