If you’re heading to Europe this summer and planning to do it in style, let me give you one piece of advice: traveling in style isn’t just about money - it’s about awareness, respect, and timing.
I’ve lived in Europe, and I visit often, and I still see Americans - well-meaning, polished, successful Americans get it wrong. Not because they’re trying to be rude, but because they’re unaware of the unspoken rules that shape how things work over there. The tone of voice in a boutique. The difference between chic and flashy. Knowing when to tip - and when it’s actually considered offensive.
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, and if you want your trip to feel smooth, elegant, and truly elevated, there are a few things you need to know before takeoff.
Passport, Visas & the New Rules of Entry
Let’s start with the logistics, because nothing ruins a luxury itinerary faster than a bureaucratic hiccup. You may have heard about ETIAS - the European Travel Information and Authorisation System - a new requirement for Americans visiting Schengen countries. While it was originally expected to launch in 2025, it’s now officially been pushed to late 2026. So, for now, no action is required. You won’t need to apply or pay any fees just yet.
That said, don’t let the delay give you a false sense of security when it comes to travel documents. If your itinerary includes both Schengen and non-Schengen countries - for example, France and Croatia - know that you’ll still face additional border control.
Here’s what I’ve learned from experience: small things, like printing your boarding pass (yes, some airports still want that), carrying a pen for customs forms, and knowing where passport control is for each leg, save you time and stress. A luxury trip should not begin with you scrambling to find a printer at the airport.
Luxury Etiquette Isn’t Universal, It’s Local
Americans are generous tippers, friendly conversationalists, and lovers of comfort - and that’s a beautiful thing. However, when you land in places like Vienna or Milan, those habits can read a bit loud. European luxury is rooted in understatement. It’s not about flash; it’s about polish. I’ve seen more than one American couple dressed head-to-toe in logos turned away from a private gallery event in Paris. Not because they weren’t welcome, but because their look was more status statement than style.
In Milan, tailored elegance is admired. In Paris, effortless chic is the gold standard - think neutrals, quality fabrics, and a well-cut coat. In Vienna, formality signals respect, not stiffness. A dinner jacket isn’t “trying too hard” there - it’s considered appropriate.
In luxury hotels and fine dining establishments, your demeanor matters just as much as your wallet. Speak softly, make eye contact, and let the staff lead. The most gracious travelers I’ve met are the ones who never forget that manners - not money - open the most exclusive doors.
Also, you don’t need to be fluent in French to fall in love with Paris. However, you do need to say "bonjour" when entering a boutique. A shocking number of American travelers overlook this basic courtesy - and then wonder why they’re met with coolness. In Europe, greetings are not optional. They’re essential. It’s not just polite; it’s part of the rhythm of daily life.
Cultural sensitivity isn’t just a travel tip - it’s a luxury strategy. When you respect local norms, people respond in kind. According to a 2024 travel survey, 73% of global respondents say it’s important to support local small businesses while visiting a new destination. It’s a clear reminder that luxury today isn’t about staying removed from culture - it’s about engaging with it thoughtfully.
Why Trains Trump Planes and Other Quiet Luxuries
One of the most luxurious experiences in Europe isn’t found in a palace or boutique - it’s found on a high-speed train. First-class train cabins offer more space, less stress, and far better scenery than most flights ever could. You skip the long airport lines, you board minutes before departure, there’s no need to remove your shoes, and the panoramic countryside views are unmatched. It’s not just more sustainable - it’s more dignified.
Plus, most European train stations are located in the city center. That means more time exploring and less time commuting to and from airports. You can sip Champagne as you roll through the Swiss Alps, check into your hotel refreshed, and never once worry about baggage limits.
Traveling to Europe in style isn’t about mimicking local habits or erasing your American identity. It’s about tuning in, knowing when to speak and when to listen, tipping when appropriate, and simply saying thank you. It’s about elevating your experience by respecting someone else’s way of doing things.
I’ll be heading back to Europe again this summer. Each time I go, I remind myself of the same thing: travel well, but travel humbly, because true luxury, at its core, is always gracious.
About the author: Victoria Kennedy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, TEDx speaker, Monaco Voice 40 Under 40, and well-respected authority in public relations who has spoken at events for ambassadors, lords, and dignitaries in such prestigious locations as the House of Commons and Guildhall in London and the Vatican. For more info visit: https://victoriakennedyofficial.com
