Check whether you will need a Visa to travel in the country. For most European countries, if you are an American passport holder, and you are planning to stay only 90 days or fewer, then you will most likely not need a Visa. Check that your passport is valid and will be valid for six months after you return home.
Apply for a visa if you are travelling to Russia, Turkey or any other country that requires U.S. citizens to have one. Get the visa from your local consulate or the embassy of the country to which you are travelling. Most are available online.
Extend your medical insurance to include travel to Europe. Call your insurance provider and explain the countries you are traveling to and how long you are intending to stay. The insurance provider will charge you a fee for this, although it is imperative you have insurance.
Book your flights in advance. Most airlines hold sales in January, as this is a quiet time of year for airlines. Europe's rail network is comprehensive and inexpensive, allowing you to fly to most cities and still travel around conveniently. For instance, if the flight to Paris is too expensive, fly to Amsterdam and take the train to Paris. If you wish to book your flight before early January, booking six months in advance will also get cheap rates.
Travel freely within Europe. With the rise of the E.U. and the Schengen agreement, you will no longer have to show a passport at internal boundaries within the European continent. Combined with the European single currency, traveling within Europe has been made much easier. Travel to as many countries as possible, and experience as much of European culture as you can.
