Beyond the Euro: Which Currencies Do You Need in Europe?

When Americans head to Europe for the first time, we’re usually focused on Schengen.

The Schengen Zone is a group of European countries that no longer have border control. US citizens heading into Europe without a visa have ninety days allotted in the Schengen Zone before their time is up.

Here’s where it gets a little tricky when it comes to currencies—

You’d think that every country in the Schengen Zone would also use the same currency as part of the European Union. In reality, those three factors (being in the EU, being part of Schengen, and using the euro) are distinct.

Not all EU countries are part of Schengen—and some Schengen Zones aren’t part of the EU—and some countries use the euro without being part of either.

If you’re going on a trip that involves crossing European borders, make sure you know what tender to use and in which countries. Just because a country is part of the European Union, it doesn’t mean they use the euro. Let’s dig in.

First up: the EU and the euro

The European Union is full of surprises—and the surprise that keeps on giving is currency. The euro is used by 26 countries around the continent; on top of that, there are another 23 currencies used locally. (You probably can name a few, from the British pound to the Swiss franc.)

So, what’s with all the crossed wires between currencies? And why would a country join the European Union and not the eurozone? (The eurozone = countries that run on the euro.)

Some countries in the European Union run on domestic currency because their current tender is weaker than the euro. Before a country can join the eurozone, they must be economically compatible. Officially speaking, they must meet the Exchange Rate Mechanism.

Poland and Hungary, for example, are part of the EU but use a local currency. (Hungary is preparing to switch over, in case any finance buffs want to follow that process live.)

To complicate things even more, some countries that aren’t in the EU still use the euro, including many micro-states like Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, and San Marino.

What a crazy little continent. Now that I’ve jumbled your brain, let’s simplify things with a few lists.

Which countries use the euro?

If you’re heading to Western Europe, you’ll probably only need to use the euro. Currently, 20 out of the 27 European Union nations use the euro.

Countries that use the euro:

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Cyprus
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain

Which countries in the EU use another currency?

Remember—just because a country is part of the European Union, that doesn’t mean they’re using the euro. As mentioned above, some countries need to improve their economic standing before joining the eurozone, such as Poland and Hungary.

On the other hand, some countries might have an economy that’s too strong to join the eurozone, as with Sweden. Additionally, they may want to maintain monetary independence from the European Union. Denmark, for example, uses both a local currency and the euro.

Keep a lookout for these countries that are part of the EU but don’t use the euro (just yet):

Bulgaria (lev)
Czech Republic (koruna)
Denmark (krone—Denmark also uses the euro)
Hungary (forint)
Poland (złoty)
Romania (leu)
Sweden (krona)

Which non-EU countries use the euro?

Some countries in Europe aren’t part of the European Union but have still adopted the euro. These are the smallest nations on the continent—and even the world. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican, Kosovo, and Montenegro all accept the euro despite not being part of the European Union.

What other currencies should you know about in Europe?

Importantly, some countries that you would assume are part of the EU might not be. Norway and Switzerland have never joined the European Union. Famously, the UK exited the European Union a few years back.

Keep in mind that you can’t actually use euros in these popular countries:

The UK uses the pound, including Northern Ireland
Switzerland and Lichtenstein use the franc
Norway uses the krone
Iceland uses the krona

How to Nail a Valentine’s Day Escape—Without Leaving Home

I have a travel confession… I’ve never gone on a Valentine’s Day trip.

Not even a weekend getaway. Not even a train ride into the mountains. Definitely not a jaunt across Europe.

Valentine’s Day trips are usually foregone for bigger romance milestones, like anniversaries and birthdays. After all, who can fork over a few thousand for a cute romantic trip once a year? Even if the money isn’t the problem, finding the time and energy might be—especially in the dead of winter.

But let’s not forget one of the unsung heroes of travel: local attractions.

Obviously, setting off to a tropical island in the Caribbean or a historic city in Europe is a hard travel experience to beat—but it’s easy to go blind to the wonders that surround us. If you haven’t played tourist in your hometown in a while, this is the prime time.

Want to make your sweetheart feel special without heading to the airport? You’ve got more options than you think.

How to nail a local Valentine’s Day adventure

Look for day trips using booking platforms you usually only use on vacation

Day trips are your best friend for DIY Valentine’s Day getaways.

