Making Memories

Does the idea of dining on top of the Eiffel tower fancy you? Is hiking up the Alps part of your bucket list? Or does riding on the actual gondola in Venice (instead of around the Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas) excite you? So far yet within reach, but the only thing that is stopping you from making that big trip across the ocean is…. uncertainty? There are lots of stories circulate regarding the inconvenience and hassle while traveling through Europe. Having visited 6 times and to many cities in different countries in Europe, I want to share from my travel experiences the 10 things that you may find helpful, either to calm your uncertainty or clarify whatever concerns you may have while pondering over the idea for your next trip. With everything operating again after the pandemic, Euro exchange rate being almost equal USD, and without the large crowds as it used to be several years ago (Europe is still not open to Chinese tourists; news that this may change toward the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024), this is the best time to visit Europe!

Travel Options

Depending on your destinations, travel by air is not always the best option. If adding the time you need to arrive at the airport for check-in, transit time (if the flight is not direct) and baggage claim time, air travel can become quite time-consuming and not always as economical considering baggage allowance is rarely free anymore. Most European airlines do not offer free carry-on nor checked-in baggage (only a personal bag like purse or backpack is included in the base saver ticket). If you need to add checked-in baggage or carry-on, then be sure to do it the time of ticket booking; otherwise, the fee is much much more if added at the airport.

With excellent train system with routes throughout Europe and no additional cost for luggage storage, travel by train may be more ideal. Overnight trains also have couchette option where you can reserve a private or shared cabin to sleep. There are restaurants or different food options as well. Luggage is typically stored at the end of each car, so your luggage is usually accessible during the trip, and you can collect your own luggage before de-boarding the train, so it’s convenient. If you’re traveling across borders at night, then the train ticket collector will take your passport and return in the morning before you reach your destination; this way, they do not have to check your passport every time they cross the border, especially if it’s sleep time. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if your passport is not returned right away.

If you don’t mind driving in foreign countries and long distance, then renting a car is the best option to admire the beautiful scenery. If you are a visitor staying less than 6 months, then you do not need an internal driver license. Instead, you can use the driver license from your home country (this works for USA and Canada for sure. I’m sure about other countries). However, there are some countries or rental car companies require that you have an international driving permit (IDP); note: this is just a permit and not a license. If you’re in the US, then the IDP can be obtained easily at the AAA office; all it takes is about 5 minutes and $20!

There are other destinations where you can travel by sea. Note: if you’re prone to motion sickness, then avoid this option or only use it for short trips. To minimize the chance of getting motion sickness, choose an outside seat toward the middle of the ship/boat/ferry near the water level, so choose seats in the lower level instead of the higher ones.

Therefore, as you can see, there are other means of travel besides by air. So do your research to choose the most comfortable, most economical and fastest way to travel.

Exploring the city

Even for exploring the city, the preferred means of transportation would be either by train (subway) or boat (if available). You don’t need to deal with traffic, and the train and boat are rarely late. Being on time makes it easier to plan your visits. Being the first time in Europe, you should look up the metro/subway map to familiarize yourself. Subway systems are very similar, so if you’re familiar with one, then it’ll be easy to navigate others.

With so many tourists and little space, I advise you not to take the bus nor rent a private car to drive around the city. There is typically lots of traffic and parking spaces are scarce. So if the city you visit has other means of public transportation like the subway, then I advise you to use it.

Out of all of the ways to explore the city, exploring by foot is by far the most recommended. Of course if the distance between the 2 attractions are too far, then by all means, use other ways to transport. Otherwise, if you’re healthy enough for long walks, then this is the best way to see the city. Equip yourself with a very comfortable pair of shoes because each day, you’ll easily walk tens of thousands of steps.

Hotel

The comparisons below are based on the American hotel standards since this is where I reside. Unlike in the US where the typical hotel rooms fall into 2 options: either 1 king bed or 2 queens or double. Therefore, if you reserve a room with 2 beds, then you can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 people, it’s up to you! However in Europe, if you reserve a room for 2 or 3 people, there will be beds to accommodate exactly 2 or 3 people, and no more!! The rooms are small so there wouldn’t be any extra space for a rollaway bed or even to sleep on the floor!! For this reason, it is important the you specify the exact number of people when reserving hotel rooms.

