Give some first-timers your last minute tips!!!!
Mar 29th, 2013, 04:57 PM
#1
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Give some first-timers your last minute tips!!!!
My husband and I are leaving in about 10 days for our first Europe trip (and my first trip overseas)!!! I'm so excited but can't help feel underprepared/underinformed no mater how many of these forums I've read and how many times I keep going over my ever-growing mental checklist. lol
Nevertheless, I want to hear all the last-minute advice you "seasoned travelers" have. We will be visiting London, Paris and Barcelona.. I've researched the cheapest way to exchange our money (We'll be withdrawing pounds from Barclay, & euros from BNP ATMs as we bank at Bank of America.. Unless anyone knows of a cheaper way?), we've taken all the precautions for pickpockets and are clued up on the areas not to visit at night, I have a list of restaurants in the areas we'll be visiting, we'll be buying day passes for the tube and the metro, calculated all the time it will take to get to the train station/airport to go to the next city, learned that we need to get to the main attractions early in the morning (including buying theatre tickets from TKTS early in the morning). We've organized an open-jaw flight into London and out of Barcelona thanks to the wonderful advice from this forum... So lay it on me!! Any other advice for us Europe noobs???
Nevertheless, I want to hear all the last-minute advice you "seasoned travelers" have. We will be visiting London, Paris and Barcelona.. I've researched the cheapest way to exchange our money (We'll be withdrawing pounds from Barclay, & euros from BNP ATMs as we bank at Bank of America.. Unless anyone knows of a cheaper way?), we've taken all the precautions for pickpockets and are clued up on the areas not to visit at night, I have a list of restaurants in the areas we'll be visiting, we'll be buying day passes for the tube and the metro, calculated all the time it will take to get to the train station/airport to go to the next city, learned that we need to get to the main attractions early in the morning (including buying theatre tickets from TKTS early in the morning). We've organized an open-jaw flight into London and out of Barcelona thanks to the wonderful advice from this forum... So lay it on me!! Any other advice for us Europe noobs???
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:14 PM
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Do you understand the public transportation systems in the various cities? Like www.ratp.fr?
You sound stressed. Don't be. People with ill intent pick up on that vibe when you're traveling.
You sound stressed. Don't be. People with ill intent pick up on that vibe when you're traveling.
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:26 PM
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@yipper, yes we have moneybelts, that was one of the first things on the list!
@stcirq lol not stressed.. well.. ok maybe a little! It's just one of those "fear of the unknown" type things. The trip came so fast and I like to feel prepared
Thanks for the site, I know about the Oyster Card in London and I figured there was something similar you could by for the Metro in Paris.. But that website looks like you can book it beforehand online which I will probably do. Thanks!
@stcirq lol not stressed.. well.. ok maybe a little! It's just one of those "fear of the unknown" type things. The trip came so fast and I like to feel prepared
Thanks for the site, I know about the Oyster Card in London and I figured there was something similar you could by for the Metro in Paris.. But that website looks like you can book it beforehand online which I will probably do. Thanks!
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:31 PM
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Try and upload your pictures daily or every other day; on our second visit to Rome our camera was stolen from between us in a moment sitting in church pew; camera was not valuable, but pictures were... and we should have known better, had been to Europe several times. Next, leave all or favorite fine jewelry at home; lastly, check electrical receptacles for charging devices and adapters before checkout; they sometimes are placed low on walls and thus overlooked; had a difficult time finding new adapter in Cordoba having left ours in Madrid! You don't want to waste time doing this. Sounds fabulous, enjoy--
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:41 PM
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Make sure you have good walking maps of each city - as well as transit maps - and have studied them in advance. Locate your hotel and the major sights.
Learn the basic polite phrases in each language. Most people in tourist area will understand at least some English - but you will be much more comfortable if you can at least say good morning, good bye, please and thank you. Do you speak English is also very useful.
Understand that europeans in general are more reserved than americans. (To many of them we appear loud and foolish - with constant grinning and have a great day.) It's not that they are unfriendly - they are perfectly polite - but do not expect everyone else to be their new best friend immediately. So say good morning or afternoon on entering a store or restaurant. And wait for a store clerk to help you - don;t just start pulling out the merchandise - even in a street stall.
And finally, realize that things will go wrong. Some things always do - but there are very rarely serious. Just be flexible and learn to roll with the punches.
Learn the basic polite phrases in each language. Most people in tourist area will understand at least some English - but you will be much more comfortable if you can at least say good morning, good bye, please and thank you. Do you speak English is also very useful.
Understand that europeans in general are more reserved than americans. (To many of them we appear loud and foolish - with constant grinning and have a great day.) It's not that they are unfriendly - they are perfectly polite - but do not expect everyone else to be their new best friend immediately. So say good morning or afternoon on entering a store or restaurant. And wait for a store clerk to help you - don;t just start pulling out the merchandise - even in a street stall.