Look for a fitting option on whichever platform you normally use for booking tours while on vacation, whether TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide. A half-day tour gives you time to bundle other adventures into the day, while a full day trip lets you get farther out of town.

Keep a lookout for tours that are geared toward couples. Some guides offer Valentine’s Day specials, too.

Don’t forget about smaller experiences

Can’t find a day trip that sparks your interest? Don’t forget about smaller experiences, too.

Remember, the idea is for you to play tourist in your home town (or in a city nearby). If you’ve never gone to ‘that’ museum or visited ‘that’ attraction, now is the time.

Once again, if heading to an art museum or a major landmark doesn’t get the job done for you, then don’t forget about one of the latest trends in tourism: photoshoots.

Just about every tour booking platform now has a guide offering tours in photo-worthy spots—and many have experience nailing the shot.

I’ve also had great experiences in cooking classes. Me and my partner have made pierogis in Poland, gnocchi in Milan, and even arancini in Sicily. They’re fantastic choices for first dates, too.

Or if cooking isn’t your thing, look for experiences with private chefs. It’s hard to go wrong there.

Do the same for fine dining and spas in your area

If booking an experience with a private chef isn’t an option, then head back to the streets. It’s common for fine dining establishments and spas to roll out special menus and services for couples.

While you might already have a few places in mind, platforms like TripAdvisor can help you uncover a gem or two. Instead of heading to the ‘things to do’ section on TripAdvisor, go to the ‘restaurants’ tab.

I can’t promise that you’ll find a romance-themed menu, but you might be able to find a lesser-known steakhouse, Italian restaurant, or tapas-style eatery.

Take advantage of local hotel deals—and don’t forget about casinos

Want to bundle in a slumber party? Love it. Again, all you need to do is play tourist.

How do you normally find hotels when you’re heading on vacation? If you’ve got any travel rewards bonuses burning a hole in your back pocket, now might be a great time to put them to use.

If you’re looking for last-minute deals, you can also shop around for hotels on HotelTonight or head to the flash offers on booking sites like Priceline and Booking.

Last-minute deals are usually high-value—but they come with fine print, so don’t book unless you’re positive you can stay the night.

One of my oddball suggestions is to look into local casinos, too. While you might need to walk through a smoky casino floor, these establishments usually offer hefty savings when they want to fill their rooms. Many also offer Valentine’s Day specials, from couples’ spa treatments to deals at their on-site restaurants.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Splurge on Luggage

Spending big on a suitcase is one of the last things travelers usually think about.

I was squarely in this camp for my first decade of jet-setting. With so much to do and so much to see and so many miles to cover, I didn’t pay much attention to my baggage.

So long as it survived my latest adventure, that was all I needed.

As I get older, I’m more interested in investing in quality equipment than ever before.

In my lifetime, international travel has gone mainstream—and that means travelers like me are more spoiled than ever before. From handy little gadgets that make long flights more bearable to high-tech apps that ease the stress of jet lag, we’ve got plenty of options at our fingertips.

Still, shelling out hundreds for upscale luggage is a tough sell. As travelers invest more heavily in their experiences (from fine dining to adventure tours), there’s less emphasis on splurging on luggage.

Still, all that tech and all those experiential adventures don’t chalk up to much if you can’t get from Point A to Point B with your luggage in tow.

If you’re thinking about splurging on luggage, consider this your sign to whip out that wallet—especially if these five signs speak to you.

5 signs you’re ready to splurge on luggage

Sign #1: Your trips are getting longer

Here’s my sage advice on what separates a cheap suitcase from a luxury one: long-term functionality.

In my experience, a higher quality piece of luggage is easier to manage for longer trips. Because they’re made with higher-quality material, you’ll notice that they’re easier to clean, unload and then re-pack, and even keep secure.

While almost any suitcase can handle a trip to an all-inclusive resort, a great piece of luggage that’s manufactured with leather, aluminum, and polycarbonate will stand up better on a multi-country jaunt around the world.

Sign #2: You’re a pro at packing

This might sound needlessly lush, but packing a high-grade suitcase is a lot easier than a bargain version.

Once again, those high-quality materials make every part of the travel journey more seamless. In this case, pricier luggage also comes with added perks that soothe your expert-packing sensibilities.

