Your best travel tip for Europe.

Old May 20th, 2000, 02:48 PM
  #1  
Zack
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Your best travel tip for Europe.

Hi everyone, well I was just wondering, for the times you have all been to europe, or actually anywhere, what is the one thing you always do to make the trip better? Any ideas? We always do the typical read about the place, check out the hotels, etc. But maybe there is something else? Any info is appreciated. Thanks, ~Zack
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 03:03 PM
  #2  
Gina
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In addition to reading travel guides, I always try to pick one work of fiction or literary nonfiction set in my destination(s) to read before I go (or on the plane). A Moveable Feast before Paris, for example...there are all kinds of options, but I try to find books/plays/short stories that are closely associated with the setting, that really paint a rich picture of the place--whether historic or contemporary.
For me, it makes the trip that much more rich once I'm there.
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 03:12 PM
  #3  
Maira
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Learn some basic phrases in the native language and use them. To try is a compliment to the culture you are a guest of.
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 03:25 PM
  #4  
thomas
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Well, I agree with the last post, learning some frases in the language is a good idea. I also, when traveling, make sure to pack light. It's easier on the back, and you have less to worry about.
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 05:27 PM
  #5  
richard j vicek
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Good evening, Zack
My best travel tip amd a repeat of
Thomas', be sure to pack light...
Reasonably taking in consideration
of cold weather that may be encountered
especially in the mountains. If you
cannot carry your luggage around the
block without tiring it is too heavy,
lighten up. Richard of La Grange Park, Ill..
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 05:45 PM
  #6  
Debbie
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One word..............ZIPLOCS(plastic bags)!!!!!Then a corkscrew,washcloth and your own bar of bathsoap. Life is wonderful with these items when traveling! Debbie
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 05:48 PM
  #7  
Lori
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All of the above are good suggestions.
Try and keep a good sense of humor about you - no matter what the situation, wear comfortable shoes and have an umbrella handy - and always have an alternate plan and always allow more time to get places then you think you need! Strikes happen, weather happens, hotels overbook, and even strange things can force a chance (i.e., we're standing in the station in the Underground in London 2 weeks ago when they made an announcement "there will be no more trains at this station until further notice due to passenger intervention at Paddington Station" - last time we heard that kind of statement some one had thrown themselves in front of a train. This sudden change of plans did not bother us much as we went outside and took a bus, but still you have to remain open to options. We were also on a train going up to Cambridgeshire and a windshild wiper broke off, the train crawled along in pouring rain for 30 min. into Cambridge where we had to disembark and wait for a "substitute train" to continue our trip - this would not have been amusing had we been on a tight schedule. If driving keep an eye on the gas gauge - we were out sightseeing in the Loire Valley with my husband's cousin who was driving. She did not realize she needed gas until we ran out and then all 3 of us hitchhiked to a gas station about 5 miles away, luckily a truck driver gave us a ride back and it's one of our funnier memories now but .....

If you think you may never get back to a certain place and you see something you would like to buy there (within reason and your budget of course) buy it. You will regret it forever if you don't.

Don't sweat the little things. Sure the seat in the airplane is not the most comfortable in the world but think of the result - you are going to Europe or you are returning from a fabulous trip.

Smile and be polite to everyone - it works all the time!
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 06:14 PM
  #8  
David
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Zack

A great question!!!

As far as I am concerned - all of the above plus:-

Before you go, do some research on where you are going and what you may be able to see in the time available and how you can get there. Fore-armed is Fore-warned, or as the Scouts used to say: "Be Prepared".

Take your sense of humour with you as you will need it often.

Always be prepared for changes to your plans as you never know what will occur to force even a minor change (last November I had to travel from Aix-en-Provence to Paris to get to Madrid as flooding had cut the rail-line between Marseille and Barcelona).

Always have your sense of adventure with you, as it will help you seek out that slightly different sight that you may have otherwised missed, as then you can really enjoy your trip.

David
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 10:07 PM
  #9  
Carol
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Hi,
I agree with all of the above but want to stress what Lori said about buying when you have the chance. I can't tell you how often I have seen something I would really like to buy and left it thinking that I would either find it less expensive elsewhere, or just that I shouldn't, then I get home and regret it forever!!! I am never doing that again. I am off to the UK, Italy and wherever else the road takes me on Monday and I am going to BUY, within reason of course!
 
