TRAVEL TIPS
TEACHABLE MOMENTS
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Monitor the exchange rate. When rates are favorable, pre-purchase currency from your local bank or credit union. This gives you locked-in rates and also cuts down on currency exchanges once in Europe.
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Always wear your money belt. It may not be the most comfortable thing, but it provides you peace of mind and also keeps your money safe!
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Leave your passports in your room. You should not need them while out and about exploring.
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Invest in a phrasebook. . Have common phrases and words in other languages at your fingertips. (And don't forget to download translation apps to your phone!)
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Be prepared to pay to use restrooms in most all European countries. If a rest area gives you a ticket to use their bathroom, hold onto this ticket so that you may then get your money back if you purchase something in their store.
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Make sure to turn in your room keys. Even key cards need to be turned in at most locations. If you have a large, non-key card, feel free to leave this at the front desk as you head out for the day. These keys typically come with a high price tag if lost, so by leaving it at the front desk you don't have to worry about losing it while out and about.
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Always take the time to do the math regarding travel passes. It does not always make sense to purchase the all day pass as opposed to single tickets.
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If you get lost, don't panic. Take a deep breath and take the extra time to figure out where you're at before heading in a specific direction.
Bridges and canals everywhere!
Eating (drinking) lunch at the youth hostel in Gimmewald, Switzerland after hiking the Northface trail.
Vernaza, Italy
PACKING TIPS
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Pack light. Rick Steves recommends packing your bag at least a week in advance, then walking around your town to determine if it is feasible for you to be comfortable lugging your bag(s) around. Test, retest, and restest again. Believe us, you really don't need that extra t-shirt! (For tips on how to pack lightly, how to stay organized, and other packing tidbits, we utilized the Savvy Backpacker.)
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Utilize packing cubes. These cubes cut down on wasted space in your bag/suitcase and can help you pack the necessities without having to sit on your bag to create additional space.
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Order is important. Place shoes at the bottom of your bag, then stack items appropriately on top with the smallest items ending up on the very top making for easier access.
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Utilize TSA approved locks on your carry on bags. Keep your gear safe as you move throughout each city by locking your bags.
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Have a small overnight bag. There are a lot of bridges in Venice that you have to take stairs up and down to cross. If you have a roller bag it can be difficult to move through the city. Try to pack everything into a smaller overnight bag and leave the rest of your gear on the bus.
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Pack the minimum when it comes to toiletries. You can go to the grocery stores over there to pick up any additional items you may need. First off, there are grocery stores everywhere, so don't worry about not being able to find one. Secondly, shopping in local grocery stores is one of the best ways to learn about the local culture--and you might even find new products you love such as the sunscreen we found in Paris.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery
GALLERY
THINGS NOT TO DO
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Do not try to save a few dollars if you can save a lot of time. E.g. pay more for a private taxi if it will get you somewhere twice as fast as the subway.
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Do not stop in the middle of a street or sidewalk to figure out directions to wherever you are headed. Make sure to have your back against the side of a building as you try to read your map. This keeps your belongings safer since they are protected by the building.
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Females do not make eye contact with men in Italy. This is considered an open invitation to them and can lead to harassment. This is one of many cultural differences. Nothing to be afraid of, you simply need to be educated on the differences. If harassment continues, or you get to the point where you are uncomfortable, simply say "Basta!" assertively--it rhymes with pasta--and they will stop.
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Do not have your nose in a guidebook while traveling on public transportation. Nothing screams "tourist" or "I'm lost" such as this. Try to get your bearings before getting on your form of transit so that you know exactly where you are going and which stop you need.
THINGS TO DO
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Plan ahead. This one can't be said enough. Even though it seems obvious, the more you plan ahead the less time you will waste once you're traveling. Unexpected things come up, but the more you are prepared the less these issues will stress you out.
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Hit up grocery stores for lunches/snacks. By purchasing items here you are guaranteed to get something you like, and you also won't break the bank.
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Find a local park to eat your lunches/snacks. This is another great way to get immersed in local culture--and the views are often incredible!
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Purchase travel passes. If you're going to be someplace for more than two days, or if you plan on using public transportation frequently, it is much less expensive to buy the passes than it is to purchase individual tickets. Take advantage of this when you can.
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Bring a USB multi-port charging dock. There are very few outlets in the hotel rooms. By bringing a muti-charging dock you can still charge all of your items from one outlet such as your phone, tablet, camera battery, etc.
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
