Preparing for a journey to Europe can be quite daunting for some travelers. What to see, where to go and will you have enough time to fit it all in are just some of the questions probably racing through most people’s heads as they put together the perfect itinerary.
But once all that is squared away, you could still wind up feeling a bit lost or confused when you arrive to your new surroundings. Even expert explorers experience this from time to time. The best way to make the most of your trip is to educate yourself about the country you’re about to embark on. By knowing just a little, it can go a long way.
Whether it is a romantic getaway for two to Paris or a wild weekend in Dublin with some friends, chances are you will encounter a few bumps in the road along the way. Now while there is no doubt your trip will surely be memorable, you want those memories to be good ones and not embarrassing reminders of what you did wrong along the way. Here are some helpful tips to help you become a smart European traveler.
Rip up those traveler’s checks for the ATM: While I do not see many people on my ventures using traveler’s checks as much as they did five to ten years ago, some people still insist on them. I say lose the paper for the plastic. Besides being convenient, using your debit card at a bank’s ATM machine can actually be less expensive. Most banks offer lower exchange rates than you’ll find at the airport, your hotel or one of those exchange rate shops throughout the city. But never use your credit card to withdraw money as you will more than likely encounter extra charges back home and be careful what ATM machine you withdraw your cash from. I would skip the machine inside of a grocery store and use one at a reputable bank just to play it safe.
Dine like a local: One of the main reasons that I love to travel is to sample different cuisines around the world. I love it all, so when I am in a particular city or country, I make it a point to dine like the residents do. Skip the fancy pants overpriced restaurants often found near town squares and financial districts in lieu of eateries just a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle. Some of the most memorable restaurant experiences that I have had on the road occurred far away from tourist trap neighborhoods. Also, always try to adapt to the local culture when visiting a European country. Whether it is sipping whiskey in Glasgow or devouring bowls of borscht (beet soup) in Poland, certain destinations offer the best quality of a particular meal or drink and is often times much cheaper there as well.
Do not over tip: I have been asked time and again when traveling to Europe by locals, “why do you Americans feel the need to tip for everything?” I typically say it it just the way most of us were raised. I am guilty of the “over-tip” from time to time when traveling, as it is just second nature to me. I do not know how or why the U.S. got into the habit of over-tipping, but it is just not necessary when making your way through Europe. Some areas in Europe even find it insulting if you tip them, as it means you are insulting their financial status. I once had a bartender in Dublin refuse his tip because he said he probably makes more than I do back home. Ouch (he was right). Not only will curing your tipping make you a smart European traveler, it will also save you big bucks while on vacation.
Save time & money with a city pass: On a trip to Rome with my wife a few years ago we were talked into buying a pass at our hotel. At first I felt a bit silly and touristy, but then again I was a tourist so that is silly. But once I arrived at the Colosseum my feeling changed on the whole pass idea. While the line to purchase tickets was halfway around the ancient structure, the express pass line was easily 75% shorter. What would have been a 40-60 minute wait turned into a manageable 10 minute one instead. Buying a pass enables you to not only save time, but also some serious cash on main attractions.
Guides are good, but wandering is wonderful: I must preface this last tip by saying that I love Lonely Planet guidebooks (hell I even know a few of their writers personally), but if you plan your entire trip via some author’s vision, then you really are not truly experiencing the joys of travel. While Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and others are chock full of great information that will help you along the way, simply wandering aimlessly can be one of the most educational and enjoyable ways to experience a new destination. While visiting Zurich, Switzerland, my wife and I hopped a train to Lucerne with no game plan. We arrived, walked around with no map or knowledge of the location and came across one of our most memorable dining experiences on our journeys together (for the record it was Rossini located across the street from the infamous Chapel Bridge). Little “finds” like these add more memories to already amazing adventures.
