Can I use the Verizon Iphone 5 in Europe?

Let me start off by saying I barely know anything about phones. I upgraded to an Iphone 5 with Verizon after years of my dinosaur phone. In a few months, I'll be going to London, Paris and Amsterdam with my grandma for about 2 weeks. Can I use the Iphone 5 there? As in, can I just call up Verizon, let them know I'm going, and be done with it? Or do I have to do something with a sim card (that I literally don't know anything about)? Do I have to go anywhere to let someone make physical changes to my phone? Sorry guys, just really confused!

You most certainly can use your Verizon iPhone 5 in Europe. Just keep in mind that it would be cheaper to get a local prepaid SIM card and use that for service, as Verizon has ridiculously high rates for international roaming.