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Thread: tips for traveling europe?

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    Default tips for traveling europe?

    I'm going there in July and I was hoping for tips and advice.

    I am planning on getting the Eurail "global pass" which allows travel in 21 countries for 15 days....unless anyone has advice on some other possible/easier way to go about traveling.

    I will be starting in Italy because I will be taking a ferry over from Greece, where I will be for a family reunion. I wanted a systematic way of traveling that allows me to see all the important cities and tourist spots in all the countries, mainly Italy, France and Spain. I'd like to visit other countries but will only if I have "extra time."

    I have no plans for lodging, as I was planning on sleeping on the train during traveling at night in between cities and possible cat naps in parks or whatnot.

    I am especially looking for a reasonable rout to take from Italy to Spain, then back to Paris for my flight back home to the states.

    I am allowing myself 3 weeks total and I have no time limit or anything that would conflict with anything else. I honestly plan on "wingin' it" which I've found to be the best way to go about traveling.

    I will literally be taking ONE backpack- so whatever I can fit in there will be all that I have and all that I want to have with me, so no shopping boo. haha!

    ANY advice would be greatly appreciated. ANY small tidbit or wisdom or recommendation or insight that might make my travels a little easier or more enjoyable.

    Also, any locals who have advice, I'd LOVE it!

    Thanks guys!

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Don't exchange all your cash at one place. Europe has places with no commission exchange centers. Amex charges an arm and a leg. If you are taking a bank card, see if your bank has agreements with banks over seas. Also, be carfeul with your passport and make sure you keep it very close to you. If you do lose it, go to your nearest embassy and they will be able to give you one right away.

    Have lots of fun and be safe.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    I'm going there in July and I was hoping for tips and advice.
    There are some members who are quite experienced. I don't have as much travel experience as a civilian. Have to change that.

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    I am planning on getting the Eurail "global pass" which allows travel in 21 countries for 15 days....unless anyone has advice on some other possible/easier way to go about traveling.
    Fortunatelt the international language for travel is English. Try to get train schedules in advance, many Embassies and Consulates from various countries here in the US will send you train schedules and other stuff as part of their Tourism promotion. Just have to call or write.

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    I will be starting in Italy because I will be taking a ferry over from Greece, where I will be for a family reunion. I wanted a systematic way of traveling that allows me to see all the important cities and tourist spots in all the countries, mainly Italy, France and Spain. I'd like to visit other countries but will only if I have "extra time."

    I have no plans for lodging, as I was planning on sleeping on the train during traveling at night in between cities and possible cat naps in parks or whatnot.

    I am especially looking for a reasonable rout to take from Italy to Spain, then back to Paris for my flight back home to the states.
    I believe their is a an over night ferry from Italy to Spain. Naples to Barcelona? Can't remember exactly. The the train from Barcelona to Nice france, and Nice to Paris. Course you need to take the high speed to Madrid and i recommend Toledo, and of course Cordoba. I lived in Spain for three years and know that better. If you run into anyone Irish. Attach yourself, they will know where there is an Irish bar, and you can eat. Seriously I found two in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ireland exports nationals like none other. Wandering feet I suppose.

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    I am allowing myself 3 weeks total and I have no time limit or anything that would conflict with anything else. I honestly plan on "wingin' it" which I've found to be the best way to go about traveling.

    I will literally be taking ONE backpack- so whatever I can fit in there will be all that I have and all that I want to have with me, so no shopping boo. haha!
    Three weeks? You gonna wish you had three months. The back pack is certainly doable. Just pick up travel clothes that are wash and wear. Stuff you can scrunch up in a ball and just steam out.

    Cell phone, or commonly called a mobile; these are cheap. Pick one up at a kiosk, no contracts just pay as you go. Then you can reach any new friends you make to meet up for some chow or reach emergency services.

    A note pad and a pen are helpful too. Even if you don't speak the language you can draw or write down numbers.

    July and August are huge holiday months in Europe. People rent houses and take month long vacations to one oceanside resort of another. So If you stay away from the coasts and visit in land cities you won't have to fight your way through hordes.

    Deodorant. Totally unheard of.

    Back to clothes. Buy and wear local. People won't be trying to steal you fashionable American clothes and you will attract less attention from pick pockets and purse snatchers.

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    ANY advice would be greatly appreciated. ANY small tidbit or wisdom or recommendation or insight that might make my travels a little easier or more enjoyable.

    Also, any locals who have advice, I'd LOVE it!

    Thanks guys!
    I will try to think of more.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    ""Deodorant. Totally unheard of. ""

    Oh isnt THAT the truth? I discovered that on the bus in Paris, on a hot summer day OMFG it was rank.
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    Veteran Member crazybeautiful28's Avatar
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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    There are some members who are quite experienced. I don't have as much travel experience as a civilian. Have to change that.

    Fortunatelt the international language for travel is English. Try to get train schedules in advance, many Embassies and Consulates from various countries here in the US will send you train schedules and other stuff as part of their Tourism promotion. Just have to call or write.



