How To Plan Multi-Country Europe Trip

My first multi-country Europe trip didn't go exactly as planned.

A delayed flight in Rome, a missed train in Munich, and a last-minute scramble to find Wi-Fi just to rebook everything. But it also turned into one of my best travel lessons: Europe looks small on the map, but once you start hopping borders, the logistics can get tricky fast.

It's easy to dream up the perfect route — Paris for pastries, Amsterdam for canals, Berlin for nightlife — but the challenge is fitting it all together without burning out or overspending.

Planning a multi-country Europe trip isn't about ticking cities off a list; it's about connecting them smartly, knowing when to take the train, when to fly, and how to make delays work in your favour (thank you, AirHelp, for that €400 flight compensation once in Prague).

If you've ever wondered how to build a realistic multi-country Europe itinerary that balances time, budget, and energy – whether it's a two-week Europe highlights route or a month-long slow loop around Europe – this guide breaks it all down.

From choosing your first Europe base to mapping border-friendly routes and using tools like AirHelp to keep you covered, I've rounded up everything I wish I'd known before travelling through 16 countries and 55 cities across Europe in that one trip that lasted 6 months in Europe.

Use code AHBEL8 for 8% off AirHelp+ Smart and Pro

Step 1: Picking Your Destinations

I learned the hard way that not every “must-see” city is my must-see city.

On my first multi-country Europe trip, I tried to cram Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Amsterdam into 2 weeks because, well — that's what everyone does, right?

What followed was a blur of check-ins, train rides, and one very dramatic flight delay in Paris that turned into a 12-hour airport layover (the kind where even airport coffee starts tasting like regret).

I realised then that Europe isn't a race. The best trips aren't about quantity — they're about connection.

Now, before I plan any route, I start with one question: What do I actually want out of this trip?

Do I want to chase the northern lights, wander through local markets, or just eat my way through Italy?

That shift changed everything. When I built my next route around what mattered to me, I found myself having deeper, slower experiences — staying in small guesthouses in Cinque Terre, chatting with locals at tapas bars in Seville, and catching regional trains through the Alps instead of airport transfers.

Here's what's worked for me (and what I wish I'd known years earlier):

• Pick 3 core experiences, not cities — “skiing in the Alps,” “exploring medieval towns,” or “beach hopping in Greece.” Let those guide your map.
• Don't chase other people's dream routes. My friend loved Amsterdam's nightlife, but I found my version of magic in a quiet Swiss village watching the stars.
• Leave room for spontaneity. Some of my favourite memories — like stumbling upon a local jazz night in Budapest — came from not overplanning.

Step 2: Map It Smart

Europe looks small on the map, but don't be fooled. You can lose half a day just getting from one city to another — and when you're travelling across borders, those hours stack up fast.

On one trip, I planned what I thought was the perfect route: Paris → Prague → Barcelona → Berlin. It looked beautiful on paper… until I realised I'd booked myself into a zigzag marathon across the continent. The overnight train from Prague to Barcelona was 18 hours long. By the time I arrived, I was so exhausted I spent the first day sleeping instead of sightseeing.

Lesson learned: group your destinations by geography.

Now, I plan my routes like this:

• Western loop: Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam → Cologne
• Central route: Vienna → Prague → Budapest → Krakow
• Southern circuit: Rome → Florence → Nice → Barcelona

When you plan in clusters, you save both money and energy. in case you don't plan on getting data on your trip, I also always download offline Google Maps for every region before leaving. That habit saved me countless times — like the night I landed in Florence at midnight with no data and still managed to navigate winding alleys to my Airbnb.

As for transportation, I mix and match:

• Trains for journeys under 6 hours — scenic, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
• Buses when I'm travelling light and need to cut costs.
• Flights for long jumps — but always with caution. I once booked a €12 Ryanair flight from Milan to Budapest that landed at an airport 90 minutes away from the actual city.

How Many Countries Should I Go For

This is where most people trip up. I used to think “more countries = better trip.” But after backpacking through 16 countries in 6 month, I can safely say… no. It's not better. It's exhausting.

