My friend's daughter, in her late 20's, is going to Europe for the first time, what are your top five hints for a novice? (I think we have done this in the past.)
Thanks

1. Wear protection when sexing up hot European men.

2. Take twice as much money and half as much stuff.

3. Money tips all in one tip: Do not use Dynamic Currency Conversion. It is 2016, do not "buy" currency -- use a debit card at an ATM. Have a credit card as backup but DO NOT use it to get cash. Corollary: call your bank and tell them you are traveling.

4. Be flexible and patient.

5. Gestures work. Starvation is rare.

NEVER, EVER let go of either your luggage or your purse - no matter how "safe" a place may seem.

As in the US, never leave a drink along while you dance and then go back and drink it - assume someone's put a roofie in and get a fresh drink. And not too many of those (limit yourself to less than you would at home since you don't know the city well.

Thanks

If taking a cell phone, recommend she contact her service provider and purchase an "international plan" for the length of time she will be in Europe. Otherwise, she is in for a nasty surprise when she opens the first statement after her return.

Sparkchaser's money tips are right on, but some people feel more comfortable having at least SOME local currency (say, enough for a taxi to your hotel) with them when they arrive. There was a Brink's strike in France on one trip and, while the ATM's worked, they didn't have any currency in them!

Don't take a selfie-stick.

<i>Don't take a selfie-stick.</i>

Aye.

The corollary to that is to not take photos using a tablet unless you want to look like a fool. (yes, we are all silently judging you when you do that)

"Mind your head." GB

Carry all valuables in a secure under the clothing money belt or device - not in a day pack or in a neck pouch which can be wrenched off in crowds - only concealed money belt or such and wear it always - always from start to finish - credit cards, money, passport in it.

Mind the gap.

Thanks all. I will mention the selfie-stick, even though I don't think she is the type.

Sorry - have been to europe more than 100 times and have never had anyone try to steal anything from me - nor worn any sort of strange device under my clothes - nor seen any need to.

I think this overemphasis on safety - besides making her physically uncomfortable for the whole trip - may contribute to an atmosphere of fear and lack of comfort in the wonderful places she will be visiting.

I know of numerous events and I have been pickpocketed in Istanbul and have seen crimes in Sevilla.

I've been to Europe 26 times and have never been pickpocketed- but I know it happens. I always wear an under the clothes money belt and don't find it the slightest bit uncomfortable, nor do I feel any sense of fear.

Understand that there is more than one way of doing things, as illustrated by the contradictory advice you may read right here.

Don't argue with the immigration officer.
Learn how to validate your transit ticket.
Watch for dehydration.
Stay in hostels.
Stay out all night. It's only midnight back home.

Thanks all.

I've been to Europe 173 times, though once was for work.

Well I have been 63 1/2 times. The plane turned around over the Atlantic, but I met a local.

I have been to Europe 12 345 times. Never been robbed once. Been in the metro in Paris 987 times.

The worst place I found was the park 100 m from home when I was a kid. We were 'us' and they were 'them'. I think it had to do with being kids, though.

smile, say hello, good bye (investment for later) : most of Europeans like to be greeted.

if offered help or a compliment just smile and say no if not interested, don't assume the guy is trying to rob or rape you. He is not always ill intended.


the correct sentence to ask something in French is
'Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser de vous déranger mais j'aimerais sollicter de votre part un peu de votre temps afin de vous présenter ma requête :'

in Flemish 'wees zo goed mij te verontschuldigen, ik zou heel dankbaar zijn mocht u zo lief te zijn om mij te helpen met :'


For the rest, as said above, the usual : have fun, drink, party, visit, don't sleep as you can do that at home, spend your money and be safe if you want to have sex, people are forgetting about AIDS overhere and a result it is spreading again. One is 20 once in his/her lifetime. At least that is what I told my daughter when she went alone (with her boyfriend) on holiday early this year)...