Love Europe Travel - Spain, France. Italy, Germany, UK

Look and book: Now is the time to look up airfare. You know where you want to enter and leave from, so start looking for some bargains. There are some websites that can help, but if you are not 100% comfortable with the price wait a little and the price might go down. Don’t wait very long, last minute tickets will always be expensive. Check out my post about a website with great airfare and hotel bargains.

Passport: If you don’t have one or yours is expired, now is the time to get one. Do it now so that you won’t have to pay the expensive rush fee and you won’t have the stress of waiting for it to arrive last minute. US citizens don’t need a special visa to visit western Europe right now, unless you plan on staying more than 90 days in a 6 month period.

Think shoes: Now is the time to find some great walking shoes. You don’t want to waste space lugging around a bunch of shoes. Choose 1 (2 at the max) pair of shoes that match most of your outfits and that you feel comfortable wearing in a nice restaurant when you feel like splurging. Chaco sandals have a lifetime warrenty and are fantastic for any activity. Everyone that I have known to own a pair absolutly loves them.

Women Chacos: Men Chacos:

If you are like me- you have dreamt about going to Europe for years. Now that you have the determination, let’s look at some basic steps that will insure that you are ready and enjoy your stay.

-6 months before you leave-

Choose a destination: You need to plan where you want to go on this vacation. Check out my post on choosing a destination. Also, if you don’t know very much about a certain country, buy a guidebook. You’ll then be able to decide better whether you want to visit that area, or save it for another time.

Make your reservations: You need to decide and research where you are going to stay. Hotels are nice because they are usually right in the middle of the excitement, have housekeeping, room service etc. Depending on how long you are staying they can be expensive. Not just the daily price of the hotel but food and laundry can really add up. If you want to rent a vacation home or even do a home exchange, choose a place that is centrally located in your travel plans.

Learn a language: If you are spending the majority of your time in one country, take some time to learn the language. Even if you are travelling all over, learn some basic statements and questions. You will have a much better time if you can relate and be polite to the locals.

When traveling abroad in Europe you will find that the adventures you have either finding or just plain figuring out the different restrooms will be entertaining memories that will last for the rest of your life!

First- Finding a Restroom…

Remember that you will not see the word “Restrooms” labeled on any wall or door to point the direction for you to follow. Instead, look for “WC” which stands for Water Closet. (Funny Story) Restaurants are a great place and usually very reliable to search out a restroom. If you feel the need to ask permission, you can just simply say, “Toilet?” and they will point you in the right direction. However, do not feel like you must buy a drink or food inorder to use the restroom. Most public buildings have one in their lobby (hotels are especially nice). You can look in train stations, government buildings, and of course make sure you use the ones in any museums you visit. In some big cities you will find telephone booth looking WC’s on street corners. Put in your coin, the door opens and you have your 15 minutes of privacy while listening to some great music. Beware- the door opens on it’s on after the 15 minutes is up. When you leave- the toilet disinfects itself.

Second- How WC’s Function

The fist thing you will notice- and I really do mean the first thing- is the lady sitting by the door with a plate. The plate usually has some large coins and a few bills (which is a ploy) on it. I honestly had no idea what the lady was doing there with a plate in the first restroom I went into. These women clean the bathroom, or provide toilet paper for the bathroom- either way it is polite to leave a small tip on her plate. Change that equals 25 cents is plenty. You will find that most of them are pretty cranky to say the least, but wouldn’t you be?

You will not find a toilet that you instinctively know how to flush- just understand that upfront. Push, pull, twist, yank, stomp on anything you think might will get the job done. Automatic sinks, toilets, and urinals are becoming common as well.

When I stopped in Germany, I quickly found a WC in a grocery store. It was a beautiful building! The restroom experience there is one that I will never forget… I did my business and the toilet was an automatic one, which at this point I was not used to seeing. I had never seen a toilet disinfect itself either. Being as niave as I was in this, I thought it might have been a new bidet of sorts. I seriously nearly sat back down. I suggest not doing that, I probably would have broken it if I did. It was cool to watch though- the seat lifts up and the sprayer and wiper comes out, the seat then moves around in a circle then sets itself back down when it has finished.

Also, do not be surprised if you find that you are in a unisex restroom, or if the toilet isn’t anything more than a glorified hole in the floor. It’s all about the stories you bring home, right?

Just like in the States, you can travel through Europe many ways. If you are going with a tour group, you may just need to worry about your free time- I would suggest using the tube (train) for that. They are everywhere and to locate one just ask your hotel manager or receptionist.

