12/03/2024
Are you traveling to Europe? Here are some tips from the professionals 😊
• Don’t expect air conditioning
• In Italy, don't order cappuccino in the afternoon
• When you pay for your coffee, leave the change
• If you want ice in your drink you need to request it
• You may need Euros to use a public restroom, and have kleenex handy
• To tour many churches, shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Pack an airplane survival kit to put in the seatback pocket. I suggest eyeglasses, a toothbrush/toothpaste, hand sanitizer, deodorant, gum, book, headphones and a charger cord.
• Water may be served only bottled and regular bottled water is called “still” or “gas” (sparkling).
• Bring a refillable water bottle for touring.
• Don’t sleep the first day when you arrive on a red eye. It will help a lot with jetlag.
• If you must have a washcloth, pack a few of your own.
• Put Air Tags in your luggage
• When dining out, you may need to call your waiter over for service. They aren’t inattentive – just giving you time
• If you need a doctor contact the front desk or concierge. Many European hotels have a local doctor on call for routine issues
• Bring a copy of your passport and put in luggage separate from your passport. Leave a copy with someone at home.
• Packing cubes are amazing
• Download What's App - many tour operators use this for communication.
• Withdraw local currency from an ATM in destination. Do not select USD for the exchange rate - always the local currency.
• Europe uses Military Time – so 6PM would be 1800HRS. They also write their dates with the DAY first and month second… February 23, 2024 is 23/02/2024.
• Bring a travel size laundry detergent in case you need to wash clothes in the sink.
• Learn to say "hello, do you speak English" in the local language
• Dinner is late. Don’t even try to eat dinner before 7pm.
• Don't wear camo.
• If you have food allergies have this information translated.
• Tipping:
Housekeeping staff - Euros 1.50/day
Hotel Porter - Euros 1.50 per bag
Taxi – Round up to the nearest Euro for a short trip
Restaurant – a service charge is usually clearly labeled. If not or if service exceeded your expectations, add 10%.