101 EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS & MUST-KNOWS FOR FIRST TIMERS | Scams, Tourist Traps, What Not to Do & More!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2024
- Visiting Europe for the first time? Make sure you watch this video. If you're looking for Europe travel tips and must-knows, this video is a must-watch, but be sure to read the written version for the full list: happytowander.com/europe-trav...
➡️ Follow me on Instagram for real-time Stories and shenanigans: / happytowander
➡️ Follow me on TikTok for more casual content: / happytowander
0:00 INTRODUCTION
0:28 TRAVEL PLANNING TIPS FOR EUROPE
6:17 TRANSPORT TIPS FOR EUROPE
10:03 ATTRACTION TIPS FOR EUROPE
15:07 SAFETY TIPS FOR EUROPE
18:55 FOOD & DRINK TIPS FOR EUROPE
24:55 CULTURE & ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR EUROPE
27:11 PACKING TIPS FOR EUROPE
29:26 FINAL MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
ACTIVITIES SHOWN
Note - the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
➡️ Louver Skip the Line: www.getyourguide.com/paris-l1...
➡️ Rome Night-Time Colosseum Tour: www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33...
CHRISTINA'S TRAVEL GEAR
Note - many of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info on what this means, check out my website privacy policy and disclosure: happytowander.com/privacy/
➡️ My Camera {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MhZ0VQ
➡️ My Favourite Regular Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/45OdSlI
➡️ My Favourite Compression Packing Cubes {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3MbIiYs
➡️ My Favourite Noise Cancelling Headphones {Paid Link}: amzn.to/46J6cTg
➡️ My White, More Elegant Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3tESqlS
➡️ My Black, More Minimalist Carry-On {Paid Link}: amzn.to/478ROnf
➡️ My Pretty Re-Usable Toiletry Bottles {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3SeqaAJ
➡️ My Amazing E-Reader That Links to the Library for FREE Books {Paid Link}: amzn.to/3Mgfca2
OTHER TRAVEL RESOURCES
➡️ My favourite travel credit card - Wise: {Referral Link} happytowander.com/Wise
➡️ Honey for finding coupons automatically: {Referral Link} happytowander.com/Honey
➡️ Where I search hotels {Paid Link}: www.booking.com/index.html?ai...
➡️ Where I search flights: www.google.com/travel/flights
➡️ Where I compare/book transport in Europe {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/omio
➡️ My go-to travel insurance {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/WorldNomads
➡️ Where I book activities/tours {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/GetYourGuide
➡️ Rakuten USA for cash-back on purchases {Referral Link}: www.rakuten.com/r/LECOUR23?ee...
➡️ Rakuten Canada {Referral Link} for cash-back on purchases: www.rakuten.ca/referrer?refer...
➡️ Airfare Watchdog {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/airfarewatc...
➡️ American Express Platinum Referral Link (for 60,000 points!): happytowander.com/AmexPlatinum
➡️ Airhelp {Paid Link}: happytowander.com/Airhelp
MORE EUROPE VIDEOS:
➡️ • 101 EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS...
➡️ • HOW TO TRAVEL EUROPE B...
➡️ • HOW TO OUTSMART PICKPO...
➡️ • HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN...
➡️ • FIND THE BEST HOTELS I...
➡️ • HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO ...
➡️ • CHEAP FLIGHTS TO EUROP...
➡️ • TRAVEL EUROPE CHEAP | ...
➡️ • EURAIL PASS REVIEW | 5...
➡️ • PACK LIGHT FOR EUROPE ...
➡️ • 20 TRAVEL APPS YOU MUS...
➡️ • 20+ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS...
EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS & MUST-KNOWS:
➡️ My best Europe travel tips: happytowander.com/europe-trav...
➡️ How to travel Europe by train: happytowander.com/how-to-trav...
➡️ Grab my free Europe trip planning workbook: happytowander.com/EuropePlann...
➡️ Grab my free accommodation checklist: happytowander.com/accommodati...
➡️ How to avoid pickpockets in Europe: happytowander.com/how-to-avoi...
➡️ 7 scenic train routes you can't miss: happytowander.com/most-scenic...