If you are travelling solo, your options have opened up! There is the train (which I still highly suggest), driving, flying, and cycling. I have found a couple sites for information and purchase of rail tickets across all of Europe are www.eurail.com and www.raileurope.com. A car allows the most freedom to travel when and where you would like. There are somethings that you should ask before you drive away, such as the best gas sto use and how to release the gas cap; where and how to use the wipers, lights, alarm system, radio, etc. Th price for gas in Europe is not based on per gallon, but rather per liter. Flying from town to town is also an option, but if you are under time restraints, that choice may not allow you to get off the beaten road a bit. Cycling is a whole different game and something that if you have thought about, you’ve probably researched it a little. Cycling as your main transportation is great if you go with a tour group. You won’t be able to get stranded that easily and the campany is great!

You may think that jet lag is inevitable, but there are a few tricks you can do so that you don’t feel like you wasted your first couple days of your vacation half asleep. First thing is not to convince yourself that trying is worthless.

• First Tip: Act like you are leaving a couple days before you actually depart.

This will help ease your nerves and let you travel well rested (because that means you’re going to have your your big bon voyage party a couple nights  before and you won’t be frantically packing at the last second).When I went to Europe through a tour group, we left for the airport at 3am my time and flew to the other side of the country. We had a 3 hour lay over in Boston where our group of about 5 wandered around and ended up playing card games. Then we left for our over night flight to Amsterdam.

• Second Tip: Long flights can be dehydrating. Anytime you are offered a drink, ask for juice.

I always get them in a can (get the most) and no ice. Of course they still bring the nice cups with them. Eat lightly, and no coffee or alot of sugars. They will just wind you up and there isn’t any place to go. Also, alcohol will just make your jet lag 10,000 times worse. On our flight we only had one in-flight movie and then hours of the television show “Friends.” This is perfect naptime.

• Third Tip: Be in the “Here and Now.”

When they announce the new time that it is, change your watch, and your mind. It will only hurt you to keep reminding yourself what time it is back home. You are in Europe- So be in Europe. When we landed in Amsterdam, it was 7am. (Only after my trip did I think about the timing and realized we landed in Amsterdam at midnight my time!) We had the whole day  filled with activities- wich was PERFECT! Jet lag hates nothing worse than fresh air, sunlight and a good walk. We had to wait at the airport for the rest of our tour group to arrive until 11am. So we walked around the airport (which was an experience in itself) and played more card games. Then we took off to wonder around the city square and make our first ATM withdrawal. You will want to go to sleep a little early, but realize that going to bed too early is pointless. We went to bed about 9pm the first night- woke up the next morning at 6am and we were ready for our adventurous day! The first morning is one of the best because it will probably be the only one you wake up early enough to see the sunrise and the town come to life.

When taveling to ANY country in the world you will need to have a money belt. American tourists are especially targeted in Europe, not because thieves are mean- they’re just smart. The solution is a money belt. There are 2 types you can purchase, one you wear around your neck and the other around your waist (always under your clothing). They are small, nylon, and zippered. They also usually come in a one-size-fits-all due to the elastic waist band that clips together. It is a small price (less than $15 that will save you in the end.) It is personal preference which one you choose. Somethings to remember and understand are:

• Keep your money for that day in your pocket. Constantly pulling your money belt out will let everyone see where it is and how much money you have.

• Keep your PASSPORT in your money belt. You are legally suppose to have it on you at all times.

• Plane Ticket should be included. Leave any receipts in your luggage.
• Railpass: This is as valuable as cash.
• Driver’s license: This works just about anywhere in Europe and is necessary if you want to rent a car on the spur of the moment.

• Credit card: It’s required for car rental and handy to have if your cash runs low.

• Debit card: A Visa debit card is the most versatile for ATM withdrawals. (I no longer use traveler’s checks.)

• Cash: Keep only major bills in your money belt.

• Plastic sheath: Money belts easily get slimy and sweaty. Damp plane tickets and railpasses can be disgusting and sometimes worthless. Even a plain old baggie helps keep things dry.

• Contact list: Print small, and include every phone number or email address of importance in your life.

• If you are on the beach, don’t try to hide it- it’s better to leave it in your hotel room.

• DO NOT WEAR A FANNY PACK- this is not the same as a money belt and are an easy target. You will not be able to feel a hand inside it, no matter what you may think.

When I was in Italy in St. Mark’s Square, my friend discovered someone had tried to take her money belt. She wasn’t wearing it propery and had part of it showing. It wasn’tuntil later when she went to get some money, she saw the cut in her band. Because it was mostly tucked in, they weren’t able to take it. Make sure it is always completly out of sight.

Also keep a copy of all important papers (passport, credit cards, plane tickets, etc) at home so that if everything is lost, you can have someone fax them to the necessary authorities.