I’m talking about features like integrated straps, removable compression bags, and even charging banks. These not only make packing easier but also make the re-packing experience better. As an added bonus, higher-quality materials don’t absorb smells as much, meaning your luggage stays fresh for longer.

Sign #3: And at airport stuff

If you’ve also got your airport routine down-pat, it’s probably time to up your luggage game.

Here’s what I mean: If you consistently give yourself enough time to get through check-in and security, then roll up to your gate relaxed, I recommend looking for a high-quality piece of luggage.

While those 360-degree wheels from a top-tier brand enable you to sprint through the airport to catch your flight, you shouldn’t pay more for a bag that you’ll probably scuff anyway

Do you see what I’m saying? If you’re still racing through the airport, you’re probably still dinging up your suitcase. And that’s no way to treat a Carl Friedrik piece.

Sign #4: You’re comfortable with tech

If you’re going to throw over $500 at a top-notch suitcase, then you should be at least okay with technology.

Why is that? Most experienced travelers with high-quality luggage use Apple AirTags or similar technology to track their beloved suitcases in case it’s lost or stolen.

Geo-tracking devices are just the tip of the iceberg. Many high-quality brands also offer removable battery packs, built-in scales, and even features like telescoping handles. To get the most out of your big new purchase, you should be comfortable with basic tech like this—and know how to use it to its full capacity.

Sign #5: You’ve had your old luggage for years—and it’s not destroyed

From tossing to dragging to berating, our poor suitcases are the first to experience our impatience when we hit a bump in the road—literally or figuratively. (They also need to survive rough handling by an airport’s ground crew, but that’s beyond our control.)

If your latest piece of luggage has survived the ups and downs of travel without you scuffing or otherwise damaging the item, then you’re probably ready to splurge on a nicer piece. (You’ve earned this!)

Paris Syndrome: Culture Shock in the City of Love

Culture shock comes in waves.

During my college studies, we learned about the ebbs and flows of culture shock. What starts with wide-eyed romanticism (called the honeymoon period) usually leads to a stretch of hardcore letdown, followed by a more neutral type of acceptance.

In short: we love it, then we hate it, and then we adapt.

At least, if we hang in there.

Tales of culture shock abound. Usually, they become an important part of our travel stories, and have a lasting impact on how we see the world. A more sensational version of culture shock many Americans go through is using their first squat toilet… but it’s far from the grandest example out there.

In fact, some forms of culture shock are so heralding that they get their own name. Welcome to the wild world of Paris Syndrome, a form of culture shock that’s specific to Japanese (and, more often, Chinese) tourists who visit the City of Love.

The experience of Paris Syndrome is so strong that some Japanese visitors have actually returned home, unable to finish their trip due to physical symptoms.

Why, you might ask?

There’s no nice way to put this, but Paris is kind of a dump… especially when compared to the overly romanticized versions of the city popularized in East Asia.

History of Paris Syndrome

Let me get this out of the way immediately: No, the Japanese embassy doesn’t run a 24-hour hotline for tourists who are experiencing malaise. (It’s a great story, but it’s false.)

In reality, around 50 tourists every year end up in Parisian hospitals due to pathological problems that are brought on by high levels of stress due to culture shock (more on this below). Three to five of these upset tourists come from Japan.

The concept of the Paris Syndrome first took the city by storm in the 1980s. Reports and stories started popping up, detailing the difficulties experienced by Japanese tourists.

In 1991, a Japanese psychiatrist working in Paris’s Sainte-Anne Hospital Center coined the term ‘Paris Syndrome’. Japanese psychiatrists continued their work, running clinical reports on the new concept of culture shock into the late 90s. By the early 2000s, Parisian authorities were also taking a closer look.

Today, much of the research on Paris Syndrome comes from Dr. Youcef Mahmoudia, a psychiatrist who works at Hotel-Dieu in Paris. (If you want to dig into his work, you can hurt your eyes here.) Mahmoudia has worked with Japanese tourists and other nationals in the hospital, delving deeper into what exactly drives some visitors to the brink.

So, what exactly is Paris Syndrome?

Is Paris Syndrome a real thing?

At its most basic, Paris Syndrome is an extreme form of disappointment in the city.

Japanese tourists, in particular, are prone to intense psychological symptoms brought on by their disappointment in Paris. That includes delusions, feelings of persecution, derealization, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and even vomiting.

But… why? Is Paris really that bad?

