THINGS I LEARNED WHILE TRAVELING IN EUROPE

We have traveled to quite a few countries in Europe.  Though were are certainly no travel experts, we have picked up a list of things we learned and have kept in mind when we plan our next travel.  Take heed.  Maybe you will avoid hassles and have a smoother trip than us. 

1.       SAYING “HI!” IN LOCAL TONGUE.  Try to learn a few words or greetings in the host country's language.  A simple Dobry den, Guten Tag or Buongiorno goes a long way.  If you don’t know where to start, learn first how to read and pronounce the letters.  Then learn the daily greetings, how to introduce yourself, how to find things (“where is the…” insert- e.g. toilet, train station, etc?), and how to ask for the price.  Download the Google Translate app and get the free package that lets you translate without WIFI or data.  It will change your travel for the better!  Although admittedly, Google Translate sounds somewhat of a rubbish to locals because it doesn’t translate as smoothly as how a local would say it; but it does make a big difference in trying to relay a message. 

2.       LEARN THE BASICS.  Most Europeans call their restrooms WC, short for Water Closet. Some establishments specify the word “Toilets,” or will draw male or female.  But for the most part, when you see a WC sign, it means restrooms.  Also, be forewarned that toilet seat covers do not exist here in Europe.  Bring your own toilet seat covers, antibacterial wipes, learn to hover, layers of toilet paper... whatever tickets your fancy! 

3.       IF RENTING A CAR:  Make sure you bring a credit card with at least $1000-$1500 per car you are renting.  If you are renting a car in more than one city or country, set aside one for each.  They ask for at least a $1000 deposit to lend you a car, but the hold sometimes is not released even a week to 14 days after you returned your car.  True story. 

4.       STILL ABOUT RENTING A CAR:  Insurance is a must.  But also, insurance is sky high. Sometimes, it's three times the cost of your actual car rental price.  Especially in Italy, if you think you drive fine, think again!  If possible or available, take the train or bus instead. Except in Italy, drive within the speed limit.  Cops WILL get you.  It happened to our friend.   Also, some countries do drive on the other side of the road (e.g. Ireland, UK, including Scotland, and Malta).

5.       PICK POCKETS.  Beware of pick pockets.  Most people are honest, but some few ruin it for everyone.  So just be aware and consider using a sling bag that goes across your body.  Always wear your purse AWAY from the street.  MEN: Don't put your wallet in your back pocket.  Period.  WOMEN: Consider leaving your bulky fancy wallet behind and bring a small coin purse which fits your credit cards and IDs.  Also, consider investing in a sling purse.  My favorite is the concealed money pockets which are 100% fabric, won't have any zippers, buttons or buckles and attaches to your underpants or bra.  You can conceal money without it alarming the airport security system.  This is also a great method to budget money and take out only what you intend to spend for the day.  Fuel belts for marathoners double as excellent ID/credit card and cash concealers.

6.       PICKING LAY OVERS.  AVOID, AVOID, I say AVOID flying through Rome Fiumicino Airport as a layover, even if it is the cheapest ticket you can find unless you want to lose your luggage or lose your mind.  I experienced both!  If you must, choose a flight that has at least 3 hours of layover in Rome or Milan.  Obviously, if Rome is your final destination, that's a different story.

7.       MAPS.  As soon as you arrive at your destination, get a good map or even a small souvenir book with pictures to help you find what you're looking for, unless you have a tour guide or part of a tour group.  Sometimes, you think you're looking at the right building because it looks similar but you're at the wrong place.

8.       GETTING AROUND.  Read up on the local transportation system first before you embark on your journey.  This will prevent cold wars, tensioned conversations or belligerence towards your travel companions.  Find out ahead of time how the transportation works.  If the city offers a metro pass or day passes, go for it!  You will make the most of it.  Hop-On-Hop-Off tours are also a cheap way to get around the city with an Audio Guide.  Plan your stops accordingly and find out what the last bus will pass by the site if you plan on spending the end of your day so you can get on before they head to the garage.

9.       TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM AIRPORT.  Most cities will have an express train or bus from the airport to the city center.  However, if you are staying 10-15 minutes away from the city center, you might have to hop a bus or two to get there.  It may be cumbersome if you have plenty of luggages to haul around.  Unless you are renting a vehicle or driving on your own, consider investing in hiring a taxi, Uber or some sort of private transportation.  It makes your vacation less of a hassle if you could save up a few more bucks for this.

