traveling to europe for the first time
what to do before traveling to europe?
in this article we want to talk about;10 trips before travelling
Before you can experience authentic Spanish tapas, piazzas in Rome or rooftop terraces in Prague, an important to-do list stands between you and your European vacation tour. The logistics involved in planning a trip to Europe may seem tedious or overwhelming, but the more prepared you are, the greater your chances of a successful trip that lives up to your expectations. That’s why it’s important to do a bang-up job creating an itinerary, arranging transportation and tackling the brass tacks before you’re off to the Continent.The following simple steps will help you engineer a well-planned escape to nowruz europe tour— so you can spend less time worrying about your travel arrangements and more time staring at pictures of castles and men in kilts.
1. Get your documents in order.
All car rental companies require drivers to have valid licenses in their home country, so you’ll also want to check the expiration date of your license. Some car rental companies also require an international driving permit for European rentals in addition to a valid driver’s license. For U.S. citizens, these can be obtained through the American Auto Association (AAA); in Canada tours, try the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
2. Establish a budget.
When planning a trip to europe low price tour, establish a budget as early as possible — even before you know your destination, travel dates or itinerary. Some destinations are generally cheaper than others, but there are ways to save everywhere: travel in the off season, pick budget accommodations, plan a shorter trip. For example, London is an expensive city with an unfavorable exchange rate for Americans, but many travel providers and airlines offer affordable vacation packages to the city, and it’s not hard to find cheap air deals to London, especially during the winter.Set your budget early on, and you’ll avoid any disappointment that could come from forging a fabulous itinerary, like two weeks in Geneva during summer, and then discovering you can’t afford it.
3. Pick a destination.
Now that you know how much you can spend, where do you want to go? If you’re like many travelers (including us!) and you have a humongous list of places in Europe you want to visit, this could be tricky.Some tips for traveling with a best travel agency:
Pick a particular site that’s on your must-see travel list, and plan your vacation around that. Last year I planned a trip to Ireland centered on an excursion to remote Skellig Michael Island, a World Heritage Site I’d dreamed of visiting. The excursion turned into an unforgettable two-week Emerald Isle road trip.
Pick someplace timely. Visit countries’ tourism websites and search for seasonal events like festivals or local holidays (which you may want to either avoid or join, depending on how you feel about crowds). Don’t forget to check the weather before you decide on your destination.
4. Create a rough itinerary.
So you want to go to France, eh? Don’t go ahead and buy a roundtrip flight to Paris and a hotel room — at least, not yet. You’ll want to sketch out a day-by-day itinerary of your perfect trip to France before you book a thing. Research sites and cities you really want to explore, and then figure out which ones you have the time and budget to get to.Check out alternative ways to travel in Europe. If you want to see multiple countries or cities but are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a cruise (exchange rates are naught for U.S. citizens onboard American ships). Walking tours, bike tours, camping and adventure tours are other interesting options worth considering.
5. Book your airfare.
Because airfare will probably be the most expensive part of your trip, you’ll want to book it before anything else (car rental, hotel, etc.). This will allow you to be more flexible with your dates, which is a great way to save money on your flight. You can also spend less by flying on international discount airlines like Aer Lingus or Norwegian.Enliven your european trip with a layover in a different country. Icelandair has a long-running program that allows passengers flying elsewhere in Europe to take a free stopover in Reykjavik for up to seven nights. Other airlines, such as Air France, offer occasional free layover promotions.
6. Book your accommodations.
It’s time to go back to that rough itinerary you jotted down and fill in some places to sleep. As is the case with pretty much everything you book for your trip, the earlier you make arrangements, the better — especially during summer high season.Sure, you can just book a room at the local Hilton and be done with it. But do a bit of research and you could discover some funky lodging that’s almost as exciting as the attractions you plan to visit. Keep your eyes open for historic castles, tiny bed and breakfasts, houseboats, eco-friendly hotels or organic farms. Budget travelers take note: Vacation rentals, homestays, farmstays and house-swapping are accommodation options that can be shockingly affordable … or even free.
7. Consider travel insurance.
There are several kinds of travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance, flight cancellation insurance, medical insurance, etc. The best time to buy insurance is right after you put down the major deposits on your trip, whether that entails airfare, a package or prepaid hotels. Once you know how much money you’ve paid up front, you can insure your trip if you so choose. Many airlines and travel providers sell insurance that you can purchase along with your flight or tour package. Always, always read the fine print in your policy and compare it with other travel insurance policies before you make a purchase.Check your medical insurance coverage to see if you’re covered overseas. If not, you may want to purchase supplemental medical insurance to cover situations like the cost of transportation back home for emergency care.
8. Book local transportation.
When in Rome, ride the Metropolitana. Find out how the locals get around the destination to which you’re traveling, and act accordingly. You won’t need a car rental in places like bike-friendly Amsterdam or London and turkey tours with its convenient underground Tube, unless you plan to go outside the city.A car rental is your best bet if you’re traveling to locales that can’t be easily reached by rail or plane (such as the Irish countryside). Be mentally prepared to drive in a foreign country, which can be a frightening experience when faced with incomprehensible traffic signs, narrow streets or sheep roadblocks.
To get from city to city or country to country, examine your rail options in comparison to routes and prices offered by European discount airlines like easyJet or Ryanair. Travelers embarking on extensive travel within Europe may save money by purchasing a rail pass that permits unlimited train travel within a specified region.
9. Tackle last-minute logistics.
Call your credit card companies to let them know you’ll be traveling abroad. While you’re at it, find out if you’re going to be charged a fee for using your card overseas. Research the locations of ATMs in your destination, especially if you’ll be relying on cash.
