Travel Europe Like A Pro

Traveling abroad is very different from traveling within the United States such as taking cruises from Miami, so you should be sure to keep these things in mind as you plan your trip.

There are some tried and true tips for individuals setting out to travel Europe. Following these tips and tidbits of advice for packing and managing money will make your overall journey more enjoyable and help you create grand memories that will last a lifetime. Traveling abroad is very different from traveling within the United States, so you should be sure to keep these things in mind as you plan your trip. First things first, ensure you have adequate cover for any losses or cancelled departures, consider searching the net for cheap travel insurance to save a bit of money on holiday cover.

How To Pack

The key word when you are preparing to travel Europe “light.” While it may seem that you might need a formal outfit, and you might need those extra shoes, you really must keep yourself limited to one bag, and the bag should be on wheels. Much of Europe is pedestrian in nature, and when cabs, busses, and subways are unavailable, you may be walking a decent distance from airport or train station to your hotel. At that point, those extra shoes will not seem so important anymore.

What To Pack

Of course, most of your luggage will consist of clothing. You will need few gadgets as you travel Europe, besides perhaps a telephone and an mp3 player, and the player is optional. One necessity that no European traveler should leave the states without is a power converter. European appliances run on 220 volts, while American appliances run on 110. Your hair dryer, phone charger, and other electronics will not work with the electrical outlets in most European countries.

Managing Your Money

Nineteen countries (and growing) in Europe have switched their currency to Euros. Those countries which have not, including Switzerland, Denmark, and much of the United Kingdom, still have ATM’s that offer Euros. It is wise to exchange some of your currency for Euros before setting out to travel Europe, but if you need more later in your travels, the best bet is to use a debit card in an ATM. You will get the current exchange rate with fewer fees than you would pay with your credit card.

Do Not Depend On Plastic

Many of the European retailers and banks are moving to a chip-and-PIN system for debit and credit cards. It is a system that requires cards to be have a microchip embedded in them. Unfortunately, this means that many retailers will not have the necessary equipment to accept your American credit card or debit card. This means that as you travel Europe, you must be prepared to pay cash when necessary.