How to Maximize Your Europe Express FAM Experience

Familiarization trips (FAMs) are one of the greatest perks of being a travel advisor—and we’re committed to making ours both enjoyable and educational! As a FIT brand specializing in Europe, our FAM trips differ from those hosted by resorts or cruise lines, where most experiences are ‘in-house.’ Instead, our trips showcase the best of independent European travel. Keep these five key tips in mind to make the most of your time on a Europe Express FAM.

1. Prepare for the Pace

From Ireland to Poland and everywhere in between, Europe is built for pedestrians. Some cities are especially hilly (looking at you, Porto and Edinburgh), while hidden gems often aren’t accessible by car, bus, or train. Walking is an essential part of exploring, so comfortable shoes are a must. Expect to walk an average of 3–5 miles per day. If you have any mobility concerns, please reach out before applying so we can help ensure a smooth experience.

2. Connect and Network

Beyond experiencing a destination firsthand, FAM trips provide an invaluable opportunity to network with fellow travel professionals and Europe Express staff. Bring business cards and your favorite note-taking tool, engage with different people at meals, and share insights from your own experience as a travel advisor. Stay open-minded—you’ll return home with new connections, fresh ideas, and inspiration to grow your business.

3. Follow the Itinerary

We design our FAM itineraries to give you an in-depth look at Europe Express’s vetted hotel properties, sightseeing experiences, and trusted partners. While we build in some free time for personal exploration and work catch-up, participation in all scheduled activities is key to fully benefiting from the experience.

4. Show Gratitude

Local guides are an essential part of every FAM, and they work hard to provide informative and engaging experiences—often in a language that isn’t their native tongue. Take time to actively listen and absorb the information they share. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is a small gesture that goes a long way. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Tipping is a great way to show appreciation for your guides. Always tip in the local currency rather than USD, and be sure to carry cash for this purpose.

5. Embrace Cultural Differences

One of the best aspects of European travel is immersing yourself in new cultures and traditions. A little patience and flexibility will enhance your experience! Adapt to local customs—whether that means dining later in Spain or dressing modestly when visiting religious sites in Greece.

When discussing prices abroad, keep in mind that cost-of-living differences vary greatly. What seems inexpensive to us may reflect local economic standards. Approach every new experience with curiosity and respect, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of each destination.

By keeping these best practices in mind, you’ll make the most of your FAM trip—returning home with valuable insights, stronger industry connections, and a deeper appreciation for independent European travel. We look forward to exploring with you!

About the Author

Kelsey is the Partnership Marketing Manager at Europe Express, where she develops B2B marketing strategies and designs educational programming for key partners. Her career has taken her all over the world, from working as a travel advisor in California and New Zealand, to a (kilted) tour coordinator in Scotland. She spent five years as a sales manager for guided vacations companies like TTC Tour Brands and G Adventures, and although she has been to 46 countries, the bucket list never gets shorter! She loves cooking, concerts, spoiling her dogs, and renovating her funky 1970s house. Her favorite cities in the world are Edinburgh, Scotland and Lisbon, Portugal.