Mike's Helpful Tips To European Travel

1. After you decide where you are going, read and Google everything you can. Make lists of places you want to see and things you want to do. Prioritize the list because you need wiggle room in your itinerary. If the train is cancelled in Italy or the cabs go on strike in Paris you will be fine.

2. Meet the locals. Ask a desk clerk where they eat. Talk to a cop on the corner about which is the best way to get somewhere. Be friendly and you will be surprised. Even if on a tour, greet the natives.

3. Stay in one place a while. Personally, I like to stay at least four or five days in one place and really get to know more about it. Seeing twelve countries in twelve days means you have not seen anything.

4. Take a class. Cooking? Art? History? There are classes everywhere and the instructors speak English if you cannot speak the local language. Another idea is to take a half day class in French while in Paris and the French will accept you better. They also will take pity on you.

5. Don't nickel and dime it. So, you don't have unlimited funds, just make room for nice dinners or a treat. You are not going back to Austria soon so get a good Stitzel. Also, making use of your time is more important than not taking a cab across town - they are not expensive anyway.

6. If you can, rent a car outside a big city and drive the countryside. I know that driving on the left is a challenge for the first day, but after that you will be fine. I have driven in twelve European countries and am here to tell about it. The cities are lovely, but driving the backroads through the Alps or the Highlands of Scotland is an experience to remember. The stops along the way make it interesting.

7. Before you go, make sure your phone works and your credit card will honor charges where you are going. If you are driving, get an International Driving Permit (AAA). 

8. Unless you are going on two weeks of safaris in the middle of Africa (I've done this) you don't have to pack everything you need. They have modern stores in Belgium. You can buy toothpaste in Seville. Pack light. The people you meet will not know that you have washed out your underwear four times. Just pack your meds. However, I have had chance to visit physicians and medical staff in Europe and they are experienced and not costly. 

9. Think before you buy souvenirs. Shopping in a Munich Christmas market is fun, but lugging a glass paperweight from Murano is a big worry. You don't need to shop anyway. I bring back paper beer coasters from pubs, bars and cafes, They don't break.

10. Even if you look silly in a hat, take one. You will be outside a good deal. You will not need it at the concert in Vienna, but you will need it on the top story of a double-decked London bus.

10 +1. Want more? Read my former posts there are only some 3,000 of them. But, also ask your friends for advice and don't just believe me because I own a laptop.