First Time in Europe : Everything You Need to know before you Goto Europe
Travelers' ChecksTravelers' Checks In my opinion, travelers' checks are damn near obsolete, a holdover from the time before electronic banking. Back then it was impossible for banks to efficiently communicate information about the validity of a person's personal check across continents. Since nobody wanted to carry big wads of cash, travelers' check...
Seven Spots that are Touristy but Still Fun
Seven Spots that are Touristy but Still Fun 1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria. Make sure that after the tour you cross the bridge above the castle and climb up the hill for an incredible view. Lots of Germans visit here, too, so don't go on a weekend if you can avoid...
Theater
Theater Your greatest challange to seeing theater in Europe is, of course, the language barrier. For this reason, you might want to take advantage of the theater arts while you are in Britain or Ireland during your travels. If you are fluent in a second language, say French, Italian, or German,...
Flying within Europe
Flying within Europe Consider the following example for a situation when flying makes sense. Greece is a very common destination for first-time travelers in Europe. Let's say you are in London, and want to go to the island of los and party yourself into a hospital bed. los is good for...
Calling Home from Europe
Calling Home from Europe In most of Western Europe you will be able to phone directly home in seconds. In Eastern Europe, some phone systems are more modern than others, and you may need to use an operator, or a direct phone service, if you can't say "please reverse the charges"...
Symphonies and the Ballet
Symphonies and the Ballet Ninety percent of what I wrote above about opera applies to symphony and ballet performances as well, except that tickets will be marginally cheaper than those for opera. By the way, don't just look for these sorts of performances in the obvious places. I've seen great ballets...
Rain Gear
Rain Gear Gore-Tex rules here, if you can afford the stuff. My favorite traveling companion is a 'tex jacket that has a separate liner that can be zipped in or out, depending on the temperature. Get a jacket with a removable hood if you can. Unless you are traveling in winter,...
Opera
Opera Love opera or hate it, the opera houses of Europe are incredible monuments to the arts, and are worth visiting even if there is no performance scheduled. Nevertheless, the best way to visit an opera house is to actually go to a performance. To their great credit, most opera companies...
When to Go
When to Go For most of us, summer is the travel season, whether we like it or not. Certainly the vast majority of students and teachers will be traveling between May 15 and September 15. The good and bad aspects of travel during the summer are obvious: the weather is nice,...
Flashlight
Flashlight A flashlight is surprisingly useful while traveling, and is vital for campers; in fact, campers should have at least two each. A mini Maglight is just about the right size and weight. Those not camping can get by with a little "squeeze to light" flashlight on a key ring. You'll...
Tourist Offices on the Web
Tourist Offices on the Web Most European countries are scaling back on expensive tourist offices abroad, and putting more and more content on the Web. Below are the official websites for a number of European tourist authorities. If your destination of choice is not listed below, try ®www.visiteu.rope.com, which has links...
Daypacks
Daypacks A good daypack should be your constant companion, containing your camera, film, notebook, guidebook, maps, and all those bits and pieces you need every day. If you follow my advice, you'll get a big one and live out of it. If not, then go for a medium-sized, high-quality lockable version....
Warning
Warning Eurail and other train passes should be purchased before leaving for Europe. There are a few major cities (London, for example) where some types of passes may be available if you can prove that you have been in Europe for less than six months, but they cost several hundred dollars...
Ferries and the Channel Tunnel
Ferries and the Channel Tunnel Two ferry crossings that many travelers will make are the English Channel and the infamous Brindisi to Patras crossing to Greece, which can be similar to the trip described on p. 14. This is, incidentally, "free" to holders of the right InterRail pass. Apart from the...
Getting Around
Getting Around So here you are, in Europe at last. I hope that this chap-ter includes all you need to know to get around easily. You have a major ally in doing so - the local tourist authority. Most European cities and countries benefit greatly from the tourist trade, and they...
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