Travel Tips

I thought we could start out with some travel tips. So you can have a ball without dropping it…. All right, I know that was pretty cheesy, but for real these insider tips are so good that just for having them the IRS might come after you. ….. Ok I should really stop now. So here they are 10 tips guaranteed to get you started on the right foot.

Top ten travel tips

1. Penny saved is a penny earned: Banks in the United States charge an exorbitant fee to exchange currency, only outdone by the airports exchange themselves. To avoid major loss of funds, have your bank exchange enough money to last your first day then find a bank which will exchange your money for less when you arrive. Also, the new buying power of the credit card can come in handy, depending on your service charges. Be sure to check with your provider to see what rates apply.
2. Blending in: What you wear makes a statement. Europeans tend to dress less casual then American on a day to day basis. If your goal is to remain somewhat anonymous then I would suggest leaving baseball caps, cargo pants and “well worn” t-shirts and sweatshirts at home. Remember these places are apart of their history and sometimes their faith, so be respectful.
3. Less is more: Many travel agencies offer trips that promise to encompass hundreds of sights in a limited amount of time. Although they have their time and place, a concentrated trip yields more gratification. It allows for time for you to soak in the atmosphere and experience itself.
4. Back to the Future: Learn about the places before you leave home. It will give you a greater appreciation of the wonders you will be seeing. History in Europe has a way of coming alive, but first you need to gives it wings.
5. Getting around: Public transportation is a not only a quick, safe and effecient way to travel, it is an adventure. It is also good to know that most places have day or week tickets which allow you to travel anywhere in the region at an affordable rate.
6. No room in the Inn?: Youth Hostels are a great place to spend the night. They are cheap and conveniently situated. Don’t allow the “Youth” part to scare you away, people of all ages use these unsung accommodations to rest their heads for a night.
7. Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte helfen?: Learning a little of the language goes a long way in making your trip enjoyable. Finding yourself in a new country with a entirely different culture can be quite a shock. Learning how to say a few words and being able to read the sign that says bathroom can lessen the impact. Most Europeans (at least in the bigger cities) have some experience speaking English, this however does not mean they like you to assume that they do. Trying to communicate with the native language is just common courtesy. You will be surprised at the different reaction you will get once people realize you are making an effort.
8. “These boots were made for walking…..”: Europeans are firm believers in healthy practices: like walking. This combined with the fact most structures are very old and weren’t built in the “age of connivance” leaves most Americans inadequately prepared for the amount of physical stamina required to fully enjoy the wonders Europe has to offer. With that in mind, I would strongly advise strapping on a pair of sneakers and completing some dry runs , so that when the time comes who can wholly indulge your senses without blistering your dogs.
9. NOT everything but the kitchen sink: Pack light. Mobility is really the goal when traveling. They have stores in Europe too. So have no fear if you don’t have room for that bar of soap. Also, it is a really good idea to leave some space for souvenirs that you might want to bring back.
10. The Single Most Important Item(which should be glued to your side at all times): Passport , Emergency money, credit cards and other items whose theft would bring your trip to an immediate end, need to be kept in a bag/purse under your top layer of clothes at all times. A fanny pack or a small sling works great. The Key is for it to stay hidden and of course never leave your person. Don’t under any circumstances leave it in a pocket, front pouch of a backpack or a purse whose strap could be cut. That would be just asking for it.