By week 3, I was living out of laundry bags, setting alarms at 4 a.m. for trains, and couldn't tell one cathedral from another. My Europe trip started feeling like a job.

The magic came back when I slowed down. On my next trip, I did 3 weeks across just France, Switzerland, and Italy.

I lingered longer in each spot — took a cooking class in Florence, spent a rainy afternoon journaling by Lake Lucerne, and ended my nights chatting with locals over wine. That's when travel started feeling human again.

My rule of thumb now:

• 2 weeks → 3–4 countries max
• 4 weeks → 5–6 countries if you must

Any more, and you risk spending more time in transit than actually being there.

And don't underestimate fatigue. Constant motion wears you down — and that's when travel hiccups hit hardest.

When my Rome to Zurich train got cancelled due to strikes, it threw my whole day off. Back then, I didn't even know I had rights as a passenger. With tools like AirHelp, I could've claimed compensation for the disruption — no forms, no chasing, just proof of travel. I explain more on that in the sections below.

So when you start planning your multi-country Europe trip, remember: less is often more.

Choose quality over quantity. Leave space for delays, detours, and unexpected magic — because those are often the moments that stay with you the longest.

Step 3: Planning Your Route

If you've ever tried to plan a multi-country Europe trip, you'll know how easy it is to fall into the “zig-zag trap” — hopping from Paris to Prague, then back to Amsterdam because flights looked cheaper.

I've done it before, and while it sounded fun on paper, I ended up wasting full days on unnecessary train rides and airport transfers.

The trick is to map out your route in a logical loop. Start west to east (or vice versa):

Lisbon, Portugal

Start your journey in Lisbon, a city that feels both timeless and full of creative energy. From the pastel-coloured streets of Alfama to the sunset views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon is the perfect warm-up for your European trip.

Don't miss trying pastéis de nata and riding the famous Tram 28 through the city's historic hills.

Madrid, Spain

Next, hop over to Madrid, Spain's lively capital. Visit El Retiro Park, wander through Plaza Mayor, and explore the world-class Prado Museum. Madrid also has one of Europe's best food scenes — try tapas hopping in La Latina or dining at Sobrino de Botín, one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

Barcelona, Spain

Then, make your way to Barcelona, where Gaudí's architecture and Mediterranean vibes meet. Spend a day exploring La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter before unwinding at Barceloneta Beach. The city's mix of creativity, beach life, and incredible cuisine makes it one of Europe's most dynamic stops.

Nice, France

From Barcelona, travel along the coast to Nice. This laid-back seaside city is the heart of the French Riviera, offering pebble beaches, vibrant markets, and day trips to glamorous spots like Monaco or Cannes. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or visit the Colline du Château for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Milan, Italy

Continue east to Milan, Italy's style capital. Beyond high-end fashion and design, Milan is home to architectural masterpieces like the Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle. Take time to see Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, and don't miss a day trip to Lake Como — one of Italy's most scenic spots.

Zurich, Switzerland

Wrap up your trip in Zurich, a city that blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Wander through the charming Old Town, cruise along Lake Zurich, or take a day trip to Lucerne or Mount Titlis for postcard-perfect mountain views. Zurich's efficiency and stunning landscapes make it an ideal final stop before heading home.

Another underrated tip: look for “open-jaw” tickets — where you fly into one city and out from another. It saves both money and time, and if your flight gets delayed or cancelled (it happens more often than we like), having your trip flow one way makes rebooking or claiming compensation through services like AirHelp a lot smoother. I elaborate further below.

When I did this route, I learned the hard way that not all budget airlines fly daily — some only operate every 2–3 days. Always double-check flight frequency when building your route, especially if you're trying to squeeze multiple countries into 2 weeks.

Sample 2-Week Europe Itinerary

If you're short on time but want a balance of iconic sights, food, and scenic routes, here's a route I personally loved — it's realistic, efficient, and leaves room for spontaneity.

Day 1–3: Paris, France

Base yourself near Le Marais — it's walkable, charming, and filled with bakeries that'll ruin croissants for you forever.

