1. Transportation
Unlike most American metropolitan areas that require a car to get around with ease, European cities have excellent networks of public transportation. With options for metros, trams, trains, and buses, we have found public transportation to be the easiest, most efficient, and cost effective way of traveling through Europe. The best tool we utilize for pre-planning and on-the-go travel in Europe is Rome2Rio. With Rome2Rio you can assess real-time directions, estimated travel time, and estimated costs.
Germany and Austria have some of the best public transportation we have ever experienced.
2. Speaking the Language
English is the universal language that is most commonly spoken throughout western Europe. With that being said, it is respectful to attempt the native language when communicating with locals. We recommend researching key phrases for the countries you will be traveling ahead of your trip and printing a pocket-cheat-sheet to reference when communicating.
Rest assured, if English is the only language you speak fluently, you will be able to make your way around the metropolitan cities of western Europe with ease.
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3. Restaurant Etiquette
Restaurant etiquette varies slightly depending on the country you are visiting in Europe, however, generally you can expect to tip more modestly than in America. Good service could warrant a 5-10% tip (or rounding up to the next euro/pound). Additionally, look on your check for a "service charge" which would eliminate the need for a tip altogether.
It is also worth noting that service in general is much more relaxed in Europe than in America. Do not expect your waiter/waitress to constantly check on you. With that being said, it is not considered rude to flag them down when you need something.
Tap water is served free of charge, similar to America. However, you will be served room-temperature water without any ice. Western European countries have tap water that is safe to drink, however, if you are concerned about the water, you may consider bringing a filtered reusable water bottle.
Lastly, if you are on a budget and do not prefer extra euros tacked onto your bill, always say "no thank you" when something is placed on your table that you did not order. It is not unusual for restaurants to place bread/butter/oil on your table as you arrive, however, know you will be charged roughly €1-3 and it is not complimentary. Once you touch the bread, it will be added to your bill.
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4. What to Wear
While western Europe is home to many safe cities with generally low crime rates, the petty crimes of pick-pocketing and swindling tourists still does exist. The best way to avoid these petty crimes is by avoiding bringing attention to yourself and blending in with the locals. As mentioned above, learning a few key phrases in the native language will also get you a long way in terms of gaining respect from the locals.
We recommend wearing non-logo shirts without any graphics. Plain-colored shirts without American brands or sporting teams printed across the front will help minimize the attention drawn to yourself. See below recommendations for a short list of other essential items you may consider wearing:
Lastly, if you plan to visit any religious points of interest such as churches, basilicas, temples, etc. there is a strong likelihood that the dress code requires covered shoulders and knees.
5. What to Pack
Despite what you may think, packing for a trip to Europe requires a slight variation in the items you may pack for a trip within the US. Below are a list of the essential items to consider adding to your luggage:
International Adaptor - adapt your power plugs for both Europe (2 prong) and the UK (3 prong)
Clothesline - you will not find dryers in the average European lodging. Therefore, if you plan on doing your laundry or getting caught in the rain, you will want to bring some clothesline to hang-dry your clothes.
Lock for Luggage & Hostel Security - if you plan on staying in a Hostel, make sure to bring a lock to secure your belongings in shared-spaces.
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6. Currency
If the currency of your location differs from home, we recommend exchanging currency at the airport once you arrive at your destination. If time does not allow, your best bet is to look for a cash machine (Bankomat in Europe) that is affiliated with a bank. Bank cash machines are generally more secure and do not charge additional fees.
We recommend avoiding independent cash machines, such as Travelex, Euronet, or Moneybox, as they will likely have higher fees. We also recommend avoiding any "currency exchange stores" as they are likely a tourist trap that will provide you with a higher-than-normal exchange rate.
J&L Tip: Sign up for a Chase Sapphire Preferred card for zero foreign transaction fees and sign-on rewards equaling $1000 in travel purchases!
7. Affordable International Data
Want to avoid roaming charges and $10/day international data fees? Airalo allows you to download an e-SIM to your phone and activate while in Europe for a very affordable price. We bought 3 GB of data valid for 30 days from activation for only $7. It worked great throughout our entire Europe trip and was very easy to install. Airalo offers e-SIMs all around the world and we can validate that it works with ease in multiple European countries.
Get $3 off with code NBV8668 by signing up here!
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8. Sandeman's Free Walking Tours
We've done a Sandeman's tour in every city we've traveled where they are offered and can honestly say it is well worth your time, especially in a bigger cities where there is so much important history to learn.
The Sandeman's tour guides do a phenomenal job teaching about the history of their city while keeping you engaged. You can tell they have true passion to share history with others, as most tour guides are students or historians. We like to schedule Sandeman's tours near the beginning on our time in a city. This way, we use the tour to get our bearings, discover the top sites, and ask our local tour guide for any advice we may need.
Tip: These tours are gratuity-based (free) but require that you provide a tip at the end based on your experience.
Bonus: Discounts!
If you are a student, make sure to bring your student ID. Many museums, historical sites, and galleries provide a significant discount for students just by showing your student ID. Your savings may add up, and perhaps allow your budget to stretch for one more gelato or craft beer on your trip.
Happy Adventuring
J&L
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