06/14/2025
Crossing the pond to Europe is an adventure many Americans dream about, but the reality of international travel comes with its share of challenges and unexpected lessons. Our recent trip to Malaga, Spain provided us with a wealth of experiences that we're eager to share to help fellow travelers avoid the pitfalls we encountered.
Pre-planning is essential for any successful international journey. Before setting foot on a plane, it's crucial to research your destination thoroughly. This means identifying your accommodations, researching local attractions, pre-booking excursions, checking weather patterns, and creating detailed packing lists. This preparation establishes a framework for your trip while allowing flexibility for unexpected discoveries. For our Malaga adventure, Maddie took charge of researching the resort and activities while I handled transportation logistics—a division of labor that works well for many traveling couples.
One of the most significant lessons we learned involved booking flights. The marketplace is filled with third-party booking services that promise convenience but often deliver hidden costs and inflexible arrangements. Our experience with ASAP Tickets was particularly troubling—we paid $3,344 for two tickets only to discover an additional $300 in luggage fees that weren't disclosed upfront. Add to this the cost of our internal Spain flights on Air Europa ($229.40), and our total transportation costs skyrocketed to $3,644. This expensive lesson taught us to book directly with airlines whenever possible, join airline loyalty programs like American Airlines' AAdvantage, set fare alerts for price drops, and travel during off-peak seasons (January through April, or September through October).
Renting a car in Europe requires careful consideration as well. Always confirm whether the rental office is located at the airport—ours wasn't, causing a stressful rush to reach the agency before closing. More importantly, don't skimp on insurance coverage. While comprehensive insurance might seem expensive, it pales in comparison to out-of-pocket costs for damages or flat tires. Our decision to pay for full coverage proved invaluable when we experienced a flat tire returning from Gibraltar. Though we encountered communication difficulties with Enterprise's customer service, the situation was eventually resolved thanks to an exceptional employee named Lourdes, who went above and beyond to assist us.
International travelers should always keep essential documents organized and accessible. This includes passports, hotel reservations, car rental agreements, and flight information. Additionally, be aware of emerging requirements—European Union countries will soon require American travelers to obtain a visa (approximately $20 per person) before entry. While we didn't need it for this trip, it's wise to verify requirements well before departure.
Luggage management presents another potential stress point. Invest in a portable luggage scale to avoid overweight baggage fees. International flights typically allow 50 pounds for checked baggage and 23 pounds for carry-ons. Here's a money-saving tip: take your carry-on to the gate and volunteer to check it there—you'll avoid the fees charged at the check-in counter while ensuring your bag gets on the plane. For carry-on items, men should limit themselves to a laptop bag and perhaps a small personal item, while women should stick to a purse, as overhead space is increasingly limited.
Airport transportation deserves consideration as well. Options include having a friend drive you (free except for gratitude), parking at the airport ($15-20 daily), or using rideshare services like Uber ($45-92 in our experience, depending on day and time). Despite price fluctuations, rideshare services typically offer better value than traditional taxis, which often charge over $100 for the same distance.
Every travel experience, good or challenging, offers valuable insights that shape future journeys. By sharing our experiences—from receiving an unexpected welcome kiss in Amsterdam to navigating rental car mishaps in Spain—we hope to help other travelers create smoother, more enjoyable international adventures. The world is waiting to be explored, and with proper planning and realistic expectations, crossing the pond can be an enriching experience that broadens perspectives and creates lasting memories.
