@CTBauer
I have traveled to a number of places in Europe. One thing that I find to be very satisfying is to pick a couple of the "major" tourist things to do (museums, churches, etc.) and then spend a LOT of time just wandering about the locale (do enough research to avoid the "bad" parts of any city). There are a couple of reasons. First, you get the opportunity to truly connect with the local culture, experience things that most tourists don't, and avoid tourist crowds. Second, you can take your time to truly appreciate what you are seeing. Whether it is a Monet, Titian, or Caravaggio in a museum, a statue / fountain on a Roman street, or a magnificent church / cathedral, taking a bit of time to learn about it and then allowing yourself the time to truly appreciate it is very rewarding. Third, (as I told my kids) not cramming in all of the "major" things, you give yourself a reason to come back for another visit. The benefit of travel is found in the quality of the experience, not quantity. I agree on learning a little bit of the language, enough to say please, thank you, asking "where is...", and asking "do you speak English" are typically enough to get around. Probably the most important thing to remember is that European countries are not somehow "less" than the US, they are just different. Respect those around you, don't expect the overly solicitous sales people or wait staff that you generally experience in the US, and don't speak louder if people don't understand you. I find that in southern European countries, far fewer people speak English than in the more northern European countries, but it is always nicer if you ask if they speak English than expecting them to speak English. (It is also showing more respect.) Europeans tend to stand closer to others than people in the US, they aren't encroaching on your personal space, that is just how their culture works. Don't expect the food to be the same as what you find in the US. Food in Italy is NOT like the Olive Garden. Wurst in the US is NOT the same as in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Even McDonald's may have different offerings and a Big Mac tastes different than in the US. And try the bread - everywhere you go. Every region you visit will have different food offerings so don't be shy when trying out various regional specialties. You will walk many hours while visiting anyplace in Europe, so don't worry about adding pounds. Walking coupled with a healthier food supply may actually result in a slight weight loss. Even as a diabetic, I find that I can partake of many things in Europe that I can't eat in the US (everything in moderation, though).
@myflyingkidney
this is my theory for loud talking is that it is the consequence of a culture that treats extroverts as more valuable people. from what I read americans are often told in school or at home to speak up, to be more assertive, to take up space, to generally be more extroverted and sociable and dominant. this is an overgeneralization but from what I can see it is not really valued in the US to be quiet, or to not be noticed. if you are noticed that gets you ahead and it is considered a skill that is necessary in society to be successful. while in many if not most of european cultures being loud is considered the opposite, sticking out is not good, being noticed is not good. I personally come from a culture that is somewhere in between, we are unfortunatelly louder than northern countries but not as loud as americans. I almost told an american talking on the phone with his mom telling her in detail what he had for dinner to just stop shouting. because no one else in the tram was speaking it was completely quiet and he didn't even notice it. i hate when people from my country talk on the phone in trams but even that is not even close to how loud this guy was. and many people will say "I am in a bus/tram, I will call you later" so there is obviously an awarness of having to not stick out too much even in my culture, and in northern countries like the netherlands or sweden it is completely unacceptable. the difference betwenn being noticed or not being noticed it what shapes culture around talking. this is my theory maybe i am wrong.
@rory4804
My personal hygiene packing tip: get the solid versions of more toiletries. Toothpaste and mouthwash tablets, shampoo/conditioner pucks, shaving cream bars. You don't have to worry about liquid regulations and it's much lighter than carrying around glorified water!
@mattlawrence7130
Safety pins! They can be used to make your pockets pickpocket resistant. Also useful for pinning curtains together in your bedroom to prevent the eye searing morning sun from waking you up too early.
@sorbabaric1
I learned a long time ago when traveling in the UK, especially when in small towns and villages to pay attention to not only bank holidays but to half days. I don’t know how it is now, but in small towns, not only would shops be closed on Sundays & bank holidays, but also the afternoon of the town’s half day. Every Wednesday (some towns it was Thursday) the shops & restaurants would close in the afternoon. Giving the employees every Sunday and a half day during the week off. One of the benefits of getting away from the heavily touristed areas, the local customs are more apt to have persisted, like half days.
@SueRetiredToFrance
My Samsung Smart tags on my recent 2-week France scout trip saved my butt, twice! The first night parking in a rainy night in Dijon city center, we had to circle multiple times to find a parking spot within walking distance of our Airbnb. We found one! But so tired, had NO idea where, as we both forgot to take a snapshot of the cross-street signs. My tags were in my luggage, BUT the history feature zeroed in with timestamp, and using Google maps we were able to go straight there - in the complete opposite direction than we thought we'd parked. From then on? I took one out of my bags (had two bags) and hid it in the car. It helped us a second time parking far away from the Cité in Carcassonne. Much appreciate your vids - so very helpful, TY!