Visit the Louvre early (book timed tickets), watch the sunset from Pont Alexandre III, and picnic at Champs de Mars under the Eiffel Tower. Don't miss Montmartre for its street art and small bistros where locals actually eat.

Day 4–5: Lucerne, Switzerland

Catch the TGV Lyria from Paris to Basel, then a scenic Swiss train to Lucerne. Stay by Lake Lucerne for those mirror-still mornings. Ride the world's steepest cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus, then take a ferry across the lake to Vitznau — one of my favourite half-day adventures.

Day 6–7: Milan, Italy

From Lucerne, it's a 3-hour train ride through the Alps — one of Europe's most breathtaking journeys. In Milan, book a slot to climb the Duomo rooftop, stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and grab aperitivo at Navigli canals at sunset. It's the perfect mix of elegance and chaos.

Day 8–10: Florence, Italy

Hop on a fast train (1h 45m) from Milan to Florence. Stay near Piazza della Repubblica, where you can walk everywhere — the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Mercato Centrale for local bites. Take a day trip to Pisa or Siena if time allows.

Day 11–14: Barcelona, Spain

Fly from Florence to Barcelona (about 1.5h). Spend your first day exploring Gothic Quarter and La Boqueria Market.

Then, dedicate a full morning to Sagrada Família, wander through Park Güell, and end your evenings with tapas at El Born. If you have energy left, a short train ride takes you to Sitges, a coastal town perfect for a lazy beach day before flying home.

Sample 4-Week Eastern Europe Itinerary

If you've got a month, this is where you can breathe — no rushing, just soaking up different cultures at your own rhythm.

Week 1: Bulgaria — Sofia & Bansko

Start your Eastern Europe adventure in Sofia, Bulgaria, one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. The city is full of contrasts — Orthodox domes, Soviet-era blocks, and lively cafés that hum late into the night.

After a day or two in Sofia, take a road trip to Bansko, a mountain town surrounded by the Pirin National Park. I loved how peaceful it felt — hiking trails, cool alpine air, and traditional taverns serving hearty Bulgarian stews. If you're visiting in summer, the landscapes are just as beautiful as in winter's ski season.

Tip: Get a local or regional Europe eSIM before arriving — it saves you from buying separate SIM cards in each country and works perfectly for navigation in remote mountain regions.

Week 2: Croatia — Zagreb, Rijeka & Split

 

Next, fly or take a bus from Sofia to Zagreb, Croatia's charming capital. It's compact and creative, with a café culture that rivals any in Western Europe. Spend a couple of days exploring the Upper Town, the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, and local markets.

Then rent a car and drive to Rijeka, Croatia's coastal gem, stopping in Pula for its ancient Roman amphitheatre. Continue south to Split, where the sea breeze, palm-lined promenades, and Diocletian's Palace make every stroll feel like a dream.

If you're planning a longer stay, Dubrovnik is a must — the views from the Old Town walls at sunset are unforgettable.

Week 3: Slovenia — Ljubljana, Kobarid & Piran

Drive from Zagreb into Slovenia, a country that feels like a secret slice of paradise. Ljubljana is small but full of charm — think colourful riverside cafés, a medieval castle on the hill, and bike-friendly streets.

From there, I stayed on a horse ranch near Vodice — the kind of countryside escape you'd never expect so close to the capital. The air was crisp, the locals warm, and mornings started with the sound of horses trotting in the fields.

Head west to Kobarid, a peaceful alpine town surrounded by waterfalls and WWI history, before ending in Piran, Slovenia's picturesque coastal town. Its Venetian-style squares and seafood restaurants make it the perfect place to unwind.

Week 4: Albania — Sarandë, Berat, Himarë & Ksamil

From Corfu, take a ferry across the Ionian Sea to Sarandë, Albania — one of Europe's best-kept secrets. The coastline here rivals Greece's, but at a fraction of the price.

Drive along the Albanian Riviera, stopping in Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and Himarë, a quiet beach town with crystal-clear waters. End your Albania loop in Ksamil, a tropical-looking spot with turquoise bays perfect for swimming.

I loved how raw and authentic Albania felt — friendly locals, stunning scenery, and a genuine sense of discovery everywhere you go.