And finally, realize that things will go wrong. Some things always do - but there are very rarely serious. Just be flexible and learn to roll with the punches.
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:41 PM
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Don't try to see and do it all....you can't and you'll ruin your trip in the process! My goal in Paris is to sample as manu pain au chocoalt as I can. If you go to Berthillion, get the salted butter caramel.....heaven on earth.
The buses in paris use the same carnet tickets as the Metro and are easy to use. One advantage is you see more of the city and it can help you learn your way around! Use it. You can print off individual lines and their stops to carry with you. We wish we had learned to use it sooner.
Ste Chapelle is gorgeous and intimate! Worth a visit and do go early, when security lines are shortest. St Denis is our favorite under-rated site.
Have fun!
The buses in paris use the same carnet tickets as the Metro and are easy to use. One advantage is you see more of the city and it can help you learn your way around! Use it. You can print off individual lines and their stops to carry with you. We wish we had learned to use it sooner.
Ste Chapelle is gorgeous and intimate! Worth a visit and do go early, when security lines are shortest. St Denis is our favorite under-rated site.
Have fun!
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:51 PM
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Be sure to advise all your financial institutions of travel plans. Be sure your debit card is attached to a checking not savings account. We always make sure we have 2 totally separate banking/credit union accounts with debit cards so if one doesn't work, we have option.
Take layers to wear but pack as light as possible!
Do you have plug adaptors (NOT converters)? you will need one type for the UK and a different type for the continent.
Earplugs. Pack a washcloth if you like one as lots/most hotels won't have them.
When you get there, walk around. Don't plan bus trip/museums/any major "I definitely want to remember this" site! (This is my opinion--others may disagree).
Make sure your shoes are broken in.
How are you communicating with folks back home? Make sure you understand about that--cost, possibility, etc.--esp. if you are taking your phone and planning on using that. That's problematic.
When we plan our days, I like to pick 2-3 major things with a few other "if we have time" that are in general areas but not as "mandatory."
Leave space for/allow for souvenirs to bring back!
If you aren't using a railpass, I can't advise buying/booking anything ahead of time. Most passes are probably not cost effective at all, and some things are weather-dependent.
You do understand that the Oyster Card is a piece of plastic. You "load" it either with some pounds, credit toward travel--and when you need to "top up" the card with more pounds for travel, you do so--OR you "load" it with the cost of a 7-day travel card. The 7 day travel card can still be purchased as a paper ticket, as far as I know. Each traveler needs his/her own card or ticket, either the Oyster plastic card with whatever you load on it or the paper travel cards. My experience showed me that the agents in TfL offices will advise which sort of ticket/card you should get depending on length of stay and travel plans and rooms location. My first trip to Paris is not until June so i'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure there's not a real equivalent, but there are packets of 10 tickets which are paper and so can be used by anyone. We used taxis not the metro in Barcelona.
And plan to walk a lot everywhere!
Are you taking a little journal to record what you do each day?
Enjoy!!
Take layers to wear but pack as light as possible!
Do you have plug adaptors (NOT converters)? you will need one type for the UK and a different type for the continent.
Earplugs. Pack a washcloth if you like one as lots/most hotels won't have them.
When you get there, walk around. Don't plan bus trip/museums/any major "I definitely want to remember this" site! (This is my opinion--others may disagree).
Make sure your shoes are broken in.
How are you communicating with folks back home? Make sure you understand about that--cost, possibility, etc.--esp. if you are taking your phone and planning on using that. That's problematic.
When we plan our days, I like to pick 2-3 major things with a few other "if we have time" that are in general areas but not as "mandatory."
Leave space for/allow for souvenirs to bring back!
If you aren't using a railpass, I can't advise buying/booking anything ahead of time. Most passes are probably not cost effective at all, and some things are weather-dependent.
You do understand that the Oyster Card is a piece of plastic. You "load" it either with some pounds, credit toward travel--and when you need to "top up" the card with more pounds for travel, you do so--OR you "load" it with the cost of a 7-day travel card. The 7 day travel card can still be purchased as a paper ticket, as far as I know. Each traveler needs his/her own card or ticket, either the Oyster plastic card with whatever you load on it or the paper travel cards. My experience showed me that the agents in TfL offices will advise which sort of ticket/card you should get depending on length of stay and travel plans and rooms location. My first trip to Paris is not until June so i'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure there's not a real equivalent, but there are packets of 10 tickets which are paper and so can be used by anyone. We used taxis not the metro in Barcelona.
And plan to walk a lot everywhere!