@DevilCruz13
I’m checking a bag. I need room to bring back wine, cheese and butter!!! Plus I get free checked bags anyway 😂
@alicehughey1719
Totally agree about staying in locally owned smaller hotels. Instead of a 6 foot cord tho, I take a 10 foot cord-have needed it many times for the distance between the one outlet and the bed!
@jeannamcgregor9967
I'm sitting in a 14thC mansion-become-hotel in Fes, Morocco right now, and it's weird and stunningly gorgeous. The glimpses of Moroccan Arab culture I'm picking up from the family that runs this place have been priceless. And yes, after working for hotel groups for years, I may use TripAdvisor to find a hotel but then I book directly with the hotel. If they don't have to pay Expedia fees they're happy to pass that savings on to you.
@OGutzVentura
The walking tip is DEFINITELY a must. We walked and hiked Switzerland and even with practice at home, it was still tiring but I can't imagine if we didn't get ready before our trip 😂
@rhodastephens-yoder5693
My husband and I are going to Italy next month. I have been working on learning Italian. I may not be conversational, but I’m still going to try. 😊
@marthameyer7918
This is the best video about Europe travel I’ve seen! I wish I’d had this before my first trip overseas. I can’t believe the number of people that don’t do research before their trip! Thanks for a great video!
@Dej24601
Thank you for the practical advice! Excellent information. My tips include: 1. Don’t bring jeans. There are so many other lightweight fabrics which are comfy, often non-wrinkly, look great, & can be rolled into tiny spaces for packing. Plus, many European accommodations have washers but no dryers (or just a wooden rack) and jeans take forever to dry. 2. Study your maps in advance before going outside your room, so you know where you are going, approximately how far things are from each other and what to notice as landmarks as you get closer to your destination. This way you don’t look like a tourist or waste time or have to stop in the middle of a walkway. Physical maps are best to see the bigger picture than the tiny segment showing on a phone. I bought laminated foldable maps. As I finished with a location, I could leave the map in the B&B or train lobby or bus station or hostel. Another trick was - I photocopied whatever section I needed of a map or its directions, and then discarded the paper when I was done with that. 3. Research beforehand is important combined with being prepared for the unexpected. British-related locations have Bank Holidays; ancient sites undergoing renovation and closed off; works on art may be on loan to exhibits elsewhere in the world; recommended smaller restaurants can be closed due to family emergencies - all these happened to me. ADAPT AND REMAIN FLEXIBLE. Enjoy your backup plans and take be sure to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, which always happen while traveling. 4. And as the video stressed: quality, comfortable footwear is crucial. Fancy shoes are not important. No one cares about your footwear except your own body. You may see Italian women managing high fashion heels on rocky cobblestones but they are used to it and know the terrain. Plenty of well dressed women in Paris wear a hiking-type of boot with designer outfits. Much of Europe is filled with uneven, stony, cracked walkways rather than the flat pavements common to the US. If you end up with a twisted ankle or sprained foot, your trip will be much less enjoyable, so wear supportive footwear with firm soles and avoid flip flops and flimsy sandals unless you are at the beach. Streets can suddenly go from modern cement to sections that are tricky to navigate; in places like London, modern and medieval buildings/streets can be side by side. In places like Dubrovnik, the marble walkways are polished from centuries of use and be very slippery when wet. So be ready for the more difficult terrain and it will make a difference. Enjoy your journeys! Courtesy, patience and smiles go a long way in any circumstance.
@renferal5290
I have been traveling for some years now and I love the couture in Europe. I am a solo traveler (female), and I have never felt unsafe and people have always been very kind to me. I tend to blend in and I have had people mistake me for a local LOL. I am soon off to London, Paris and Florence. A couple years ago when I visited versailles, I walked 39k steps that day.
@paullewis2413
“Even ruin your trip”. As you show a Ryan Air ‘plane 😂😂😂. Love it
@stephaniecaza9636
I remember our first trip to Europe. We were in a small Belgian town. My sister’s hotel room was up steep stairs and then, a ladder up to her bedroom😂😂 It was quite the reality check!
@MomtoZnE
Yeah I’m married to Greek that talks loud. This doesn’t apply to all Europeans. Italians, Greeks, countries in that region - all loud people. He actually owns a t-shirt that says “I’m not yelling, I’m Greek” 😂
@crrizello5157
Great video with excellent tips. I have been traveling to Europe for almost 40 years now and have learned a lot along the way. Started following Rick Steves then so have always carried light. The best part of travel is just the experience of immersing oneself in a different culture. The world is a big, wonderful place!
@DFWdave2112
I still consider myself a student of European travel as I have only made trips to the UK in 2015 & 2024 and 5 European countries across a separate trip in 2023 and 2024. Luckily, I was traveling with 3 experienced UK/EU travelers, so that helped a lot. Still, I have encountered almost everything covered in this video. Bravo for this great resource for new info newbies and/or a refresher for experienced EU travelers.
@awaytogether