Miscellaneous Tips
- If you have purchased a large
guidebook, Xerox the pages for the areas you plan
to cover and just bring the sections you need.
- Take time to research and plan
ahead. When planning your trip, decide what's important
for you to experience. If you have less time to travel,
prioritize. Spend more time in several choice spots,
rather than spreading yourself thin.
- Keep a journal. Even if it seems
like you're not saying much, you will treasure it
later. It's also a great place to keep names of noteworthy
hostels, restaurants, parks, etc.
- Photograph everything. When you
get home, a picture really does say a thousand words. More information
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- Talk to other travelers and Europeans
you come in contact with. Be friendly and open minded;
people will be more than happy to tell you their
favorite spots you may not already know about.
- Dialog creates understanding.
Don't be standoffish, and don't make the mistake
of hanging so closely with your travel companions
that you exclude the opportunity to meet interesting
new people, particularly locals.
- Most Europeans are more than happy
to talk to friendly Americans. Share information
about your home town and they will be happy to reciprocate.
Bring some pictures of your "American" life
to get conversation going.
- Be sure to check out the local
scene. After all, no one knows more about Europe
than the locals.
- Be courteous and patient with
all Europeans, especially train personnel, conductors,
etc. Hostility combined with a language barrier can
be lethal. If you don't want problems, don't hassle
others.
- Don't be branded a bad American.
Nothing is more aggravating to other travelers than
a gang of folks sitting around, loudly bad mouthing
the local culture. Remember, you are choosing to
travel. Instead of complaining about the lack of
Oreos, remain open-minded. More information
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- Respect other cultures and try
to act in an appropriate manner. Naturally it's a
good idea to cut loose when possible, but do not
moon the nuns at the Vatican. Remember you are a
representative of your homeland and would want others
to respect your own culture.
- While many of us have been raised
with English as our first language, it is crucial
to realize English is not the world's only tongue.
Most Europeans have learned a great deal of English
and many are fluent. Whenever possible try your own
foreign language skills, brush up on Italian, German,
Finnish, etc.
- Do not panic. Travel requires
patience. If things don't flow exactly as planned,
view the glitch as an opportunity to explore other
avenues. If you're panicked because you feel lost
or disoriented, take a deep breath. Impatience will
not help you when trying to gather directions from
a non-english speaker.
- Be alert. You will learn more,
absorb more, and minimize your risk of being robbed.
- Watch out for groups of children
or adults creating a commotion meant to distract
tourists for easy pick pocketing.
- Keep only a small amount of money
in an accessible pocket. Keep the rest hidden in
your money belt underneath your clothing.
- Understand the currency exchange
rates. Know what you are paying in the local currency
and how much that item costs translated into American
dollars.
- A smile works in any language.
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