Week 5: Greece — Corfu, Naxos & Athens

Wrap up your Eastern Europe trip by returning to Greece. Start on Corfu Island, where olive groves meet turquoise coves. Then ferry-hop to Tinos, Mykonos, and Naxos for a taste of island life — each one with its own charm.

End your journey in Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation. Wander around the Acropolis, explore the Plaka neighbourhood, and spend a lazy afternoon people-watching from a rooftop café.

How To Get Around Europe – Train, Flight, or Bus?

Getting from country to country in Europe can be surprisingly easy — but choosing how to do it depends on your route, time, and budget.

Train

Trains are ideal if your destinations are close together — think Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin or Vienna → Prague → Budapest. Europe's train network is extensive, scenic, and city-centre to city-centre (no airport transfers or long security lines).

High-speed trains like TGV (France), ICE (Germany), and Eurostar (London–Paris–Brussels) make travel smooth and quick.

Just remember: booking early often saves you up to 50% compared to last-minute fares.

When Rail Passes Are Worth It

Rail passes like the Eurail (for non-Europeans) or Interrail (for Europeans) can save you a lot — but only if you're travelling often. They work best if you're hopping between cities every 1–2 days or want flexibility to decide last-minute where to go next.

For example, if your plan is to explore Western Europe — say France → Switzerland → Italy — the Eurail Global Pass can be worth it, especially for scenic routes like Zermatt to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express or Venice to Milan along Lake Garda. But if you're spending a week in one place (like Paris or Rome), single tickets are cheaper.

On my first long Europe trip, I thought I'd use my rail pass every day — turns out, I loved staying longer in each stop. So half the days went unused. Now I recommend using rail passes only if you'll travel at least every other day or cross 4–5 countries in one go.

Flight

Flights make sense when you're covering longer distances – like Lisbon to Athens or London to Dubrovnik.

Budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet can be super cheap (sometimes under €50), but keep in mind they charge extra for luggage, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport.

Also, most budget airports are located outside the main city (like Beauvais for Paris), so factor in travel time.

When Flights Go Wrong

Flights make sense when you're covering longer distances — like Lisbon to Athens or London to Dubrovnik. Budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet can be super cheap (sometimes under €50), but they come with strings attached: luggage fees, far-out airports, and the occasional cancellation curveball.

If your flight is ever delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, AirHelp checks whether you're entitled to compensation under laws like EC 261. It's saved me more than once — especially when my Paris to Lisbon flight was delayed for 6 hours. I filed through AirHelp, and a few weeks later, I received €400 without dealing with airline back-and-forth.

Use code AHBEL8 for 8% off your AirHelp+ Smart and Pro

These days, I don't even bother filing manually. I've joined AirHelp+, which automates the entire process. It scans your booked flights (with permission), handles claims for you, and even gives you lounge access during long delays. That feature alone came in handy during a Madrid layover — I ended up relaxing in a quiet lounge instead of pacing around a noisy terminal.

Claim compensation easily with AirHelp here

Bus

Buses are the slowest but cheapest option.

Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus cover hundreds of routes across Europe, often for less than €20 per trip.

They're surprisingly comfortable — with Wi-Fi, charging ports, and reclining seats — making them a great pick for travellers watching their budget or doing overnight transfers.

Pro tip: Download Omio or Rome2Rio to instantly compare routes and prices between trains, flights, and buses — they're lifesavers for planning multi-country itineraries.

Renting A Car

There are parts of Europe where a car makes all the difference. If you're planning to explore Provence's lavender fields, the Dolomites, Amalfi Coast, or Portugal's Algarve, driving gives you freedom to go off the beaten path. You can stop at vineyards, hilltop towns, and random lookouts you'd never reach by public transport.

When I drove from Nice to Èze Village in the French Riviera, I stopped at viewpoints that weren't even pinned on Google Maps. Same in Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley — the best views came from unmarked side roads.

However, renting a car isn't always ideal. Avoid it in cities like Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam, where parking is expensive, narrow streets are stressful, and public transport is excellent.