    I believe their is a an over night ferry from Italy to Spain. Naples to Barcelona? Can't remember exactly. The the train from Barcelona to Nice france, and Nice to Paris. Course you need to take the high speed to Madrid and i recommend Toledo, and of course Cordoba. I lived in Spain for three years and know that better. If you run into anyone Irish. Attach yourself, they will know where there is an Irish bar, and you can eat. Seriously I found two in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ireland exports nationals like none other. Wandering feet I suppose.

    Three weeks? You gonna wish you had three months. The back pack is certainly doable. Just pick up travel clothes that are wash and wear. Stuff you can scrunch up in a ball and just steam out.

    Cell phone, or commonly called a mobile; these are cheap. Pick one up at a kiosk, no contracts just pay as you go. Then you can reach any new friends you make to meet up for some chow or reach emergency services.

    A note pad and a pen are helpful too. Even if you don't speak the language you can draw or write down numbers.

    July and August are huge holiday months in Europe. People rent houses and take month long vacations to one oceanside resort of another. So If you stay away from the coasts and visit in land cities you won't have to fight your way through hordes.

    Deodorant. Totally unheard of.

    Back to clothes. Buy and wear local. People won't be trying to steal you fashionable American clothes and you will attract less attention from pick pockets and purse snatchers.



    I will try to think of more.
    Wow! thanks for all your advice!

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    I've only been to Europe once when I was 17 and I was only in France.

    Definately go to Nice, it's absolutely gorgeous. Also, do your best to learn the basics of the language before you go. The natives are much more willing to be nice to you if they see you try.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Most of Europe is on the Euro - so you've got a common currency for most of the countries you'll visit.

    Best way I've found to get currency is to use a debit card in an ATM machine. That way you pay the least possible conversion cost. Look carefully at the rates if you change currency at the varying currency exchange places. They don't take a commission, but do have a difference between the 'buy' and 'sell' rates.

    English is a common second language on the continent, but its more common in large towns and cities rather than the countryside. Also, the French are not great about speaking English - they don't like the language. They can also be a fraction anti-American (don't ask me why).

    If you're traveling by yourself, think of your safety. Best to use a phone/internet cafe to check in once a day with where you're staying that night, etc and leave instructions to call the local police if you don't check in two days running.

    Stay away from dubious areas late at night - and if necessary use a taxi to get back to where you're staying.

    Sleeping in a train may be difficult. Sleeping in parks may be a little unsafe.

    I have friend that backpacks - her basic wardrobe is very cheap t-shirts and shorts that she junks and replaces. She carries better stuff for going into decent places, etc.

    Enjoy yourself...

    Phil.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    I know you mentioned getting a Eurail pas, which I have used and definitely comes in handy. However, alse be prepared for additional costs if you take any overnight trains as you will need to pay a supplement for your bed in the trains which offer rooms with bunks or compartmentalized space for sleeping. Those fees can go from a simple 5 euro up to 30 or even 60 euros.

    There is also easyjet.com and ryanair.com for discount airlines with great prices between major cities like Milan, Barcelona, London, and Paris. Try to fly into CDG if you use them, as Orly is a bit out of the way and there is another which is even further. You may also want to look into overnight buses which I used to go from Paris to Amsterdam or the Eurostar which is infinitely more comfortable and a faster trip.

    You may want to notify your banks that you will be travelling as I've had more than one situation where an ATM in London and Paris decided to eat my card and not give it back! Banks are being very vigilant against credit/debit card theft and can be trigger happy at the worst moments.

    In addition, try and have two cards on you in case one ends up eaten or denied. The best exchange rate IS, however, through debit/bank card purchases and withdrawals. In most stores, though, especially fly-by-night stores on the street, use cash so you can make sure your card info does not get stolen and/or sold and used indiscriminately. Same for unscrupulous restaurants as well. Department stores ought to be fine.

    When taking out money at the atm, take money out in fairly large amounts and try and depend on that amount as much as you can before withdrawing again. Try not to pull out 20 here or 60 there as the international fees your bank will impose may get costly so you may as well get your money in lump sums.

    For safety: Keep some of your money in your front pocket and/or bra and the rest in a purse attached across your shoulder (if at all). That way, if you are pickpocketed you will still have money in another place. Most crime tends to be petty theft so you will not have to fear being shot or stabbed but you may get pickpocketed if money is easily accessible in a back pocket or if your purse is put down for any reason.
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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    You should look into sleeping at hostels, sleeping in a park can mean problems with the police or worse.. Inexpensive dormitory style sleeping with hot showers and a place to check your pack if you are sightseeing. Make sure your pack can be zipped all the way open, top loading packs are a pain when you need to get at something at the bottom.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Thanks guys, that's all very helpful!

    Is pickpocketing really that bad over there? Worse than any other place? I've traveled around a lot in the states, big cities such as NYC and SF- isn't it the same wherever you go?

    I like the advice about putting money in my bra though- very smart! Or a shoe perhaps...?

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Looking for a travel buddy??

    I've been wanting to do this for a few years- but don't want to go it alone!!