10.    CITY PASSES: If you are a museum, castle or history junkie like us, I highly DISCOURAGE you from getting the City Pass.  You pay a hefty amount on city pass, but in reality, you only enter a couple museums or castles per day IF you are a museum junkie.  You could easily spend 4-6 hours in some of the greatest museums and sites any city has.  Also, the opening times of the museums are a playing factor.  But if you can guarantee that you can’t get lost in time and space while in museums or castles, or plan to take a guided tour for a couple hours max and leave in peace, then go for it!  You might be able to cover more than your fare share.  But don’t say we didn’t warn you! =D

11.    FREE WALKING TOURS:  Most major cities offer free walking tours.  You actually get more out of it because these guides are passionate and do it whether you pay them or not. Of course, they live off of tips, so tip generously.

12.    LUGGAGE:  When packing your clothes, if you are coming with your family, distribute each family member's clothes to all of the suitcases you are bringing, including your hand carry.  In any case one or all of your luggage gets lost in transit or transfer, at least you still have clothes for the first few days of your trip, or even just for one day/night (if you're smart enough to pack a hand carry with clothes for one day), until you are able to wash them or buy new ones.  This is a tried and tested method in our family, more than once actually!  It prevented us from having to buy new clothes and ruining our travel budget after losing one of our luggage.

13.    STILL ON LUGGAGE: Check with each airline (if you are flying with different ones throughout your trip) what the luggage allowances are.  Follow the one that has the smallest allowance unless you want to risk paying a hefty amount, which by the way, will be a buck and a half or more because it's in Euro or Pounds.  Make your hand carry as small as possible and check if the airlines allow an extra small handbag carry-on.  If it's too big, it will be checked in and could possibly be lost.  True story.

14.    TODDLERS and BELOW?  Yes, strollers are a gem!  It will save your back and will save you time.  Bring an umbrella stroller if you can, one that you will not have any hard feelings parting with in case it gets damaged or lost.  Airlines allow strollers and car seats checked in for free. 

15.    DO NOT under any circumstances, ever arrive at the airport to check-in to your flight in less than two hours.  Some airports (esp in Italy) close their check-in counters one hour prior to flight because they have to taxi the passengers to the airplane which is far from the airport.  If your ticket has problems, you won't give yourself enough time to go through security.  CHECK-IN ONLINE.  Many low-cost airlines require online check-in nowadays and will charge you a hefty fine if you show up at the check-in counter without a printed or mobile boarding pass.

16.    ACCOMMODATIONS. Consider renting an apartment via  Airbnb.com or booking.com.  It can save you money and provide you a kitchen and washer if you need to pack light.  Talk to me when you come around this time.  I have some tips for you.  If you are leary about staying in B&Bs or hostels, hotels near public transportations will save you a headache, especially if you have to hop on an express bus or train to the airport or the next city.  You will not have to drag you suitcases too far.  If you are renting or bring a vehicle with you, make sure there is ample parking at the sites where you are going to.

17.    YOUR ROOM.  If your hotel room or B&B seems to have a mommy toilet and a baby toilet, the smaller one is not a toilet.  It's called a bidet.  Why? Because they rarely ue wipes here. Great invention actually!  Lol

18.    PLUGS.  Everything is 220V in Europe so make sure your electronics have the 220V adaptor or can switch from 110-220V.  Most electronics have 110-220 Voltage and all you need is an adaptor.  However, if you are bringing a hairdryer or other non-electronic gadgets, make sure they have either the option to switch voltages, or you have a transformer around.  Otherwise, don’t bring one at all.  If you don’t know the difference between 110V and 220V, Google it.  Also, check for the country’s adaptor.  UK, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland have different plugs than the rest of UK.

19.    FOOD. If your stomach is tough like ours, try as much of the local cuisine as you can.  Ask the locals for recommendations on where to get the best most popular dish of the nation or the village.  Most of the time, it's better than Trip Advisor.  Just be careful who you ask.  Also, just because there's McDonald's, Subway or Burger King everywhere, doesn't mean you should go there.  Venture out of your comfort zone.  You never know, you might like the local food.  Although McDonald's in many European countries do have a particular meal or two unique to that country.  If you like coffee, try the local coffee, bar, or café. (By the way, bar in Italy doesn’t mean you get booze there.  It means café in other languages). 

20.    MORE ON FOOD.  Splurge on the local pastries!  You will thank me someday! 

21.     ASK. ASK. ASK.  If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask.  Most people are nice, though some don't like American accent but will still entertain you.

22.    LOST PASSPORTS?  If you lost your passport, I have an entire blog about that.  Click on this link to read about it. http://beautyinthegnarlythings.blogspot.it/2016/07/keep-calm-i-just-lost-my-passport-yikes.html

23.    BE INTENTIONAL.  Learn from our experiences, embarrassments and failures so you will have a smoother travel than us.  ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!  Be intentional in finding beauty even in gnarly things, situations and circumstances.  And if you can, spend a couple hours on a fine afternoon in a cafe, sip some coffee, eat some pastry, and watch how people converse.  You will learn a lot!