Know Before You Go - Planning a Trip to Europe
Contributed by
Sara Dillon
I can remember packing for my first overseas trip like it was yesterday.
Passport? Check.
Plug adaptor? Check.
Too many suitcases for a two week trip? Double check.
Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit many European countries, and recently returned from a trip to Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany. I have also learned how to pack only the necessities and have discovered a few tips that will help travelers who are visiting this incredible continent for the first time.
Here are five things that first time visitors to Europe need to know before visiting.
ONE - Public Restrooms are not free. Make sure you pack some Euro coins with you because they will charge for you to use the restroom. It’s usually 1 Euro per person. Sometimes there’s a basket out for you to put the coins, sometimes it’s a coin operated turnstile, and sometimes it’s a person that collects the money. On the upside, they are usually pretty clean. If you dine at a restaurant, I recommend using their bathrooms before you go.
TWO - The thing about water. Americans really love their FREE tap water and we are also used to carrying around our own water bottles. Europe operates differently. First, you need to know that you have a choice in the type of water you get. They offer either still water or sparkling water. If you don’t like sparkling water (I don’t), then make sure to ask for “still” or “no gas”. Most restaurants will charge you for tap water and bring big bottles for you to share. Some will bring it in little tiny glasses. We even had a waiter confused as to why we all ordered our own instead of sharing one bottle of water. My recommendation: find a grocery store when you arrive and buy a pack of water bottles to have on hand.
THREE - Watch for pickpocketing. This is a standard anytime you travel, but tourist locations are a big spot for pickpocketing. Keep your purse, wallet, and phone in front of your body or in your front pockets at all times. Don’t hang your purse on the back of your chair at a restaurant or cafe. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds and on public transportation.
FOUR - Public Transportation will amaze you. Planes, trains, boats, automobiles, bikes, and buses, oh my! There are so many different ways to get around Europe that are fairly easy to navigate and budget friendly. Europe is a lot smaller than you think, but has a vast public transportation service. We were able to get from Germany to Hungary in just a few short hours. My recommendation - upgrade those train tickets to Business Class - not first class. Business class is the higher tier!
FIVE - Tip like a European, not an American. My very first restaurant in my very first European country (Greece), we left a normal American-sized tip. When we walked away, I looked back and there was a crowd of servers around our table shocked. Apparently we were clueless. Tipping is simply not an expectation in Europe, but leaving a few small bills in appreciation of quality service is always a nice touch. I mean it when I say a few small bills, more like 5-10% at restaurants. And no, you’re not tipping when you get your to-go coffee.
PROST! I hope these tips have been helpful as you prepare for your first European adventure! Our team at A Mouse and A Beach would love to help plan your international vacation and prepare you well in order to have an incredible holiday abroad! Head over to our quote request link to get started and let us know exactly where you want to go next!
AMAAB Travel Advisor
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