You’re ready to commit to a European trip. And while we’d normally recommend you plan months in advance – nothing these days is normal, thanks to the current travel situation. So if you’re thinking about it, use our tips below to start planning your European getaway.
Planning your trip
What does the latest travel guidance mean?
With COVID-19 cases rising in the U.S. due to the delta variant, the EU has recommended that its member nations reinstate restrictions on non-essential travel for American tourists – specifically those that are unvaccinated. It is still up to individual EU countries to implement their own travel restrictions.
Check out our Travel Restrictions map to understand what countries are open and what their requirements are.
What’s happening with the Delta variant?
While the Delta variant is a concern, according to the CDC, vaccinated US travelers should be considered “safe” to travel. Be aware that towns and cities may also enact curfews or closings due to the variant, so frequently check local tourism information.
If you’re looking for…
- Wide, open spaces: Iceland is your spot. This island nation is famous for being sparsely populated with many natural wonders.
- Sun and sand: Porto, Portugal is the sun-seeking destination your trip requires. You can find private, secluded beaches both in the city and throughout the region.
- An iconic European vacation: Paris is lovely any time of the year, but especially in summer. To make sure you’re maximizing your time, choose a stay in a central location to everything you’d like to see.
When should I book?
Our data shows that booking as soon as possible may help you find a better deal. We’re guessing this is pretty unique to the times, and your route definitely factors into how much you’ll pay. Set a Price Alert to find out the right time to book – we use our data to tell you when to expect a good price on your flight.
Preparing for your trip
What health information do I need to bring?
While requirements vary by country, it’s good practice to take your vaccination card and a copy of your health insurance. Some countries, like Spain, will require you to fill out a questionnaire while others will simply need to see your completed vaccination card (with CDC logo on it). Many airlines are also requiring that you share this information before your trip – and many list how to do so on their websites.
Should I pay for travel insurance?
Travel insurance can definitely offer you peace of mind. But purchasing it is entirely up to you. We put together this cheat sheet to help you figure out if you need it for your trip.
I took a test… what do I do if:
It came back negative. Awesome! What you need to do may depend on your airline (so check their website). But it’s a good idea to make a copy and leave it at home with a friend/family member.
It came back positive. Be sure to immediately notify your airline and stay home. If you’ve booked any ticket except basic economy, many major airlines are allowing you to change your plans up and until flight check-in, free of charge.
Do I need to pack a mask?
Absolutely, yes. You’re required to wear a mask in US airports and on flights, and may also find that individual towns or businesses require masks to enter.
Coming home
How do I re-enter the US?
You must present a recent negative COVID-19 test (taken within 3 days before travel back to the US). There are a few ways you can obtain testing while abroad. We recommend ordering an at-home test kit before you travel.
How do I get a test?
We’ve partnered with Veritas and LetsGetChecked to give travelers a discount on their test kits.* Just be sure you order far enough ahead to ensure delivery before you leave for your trip, as you’ll need to bring them with you. It’s also possible to find testing in Europe, but depending on your destination availability of testing may be limited.
*We may earn commissions for purchases made through our partner links in this post.
This blog was originally published on July 13, 2021.