Wondering what not to do in Europe? Looking for Europe food and drink tips? How about Europe tips for saving money, skipping lines at attractions, finding the cheapest flights to Europe, and more? This video gives a general overview of the top must-knows for those visiting Europe for the first time. If you're looking for Europe travel tips, this video is definitely a must-watch.
*Hey all! Hope you enjoy this list of general Europe travel tips, and let me know in the comments if there are any specific country/city videos you'd like to see :)* Full list of tips here: happytowander.com/europe-travel-tips/
Hey, 8:10 about Train travel guide, yes please make a video on that
I was planning to visit 3 countries Italy > France > Switzerland
I'm looking at planning a 1-2 month trip to Europe going to various countries. Any video about traveling by train across the borders would be great.
Very new to your channel but learned so much already. Thanks for organizing your videos in a playlist very convenient :) will def subscribe!
Would love information about the guided tour company you use and guided tours you’ve done. Thanks!😊
As an European I would suggest another packing tip. Just bring some nicer clothes as well, because most of Europeans love to dress up to their dinner or night out. Believe me - you don't want to go out in you walking shoes or hiking shorts to a nice dinner, you will just feel out of place. And even more - in the larger cities you won't feel comfortable, because everybody dresses up daily. Unless you want to look like a tourist. :)
Ooh that’s a fair tip!! Plus European casual is usually quite a bit dressier than North American casual haha.
If you are going to eat at a fine dining restaurant you are right. For a normal restaurant in any town a Jeans + shirt is perfectly fine. In southern Europe shorts plus shirt (men) or a summer dress (women) are enough.
Unless you want to look like an American. This is how Americans go out to dinner. They're afraid to dress up so they go out in shorts, jeans, tee shirts.
@@fawkesmorque Never ever wear shorts for dinner!
@@rw80 I've done it many times and seen it often (not only by americans). What exactly is the problem? It's just a restaurant pizzeria and not a Michelin star restaurant. 🤷♂
Related to #52 (Separate your cards) - A lot of travelers misunderstand the purpose and use of money belts (and similar devices like neck wallets). This isn’t your working inventory, you don’t dip into the money belt to pay for lunch. Anything you think you’ll spend today can go in your wallet for easy access, with the slight risk of it getting pickpocketed.
The belt is for when you’re carrying your travel documents or more money than you can afford to lose. Maybe you’re hitting the ATM to pull five days’ worth of cash or you’re traveling between cities and have to carry everything with you. Stash your stuff, zip up the belt and tuck it under your clothes. Now the only way you’re losing that money is a proper mugging where the thief stands there and makes you hand your stuff over. Those are exceedingly rare these days.
European here: Even in the hottest summer, pack some "proper" cover-up clothes when you plan to visit churches, cathedrals and things like that: most of them require you to cover up your knees and shoulders, some also your head, if you are a woman. When I travel around Europe myself, I like to bring a big, lightweight shawl for things like this and wear it over my head and shoulders at once while wearing a longer skirt on those days, for example. :) If you don't have anything with you, you either are denied entrance, or they provide you with some icky old cover ups they keep especially for that reason. And also pack some extra socks if you otherwise wear sandals barefoot, as similar places sometimes require you to take off your shoes. (Talking about mosques especially)
I’ve been binge-watching all your awesome videos to get prepared for my Europe trip next summer. So much great info in very accessible format! Thank you!!! You’re amazing!
This is the most comprehensive tips for Europe travel I’ve seen on TH-cam! I’ve been to Europe 3 times now and still find this very useful. Well done! 👍 I just hit subscribe!😍
I love that you get the information said quicky and in a nice manner. Very watchable and I'll go see other videos of yours :)
Regarding No. 14 (public transport is part of the experience) - It’s also a nice peek into the lives of ordinary people. I’ve met a few travelers who barely met any locals because they stayed at the Hilton, ate at the touristy restaurants, and got everywhere by car or tour bus. That’s not the worst thing, they still saw the sights, but they’re missing out on a big part of the experience.
True, might as well just stay home and watch travel documentaries if you're gonna do that (I feel the same about cruising)
How good are those scratchy maps!! Love those, you have done a great job compiling this list! Always good to watch out for scams, they are everywhere!