Certainly, you can reserve a large room and only specify 1 person. However, note that the room price varies based on the number of people the room will accommodate. So when checking in or if the hotel finds out that the number of people staying in the room will be more than the number you have specified, then extra person charges will be applied to your reservation. It is therefore best specify the correct number to avoid problems during your vacation.

Europeans are not accustomed to drink iced beverage, so there is not an ice machine in the hotel like most of the hotels in the US. It is also rare to fine a hotel that provide washing and drying machines. Larger hotels typically provide laundry service, charged by bag (provided by the hotel). Note that drying machines are not widely used. Usually, clothes are washed in the machine and then hang dry to reserve energy. There are drying machines at the laundromats, so no worries. If you are staying at an Airbnb, then most likely only washing machines are available.

Currency Exchange

If the counties you’re visiting are in the European Union (EU) then the currency is Euro. Exchange rate in Europe will be better than in the US. But it’s always a good idea to have some local currency when you arrive, so you should exchange in advance a little bit of Euro or whatever the currency of the countries you’ll be visiting.

If you’re buying foreign currency in the US, then you should request from your bank at least 1 week in advance. The local bank would need to send the request to the central branch, which then will send the requested amount to your bank (they don’t have foreign currency readily available at all branches).

Internet

In the age of smart phones, having Wi-Fi/Internet access is a necessity!! I myself literally have everything on my phone! From hotel reservations to itinerary, maps, etc. Especially if driving is your means of transportation, then you need the map for direction. There are several options like getting a SIM card in the country you’re visiting, using the US international phone plan (for example, AT&T provides International Day Pass for talk/text/data for $10/day). However, I think the most economical way is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi. Each pocket Wi-Fi allows 5-10 devices (usually 10), and you can use it throughout Europe. If you’re only visiting 1 country, then you can rent a pocket Wi-Fi when you arrive, most international airports have this service. If you’re planning to visit several countries (means your arrival and departure country are different), then you can reserve for a pocket Wi-Fi in advance to be sent to you. Shipping fees apply if sent to the US/Canada. Shipping is free if sent to your hotel in Europe. I have used HippocketWifi and their prices are reasonable.

Attractions

If the attractions you want to visit require a ticket, then try purchasing them in advance online, it will save you a lot of time. Not only that, checking it out in advance would inform you if something is closed, so you wouldn’t waste time coming to an attraction that is not operating. For example, the Buckingham Palace in London is open to the public only from Mid-July to August when the royal family stays elsewhere (Windsor castle, I think). If you don’t research or try to purchase tickets in advance, then you may not know this information. Similarly, certain countries provide free admission to the museums, such is the case for London when most of the museums are free; or the Louvre in France allows free admission to youth under 18 and on the first Friday of the month after 6pm (except for July and August and on July 14th). Doing prior research would save you the hassle and sometimes a few …Euros!

It is advised that you study the map when planning your itinerary so the routes to different attractions make sense, avoid having to go back and forth. It is also a good idea to briefly look up the rules and regulations of the attractions. For example, you must dress more conservatively when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Shorts, short dresses/skirts and tank tops are not allowed; you will be refused entry. So if you’re visiting in the summer and your attire shows more skin than permitted, then bring along a scarf to wrap before entering the church.

Food/Restaurant

A few helpful details when dining out:

1. By default, carbonated water is served. So when ordering or buying water on the street, be sure to specify that you want still water. At restaurants, drinking water is rarely complimentary as they are usually bottled water and not tap water.
2. The bill already includes gratuity. No additional tip is required. However, if the service is superb then you can leave additional tip.
3. I know it’s normal to look for your typical cuisine; however, sometimes ingredients are limited in foreign countries so the food may not be as good as the food at home. Therefore, it is best to try local food as all of the ingredients are available and you have more options to choose.
4. Nothing is free, even the sauces or condiments, even at fast food restaurants. For example, if you want an additional package of ketchup or BBQ sauce at the McDonald, additional fee is charged. So if you are the type of person who likes a lot of ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, etc… then you can pack your own!
5. Unlike the lifestyle in the US, Europeans take time enjoying their meals. A regular dinner can easily take 3 hours! Therefore the service at restaurants are also not as fast as what Americans are accustomed to. This is normal. So if you know this in advance, then you understand the culture and wouldn’t be upset.

What to wear?

