Tips/Odd things I learned while in Europe..

[Kim]

Thought this would be a fun thread! I'll start..

Tips/Odd things I learned while in Europe..

That carbonated water is hugely popular in Europe and to check whether its carbonated or still water when you buy a bottle! (Or give it a little shake in the store if you can't read the language)

[LHR02]

Sit down in Italy only if you are feeling 'flush' or really dead tired. The cappucino I paid 4.50 on one day, while seated was .90 the next just standing at the bar. At the same place!

In Germany, be very specific when asking for 'ice' in your drinks. As a rule they do not use it, and 'ice' to them is ice cream! And particularly here, if you ask for water you'll get a bottle and pay for it......unless you are specific and insist on 'tap' water. Then you will suffer the looks.....they rarely ever, ever drink tap water. A hold over from the post war years when the water was not safe to drink. My German friends thought I was crazy as I drank 'the water' straight from the sink faucet.

[Kim]

..To utilize the tourist office for as many free things as possible, especially maps.

..That if you REALLY need a certain item, then buy it and ship it home if you have to, or you will regret it. Every day I think how much I adore the prints of Cinque Terre done by a local artists. Frame and matted, they are stunning!

..That it's impossible to take too many pictures. Bank on some not turning out, so take tons!

..Keep a journal. It seems tedious at the time but it's a wonderful thing to have later. Take a gluestick and paste in the things that you've done that day, ticket stubs etc. Makes a great scrapbook like journal. People love looking through it!

..That in some countries, you never touch the fruit in the grocery stores! If you see some employees milling around the fruit staring at you, that's why. The employee puts it in the bag (and often choose it, something I found odd!) for you.

[LHR02]

Take a baseball cap with you and stash it in your pack. If you are in a place where the 'men' are making you nuts (for women traveling alone particularly) just whip it out and put that baby on. End of problem. Most countries men think a woman wearing a cap is a lesbian.....I am not kidding here....and their interest in catcalling/harrassing you will immediately stop. Works fabulously well in Italy. Sometimes it is 'enjoyable' but often times you really want to be left alone.....a friend told me this, I did not believe her but took a cap. Works like a charm.

[BigRay]

Be careful of waiters putting stuff on your table in restaurants. Sometimes, things that seem complimentary at home, like bread, have a cost and by not declining it, this cost will appear on your bill. Even if you don't eat it! If in doubt, just ask.

[BARATIER]

... if you are in a place where you don't know the language, it is a good thing to learn to say: "Hello, do you speak _____?" in their language. People reacts friendlier if you ask in their native language.

... the VERY first thing to do when you get to a new destination, is to get a city map and transportation map from the information/tourist office.

... a pocket compass is not just for camping anymore!

... scented dryer sheets will keep your pack from developing toxic fumes, specially on long trips.

;D

[LHR02]

>>>>>>>... a pocket compass is not just for camping anymore!<<<<<


I preach/teach/proclaim this all the time as well! Hands down the thing I used the most......I would have been literally 'lost' without my handy compass. ;D

[BARATIER]

You ain't kidding!!... I think the little compass that come in cars now are the best thing since slice bread... for travelers at least!!.
;D

Bara

[snorkelman]

Hmm,I have never used a compass in Europe, but I guess that I might have a better sense of direction than most.

Anyway, when Europeans write out the number “one”, expect to see something that resembles an upside down “V” rather than a single vertical line;

When ordering something and you use your fingers to indicate “one” you should use your thumb (because some places interpret a single raised index finger as meaning “two.”<br>
In Europe they call Diet Coke “Coke Light”;

Expect that you will pay for each packet of ketchup or mayonnaise at most fast food restaurants in Europe;

When describing money, instead of using a period, you will often see a comma used (something that costs two and a half will be posted as 2,5);

[Patrick]

I'm not sure if this is a tip, or just "Cheap Patrick - Episode 1" But beware the "bathroom guy/lady" who will try and hand you a towel, or turn on the tap for you and want a tip... even worse, the one's that stand outside the bathroom and just put their hand out.

I don't really feel like giving someone a buck for handing me a towel - be strong! don't give in to the bathroom lady's glare!

[Kim]

Sometimes theres no avoiding that person though.. most of the time you have to pay to use the bathroom while out and about. (Boyfriend said I was peeing away our travel money!)

Utilize McDonalds.. we only came across one (in Cannes) that charged you.

Always have packs of kleenex on you (you know those small packs) cause often places that are free are out of tp!

[Patrick]

That's a good point (that you can't avoid them) but in some places you can and people feel they have to pay unfortunately. McDonalds may be a good option for you, but I always end up buying something too

[rookie]

Even if you're in a town no one's ever heard of, you're still not guaranteed a room in a hostel. This is especially true for Germany. German classes full of schoolkids really do occupy the entire HI hostels.

[LHR02]

Wtch out for the 'toilets from hell' ladies...especially in Germany! The ones with little 'footprints' on the floor and you stand and do it. A real challenge if you are wearing slacks! ;D

ging

[nitsansh]

The compass is something I never thought of... but there were occasions that I arrived to a new place and it took some time to get orientation... not very long though... as soon as I find my place on the map I'm fine...

I encountered that bottled water thing recently in Hungary... even the water labeled "natural" have strong taste of gas... no problem with the tap water, they were fine for me...
My day pack has 2 side pockets for 0.5 liter water bottles, and I make sure to fill them frequently...