You may wonder what is the best choice when traveling in Europe. Some may think that going solo sounds fantastic while others may not. Here are some pros and cons for both.

Going solo may seem scary to some travelers, but it can open a new world to you. If you want to travel by yourself, keep a phrase book with you. You will not have a tour guide there to help you with any transactions and it is best if you know at least the basics of hello, goodbye, thank you, please, bathroom etc. Always reach out to the locals in their language, even to ask if they speak English. Becoming lonely is a possibility but not very probable, as long as you don’t want to be. Trains, buses, restaurants are all places that you can easily strike up conversation with someone. Sometimes you may even find other travelers with similar itineraries and so you can meet up for dinner later on too. Pros of traveling solo are being able to change plans at any given moment. If you find that you like a certain area more than you thought- just stay a couple extra days, and if you don’t - leave sooner. You will also be able to meet people that normally you wouldn’t have the opportunity. Cons would be the price, it’s much more expensive renting one room instead of a double, or renting a car all by yourself.

I would suggest traveling with a tour if this is your first time going to Europe. If you choose a tour that hits several countries, you can walk away with a little bit of flavor of each country. You may wonder what if I go by myself in a tour group, will not knowing any one that I am traveling with make it less enjoyable? My answer to that is a strong NO. Most tour groups consist of a large age group. During Summer tours, you will have a lot more tours leaning towards the younger side. The people you go with, you will strike up friendships that will last a lifetime. Most tour groups have a welcoming meal and that is where you meet your travel guide and everyone you will be traveling with. Once the ice is broken- it’s great fun! Some of the pros to traveling in a group are the price- if you try to go alone for the exact same time, dates, plane tickets, bus rides, hotels, and restaurants, you will quickly see the difference in prices and it’s huge. Another pro is that you will have guided tours that will teach you about everything you are seeing. Most tours also have set aside days/times that you can explore on your own so you can also be involved in everyday activities that the locals enjoy. Cons are that you are on a schedule, you can’t stay a few extra days in one area. Always assume you will be returning, and this won’t be a problem.

In the end, if you are a group person here at home, you’ll love a tour group. if you love to be by yourself and discover things on your own, then you will love going solo.

I wanted to let everyone in on a great secret. Skyauction.com is a site where you can bid for airline tickets, hotels, vacation packages to all over the world. I have found numerous deals, and great deals they are! All bids start at $1 and you can bid $1 at a time. It also allows you to set a limit on you bidding, so they you can automatically bid up until your set amount. I found that very convenient so that I don’t have to watch it constantly and I’m never worried about overbidding.

Just check it out, the surprises you can find on this site are wonderful! Make sure to read if there are any taxes or special fees. I have seen this especially on airline tickets. When you are choosing a vacation package, it will give you several different hotels to choose from. A couple will be included in the bid, and there will be a few choices that you may have to pay extra, but you decide which you want once you win the bid.

This site will also give you quick access to many ideas that you may want to indulge into and daydream about.

So of course I’ve been searching for some good flights and I have to tell you about this one.  On BT-STORE.COM you can find some great prices on flights to Europe, leaving December 27th and returning January 5th (Boston-Logan to Venice Italy) for the great price of…….$469 ROUND TRIP!!!!

There are many places you can stay- luxurious, or nice and simple. An example of Luxury without the huge price: Hotel Manin for the 8 nights you’ll be there is 1,444.10 Euros. (Right now the euro and dollar are close in value.) Now you may think that is above what I had promised, but this price includes breakfast every morning, all taxes, and all service charges!
Another option is Hotel Palladio for 471 Euros for 8 nights- yes that’s right!  It includes the taxes, but breakfast is 10 euros per person/day. Also, the hotel is on the main land, just a few minutes away from Venice.
Tell me if you take this and run with it, I’d love to hear your story!

Whether you are discovering Europe by bus, train, hiking, biking, plane… You are going to want a travel pillow with you. On your flight to your destination, if you are like me, you are going to fly coach. Now I’m not saying that coach is bad- but you can feel cramped at times, especially with such a long flight. The travel pillow will allow you to sleep comfortably without worrying about whether you are going to wake up with your head and drool on the person sitting next to you.

If you going on a tour with a group, you will most likely be using a bus to get around from country to country. I know right now you feel like you are going to be able to GO GO GO because you don’t want to miss one second. Believe me, at one moment, there will be one tour guide that when you are feeling a little too relaxed, their voice will lull you to sleep. Now, you’ll probably only be out for a few minutes- but you do not want to wake up with a cramp in your neck.

This pillow is great because it’s inflatable/deflatable, it is perfect for the travel conscious! To pick one of these up- just click on the picture and visit Amazon!