Most Europeans are very dressy. Don’t be surprised if you spot an lady in a fancy dress and high heels walking down the cobblestone streets of Italy. Or if you’re at the Tube in London at night, you’ll see girls changing out to their fold-up (brought along in their purse) to replace the pair of high heels that they have worn all night out in the town. Having to use public transportations or walk to places does not hinder their lifestyle. To avoid looking like the typical tourists, you should pack along comfortable clothes suitable for the weather and occasions, but not too casual or sloppy. Wearing athletic shorts or sweats for non-exercise purposes is not the norm in Europe. More importantly, with sceneries and attractions so beautiful, you would want to dress better to have nicer photos, wouldn’t you?! I suggest you invest in a nice and comfortable pair of shoes or sandals that is suitable for many outfits. If you plan to dine at more fancy restaurants, then bring along a pair of comfortable heels, perhaps not too high. I advise you to wear the shoes that you plan to bring on the trip and walk around the house. Or wear the shoes at least 1 full day around town and see how it feels. This is to ensure the shoes are broken in (if new) and comfortable enough. Having blisters and having to hunt a another pair of shoes on your trip is not going to be fun (leisure shopping is different).

Typically, trips to Europe would be at least 1 week or more. So plan your outfits and only bring what you need; otherwise, you’ll end up stuffing your suitcase with things you may not wear. Prior outfit pairing would be the smart thing to do as well. For example, you can pair 1 pair of shorts or skirt with multiple tops, creating different looks. Also, if possible, try bringing clothes that are machine-washable.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the not-to-miss activities, especially in Europe. Buying souvenirs only may not worth the trouble, but for big purchases, duty-free shopping and its rules is something you need to be familiarized in order to benefit from it. Note that not everything is qualified for tax refund. For example in France, purchases at the market, pharmacy, convenient stores or restaurants are note tax-refundable (however, perfumes and cosmetic do qualify). And since 2021, the minimum amount is 100€ (if you have multiple purchases from the same store on the same day, and all the receipts add up to at least 100€, then you are qualified for a tax-refund). Remember to bring your passport. Before leaving the store, ask the clerk for a tax-refund form. The form must be dated and signed by the clerk and yourself. Also note that you cannot get a refund from the full VAT percentage. For example in France, the VAT is 20% on all commercial goods. However, travelers can claim up to 12% back upon leaving the country/EU.

The European Union (EU) and Schengen each has their own rules regarding tax-refund; it also differ among countries. For example, in order to get a tax refund in EU, you need to meet these criteria:

1. Your country of residence must be outside of EU.
2. You must be a tourist visiting EU under 6 months (for example, if you relocated to France for work for more than 6 months, then you will not be qualified).
3. Must be older than 15 years old
4. Minimum amount may differ per country. As noted in France for example, the amount is 100€. Provide all of the receipts.

To get tax refund, you need to file the claim before leaving EU or Schengen, not before leaving Europe. For example, if you’re visiting France and then on the way to Switzerland next, then you need to claim your tax refund before leaving France because Switzerland belongs to Schengen instead of EU.

There are 2 options for tax refund and 2 ways to claim.

1. You can choose to get instant refund (lower percentage) or a later refund – to your credit card. For credit card refund, the waiting time is usually around 8 weeks.
2. For instant refund, you’ll need to file the claim at the tax refund office at the airport, train station or large shopping mall. For later refund, you can claim at the tax refund office or at using the kiosk.

Restroom

It’s a sensitive issue, but I feel it needs to be noted. In many countries, public restrooms are either not available or not free! Even at a shopping mall or train station, restrooms are available with a fee. Therefore, you should keep some change for this purpose.

There isn’t normally a public restroom available on the street either. The only one I have seen is near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and it looks like one of those portable ones. I suggest you find a fast-food restaurant, buy something so you can use their restroom. In Paris, my go-to place is always McDonald since I can buy something cheap, and there’s no one guarding the restroom. Instead, an access code is provided on the receipt, which can be shared with your whole group (not sure if it works within a certain amount of time only).

To sum up…

I hope you find theses tips helpful and feel more prepared and less intimidated when planning your trip to Europe. There are things you can learn from books and movies, but there are things only can be obtained by experiencing them yourself. Go, so you can learn about other cultures and admire the beautiful mother nature, and to enrich your knowledge and create more interesting life stories for yourself. Bon Voyage!