Traveling is without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s hard to fully prepare for your first European experience. The beauty, cultures, people, food, and sites are unparalleled, and each country is more unique than the other. Transitioning into another culture can be a little intimidating, but don’t sweat it! Here are a few helpful things to know for your first time abroad in Europe:
-
Water is not free. Except for the very occasional public water fountain, water will cost you. There is no such thing as a free glass of water at a restaurant. You will be charged just as if you were getting a soda drink. However, when you do buy water it will be high quality and deliciously refreshing!
-
European public transportation rocks. Between metros, buses, cabs, trains, and planes, there are so many affordable options in exploring European cities. The most common mode of transportation is usually the metro. Do not be intimidated by foreign metro stations! Each rail/course is color coded and numbered; making the journey a very organized process. Before setting out, look at your current city’s map and pick your destination. Head to the nearest metro stop (there’s usually one on every corner) and follow the closest colored railed and numbered stop to your selected destination. Some transportation companies even offer student discounts; be sure to look into that before purchasing your ticket!
-
Knowing a little language will go a long way. Okay, so learning five different languages in a few months is not exactly realistic. But, it is wise to learn a few common phrases in the language of your travel destination. A few important phrases and words to know are hello, please, thank you, where is the restroom, yes/no, goodbye, how do I get to_____ , how much is this, and what is the wifi password? Make a little cheat sheet on your phone for easy reference. Putting forth effort to use the host language will help you navigate the city and culture more quickly, as well as make the locals more receptive and friendly towards you.
-
You don’t have to carry your passport on you at all times. Traveling from country to country, yes, but while out exploring, it’s best to leave your passport safely tucked away in a suitcase. If you carry it around all the time, you risk the chance of pickpocketers stealing it. The only time you’ll be asked for a passport is when crossing various borders or taking a flight. You can travel around with just a copy or picture on your phone!
-
An old-school paper map is always useful. Yes, maps are a bit touristy, but never underestimate how easy it is to get lost in a popular city, especially if there is a language barrier. Keep a map in your pocket or bag for your wandered-too-far emergencies. It is also a practical tool in getting to the attraction points easily, which are usually labeled on the map. This is also another great way to save on cellular data charges by not using maps on your smartphone!
-
Be prepared to plug your devices into European power outlets. The outlets in Europe are much different from American outlets. They’re shaped differently and they host a 220 volt charge. If you are an American traveling abroad, you must purchase an outlet adapter. This may seem like a well-known fact, but it’s usually one of the most forgotten items to pack! Outlet adapters are cheap and a good investment. The price for an adapter ranges anywhere from $5-$20. Purchase a universal adapter to use for future travels in any country or continent. You also must read the tech specs on chargers and all appliances to see if they can be plugged to a 220 volt power outlet. If you only buy an adapter that does not have a voltage converter and the charger is not equipped for 220v (but only for 110/20v, which is the standard in the US), it will burn your device! Purchase a converter and adapter just to be safe.
-
Less restaurants and more food from local markets will save you some money! Just like any other country, markets sell much more affordable goods than restaurants or street vendors. Instead of spending a few euros for a glass of water, get a 1 liter of bottled water for .87 euro! Grocery markets are also a great place to stock up on small snacks like granola bars, candy, crackers, chips, and fruit for a very low cost! Having a small snack on you while exploring or traveling is always a smart idea. It’s also very interesting to browse foreign grocery stores; there are so many different goods sold! *Note, most grocery stores in Europe charge for bags to carry out your goods. Bring your own bag or backpack to save you the hassle and waste less plastic!*
-
Public restrooms are a rarity, and 99% of the time not free. It is considered rude to walk into a place of business and ask to use the restroom without purchasing something first, much like many places in the U.S., but taken much more seriously. Some places even lock their doors to prevent public use. Usually, shopping malls and train stations are the only places that have large public restrooms. These are very clean and well-kept by a bathroom attendant, but it will cost you anywhere from 1-3 euro to get in. Save your money and remember to use the restroom when at a restaurant and especially before leaving your hotel or hostel.
-
Street performers are to be taken seriously. In the bigger tourist cities, it is common to see many street performers sprinkled all around large attraction sites. The skill sets and talents widely range, but they all are dedicated to their chosen profession. Whatever you do, do not try to make them break character or seemingly mock them or else you will greatly offend them. Also, it is very rude to take a picture with them without tipping them first. To combat this, they usually put some prop in front of their face until you give them money. Drop .50 euro in and they will spring to life for an amazing picture to show to friends and family!
Remember: traveling is about learning and experiencing a different culture than of your own. Don’t focus on comparing one city to your home; that will take away from the trip. Embrace the beauty, uniqueness, and customs of every country and city. Take lots of pictures, journal your experiences, and soak in as much as you can while abroad. After all, you can only visit Europe for the first time once. Happy travels!