Europe is a wonderful place to visit. The beauty of the city and the excitement of the lights make it one of the best travel destinations in the world. If you have never been to Europe, there are some things that you should know before you are on your way.
What to packWhen packing for your trip to Europe, you should pack light. You can always buy what you need or forgot. You can find anything from clothes to toiletries. It is not big deal if you forget something or not.
Luggage for the flightWhen you are packing, you may want to try to fit everything you are taking into a carry on bag. By not checking in your luggage, you will get out of the airport much quicker when everyone else is standing in line at the baggage claim.
Tips for safety while in EuropeRemember that there are all kinds of people everywhere you go. Thieves look for visitors to foreign lands and they prey on them. Keep your money and credit cards on you. Keep them hidden away in a money belt or a wallet hidden on you somewhere besides the normal spots like a pocket or purse. Rail passes are usually more expensive that individual tickets for you European trip, however they will save you time. With a pass you do not need to try and find an English worker at the station to purchase your tickets. Do not make international phone calls from your hotel room. There is Internet cafeTo communicate with your friends back home or you can purchase a phone card.
How to tipIt is hard to know how much to tip when you are in a strange place and you do not know what is expected. Customs are different in all countries. When you are in restaurants, make sure that you check your bill to see if you have a service charge included. If there is a service charge added to your bill, you will then not have to add to it. If there is no service fee, a general rule is to add 10 to 15 percent of the bill for the tip.
Get a reference bookWhen going to a different country where there are laws and rules for everything, you may want to think about getting a book to check in on. By having a book to look up what you need to know, you will feel more confident and more secure with your visit.
A few general rules and some common sense, you will have the perfect European vacation.