For cross-country drives, always check if your rental includes cross-border coverage and whether toll stickers (vignettes) are needed — Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Czech Republic all require them. Also, car rental companies often charge extra for crossing borders, and one way fees.

Another underrated trick for multi-country trips? Always register your flights with AirHelp before you go. You never know when a delay might turn into a few hundred euros of unexpected travel funds — it's like having a quiet safety net for your entire trip.

Use code: AHBEL8 for 8% off if you want to give it a try

I usually link my inbox once at the start of my trip and forget about it; AirHelp handles the rest automatically.

Register your flight with AirHelp here

Budgeting In Europe

Average Europe Daily Costs

Europe's daily costs can vary wildly — a day in Budapest can easily cost a third of what you'd spend in Paris. On average, budget travellers can expect to spend:

• €40–€60/day in Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic)
• €70–€120/day in Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain)
• €120+ in Scandinavia or Switzerland

That usually covers hostel or budget-hotel accommodation, local transport, and 2 casual meals.

For example, a cappuccino in Lisbon costs around €2, while in Copenhagen, it's closer to €6.

When I stayed in Prague, I had dinners at local pubs where a plate of goulash and beer cost under €10. Compare that to Zurich, where a single pizza at a casual café was €22 — it makes a huge difference when you're travelling across multiple borders.

For mid-range stays, boutique hotels strike a nice balance between comfort and affordability — around €100–€130/night.

If you're travelling longer, consider apartments or guesthouses. They often include kitchen access, which helps you save by cooking at least one meal a day.

Hidden Europe Costs No One Tells You About

Even with solid planning, Europe finds sneaky ways to stretch your budget. Here are the ones that always catch travellers off guard (myself included):

City Taxes: Most European cities charge a nightly “tourist tax” — anywhere from €1 to €5 per person per night. It's often collected separately when you check in, even if you prepaid online.

Luggage Fees on Budget Airlines: With Ryanair or Wizz Air, a cheap €30 ticket can suddenly double when you add carry-on or checked baggage. Always check dimensions before you book.

Currency Conversion: Countries like Switzerland, Croatia, and Hungary don't use the Euro, so ATM withdrawal and card fees can pile up. I live, breathe, use and recommend Wise for better exchange rates and low transfer fees.

Transport to Budget Airports: Many low-cost airports (like Paris Beauvais or London Luton) are over an hour from the city — transfers can cost €15–€30 each way.

Tipping and Toilets: Tipping culture isn't mandatory everywhere, but public toilets often cost around €0.50–€1.00. It adds up, especially during long travel days.

I learned this the hard way in Berlin, when I took a €19 bus from Prague — only to spend another €12 just getting to my accommodation from the bus station. Now I always factor in “hidden” last-mile costs before booking the cheapest route.

How I Budget For My Europe Trip

 

My approach to budgeting changed completely after spending a few weeks pet-sitting in Woking, UK. I was staying for free in a stranger's home through TrustedHousesitters, looking after a dog in a quiet neighbourhood outside of London.

At first, it was strange — staying in someone's home, cooking in an unfamiliar kitchen, figuring out where the nearest supermarket was. But it turned out to be one of the most grounding travel experiences I've had.

I saved hundreds on accommodation, and it gave me a deeper sense of local life. I'd walk the dog past small corner bakeries every morning, and neighbours would greet me as if I lived there.

That experience shaped how I budget for long trips in Europe too. I mix paid stays with creative free options:

• House-sitting or Workaway when I need slow, local living
• Night trains (like Vienna → Venice or Paris → Nice) to save a hotel night
• Local lunch menus instead of dinner splurges — in Spain and Italy, you can get a full meal for under €15 at midday

I also keep a running Google Sheet of expenses by country — that's how I learned that my daily cost in Poland averaged €55, but in Norway, it jumped to €160. Seeing that breakdown helps me decide how to balance expensive destinations with cheaper ones.

Pro tip: Always budget a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs — especially flight delays or cancellations.

Why I Use AirHelp+

Flight delays used to be one of my biggest travel stressors. After a few too many nights sleeping on airport floors, I finally signed up for AirHelp+, and it's quietly become one of those underrated travel memberships I actually use.

