We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Travel

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best European Plan?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 8,232
Share

A European plan is a lodging arrangement in which the hotel is included but no meals are provided in the package price. There are advantages and disadvantages to this plan that must be carefully considered before accepting a travel package. Choosing the best European plan may take some thought but may actually help a savvy traveler get more out of his or her vacation.

The main disadvantage to a European plan is that it leaves a guest totally on his or her own as far as food is concerned. While the hotel may have a dining room or restaurant, any food purchased will be in addition to the room bill. For people traveling to locations where they do not speak the language, a European plan may seem somewhat daunting, as it will require them to go out and try and find food without being able to communicate with locals.

This disadvantage may also be seen as a great advantage. Hotel food, with rare exceptions, is often much more expensive than eating at local restaurants or buying food at grocery stores. Not relying on a lodging to provide meals encourages exploration of a new area, and can provide an adventurous traveler with new and exciting food opportunities. It is important to remember that a European plan may not prevent a traveler from eating at the hotel, it simply doesn't include any meals in the price of the room.

Choosing the best European plan may allow vacation money to stretch farther. Many all-inclusive hotels assume that a person on a meals-included plan will eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even tea or snacks. Rates will be set according to the most a traveler can eat, not the least. For light eaters, a European plan can prevent being charged for a lot of uneaten meals. More money saved means more money for souvenirs, excursions, and meals at other locations.

Some European plans may allow a person to stay at luxury accommodations for a much lower price than other travelers on a meals-included plan. While a traveler may not be able to get free room service in bed, taking a ten minute round-trip walk to a nearby bakery and returning to enjoy a freshly-baked croissant in the spa tub can be better than sitting around and waiting for bran flakes to arrive. For flexible travelers with a love of exploration, a European plan can provide the best of both worlds: staying in beautiful rooms while enjoying total freedom for exploring local food.

When choosing a European plan, it may be wise to pick up a few guidebooks or research online about local food options. Find out about customary or important dishes in the region, and make a simple list of restaurants, markets, and food stands to try out. If the region uses a different language, pick up a basic language book for travelers. Many will have easy to understand sections on ordering food from a restaurant and paying for meals that can help even a novice linguist get a plate of the local delicacy.

Share
WiseTour is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseTour. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisetour.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-european-plan.htm
Copy this link
WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.