Does your cell phone plan or equipment allow you to make calls overseas, and if so, how much will it cost you? Many cell phone companies offer temporary international plans that you can purchase for the month you’re traveling. While you may be tempted to leave the phone at home and really “get away from it all,” it’s smart to have an emergency phone with you if you’ll be traveling by car, or hiking or biking long distances.
10. Pack.
Instead of packing the day before your trip, start thinking about what you’ll need to bring at least a week before you leave. If your destination of choice is suddenly experiencing abnormal weather, you may need that extra time to go shopping for something like a packable rain coat. Plus, experienced travelers know that the chance of forgetting something essential increases the longer one puts off packing. (It’s only a matter of time until a scientific study confirms this.) About a week before traveling to any city , armenia tours , georgia tours, turkey tours and ... , check the weather, put together a packing list, and take a look at your suitcase to make sure its wheels work and everything’s going to fit.TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISTING EUROPE
LEARN BASIC FOREIGN PHRASES when traveling to europe:
Although it's easy enough to travel through Europe speaking only English, it's important to acknowledge the significance of multiple languages in Europe. Americans traveling to Europe should learn the local words and phrases of the countries they will be visiting because it will provide them with a richer experience and understanding of the local culture.
Don't be embarrassed to sound like a non-native speaker. Locals will appreciate the effort and may be more helpful as a result. In fact, they may even respond in English, making life a lot easier. However, tourists won't always be able to speak English with the locals.
Although English is becoming a popular second language across Europe , don't expect everyone to speak English, especially not the older generation. It is common to experience communication difficulties. Don't be afraid to use hand gestures, facial expressions, and pointing to convey a message. Non-verbal communication enhances understanding. Learning how to communicate using a combination of local words and phrases and non-verbal cues is one of the most valuable travel tips for Europe.
DRESS AND ACT LIKE LOCALS
Americans traveling to Europe have most likely heard travel horror stories. Therefore, many people fear being the next victim of theft or pickpocketing. However, there are several ways to decrease the chances of being a target.First, don't dress like a tourist. Wearing a fanny pack, a backpack, or clothing that references America, are prime examples of what not to wear while traveling in Europe. To not stand out as a tourist, wear what the locals wear--- neutral colors, scarves, and layers.
Second, tourists should look like they know where they're going even if they don't. Standing on the street, looking confused, and staring at a map easily identifies people as tourists. Don't make this mistake; instead, head somewhere with free Wi-Fi, such as a coffee shop or a pub, and look up directions. Fortunately, Auto Europe offers a portable GPS rental with all car rentals, so you can know exactly which way to go before heading out again.
Lastly, know the customs. If people's behaviors are not culturally appropriate, then they will look like tourists. For example, in most of Europe it is against proper etiquette to eat food while walking down the street. Americans are used to a fast-paced lifestyle that requires eating on the go, so many Americans traveling to Europe make this mistake.
BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR
American tourists tend to have a negative stereotype in Europe, so it is important for Americans traveling to Europe to remember that they represent America while abroad.Rather than being the stereotypical loud, entitled, judgmental American tourist, embrace Europe with an open mind. Try new experiences and foods without comparing them to 'better' things in America. Know that customer service is less interactive than in America; people don't greet customers with, 'Hello. Do you need help finding anything?' right when someone enters a shop, and store employees aren't going to say, 'Have a nice day,' as a customer exits. Don't feel entitled to friendly cashiers and waiters while in Europe because that is not typical of European culture. Lastly, speak in a low voice. Americans tend to tell stories with great enthusiasm, talking with their hands and speaking very loudly. In Europe, where adults tend to speak softly, especially in cafes and on public transit, loudness is considered to be impolite.
Remember these important travel tips for Europe because representing America positively is the responsibility of every American tourist.
BE OPEN TO THE EUROPEAN LIFESTYLE
Everything is bigger in America, but don't bring that mentality over to Europe, where rooms and appliances are smaller than most Americans are used to. Americans traveling to Europe should embrace the differences and appreciate Europeans' eco-friendly lifestyle. For example, in the winter, don't expect to crank up the central heating and in the summer, there may not be air conditioning. Drying clothes might take a little longer without a dryer, but these are all appliances that many Europeans are happy to live without.Europeans are also eco-friendly in the sense that they walk everywhere. Many Europeans, especially in cities, don't own a car. To an American, who is used to hopping in the car to drive around the corner, this is a big change. However, one of the best travel tips for Europe is to join in on the walking because many tourists who do will find that walking is actually quite pleasant. Plus, it's a great way to stay in shape while traveling. This makes the warmer months one of the best times to visit Europe, when being outside and exploring by foot is comfortable and pleasurable!
STOP AT THE LITTLE TOWNS
Many guidebooks focus on major european cities tours , but one of the most underrated travel tips for Europe is to visit the countryside. Being in smaller towns and villages shows tourists the true culture and character of a country. Head to a pub in Ireland around midday and have a chat with the old men who have been drinking there since their retirement. Or, explore the medieval streets and buildings of quaint French villages. The entire continent is full of history, so any small town will be packed full of surprises. Americans traveling to Europe should not only enjoy seeing the big cities, but also the tiny towns that are full of history and proud locals.AUTO EUROPE'S TRAVEL TIPS FOR EUROPE AND MORE!
Traveling is good for you, we all know this. Don't let common tourist misconceptions deter you from exploring the many interesting facets of the world. Not only does Auto Europe provide the best prices on airfare, hotels, and car rentals in Europe, but we also offer a comprehensive selection of travel planning materials - from road trip planners, to packing checklists, and everything in-between - to help you have the most positive European travel experience possible. Give us a call today at 1-888-223-555 to make reservations, or just learn more about your prospective vacation destination.راهنمای سفر به دبی
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