Post by ryannorris on Aug 23, 2007 18:30:42 GMT -5
Toilets-I'd have to say that the biggest problem I had on my trip was finding a bathroom. I'd only pay for them when i was desperate, but sometimes I couldn't find one at all. I know you have to pay 25 cents to 1 euro to use a toilet, so I'd suggest looking for a mcdonald's. They're everywhere and you may have to buy a drink or a little something but at least it's relatively convenient to looking all over for a toilet.
Train Reservations- some trains you HAVE to make a reservation for, even if you have a eurail pass, so you have to do that. If the train does not require a reservation, keep in mind that some people still do make reservations for their seat and have every right to kick you out if you've taken their spot. I learned to check the seats first thing when I got on a train. Most would have little signs, stickers, even l.e.d. text that tells you between what destinations that seat is reserved for. First of all, check for seats that don't have the reservation signs on them, and you'll be sure not to be disturbed on your trip. And if you do sit at one with a sign on it, make sure it's reserved for a city/town that's after your stop. Then you should be in the clear. It's very embarrassing when someone is yelling at you in another language to get out of their seat.
Food/Supermarkets- I love to cook, so I was always happy when the hostel I was staying at had a kitchen. Any hostel with a kitchen usually had everything I needed to cook with (save the actual food) and some people left things like salt, tea, things like that behind. There are 4 stores I found to be quite cheap and full of good stuff. Carrefour in France, Monoprix in France, Billa and Tesco in other countries. It is sometimes hard to buy something that you can't eat all of it while you're in one city, so I'd often carry two backpacks and a grocery bag in each arm. If that doesn't sound too appealing, don't do it!!! haha
Churches- I'd have to say I've seen about 50 different churches in Europe, and they all amazed me. I would suggest to anyone to see at least 1 church in each city/town you travel to, and if they have admission to climb the stairs to the towers, do that because you will get an amazing view of the city.
Theft- There is always a danger of your things being stolen, especially if someone knows you're a tourist or backpacker and will be screwed over if you don't have everything you need. Use locks on all your zippers, and don't put any valuables close to the outside of your bag as thieves will simply just cut your bag open and grab whatever's closest to the outside. The harder things are to get to, the better. When in a hostel, make sure you lock your bag in a cabinet or locker (most hostels supply them). When travelling on a train, lock your bag to the luggage rack for long trips or when you can't see your bag at all times.
-Be careful of distractions. People will usually make diversions for someone else to take your money from you. If an old woman comes up to you and shoves a newspaper in your face, her next move will be to stick her hands in your pockets. Carry little money in your pockets and make sure you have a little bit of money anywhere you can (in your bag, in your shoes, in your socks, in your money belt, etc) That being said, don't go down dark back alleys where a thief has the time and privacy to make you take money out of all those places. THIS ONE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!-If someone comes up to you and tries to make you something right there eg tying some thread to your hand to make a bracelet etc. tell him you don't have any money, even if he's really nice to you. I had to pay 10 euros for a crappy little bracelet when no price was agreed upon. I was hesitant to pay until he called over about 5 of his friends.
Travelling Alone- Travelling alone is fun because you can do whatever you want, but it does get a little lonely sometimes. When you're in a hostel, most of the other people there feel the same way, so never be nervous to make friends. If you just simply say hi to someone and ask where they're from, you may have someone to spend time with for the rest of the time you're in that city. Hostels are a great way to make friends so don't be nervous at all.
Language Barrier In many countries, not everyone is going to know English, so at least try and say hello in their language. Many people do not speak English in France, and it's not because they're snobby, I think it's because they're embarassed if they don't know perfect English. Prepare to have to use sign language and pointing to communicate with some people. Also, body language is different in Greece: "Ochi" and nodding their head actually means "no". "Ne" and tilting their head to one side actually means yes. a wave with your palm outstretched is basically the middle finger to them.
Train Reservations- some trains you HAVE to make a reservation for, even if you have a eurail pass, so you have to do that. If the train does not require a reservation, keep in mind that some people still do make reservations for their seat and have every right to kick you out if you've taken their spot. I learned to check the seats first thing when I got on a train. Most would have little signs, stickers, even l.e.d. text that tells you between what destinations that seat is reserved for. First of all, check for seats that don't have the reservation signs on them, and you'll be sure not to be disturbed on your trip. And if you do sit at one with a sign on it, make sure it's reserved for a city/town that's after your stop. Then you should be in the clear. It's very embarrassing when someone is yelling at you in another language to get out of their seat.
Food/Supermarkets- I love to cook, so I was always happy when the hostel I was staying at had a kitchen. Any hostel with a kitchen usually had everything I needed to cook with (save the actual food) and some people left things like salt, tea, things like that behind. There are 4 stores I found to be quite cheap and full of good stuff. Carrefour in France, Monoprix in France, Billa and Tesco in other countries. It is sometimes hard to buy something that you can't eat all of it while you're in one city, so I'd often carry two backpacks and a grocery bag in each arm. If that doesn't sound too appealing, don't do it!!! haha
Churches- I'd have to say I've seen about 50 different churches in Europe, and they all amazed me. I would suggest to anyone to see at least 1 church in each city/town you travel to, and if they have admission to climb the stairs to the towers, do that because you will get an amazing view of the city.
Theft- There is always a danger of your things being stolen, especially if someone knows you're a tourist or backpacker and will be screwed over if you don't have everything you need. Use locks on all your zippers, and don't put any valuables close to the outside of your bag as thieves will simply just cut your bag open and grab whatever's closest to the outside. The harder things are to get to, the better. When in a hostel, make sure you lock your bag in a cabinet or locker (most hostels supply them). When travelling on a train, lock your bag to the luggage rack for long trips or when you can't see your bag at all times.
-Be careful of distractions. People will usually make diversions for someone else to take your money from you. If an old woman comes up to you and shoves a newspaper in your face, her next move will be to stick her hands in your pockets. Carry little money in your pockets and make sure you have a little bit of money anywhere you can (in your bag, in your shoes, in your socks, in your money belt, etc) That being said, don't go down dark back alleys where a thief has the time and privacy to make you take money out of all those places. THIS ONE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!-If someone comes up to you and tries to make you something right there eg tying some thread to your hand to make a bracelet etc. tell him you don't have any money, even if he's really nice to you. I had to pay 10 euros for a crappy little bracelet when no price was agreed upon. I was hesitant to pay until he called over about 5 of his friends.
Travelling Alone- Travelling alone is fun because you can do whatever you want, but it does get a little lonely sometimes. When you're in a hostel, most of the other people there feel the same way, so never be nervous to make friends. If you just simply say hi to someone and ask where they're from, you may have someone to spend time with for the rest of the time you're in that city. Hostels are a great way to make friends so don't be nervous at all.
Language Barrier In many countries, not everyone is going to know English, so at least try and say hello in their language. Many people do not speak English in France, and it's not because they're snobby, I think it's because they're embarassed if they don't know perfect English. Prepare to have to use sign language and pointing to communicate with some people. Also, body language is different in Greece: "Ochi" and nodding their head actually means "no". "Ne" and tilting their head to one side actually means yes. a wave with your palm outstretched is basically the middle finger to them.