Great video! Love your pacing! Lots of information in a short amount of time!
awesome and informative vlog! so packed full of info that I hope to re-watch a couple more times before our trip to Italy and Switzerland. Thank you!
Love this! 🤩I made a video specifically about what to know before visiting Italy because there are small things us Americans aren’t aware of that can ruin your trip! Thank you for sharing! 💖
Fantastic information. Thank you 😊🙏🏼
Excellent video! Planning to go to Europe next year and these tips are very helpful!
I watch many many videos, but I really love your style and the info! Awesome - thank you!
Such a great tips… Great job on the video
This was extremely helpful! Truly grateful for putting this out for everyone!
So happy you found it useful! Thanks for watching :)
Thanks for sharing this video. I must say that it's a lot of information to retain. 😊
This is amazing. Thank you so much!
This is a great video. Very helpful. Wow. Thank you.
LOL, that last tip. We were in Egypt 1 time and I kept raving to my travel companion about scenes from The Mummy and Mummy Returns. For some reason he'd never seen them but soon realised he should've and watched when we got home.
Spectacular video with many helpful tips I would have otherwise not known. I would love to see some specifics about Ireland!
Love this, so much good information packed into 1 video!
Thanks so much for watching!! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🫶
Duuude this was very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this! i love all your tips and information! My friend and i are going to the eastern mediterranean on a cruise next year and are so overwhelmed about travel in europe! it's a bucket list itinerary, but since we're starting in Istanbul and ending in Trieste, we want to see a couple of days in Turkey and Italy and just trying to plan that is completely daunting. We have no idea how to get around or where to stay or what's even practical for us - i'm devouring all your vlogs since i discovered this! Love all these tips and please do post more!
So many great tips here, thank you’ ❤
Thanks a lot! I watched from beginning to the end and they are very useful!! Will check your other videos since I'm going to Spain and Portugal in Oct!
Great tips ! Very thorough , thank you
Thank you for your usefull tips!
Wow! So informative. Thanks😊
Country specific videos would be awesome.
Also train/bus travel. I will be travelling to Germany next year.
Nice! I’ll definitely be publishing a Germany travel tips one soon! :) stay tuned!
Thank you!!I love this video
Amazing video, fantastic points and beautiful smile.I love it.
Yes! Train travel guide please! Thank you!!! You’re videos are very helpful.
Will work on publishing one soon!! Thanks for watching, Abby! :)
Hello. Thank you for tips ! 😊
This is an incredibly helpful video, and seriously eased my anxieties about my upcoming trip. Thank you!!!!
So happy to hear that! Safe travels 🥰
thank you❤❤❤❤❤
going to europe in june! this video was so helpful 😁 definitely subscribing
Leaving for Greece and Italy the day after tomorrow and this has been the MOST video I’ve watched.
Yes! Please! I would love some videos about the train systems in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.Thank you! Your channel is fantastic!
Great video❤
Always appreciated
Thank you, great video 🙏
Wow, I am so impressed with this video! You are amazing and cover the best tips to go to Europe with.
Thanks so much for the kind comment, Debra 🥰 so happy you enjoyed it!
I have not seen a square sleeping pillow here in Germany in the last 30 years. Only in my childhood in the 80s we had them at my grandmas house.
The smaller, square and quiet stiff ones are usually for the couch. For sleeping, we usually have 80x40cm ones.
But in case you encounter one of the old fluffy square pillows (traditionally filled with goose feathers), try folding the lower third underneath the top. This gives you a good support for your neck.
Excellent tips, thanks.
Don't be disappointed by scaffolding!! Many yrs ago, I went to NYC with a friend, as we rode the ferry over to see the Statue of Liberty... What we saw was Lady Liberty in prison. It made me sad!!😂
Amazingly helpful video! Since I came across your channel I haven't been able to stop watching. Thanks for such detailed research! I'll seriously profit from it in my next trip ❤
This is so helpful!!
Great info!
Love this video! One thing that I learned and wanted to share with you is to look for a duffle bag that best fits your luggage and has all the wonderful features a bag can have especially in plane travel use. I'm using Nomad Lane's Bento Bag and it's a good choice.
Great video! Thank you for the info!
You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching!
This is an amazing video!!!!
