If you plan to travel to Europe, you’ll want to make yourself aware of the important information that can make your time there more enjoyable and easier to manage. Having the right knowledge can save you from having to endure certain pitfalls that could hamper your trip. Here are 10 things that you’ll want to keep in mind when exploring the European continent.
English Isn’t Always So Widely Spoken
While it’s true that you’ll find plenty of people who speak English fluently throughout many major cities in France, the Netherlands, and many other Western European nations, you may have more difficulty finding people who know English if you travel farther east. English isn’t always so widely spoken in cities throughout countries like Russia and Ukraine. If you plan to visit Istanbul and other areas of the European part of Turkey, you may also notice that not as many people speak English.
Tipping Is Usually Still Expected
Some Americans are under the false impression that gratuity when dining out at European restaurants is included in the bill, but this isn’t always the case. Just like in the U.S., servers in much of Europe rely heavily on tips as part of their wages, and you’ll want to add a little extra money when paying your bill as a show of gratitude for good service. However, you may find some restaurants that do include the gratuity in the final bill, and you’ll want to look closely at the details on the bill or ask the server to find out this information.
Travel Books Make Great Accessories
If you’re flying to different European cities or traveling by train, bringing along some good travel books can help you stay entertained and informed throughout your journey. Many of the best travel books feature fictional or real-life stories about travel to exciting or exotic locations. You can also find travel books that provide useful information that can make getting around Europe much easier. If you are traveling solo having a book on hand to refer to the location you are in can greatly help in finding cool places to visit that are less crowded by tourists.
Trains Are Usually on Time
One of the best aspects of traveling through Europe by train is that the trains in most countries are known to run exactly on time consistently, but this can also have a downside. Unlike flights that are often delayed, you can’t usually expect the train to still be waiting at the station after the scheduled time of departure, and this can cause you more panic if you’re running late and hope to still catch the train. It’s best to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the train station early enough to not risk missing your train.
Alarm Clocks Aren’t Normally in Hotel Rooms
Unlike the U.S., most European hotels don’t have alarm clocks in their guestrooms. If you use a mobile device to tell time and set an alarm, this shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, some people who are more old-fashioned and prefer using an alarm clock will be disappointed when they see that their room doesn’t have a clock.
Visa and Passport Requirements May Vary
Depending on where you plan to travel in Europe, you may need to adhere to additional visa and passport rules when going to different countries. As the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs explains, countries that are within the Schengen Area usually don’t have separate passport requirements and can be visited by U.S. citizens without a visa. Russia and other former Soviet countries are known to require entry and exit visas and often have stricter passport requirements.
Hostels Aren’t Just for the Young
Some people are under the false impression that hostels only accept students and other young people who want to travel through Europe cheaper, but this is often not the case. While it’s true that some hostels only cater to the young, many other hostels welcome travelers of all ages. Staying at one of these accommodations is a great way to save money, but you should be aware that you may have to share a guestroom and bathroom with other guests.
Beware of Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is rife in certain parts of Europe, and you should always be aware of where your money and important documents are at all times to lessen your chances of having them stolen. Paris, Barcelona, and Rome are among Europe’s leading cities for pickpocket crimes. One of the best ways to make your cash, credit cards, and ID harder to steal is to wear a money belt under your clothing. Dividing your money and other crucial items and storing them in different places can at least save you from experiencing a total loss if something gets stolen.
Look for Free Attractions
You may be surprised to learn that some of Europe’s biggest attractions are open free to the public or have certain days when admission is free. The Louvre in Paris has been known to offer free admission on the first Sunday of certain months of the year. London’s Tower Bridge can be walked across without having to pay a fee and is one of England’s finest architectural masterpieces. Other free attractions include the Schönbrunn Gardens in Vienna, the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, and Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
Avoid the Summer Crowds
Like many other places in the world, Europe usually experiences an influx of tourists during the summer season. The summer is also the time of year when certain attractions are known to charge higher admission fees. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, you can visit Europe in the fall when the weather is still pleasant in many parts of the continent. Spring is also a good season and can be one of the most romantic times of year to visit cities like Paris and Rome.
Following the right advice can make your trip to Europe much more worthwhile. If you know how to travel correctly, you can save yourself a lot of trouble when going from country to country.