Are you taking a little journal to record what you do each day?
Enjoy!!
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:53 PM
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Scan copies of passports and second photo ID to yourself in an email so that in case you lose your passport, the nearest embassy will be abel to replace it much more quickly. Also in that case do a police report. Check your travel insurance. See what it covers and under what circumstances ( flight delays,etc. over a certain time) Many people do not claim sometimes when they are eligible for a very nice extra amount of cash.
Mar 29th, 2013, 05:56 PM
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Forgot to mention my latest dont-leave-home-without: a highlighter for all the maps you may be dragging. yes, you can GPS along the way w/ phone, but if using paper, highlighter was very handy-- notate your hotel location first! We copied pages from big guides, enlarged certain pages, then tossed as we went along. Concierge would mark restaurant location but highlighter was better for 'routing' while walking. Too many pages on Gaudi in Barcelona but you can find the 'highlights' when overwhelmed in Sagrada Familia and trust me, you surely will be!
Mar 29th, 2013, 06:20 PM
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Plan your days but also plan to be flexible. Eg. If its raining cats and dogs on the day you plan to visit Versailles, then go to the louvre instead and go to Versailles when the rain stops.
Be prepared for things to go wrong. If they do, deal with it and move on. I've read posts here from people who had little things go wrong and then obsessed about it for the rest of their trip.
Have fun and write a trip report for us when you get back.
Be prepared for things to go wrong. If they do, deal with it and move on. I've read posts here from people who had little things go wrong and then obsessed about it for the rest of their trip.
Have fun and write a trip report for us when you get back.
Mar 29th, 2013, 06:40 PM
#15
Take Imodium with you. You won't regret it.
Notify your credit card company and bank that you are leaving the country and the date of your trip so that your CCs are not refused when you use them.
Learn a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. They could go a long way.
European pharmacists are very knowledgeable and are able to advise you if you become ill. They will also make up salves/lotions, etc. My DH got a horrible rash in Bordeaux and the pharmacist concocted something for him which worked. He also threw out his back in Venice. Agan, the pharmacist came to the rescue.
If taking taxis, make sure they are legitimate. When you arrive at an airport, do not allow anyone to take your bags and lead you to a "taxi." These guys can be very aggressive. You'll get hosed.
I hope you have a wonderful time!
Notify your credit card company and bank that you are leaving the country and the date of your trip so that your CCs are not refused when you use them.
Learn a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. They could go a long way.
European pharmacists are very knowledgeable and are able to advise you if you become ill. They will also make up salves/lotions, etc. My DH got a horrible rash in Bordeaux and the pharmacist concocted something for him which worked. He also threw out his back in Venice. Agan, the pharmacist came to the rescue.
If taking taxis, make sure they are legitimate. When you arrive at an airport, do not allow anyone to take your bags and lead you to a "taxi." These guys can be very aggressive. You'll get hosed.
I hope you have a wonderful time!
Mar 29th, 2013, 07:09 PM
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Try out your travel clock a few days at home before you leave. Ask me why I know this.
Take a purse with an outside zipper pocket for your Oyster card and metro tickets. Saves a lot of fumbling.
Make copies of your passports and pack them somewhere different from your actual documents.
Eat Sticky Toffee Pudding in London and macarons in Paris, and have a really great trip.
Take a purse with an outside zipper pocket for your Oyster card and metro tickets. Saves a lot of fumbling.
Make copies of your passports and pack them somewhere different from your actual documents.
Eat Sticky Toffee Pudding in London and macarons in Paris, and have a really great trip.
Mar 29th, 2013, 07:44 PM
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Pack as lightly as possible, even if you think you can't possibly go carryon only, try it...you'll be glad you did especially if you are using public transportation. Make sure you have a day pack that you can use to carry an umbrella (you never know when you might need one and the day you leave it behind in Paris will be the day it rains!!), water bottle, maps or that extra layer of clothing...sweater or jacket etc.
DH and I find that a city tour (bus or walking) as soon as possible after we arrive can help us when we visit a new place. After the tour we can then decide which places we want to go back to and spend more time and which we can cross of our list.
Don't forget to take some time to enjoy the parks (we loved Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris) to just sit and relax and do some people watching!!!!
DH and I find that a city tour (bus or walking) as soon as possible after we arrive can help us when we visit a new place. After the tour we can then decide which places we want to go back to and spend more time and which we can cross of our list.
Don't forget to take some time to enjoy the parks (we loved Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris) to just sit and relax and do some people watching!!!!
Mar 29th, 2013, 07:53 PM
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From your profile picture, you look like a nice young couple. Whatever you miss or don't have time to get to, remember, you will be back to see more later. Try not to rush, rush, rush around. Save something for your next trip. It will be there.
