Too Many Countries, Too Little Time? Read This First!

The #1 Mistake Travelers Make When Planning a DIY Trip to Europe

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting—there’s so much to see, do, and experience! But there’s one mistake I see over and over again when people try to plan their own European adventure:

Trying to fit too many countries into one short trip.

Can You Visit Multiple Countries in 7 to 10 Days?

Technically, yes. You can cross borders and check off multiple countries in a week. Europe’s compact geography makes this seem easy. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should—especially if you’re planning to do it all yourself.

I recently had someone reach out to ask if they could drive through France, Italy, and Switzerland in 10 days on a self-drive tour. While the idea sounds incredible, I had to advise against it. Why? Because most of their trip would be spent getting from place to place, not actually experiencing the culture, food, or beauty of each destination.

Why DIY Multi-Country Trips Can Be a Recipe for Burnout

When you're traveling on your own, every detail falls on you:

• Navigating unfamiliar roads

• Switching hotels every couple of nights

• Figuring out parking, local rules, and logistics

• Wasting precious time in transit rather than exploring

Instead of relaxing and soaking in the sights, you end up stressed, rushed, and exhausted by day four.

A Better Way to See Multiple Countries

Now, I’m not saying visiting more than one country in a week is a no-go. It can work—with the right kind of trip.

Option 1: Guided Tours
There are plenty of high-quality guided tours that cover 2–3 countries in 7 to 10 days. These itineraries are crafted by professionals, so your transportation, hotels, and even many meals and excursions are already planned for you. Yes, it’s a fast pace, but at least you’re not the one behind the wheel.

Option 2: River Cruising
One of my personal favorites is river cruising. It’s the perfect blend of exploration and ease. On some itineraries, you can visit up to four countries in one week—and you only have to unpack once! Your ship is a floating boutique hotel that glides along the river, docking right in the heart of charming towns and cities. You wake up in a new destination without ever having to repack your suitcase or figure out directions.

Travel Deeper, Not Faster

Europe isn’t meant to be rushed through—it’s meant to be savored. Whether it’s a slow morning sipping coffee in a Parisian café or a leisurely wine tasting in Austria, the best memories are made when you’re not in a hurry.

So if you’re dreaming of a European getaway and want to do it the right way—whether that’s one country done deeply or multiple countries with less stress—I’d love to help.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Trip to Europe

Schedule a complimentary travel consultation with me and let’s build an itinerary that fits your pace and travel style.

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Luxury Vacations by Sonia: Europe, River Cruises, Groups & Custom Travel