Also check out the individual celebration days of each country and be aware that shops/ museums/ attractions might be closed during those time periods. I used to work at a hotel and people tend to get very angry about things like independence day or Midsummer celebration :D
Omg my family always gets caught out by Ascension Day LOL.
Super awesome video, priceless info! And that iPhone live photo tip is genius 🤩
Thanks so much! Really glad you found it helpful. I hope you put that iPhone tip to good use!
❤ you are so awesome for all these wonderful videos . Thank you 😊
Ahh thank you so much!! Glad you’re enjoying them 🥰
Great video!!!
Great video
Great video, so many wonderful tips. Will be checking out more of your videos and I have subscribed!!
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for subscribing! 🫶
Wow the amount of effort you’ve put into your videos. Amazing. We’re planning to travel in May, and you’ll be getting a lot of watch time from us :D
Thank you so much.. I’m planning a Europe trip in summer because that’s when I get the longest time off as an educator. This is the most helpful on TH-cam
Additional advice would be to see if there are any discounts on tickets. Have a good trip!
The Schwab debit card has zero foreign transaction fees. I made the mistake of forgetting that the UK has different currency and outlets when I stopped through on a layover after visiting other European countries. The tip about scaffolding is true. On that same stop through London I went out to the Parliament Building to find Big Ben completely covered by scaffolding.
Thanks for the tips. Some of them are usefull even for me who lives in Sweden :D
Extremely helpful article, even for a third time Europe traveller like me 👍
thank you!!
These are amazing tips! I would love to see a Denmark specific tips video, as I plan to travel there for an 80-day period during the winter holidays, and it will be my first time traveling internationally! I am also a NA citizen, so it'd be nice to know more travel tips for Europe/Scandinavia/Denmark.
First, let me tell you I love your tips. I just discovered you and have watched many of your videos and read your posts on your website. OMG, you talk so fast. I must keep pausing the video to write down some of the info. However, keep up the enthusiastic wealth of knowledge for all of us keen travellers to use. Thank you!!
Another great video with lots of useful information. Would love a train guide
Thanks so much for watching, Susanne!! Will definitely make a train guide in the future!
Hands down the most comprehensive video on traveling to Europe ever! Prove me wrong. I dare you 😂
THANK YOU! I just booked my car service in Hamburg through Welcome Pickups. Love getting off a long haul plane flight and not having to use my brain to contact an Uber!
thanks for sharing. Another tip is to see if there is a recent discount on the railway before traveling.
@30:23 Fun Austrian fact: In my Lower Austrian dialect, the aptly named sad gap of death (love that name, btw) is called "Schasgruabn", which directly translates to "fart trench". Yes, we do bring our loveliest language even into our bedrooms.
Also - great video. I do like that you are very respectful toward the diversity of Europe and that you try to help your fellow Americans to enjoy our corner of the earth. Safe and happy travels to you!
😂
This is hilarious! The fart trench! Saving that word to share with my travel partner when we go to Austria! 😂
Grate,very useful.
Nice video. Train videos for Germany and Switzerland and Italy would be great!
Thanks so much for watching! Will definitely do some of those in the future :)
Hi! Looking forward to watch your next video on how the train stations works in Europe? :)
Super advice
I’ll be playing it back several times lol
If you rent bikes in a city where locals use bikes a lot, don't behave like a tourist! Don't stop in the middle of the bike lane and follow the flow and stick to the traffic rules. I reared an American woman last summer because she was super slow and came to a sudden stop at an unexpected spot. Fortunately there was just some small adjustments which had to be done to the bike (my bike, not hers) after the impact.
If you visit Sweden, be prepared for nearly all payments to be done by card. Some places don't even accept cash.
Also, don't try to take your rented bike on a tram...or maybe even a bus. It's very normal in the US to take bikes on public transit, but apparently NOT normal in places that have dedicated bike roads 🤣👌. I saw some exhausted and very lost woman who tried to get on a tram with a bike in Amsterdam because she couldn't navigate the city by herself on the bike roads. The tram driver scolded her, "no, ma'am, you have a bicycle, you ride the bicycle" 😳. So, while riding a bike is great, maybe don't cut your teeth on cycling culture in a city with bike roads 👌😎.
Hey, Christina (?)
