For any travel adventurer, visiting Europe can be a dream come true. Europe is a feast for the senses and the imagination, having witnessed thousands of years of battles, romances, great artistic triumphs, and general high drama. There are a number of simple things that can be done to make European travel easier, less expensive, and more enjoyable. Though each traveler’s itinerary is unique, following a few simple, sensible tips can make vacationing in Europe much easier for almost everyone.
Europe is a vast and diverse continent, and a week or two in the continent is simply not enough time to see it all. Consider concentrating a trip on a single country, or even a single city, to get a true sense of the culture, history, and atmosphere. A whirlwind tour of Europe can leave a traveler with only hazy memories and impressions, whereas a more structured, focused vacation can paint a picture of a city or country that will last a lifetime.
One of the best ways to get up-to-date information on every aspect of European travel, from lodging to restaurants to guided tours, is to visit travel review websites. While guidebooks are useful, they are only updated every few years, whereas a review website may have recent reviews from travelers who visited a hotel or cafe the day before. Most websites offer highly customizable search options; for example, if a person is looking for the best budget hotel in Prague or the best Vietnamese lunch in London, one of these websites may be able to help.
The voltage levels in Europe are frequently different. Purchase a universal adapter before leaving home to ensure that laptops, cell phones, and rechargeable camera batteries do not die or explode when connected to an unfamiliar power source. Adapters can usually be found in electronics stores or online, and they can save a traveler a lot of trouble while they’re away.
Traveling during the off-season is a good idea. Summer and Christmas are typically the most popular vacation seasons, and lodging and tour prices may reflect this. Traveling in the late spring or early autumn can result in lower prices, more attractions and activities, and a better chance of pleasant weather. Travelers who want to get off the beaten tourist path and see what life is really like for locals may prefer off-season travel. With fewer tourists in the area, more of a destination’s natural culture and character may be visible.
Despite the fact that many European travel destinations are extremely safe, tourists are frequently the victims of theft, crime, and accidents, no matter where they go. Keep valuables locked away in a safe and take basic precautions when out and about. Pickpockets are common in tourist areas, so tuck your wallet into an interior pocket of your jacket and carry a purse that can be wrapped around your body to avoid being snatched. Because traffic signals and directions vary greatly between European countries, use extreme caution when crossing the street or driving.