Old May 20th, 2000, 10:08 PM
  #10  
diane
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Great question! My tip in addition to packing lighter, is to send clothes to the cleaners whenever you are there for more than a day. It doubles your clean wardrobe, makes you feel refreshed and allows you to pack less! Also use shampoo to wash out underwear! Use a concierge at Four Seasons Hotel for information as they are trained differently than other concierges and they always seem to be right..
I have found many interesting places off the beaten path by making friends with a shop keeper and asking them where I should go that only locals know of... No tour buses. I do always buy something from the shop which is never hard for me... Hope you make many memories which of course you will write down!!
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 03:43 AM
  #11  
howard
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Unless it's a real extended trip (and perhaps even then), go with the attitude:
1. That you can't possibly see everything on this trip,
2. That you're going to take time to "smell the roses," and
3. You're going to come back!
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 04:24 AM
  #12  
angela
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Zack,

Not sure if you're still checking out responses, but try not to plan your trip during the middle of July until the end of August. Not only are the rates double during this time but all of Europe is on vacation and you will probably have a very difficult time getting to some of the sights, especially the favs. If you do go during this time, get to the sights EARLY. Also, if you plan to take the train during any part of your tour, try to spend your time here on the web observing the rules and regs. In Germany, you now get charged for any information (this service used to be free). Go to your local library (you know, that place where your taxes go), and check out some travel guides. I can email some guides, if you'd like.
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 04:59 AM
  #13  
Gina
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Oh man, Carol and Lori, you are so right about buying when you have the chance! I always find myself thinking "Oh, I'll get this later, I'll stop back here before we leave..." and then of course there's never time. And I always save picking up the little gifts I've meant to buy for people until the last day in a place, which inevitably means I won't be able to find what I'm looking for (no matter how omnipresent it usually is). If you see something you like, buy it now, if it won't break the bank.
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 07:30 AM
  #14  
Zack
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Hi, well thanks so much for all the posts. Keep them going for not only me, but each other. I WILL keep in mind what you say about buying something when you see it. I have had that problem too, but it just never sinks in does it? lol. Any of your other tips would be so appreciated. Thanks! ~Zack
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 10:13 AM
  #15  
Lori
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Zack, I was just talking to my husband about your question and his advise is to try not to see everything because you won't remember half of it. Leave some time for surprises along the way, those sometimes turn into the best travel memories. He also said take more film than you think you will need, it's expensive in Europe.

Don't forget to post a trip report when you come back.
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 10:49 AM
  #16  
Heidi
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Don't leave home without a travel-sized bottle of Febreze fabric freshener! I couldn't have survived for two weeks in Europe without this product. I live in California where smoking is forbidden in public places, and Europe is just the opposite. Every night we'd spray our clothing and hang it on chairs to dry. In the morning, they could either be packed or worn again. I agree with all the other responses, especially the ones that said be flexible. Some of our fondest memories came from things we did at the spur of the moment because they looked interesting!
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 12:01 PM
  #17  
Bob
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We get to Europe frequently and agree with most of the above posts. Some of the most memorable experiences we have had have been at the out of the way places we have discovered versus the famous "must see" stuff. We do that by touring by car and exploring. Another tip: Take a lot of pictures, but always try to put people in them. Pictures of large buildings and ruins just never get looked at or remembered as much as the same picture with you or your traveling companion in them. Most of the famous sites are better captured by postcards anyway. I also agree on the plastic bags. We pack everything we can in plastic bags. They really keep you organized on your trip. The other thing to make a trip better is to slow down and really enjoy one area instead of moving every day to a new location. You really miss a lot of Europe by wasting time checking into and out of hotels. Last tip: Go frequently!
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 02:47 PM
  #18  
Al
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When you come to a place to eat and there are a lot of decals plastered on the front door or window -- American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Charge, Barclays Card, etc. -- to a 180 turn. You are about to pay the price for patronizing a place catering to Americans and other well-heeled travelers, particularly those on an expense account. Look on side streets. Look near law courts. Get off the high-rent boulevards. Low overhead very often leads to superlative cooking, at least in our experience.
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 03:51 PM
  #19  
Deborah
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I agree with all the earlier posts. One more thing, though. If you travel several times a year, ignore this one. If you're like most of us and travel only once every year or two, take a journal. During down time (waiting for your companions to finish in the shower, riding on a train, resting in a park), take your journal out and jot down your impressions. Record the funny and scary and impressive things that have happened. A journal speaks inside your head when you revisit it a month or a year later. You will be surprised at how much you have forgotten. It is a way to relive your vacation!
 
Old May 21st, 2000, 06:39 PM
  #20  
Bette
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Never pass up the opportunity to use a clean bathroom.
 

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