Recreational activities are important for all of us to unwind and relax. One good example is traveling; it lets you unleash your adventurous self and explore different places, cultures, and sceneries. When it comes to travel destinations, Europe is a great choice. It’s laden with diverse countries, where you get to experience various cultures, languages, and cuisines. The attractions in Europe are endless. You get the charm of the coastlines in Italy and the snow-capped Alps in Switzerland. However, knowing what to expect while traveling can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of tips to make your trip to Europe a fruitful one.
You’ll be Asked for a Tourist Tax
It is not foreign for many destinations around the world to impose taxes on tourists. While it can be inconvenient sometimes, it is better to be prepared with some cash. These taxes are typically collected by the hotel you’ll stay at or if you decide to rent an apartment or an Airbnb location. Roughly, the fee is around 2 to 4 Euros per person, per night. It’s expected that the fee can vary according to the number of days of your stay in a place. It’s important to note that your taxes must be paid in cash. At the beginning of your stay, you’ll find that hotels normally request the tax. However, you get to pay it any time before you check out if you want to.
Carefully Choose the Place You will Stay in
It is not uncommon to find narrow, steep staircases in Europe. You can climb plenty of stairs to get to hotel rooms or apartments. Finding lifts and elevators is not easy, particularly at family-owned establishments. Doing a little research on your place of stay will give you the insight you need depending on your convenience and required accommodations.
Look for Affordable Transportation Options
While traveling, transportation is everything. It can make or break your trip, as it is how you get to explore the places around town. With proper planning, you will avoid costly mistakes and make the most out of your trip. For instance, a great option for wallet-friendly transportation is buses. You can use certain apps to compare prices based on the travel time and destination. Similarly, with taxis, you can use a local taxi app to regulate the prices and avoid any negotiation of fees. Knowing how you will get from the airport to the hotel or apartment you’ll be staying in is a crucial step. It will make your life easier if you look up to see your options. On another note, you can opt for renting a car. Self-driving is a fine way to explore Europe. Should you take this route, you will have numerous aspects to consider, namely car rental insurance, international driving permit, and more importantly European driving laws. Once you’ve cleared out all the requirements, you are good to go.
Know the Grocery Shopping Trends in Europe
While there aren’t many specific intricacies to shopping in Europe, there are some small mistakes you may make. Usually, in the US, you bag your produce and products, and then it is scanned later at the register. In Europe, you have to weigh your produce on a nearby scale before you head to the cash register. Every product is marked with a number, so after you weigh it, a sticker will be printed with a price, barcode, and weight. While shopping for groceries, remember that plastic bags come with a little charge in Europe. Bringing a reusable bag or a paper bag will be a good idea here. We would also like to advise you to buy produce from outdoor markets rather than supermarkets and grocery stores. Of course, it depends on your location; however, in plenty of places in Europe, grocery stores are sufficient for basic needs. On the other hand, if you want high-quality produce, you’d better go to the markets.
Book Tickets to Famous Attractions Early
To make use of the time you have in your trip wisely, book tickets in advance. This way you can plan a great tour where you bask in the beauty of popular sights and cultures. Ideally, skip-the-line tickets will be the way to go. If you are going to Arc de Triomphe, for example, you may find no upcharge. But with the Colosseum, it can cost a few more Euros to reserve a tour there. That’s why planning is essential here.
Europe is one of the richest continents in the world. When booking a trip there, you will need as many travel tips to help you prepare. If you follow our travel guide, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable experience and a great time. Safe travels!
