Travelling can give you the opportunity to do so much. You can expand your cultural knowledge and understanding, make new friends in towns you’ve never heard of, and develop an appreciation for nature. However, it can also come with some pretty steep learning curves, and part of being a seasoned traveller is that you know exactly what to pack and what to leave behind.Travelling can give you the opportunity to do so much. You can expand your cultural knowledge and understanding, make new friends in towns you’ve never heard of, and develop an appreciation for nature. However, it can also come with some pretty steep learning curves, and part of being a seasoned traveller is that you know exactly what to pack and what to leave behind.

If you’re new to travelling and you’re starting off in the major European cities, I would always recommend somewhere like Vienna. It’s lively, steeped in history and is the perfect place for you to satisfy your wanderlust craving. I’ve put together this brief overview of what you need to bear in mind when you head out there for your first trip.

Research and reviewsProbably one of the most widely asked questions about any city is where to stay. Luckily, Vienna has everything from budget hostels to five-star luxury, so no matter what your taste, you’ll be guaranteed to find the perfect place for you. My advice would always be to look well in advance at what’s available and then do some research on your top five.

Go on price comparison websites to try and get the best deal, but always make sure you look up reviews before you book. Genuine customer reviews can give you insights into the service and ambience of a place, which is the only way you’ll find out if it’s the right one for you. Don’t forget either, reviews can extend to things like city tours and excursions too, so make sure you check out the blogs and forums relating to some of the more popular attractions, to see whether it’s worth all the attention.

Book in advanceSpeaking of tours and excursions, always make sure you book as far in advance as possible. A lot of travellers like to go with the flow, but for beginners, I’d always say to book both to avoid disappointment and alleviate stress.

You’ll pick up plenty of tips and tricks along the way as you travel more, and you’ll learn which things you definitely need to book and those areas where you can afford to be a little more relaxed. In Vienna, you can book some elements of your transport in advance although it’s not essential, but booking opera tickets via sites like viennaoperatickets.com is a must.

Always go preparedWhat kind of activities will you be doing in Vienna? Will you be going on walks around rural areas where walking boots will be required? Will you be going on any excursions to other parts of the country that require specific equipment?

Vienna is a stunning city so you’ll definitely need some comfortable shoes if you want to see it all while you’re there. Would you prefer to cycle around the town instead? In that case you’ll need the proper outfit. Whether it’s medicines or washing powder, always be over-prepared.I hope you found this guide to travelling preparation useful. Are you heading out to Vienna soon?