You will need a Canadian passport to travel to Europe. If you have a Canadian passport, check to ensure it is current. If you need to apply for one or renew your passport, allow 10 business days if you apply in person and 20 if applying by mail. Fill out all three pages of the application form available online at Ppt.gc.ca and sign it. You will also need two identical passport photos taken within the last 12 months. The application form and one of the photos must be certified by a guarantor. In addition you will need proof of Canadian citizenship (original only), documents to support your identity and any Canadian passport or travel document issued to you within the last five years and the fee. If you have existing health care insurance, check to see if it applies if you are out of the country or consider buying health insurance to cover you while on vacation. Take your driver's license along if you plan to drive and for additional identification should you lose your passport.
Planning your European vacation is the toughest task as the options are nearly endless. Start by narrowing down your choices. You can choose a theme for your vacation based on your interests such as castle, palace and garden tours, art and history, cuisine or activities you like to do such as cycling and hiking. Your vacation can be based on European cities and events that intrigue you such as Paris in the spring, Oktoberfest in Munich, or Christmas shopping in London. Take your ideas to a travel agent, research online or buy a travel guide book.
Book a flight to your chosen destination or destinations from an online booking agent or from a travel agency. If you plan to travel to multiple destination once you get to Europe, it's more convenient and often cheaper to fly into hubs like Frankfurt, London and Paris. From these major hubs, it's easy to fly on low-cost local airlines or travel by train, bus or rent a car. Research the driving conditions in countries you plan to visit if you want to rent a car. The Champs-Elysees in Paris at rush hour or some of Europe's high mountain passes are best left to the locals or the brave. Train travel in Europe is terrific. It's a flexible and easy way to get around and avoid the crush at airports while sightseeing along the way. A Eurail pass available at Eurail.com allows you to save some money and see more of Europe.
Book your accommodation either through your travel agent or online. Check websites that offer reviews from other vacationers as the photos and list of amenities can be misleading. If you are traveling by train, check to see how close your hotel is to the station. Seasoned travelers also try to determine if street noise will be a factor in getting a good night's sleep. Don't be surprised if your hotel wants to see your passport or even keep it for a day when you check in. Don't worry if you only speak English or French. The hotel staff in the main tourist areas speak multiple languages.
Even if you are shoe aficionado, pack as lightly as you can. Airlines are imposing more and more luggage size, weight and number of pieces restrictions. Pack a change of clothes, your identification, camera and any medications in a carry-on bag in case of lost luggage. Don't jam your luggage full before you leave Canada as you'll want some room to bring back treasures. Shopping in Europe is as fabulous and varied as the countries you'll visit. Consider mailing purchases back home if you get carried away.
