I’ve covered some of these tips before. Many of them bear repeating…especially if you happen to be a first-time traveler to Europe.
Let’s start with packing… You don’t need to overpack. Huge suitcases are no fun to drag down a cobblestone street, lug onto a train, or cram into a small car’s trunk. Heavy ones create more problems than you can imagine. Just pack the essentials. Plan your clothes around one or two colors. Take items that can be easily laundered…either by you or at a facility. If you absolutely need something you didn’t bring…go shopping.
Remember to use public transportation. Subway, Metro, The Tube…are easy to negotiate and more reasonable than taking a cab everywhere. High speed trains are an amazing way to travel.
If you are in Europe for the first time, you may think you can cover a lot of ground. After all, it looks smaller on the map. Right? Keep in mind, there is so much to see and do in almost every city, town, and village. In order to have a truly fun vacation, don’t overdo it. Decide what is most important to you. Trust me…you aren’t going to see it all in one visit.
Do your homework on local customs. Learn a few polite phrases. Understand what is acceptable or what isn’t. Learn how to read a map, street signs, and your bill at the restaurant.
Have fun…