It’s not so much about the city itself, but a person’s expectations of what they’ll find. If you imagine the city to be all Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, and gorgeous sunsets on the Seine, then you’re in for a rude awakening.

Unfortunately, Paris is depicted as a highly romantic city full of historical landmarks, beautiful people in designer clothing, and cozy little eateries.

In reality, Paris is overpopulated, struggling to deal with rats and bedbugs, and isn’t friendly toward visitors. And when I say ‘isn’t friendly’, I’m being polite; some Parisians are known for being outright hostile to tourists.

That’s a big deal for anyone who has wandered far from home—but it’s devastating for Japanese tourists for a few reasons.

First, because they’ve come a long way and jet lag exhausts the body, making it harder to manage those obstacles. Second, the language barrier is very intense, creating more anxiety and isolation.

Intense cultural differences like individualism are also at play. Japanese culture prioritizes the group—meaning managing those negative moments can be even harder without their community there to support them.

5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make Using AI to Plan Trips

From Priceline’s new AI assistant, Penny, to fully planned itineraries from Google’s Gemini, artificial intelligence is tiptoeing into the world of travel.

Tiptoeing might not be the right word now that tens of thousands of Americans are using (or are planning to use) AI to organize their trips in 2025.

Whether booking tours or digging deeper to research restaurants and museums, AI tools and assistants are taking a load off for tired travelers.

At least, in theory.

AI remains in its infancy, meaning many of its use cases still aren’t hammered out. On top of that, most suggestions are based on data-driven calculations—and data isn’t always as reliable as we like to think.

Plus, using an AI program to its full capacity takes a bit of practice. It’s not something a newcomer will land with a few quick questions.

To be clear, I’m not doubting the efficacy or usefulness of AI when it comes to trip planning, but I’d hate to paint an overly optimistic portrait. While you should be leaning on AI to offload some of the work, don’t fall into the mindset that you don’t need to do any double-checking.

Here’s what you need to avoid when using AI for trip-planning.

Common mistakes travelers make using AI to plan trips

Mistake #1: Not double-checking suggestions

For me, the best use for AI and trip planning is to point me in the right direction. In other words, I’ll collate a list of suggestions from leading AI assistants, from Priceline’s Penny to Google’s Gemini, and then rank them in order of my favorites.

From there, I go through the list to make sure that each suggestion (whether a destination, museum, or hotel) meets my needs. Remember that some models might be using outdated information. You always need to double-check.

Mistake #2: Staying too broad

In my experience, AI tends to paint with broad strokes when it comes to recommending activities, tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. Remember that some AI programs don’t ‘know’ you as a user, meaning they aren’t creating personalized suggestions for you.

You need to dig deeper to get more out of those suggestions. To do so, I recommend using adjectives that describe you and the type of travel experience you’re looking for. Avoid broad terms when possible.

*If you’ve been using a single AI model, then this might not be true. For example, if you regularly use Google Gemini, its suggestions might be more tailored based on your previous patterns.

Mistake #3: Using general AI tools—and only one

Using ChatGPT or Gemini isn’t the best way to utilize AI to plan trips—point blank.

The best AI tools for planning trips are those that were designed specifically to plan trips. I’m not just talking about Priceline’s Penny assistant, either (although she is cool).

Other tools have popped up in the last few years, from GuideGeek to MindTrip. I highly suggest using these types of travel-centric AI programs. Not only are they specific to travel, but they’re also prepared to help you do things like budget to the dollar, uncover hidden gems, and find a perfect lodging for your group.

On top of that, I suggest using a few different tools to see which generates the most satisfying trip. Given these programs aren’t going to actually book anything for you, this lets you put together a perfect trip based on advice from multiple AI tools.

Mistake #4: Accepting the first suggestions

If you’re new to planning trips using AI, then you might be tempted to see the first list of suggestions and start booking trips. In reality, you should continue tightening the itinerary by correcting elements you don’t like and asking for more suggestions.

Remember—AI is there to serve you while also learning from you (in most cases). The more you nudge and steer the results, the more tailored of an adventure you’ll have.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the plug-ins

AI comes in a few well-known forms, mostly chatbots (like ChatGPT) and predictive algorithms. Chatbots are the more dynamic option while algorithms work behind the scenes to curate options that travelers want to book, from tours to flights.

