1. Keep your money safe - Certain parts of Europe are known for their thieves and pick-pockets that target tourists. Consider bringing along a money belt which you can fasten beneath your clothing to keep your money safe. You should also budget accordingly so you never carry more cash than you need in a single day.
2. Create an itinerary - Leave it with friends and family members back home. It should list your flight information, the address and phone numbers of the hotels or hostels you'll be staying at, and your travel plans once you're in Europe.
3. Compile contact information - This includes all important phone numbers such as your credit card companies and where you'll be staying throughout the trip. In the event you needed to report a lost credit card or call your hotel in advance, you have the information you need.
4. Plan how you will travel within Europe - If you'll be traveling between various European countries, you may find flying point-to-point saves you time and money. If you'll be traveling within a specific country or region, traveling by train may be more practical.
5. Know common words and phrases of the language - Knowing a few simple words such as "train" and "bathroom" may be all you need to get around. Also, in many places if you simply say "English" you can find natives who speak English.
6. Make and confirm all your lodging reservations - When making reservations, make sure you include all key information in your reservation requests including the type of room you want, how many nights you'll be staying, and any special requests you may have. A few days before your scheduled departure, call ahead to confirm your reservations.
7. Know the weather - What's the seasonal climate like where you will be traveling? Make sure you pack accordingly and consider packing in layers so you can easily dress according to the weather once you're there.
8. Know the U.S. Embassies - If your passport is lost or stolen, you'll need to get a new one through the U.S. Embassy so make sure you know where it is located in each country you will be visiting.
9.Do your homework - If you don't have much time and you're not sure which cities and sites you should visit, read up on your destination online. Reviews written by other travelers can be a valuable source for your European travel planning.
10. Create a route and time-line - Determine a logical geographical order of the places you will visit and when to ensure you make the most of your time in Europe.