How We Chose our Day Tours & Activities for Our Europe Trip (and the Tools That Helped)
Planning the fun stuff—tours, activities, experiences—is one of the most exciting parts of putting together a big trip. But with so many options out there, it can also feel overwhelming. We wanted a mix of iconic sights, local gems, and unique experiences across several European cities, and we knew we needed a strategy to make great choices without overbooking ourselves.
Here’s how we approached it, and the websites, apps, and groups that helped us make confident, well-informed decisions.
1. Start with Big Picture Inspiration
Before diving into the details, we got a sense of what each city is known for. A simple Pinterest or Instagram search for “Must do in [City]” is a fun way to see what pops up. This helped us identify highlights like a whisky tasting at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, a Loch Ness day tour through the Highlands, a food tour in Palma de Mallorca, and a Flamenco show.
We also browsed YouTube for travel vlogs and walk-throughs. Seeing real people do the tours gave us a better feel for the vibe and pace of each experience.
2. Use Review Sites and Apps to Narrow It Down
Once we had a few ideas, we dug into the details using review platforms:
- Viator and GetYourGuide were especially helpful. Both offer a wide range of tours and let you filter by category, rating, price, and length.
- TripAdvisor remains a go-to for honest reviews and traveler photos.
- We also checked Google Reviews for businesses or attractions that don’t always appear on booking sites.
- For guided audio tours or self-paced options, we found VoiceMap and Rick Steves Audio Europe great alternatives.
We paid close attention to reviews and not just star ratings, but what people actually said. We looked for consistent feedback on guides, pacing, group size, and whether the experience was worth the time or money.
3. Tap Into Facebook Groups and Forums
Facebook travel groups were goldmines of real time recommendations. We joined a few that were specific to the places we’re visiting, like “Travel Scotland,” “Palma de Mallorca Travel Tips,” and broader ones like “Europe Travel Planning.” People often share recent experiences, updated info on weather or closures, and off-the-beaten-path ideas you won’t always find on booking sites.
Reddit’s r/travel and city-specific subreddits were also surprisingly helpful for unfiltered advice.
4. Balance Bucket List and Breathing Room
As much as we wanted to pack in everything, we reminded ourselves: more isn’t always better. We prioritized 1–2 major activities per day, like a tour or special meal, and left space for spontaneous exploring or simply relaxing at a café. The goal was to feel immersed, not rushed.
5. Keep It All Organized
Once we booked something, we added it to our TripIt itinerary so everything was in one place—confirmation numbers, meeting points, times, and contact info. (Seriously, TripIt has been a lifesaver for keeping our whole trip streamlined!)
Final Thoughts
Choosing tours and activities for a Europe trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mix of trusted booking sites, honest reviews, and community advice, it actually becomes part of the fun. We feel confident that we’ve chosen experiences we’ll love—and left just enough space for a few surprises along the way.
Got any favourite sites or tools you use for planning? We’d love to hear them!
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