Automatic Flight Compensation

The main reason I joined was for the automatic flight compensation feature.

If your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, AirHelp+ checks whether you're entitled to compensation under international laws. You don't need to file forms or argue with airlines — the system handles it all for you.

For example, when my flight from Cusco to La Paz was delayed for over 5 hours, AirHelp+ instantly flagged it. I didn't expect anything to come out of it, but a few weeks later, I received a reimbursement for the inconvenience. It was one of those moments where I realised how much time I used to waste chasing airlines for answers.

Check your compensation with AirHelp here

Lounge Access During Delays

Another feature I love — and didn't expect to use so often — is airport lounge access during long delays (typically 3 hours or more).

When my connecting flight in Madrid got delayed, AirHelp+ sent me a lounge voucher within minutes. Instead of sitting in the crowded terminal, I spent those few hours charging my phone, catching up on emails, and having free snacks in peace.

It might not sound like much, but when you're a frequent traveller running on little sleep, having access to a calm, clean space makes a huge difference.

Global Coverage for Frequent Flyers

AirHelp+ isn't tied to one airline or region.

Once you're subscribed, it covers every flight you take, no matter which airline or country you're flying with. That's been a lifesaver for me since my routes often mix budget carriers and international airlines — like hopping from Singapore to Dubai, then connecting to Europe.

It's all automated, too. You can link your email to let AirHelp detect bookings automatically (or add them manually if you prefer privacy). I like that level of control — no invasive data collection, just smart scanning for flight-related claims.

Peace of Mind for Frequent Travellers

Unlike typical travel insurance, AirHelp+ doesn't deal with lost luggage or medical coverage — it's purely for flight disruptions. But that's exactly why I keep it. It fills that specific gap that traditional insurance often overlooks.

As someone who takes 30+ flights a year, it's reassuring to know that if something goes wrong, I don't have to do anything. No forms, no chasing. Just a quiet email that says, “You're eligible for compensation.”

To me, that's real peace of mind — and it lets me focus on the parts of travel I actually enjoy (like hunting down the best street food when I finally get to my destination).

Final Tips For Planning A Multi-City Europe Trip

Leave Room For Flexibility

One of the biggest lessons I've learned after years of long-term travel is that rigid itineraries rarely survive the first flight delay.

When I first started planning multi-country trips, I used to pack my schedule down to the hour — sunrise in Cinque Terre, lunch in Florence, train to Venice by 3 PM. But travel rarely follows your spreadsheet.

On one trip, I missed my train from Zurich to Lake Como because my earlier flight from Doha landed late. That single delay had a domino effect on my entire route. I ended up spending a spontaneous night in Zurich — a city I hadn't even planned to visit — and it turned into one of my most memorable evenings, wandering along the riverfront with locals.

Now, I always plan my routes with buffer days between long transfers. If you're travelling across multiple countries, it's smarter to schedule fewer destinations and allow yourself time to breathe.

Flexibility often leads to the most unexpected adventures — and keeps the stress at bay when things don't go to plan.

Don't Skip Flight Compensation

When you're hopping across several countries, flight hiccups are almost inevitable — especially in Europe, where air traffic is dense and weather delays are common.

What many travellers don't realise is that under EU Regulation 261 and UK261, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.

I found this out the hard way after a 6-hour delay on my Paris to Lisbon flight. I shrugged it off at first, thinking it wasn't worth the paperwork — until a friend mentioned they got paid for a similar delay through AirHelp.

If you fly regularly, I genuinely recommend AirHelp+. It's one of those memberships that works quietly in the background, handling claims automatically and even giving you airport lounge access during long delays.

Use code AHBEL8 for 8% off AirHelp+ Smart and Pro

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Planning a multi-country trip across Europe can feel overwhelming — juggling train schedules, border crossings, currencies, and countless “must-sees.” But once you're out there, it all clicks into place.

It's also the small things that can make a big difference on long trips. If you're flying between multiple countries, tools like AirHelp act as your safety net for disruptions, ensuring you don't lose time and money to delays.