But there are also plug-ins. For example, you can install a ChatGPT plug-in that’s specific to travel in order to assist the AI model in finding the right results for you.

In the case of the Trip.com plug-in, you can even research trip details like flights, hotels, and more. Expedia also has one active, letting you more seamlessly plan a trip using the capabilities of OpenAI with the expertise of a travel platform.

The Rules of Solo Travel in Big Cities

Solo adventures are a rite of passage for many travelers.

Setting off into the sunset all by your lonesome can positively impact your self-development and worldview.

Personally, I like solo journeys because I’m one for long bouts of quiet introspection while people-watching. There’s also a strong emphasis on freedom; you can create your own tailored itineraries without making concessions for travel buddies.

Aside from self-reflection and autonomy, solo travel also opens us up to new experiences. We’re pushed to look out for ourselves in every way, letting us develop a sense of independence and self-reliance while pursuing personal interests.

That being said, solo travel comes with a few catches.

First, you need to think about safety, especially in big cities. While even quiet, rural outposts are no strangers to danger, there are more opportunities for things to go awry in a major hub like Miami, London, or Bangkok.

Want to know my tried-and-true tips for staying safe when traveling solo in a big city? They’re more straightforward than you might think. First up, though, let’s cover how to set yourself up for success before you board any planes.

Before you leave: Tips for booking

Don’t swap safety for savings. You can save a lot of money on hotels and hostels by avoiding touristy areas. That being said, don’t book the first cheap option you find. Do a little research into the area to make sure it’s safe.
Read the hotel/hostel/rental reviews carefully. Along with looking into the neighborhood, comb through those reviews, too. Use a keyword search to find topics that are important, including safety, crime, and more. If you want to know more, call the hotel and ask a few questions—they should have straightforward answers about what types of guests normally stay there and whether or not the stay will work for you.
Pay for travel insurance. I’m usually not a huge proponent of travel insurance, but you need backup (and then some) when you’re traveling solo. Focus on policies that include financial and medical coverage. You might even consider opting for a more comprehensive medical insurance policy just in case.
Arrive and leave during the day. Whether or not you’ve stayed at a certain location before, I highly recommend arriving and leaving during the daylight hours. This makes getting to your hotel a little bit safer—and it’s also easier to navigate the surroundings to find food.
Have a water-proof packet for documents. Don’t rely solely on digital documents. I highly recommend printing out your reservations and other important information, then storing these documents in a plastic-sealed folder or packet.

Once you arrive: Tips when traveling solo in a big city

Don’t post real-time updates on social media. I don’t use social media, so this has never been a problem for me—but I’m seeing more and more travelers stagger their updates as they vacation. This makes it hard for any potential Bad Guys to track your movements and figure out where you’re staying.
No ground-floor rooms. This tip might sound a little over the top, but if you’re concerned about security in the neighborhood where you’re staying, avoid booking ground-floor rentals and hotel rooms. They tend to be less secure.
No getting drunk—unless it’s in your room. Every travel safety topic should include this gold-star advice: don’t get drunk. I think it’s important to add another caveat for young solo travelers: don’t get too twisted on any substance. Staying sober is the best way to stay alert.
Stay in public places. The further away from the public you drift, the more you become a target for the Bad Guys. While there’s no need to keep yourself packed into a crowd, try not to drift too far off the path when you’re traveling solo in a big city. If you notice eerie silence, perk those ears up.
Know how you’re getting where you’re going before leaving. Don’t ever leave your lodging without a clear plan of getting to your next destination. That’s doubly true if you’re switching hotels or rentals and have your luggage with you.
Trust your intuition—and be rude about it, if necessary. If a certain person or situation is giving you the heebie-jeebies, high-tail it out of there. And if someone is trying to make you feel guilty about wanting to leave, get out of there even faster. No need to be polite if you’re feeling backed into a corner.
If someone is rushing you, walk away. Similarly to trusting your instinct, I recommend avoiding anyone who’s trying to rush you. Maybe they want to sell you a souvenir, a museum ticket, or a ride home—just know that rushing is one of those cheap sales tricks that usually portends a scam.
No headphones or earbuds at night. Just in case you forgot.
Don’t wear anything flashy—even if it’s a fake. I don’t care if it’s fake Cartier or vintage Cartier. You’re a walking target in most big cities around the world when you wear flashy jewelry and accessories.