For most people, Europe tour is a fantasy. It is a once in a life time event, which can either turn into one of the fondest memories, or a financial and psychological nightmare.According to me, there are certain things which everyone should know , when travelling to Europe. These are handy in not only saving some unwanted expenses, but also help one to enjoy the dream trip to the fullest, rather than feeling dissatisfied later. So here are some basic factors and situations which you should always keep in mind while enjoying your Europe trip.
1. Water :
Most people, specially us Indians get a shock of a life time when we have to buy a bottle of 330 ml of water for 3 Euros or so. Unlike India, water can be very expensive in Europe. Many people end up spending more money on water than food without even realizing.
The first thing to do is to avoid buying bottled water from restaurants or souvenir shops all together. They will supply you with fancy glass bottles which would be highly expensive and the quantity would not be enough even to quench your thirst. If you have to buy bottled water, do so from the local super markets. You will find 1 liter plastic bottles, at much cheaper rate there. And they are easier to carry around and reusable.
The second thing to do is to refill whenever possible.Many European nations like Austria, Germany and Switzerland get naturally filtered water from Alps, so in these countries water is as pure and safe as it could get. Instead of bottled water enjoy the natural tap water and you will be surprised by it's quality.In other countries, all popular tourist destinations have water fountains scattered over the city. Whenever you come across one, make sure to refill .
2.Restrooms (WC) :
It's a vicious cycle ! You pay for water and then you pay to use the loo. Most cities charge around 40 to 60 cents on an average, for one trip to the restroom, even a small town like Bratislava! But the rates are outrageous in Venice. I have paid 1.50 Euros in Venice for one trip to the restroom, and considering the small size of my bladder, it gave me nightmares throughout my trip. Many people do not take this problem seriously, but combine the cold weather of Europe with all the drinks that you are going to have (hot or cold, your choice) and you are in trouble.
The solution is not that you stop or lessen the consumption of water. That can be harmful for your health, because you need to be energetic and properly hydrated if you want to enjoy to the fullest.
Make a point to use the restrooms at restaurants and coffee shops whenever you stop to eat or have coffee and avoid using the ones at the prime tourist locations, they are the ones which would cost you a little fortune.
3.Shopping :
Everyone is waiting for you to bring them gifts from your "Foreign Trip", and expectations are high. So you splurge your savings in buying senseless and expensive souvenirs, which will eventually gather dust on mantels. But hey , shopping is an essential part of the "Europe experience" as i call it.
The trick is to avoid shopping from prime tourist spots. Find out the local Markets or places where locals shop from. You will find the same goods for much lower prices, and will have more options to choose from as well. Also go for local goods and brands, there is no point in buying a branded item from a designer store, which might be available in your country as well and the entire lot was manufactured in a whole different country altogether. Save the fancy places for window shopping...
4.Company :
Nothing can be worse than travelling with an odd group of people with no similar interest. It might sound a little weird and rude, but i have seen many trips being spoiled because the people travelling together had no similar interests. Some like to take long walks and relax, while others like to cover as many tourists spots as possible and that too in short duration and get done with it once and for all. And then there are those who will want to stop after every two steps to click a picture or those who would crib every time you stop to have a snack or use the rest room.Also don't forget the ones who fuss about every little thing from the hotel you are staying at or the food you are eating. I can go on and on, believe me.
So if you are travelling in a group, make sure that everyone preferences are clear and that everyone gets to do what they like. Or if you are planning a trip, then plan it with those who are like minded.or are easier to please. Remember that for most people , including you, Europe is going to be a once in a life time experience and you don't want it to be spoiled for them or you.
5.Food :
It's tough for people who have certain religious or ethical restrictions on what they eat, to travel in Europe or anywhere else, for that matter. The options are limited and repetitive. You have to have a good meal thrice a day so that you have ample energy and stamina. And some times it becomes really frustrating that you are unable to enjoy as much as others , because you are not getting a good satisfying meal.
The important thing is to stop being fussy. It's one thing to be a vegetarian or not eating certain kinds of meat , but if you are fussy about having to eat bread, cheese and salads all the time, or that your food is not spicy enough, then your problems are self inflicted and you might be irritating your companions. You might have limited options, but at least you have something to eat ! It would help you and others if you learn to compromise a little bit and appreciate what you have. And also try to enjoy the local cuisine of the country you are visiting, for you will always find thing you had never heard of before, but the taste will forever stay with you, like pastries and coffee in Vienna, croissants and baguettes in France, cal zones, pizzas, gelato and wine in Italy ,goulash in Slovakia and Hungary. The list is deliciously endless.
6.Travelling :
Our basic idea of travelling is to scourge the city for tourist spots, cover as much ground as quickly as possible and take lots and lots of pictures. If this is your idea too, then let me tell you that you will miss half the fun. The essence of Europe is in walking around the places, discovering hidden delights and taking in the entire atmosphere-the warm sun, the fresh air, the smell of coffee, the stoned pathways, the architecture, the greenery, people playing violins and guitar in the street.... Your Europe trip will be incomplete if you miss out on these things.
Take a map and roam around aimlessly, taking in the culture and the atmosphere. Instead on spending fortunes on taxis, buy a pass and use buses and trams. The public transport in most of the major cities in Europe is well organised and very convenient and safe . Trams are the best way to tour the city, and cover some spots which might not be listed in your guide books.
7.Luggage :
Vanity is essential. specially for women, but looking good in a photograph, is not the prime reason you have traveled this far. People have a tendency to carry more than they need, and i am guilty on this account as well. It might not only cost you money, when you will have to keep it in a cloak room, but it will drain your energy unnecessarily and give you severe back pain, a total spoilsport.
Though it will sound impossible to women and many men, but please try to travel light. If your travelling to a cold country, no point in keeping ten t-shirts, two for each day, since they will be always covered with a jacket. Carry more pairs of socks and undergarments instead. Or no point in stuffing your bag with a heavy vanity case, use the space to carry a first-aid box instead. I don´t understand, why our bags always have space for another pair of jeans, or a fancy new pair of sandals, but never for a few essential medicines. High heels and fancy footwear is best left for parties, grab a pair of comfortable trainers and your feet will be eternally grateful.
Apart from all these things, the most important thing is relaxation and enjoyment. Save your dream trip from being nothing more than just a folder of photographs sitting on your desktop and a big unreasonable bill. Smallest things such as wandering aimlessly in a romantic European city or having a cup of coffee as an artist plays a violin on the plaza, will form the memories of a lifetime. So take out time apart from doing regular tourist stuff, and enjoy the simpler things.
