Tips while travelling to Europe
1. While planning to travel, check the dates are not coinciding with major national holidays of that country, especially on the day of arrival ,as you dont want to be disappointed to see everything closed.
2. Get the currency exchange rate before travelling, you will get lesser exchange rates when you reach there.
3. All European countries do not use Euro. If you have euros while traveling from one country to another, you can get the exchange at the airport or at the major railway stations.
4. Depending upon your budget you can do your booking on websites like booking.com, hotdeals.com, hotel.com.
5. While booking your hotels it is important to check the location, so that you can make your trip most enjoyable while enjoying the variety of things the place has to offer. For me it is the central location, unless I am going only for a beachside.
6. Some of the hotels offer you complimentary breakfast, take advantage of that offer. It will not help you taste the wide range of food they offer but also make your day more comfortable as you are all set to enjoy the city.
7. You go through immigration check only once at the point of entry into Europe.
8. Remember that at most places people won’t speak in English with few exceptions like Barcelona, Venice. Carry a translation book with you or use google translation. Learn major words used in that language that will come very handy while taking directions or ordering food
9. While shopping at bigger brand names, if you choose to use your credit card they will check your travel documents. So do not forget to carry them if you are shopping at high end shops.
10. While checking at majority of hotels or guest houses documents will be checked and photocopied for every member that is accompanying with you.
11. At majority of places toilets have flushing handles or plungers at the feet. So if see you don’t see the handles at the top check a push button right next to your feet.
12. Don’t be surprised if you see very narrow elevators at most hotels and you will have to squish yourself and your baggage.
13. Travel light, you may have to walk a long distance at an airport between flights or most restaurants are crowded so there may be trouble finding enough space for you to keep your stuff.
14. Switzerland the land of finances was most expensive. Buying two coffees and a muffin can rip u off Swiss Euro 30.
15. In Italy at smaller cafes, you will be charged differently depending upon you are having your coffee / deli at the counter or sitting at the table.
16. You can rent a car and use your international driving licence, but remember before you decide to do that driving is very different than that in North America.
17. If you have enough time, gain experience of travelling both by trains and buses from one city to another. Trains may take you through tunnels and elude you from the beautiful country sides.
18. Transit system is very good in Europe. If travelling by Eurostar, even second class is comfortable enough to offer you electrical points for your laptops, ipods and chargers and there is catering trolley that will pass for you to buy food.
19. If for any reason you miss your connecting train, go to the service counters where you will be helped to get on to the next train.
Enjoy your trip !!
