A travel guide to Europe

Within the City

Every major city has its public transport system, usually consisting of buses, streetcars, and subways. Europe is very bike friendly. Try to avoid taxis as they are the most expensive way to get around and often scam tourists. Some larger cities offer passenger transport services from Uber, Cabify, and the like.

Out-of-town and International Transportation

The most efficient way to get around Europe is by trains and cheap domestic and international flights. There are also long-distance buses. Ask about prices and deals. Slower but cheaper are regular buses and trains that connect one city to another or even two countries. Some countries offer ride-sharing services like blablacar – a great way to connect with locals and save money.

Rental Cars, RVs & Campers

If you’re traveling with a group or family, or plan to visit many out-of-the-way places, a rental car may be worthwhile. Keep in mind that gas and tolls can add up quickly in Europe, and parking in larger cities can be a hassle. The same applies to RVs and campers.

General

Etiquette in Europe is not uniform. Even within the regions of Europe, manners are not always uniform. Here are some general rules to help guide you: Use your library voice and turn down the volume. Don’t assume everyone speaks English, especially in villages and remote areas. Before your trip, learn a few phrases like „Please“, „Thank you“, „I’m sorry“, „You’re welcome“, „Excuse me“, and „Where is the restroom?“. In our phrasebook, you’ll find the basics in Spanish, German and French, which are widely used in Europe and understood in most neighboring countries or countries with the same language roots. In many European countries, drinking alcohol on the street is permitted.

Inside Religious Buildings

Especially in Italy and in European villages, shoulders and knees must be covered in church. In mosques, women must cover their heads. Special tip: always take a scarf with you which can be used to cover parts of the body or to keep you warm when temperatures drop.

In the Restaurant

Treat your waiter as a professional, which he or she is, and don’t gesticulate, snap your fingers, or treat him or her as obsequious. A substitute dish is more likely to be accepted in a restaurant if you ask politely. Note that you must ask for the bill; it is considered rude to push you by offering it. In Italy, it is customary to pay at the front desk – even in good restaurants. The staff doesn’t want to bother you. Don’t tip too much; large tips are not the norm. Depending on the country, a small tip is appreciated in restaurants, but it may just be a rounding up of the bill. Find out about the tipping culture of the country you visit before entering the restaurant.

Shopping

Greet shopkeepers when you enter a store and say goodbye when you leave. Don’t touch the produce at the market.

Public Transportation

Let people exit the trains, buses, and subway before entering. Stay on the right side of the escalator if you are not going to climb. Try to have the right, or at least close, change for your ticket.

General Security Advice

In general, Europe is very safe for all kinds of travelers as violent crime is rare. That said, bigger European cities like Barcelona or Paris are known for their extensive petty crime and pickpocketing problem. Pickpockets in Europe are incredibly skilled and creative. Always keep your valuables safe and secure at all times. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe in Europe, however, the standard precautions apply: never walk home intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink at the bar, etc. Make copies of your documents, including your passport and ID. Only take the money you need if you go out partying.

Common Tourist Scams

Every country and city has its tourist scams that can be avoided by keeping an eye open. Typical tourist scams are: Groups of kids distract you to take your money. People offer to carry your luggage and charge a large fee for it. A friendly person will approach you for a chat and place a bracelet, rosemary, gold ring, or anything they can put on you and demand money. Take it off, give it back, and walk away. Someone spilling on your clothes. While apologizing and cleaning the stain, they are picking your pocket. The same applies to a person with a map searching for the way, or in general for the subway and crowded places. Fake petitions. Someone will try to get you to sign a petition, then demands a donation in cash or even by credit card (yes, they have nowadays Electronic Cash Terminals). Sometimes tourists are pickpocketed while fighting with the petitioner. Ignore people coming up to you to sign a petition, especially when they are in groups and try to surround you. Just keep on walking. People helping you with the ATM. They use a card skimmer to steal credit card information. If possible, use ATMs inside the bank and never at extremely crowded or touristy places.