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Check with your bank to see if there are any charges if you use your ATM card in Europe, notify the credit card companies before you leave so they don't freeze your credit card. Get travelers checks instead of cash. Make a photocopy of your passport in case it is stolen.

    One of the other things I have done is scan my passport and e-mail myself a copy to my Yahoo mail account, so I can always have a copy accessible if it gets stolen. As well as e-mail yourself the phone numbers for your credit cards customer service numbers, in case they get stolen and you have to cancel them.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Quote Originally Posted by angelicat View Post
    Looking for a travel buddy??

    I've been wanting to do this for a few years- but don't want to go it alone!!

    Aww, see I was told by a FEW people to do it alone! You should do it, I guarantee you won't regret it!

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    Is pickpocketing really that bad over there? Worse than any other place? I've traveled around a lot in the states, big cities such as NYC and SF- isn't it the same wherever you go?
    Oh yes. Pick pocketing in the US is nothing like Yurp. A money belt that you wear under your clothes, to carry your passport, money, extra cards, identification, etc.

    Be aware in very crowded areas where people are always bumping into you. Buses, trains, and public areas like markets. The pickpocket is counting on that their action feels like another person bumping into you. Tough bags like cordura or leather and a little padlock for the zipper. Thieves will use a razor to slice you bag open. Draw ties and such are useless, the thief will untie your bag and reach in. Zipped and locked. Pickpockets work in teams of atleast two. One fishes out your valuables and then hands it off to another. So maybe you catch the thief, but he doesn't have your stolen goods. In Spain when I left in 2003, the Policia would not process a crime under 60 euros, it is so common. The Guardia Civil (one of several Spanish Police) told me the philosophy is "Criminals need to eat too."

    Sleep with your money belt on, if you choose to sleep somewhere like on a bus, in a hostel, anyplace accessible to strangers. A lockable bank wallet is great if you are going to store this stuff in a hotel safe. That way employees can put it in the safe, but can't access it too. Have the phone numbers you need to cancel a credit card written somewhere else (a fiction novel perhaps), same for travelers checks, keep the stubs for these separate as well.

    When in public places wear your bag in the front and across your body since purse snatching is common too. A whistle around your neck (storm whistle) to attract attention if someone does try to grab your bag anyway.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Quote Originally Posted by crazybeautiful28 View Post
    Is pickpocketing really that bad over there? Worse than any other place?
    I know it has pretty much been said already, but yes pickpocketing is pretty bad in most major european cities. In Barcelona, I lost count of how many stories I heard of tourists being pickpocketed. I don't think we have the equivalent anywhere in North America.

    Be aware of your belongings at all times. Just one second of inattention at the train station was enough for a guy to steal my backpack with my passport + a large amount of euros and valuables in it. Luckily I saw him and he just dropped my bag and ran away when I caught him.

    The guys are professionals, but surely you'll be fine if you're careful in crowded places and at all times keep your bag where you can see it.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    If you get sick of sleeping on trains, come to London, I have a comfy sofa bed going spare!

    Pickpocketing is really bad in Europe. I guess I hadnt realised cos I'm used to it, but I NEVER walk about without one hand on my zip.

    Also, the French are kinda known for being smelly and rude... Of course some of them are lovely so I cant generalise about a whole country, but it is kinda their thing.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    There are three things you should learn to say in the language of any of the countries you plan to visit.
    1. Please
    2. Thank you
    3. Where is the bathroom? - This one really comes in handy.

    You may want to consider getting a daypack or purse from Pacsafe. Their bags have wire mesh in the material to prevent them from be opened with a razor, tamper proof zippers, and cut resistant straps. Try either Urban Travel or women's.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Pickpocking is way worse in Europe, and far more organized.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    Even though you want to travel light... bring your own beauty products. Sunscreen, for example, is $4 in the US and about 12Euros in Europe... the equivalent of about $17... So is makeup. You shouldn't plan of buying these things when you get there unless it's your only option.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    If you can,get an American Express card...they have outstanding service if you're traveling in Europe and have a problem,they saved my butt several times over the years.
    Worth the fee if you have to pay to get one the first time they overnight you travelers checks because yours get stolen.

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    Default Re: tips for traveling europe?

    I can't recall who said above that English is the 2nd language of Europe, but that is right ... sort of.

    In major cities, you can easily get by with English and about 6 local language words. But if you are not in major cities, it will be tough. The vast majority of the Spanish, Portugese, Italian, French and Greek populations will only know English from the cinema. In other words, they can say "Tom Cruise", "Hello", "Yes", "No" and "Brad Pitt". The more remote you get - and if you are in Spain, France or Italy I recommend getting remote (they are wonderful countries) - the less English you will find.

    However, in most of Germany, everyone speaks English. Most people in the Netherlands will speak English better than you or I do. The same goes for Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Finland and Norway.

    But if you plan to be in Italy or Spain and learn no Italian or Spanish, it could be a very tough trip.

    For what it's worth, I find that with my French, most Italians can sort of understand me. And my French isn't great.

    If you need specific country advice, just ask. In Europe, I have probably been there. Twice.

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