Started watching your channel today. I've traveled to Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Rim countless times in my 35 year career. I must say, even at your younger age (I'm 65), you are spot on. Watching your 101 tips,, I was going Yup, yup, yup...
You started going into newer areas with Apps, Websites, different technical tools, but I kept up. I was the paper ticket, calls to a travel agent and an AT&T calling card guy.
Nonetheless, yourtravel your tips are excellent!
Best Regards from Texas.👍
Aw thanks so much for the kind comment, Victor! Glad to hear such a seasoned traveller approves of my tips :) safe travels!
Tons of non-obvious, incredibly useful tips. Appreciate you!
Thanks so much for the kind comment!! Glad you enjoyed it 🫶
Excellent video
Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks for the tip on travel insurance. I find the ones online when booking your trip package is always so expensive.
Fantastic advice, thank you. Interested in train travel in Europe as an older solo female. Over 60 travel too.
Hi Fiona, just uploaded this video about how to take trains in Europe. Hope it helps!! th-cam.com/video/2LtZitVvECw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much.. I’m planning a Europe trip in summer because that’s when I get the longest time off as an educator. This is the most helpful on TH-cam ❤
If I had to do that I'd stick to mostly hidden gems - the off-the-beaten-path places. But I hate crowds so I like to travel during shoulder season, and these days, more and more in winter (for cheaper deals)
I’m here now 😢
The Trevi Fountain was also under renovations when we went too. Then Big Ben (years later) was also being renovated and this year I was in Paris during the Eiffel Tower strike and of course Notre Dame is still being restored. Returning in January to Paris and hoping for better luck.
Great video!!! Quick Question: what smallish cross-body bag do you like for your travel adventures?
Where is that photo taken at 15:02? Also this is a fantastic video!
Thanks for the tips, first and most needed hint is how to save money so we can go there … 😮😊❤
Nice
I think vignette is needed in some countries if you are going to use highways, but I am not sure. Buses are kind of better because they will be 100% airconditioned. Trains might have broken down air conditioning.
I live in europe (madrid, spain) but still need these tips for my solo travel in belgium and Netherlands on march 😅 . It helps a lot
Tip your waiters please!!! In Spain people DO tip, not as much as in the US but they still tip, one or two Euros per person will do and your waiters will be really glad they served you.
yes, tip!
I dunno, I was in Estonia during very lean times after they began welcoming tourists in late 2021 and there were so few tourists I wanted to leave American style tips. I just wanted to thank people for being there, feeding us and they were very kind and we got good service. A lot expressed some sadness that there weren’t many visitors coming. But I will be different I think this next trip when I go to Germany, Austria, because first, it’s way more expensive and also I think there will be plenty of tourists and I would rather not offend anyone anyway. I always leave a tip. No matter what because I don’t know everyone’s circumstances. They served me so they get a tip.
Nice ❤
I would love to see germany and austria content please😊
going to italy (maybe more) May 2024. I really like your straight forward, I am planning to take trains around, A viedo from a woman would be amazing
Just came back from a 10 day solo trip to Italy, France & Spain. Part land part MSC cruise. Pro tip::: Pack light!! I can’t express that enough. So much walking, so many stairs and uneven cobble stone terrain. It’s ok to be fashionably stylish but do dress comfortable and plan to rewear your clothes. It’s ok to wash a few outfits and wear them again. Also.. if in Italy specifically Genova. Never enter a bus without a ticket. You cannot pay on the bus. The police comes on the bus and asks for your ticket. If you don’t produce a ticket you will be forced to pay €67 later or€47 on the spot by credit card. The will not budge with tears or pleading about being an English speaking tourist. Happened to me and had I let it get to me it certainly would have ruined my trip 2 days in. For the trains make sure that if you buy your ticket at the station that you validate it at one of the many machines before boarding. If you bought it online make sure that the pass is downloaded to your wallet or you have a screenshot of it. For taxi drivers always navigate the route with them on your speakerphone or they will take you the longest route possible to Jack up the fare.
@@inthedark7059 great tips. I'm currently on an MSC transatlantic cruise on my way to Rome. I'll be there in 10 days. I think I've packed relatively light ... had to keep in mind being 16 nights on the ocean.
Excellent video with great details on the tips.
When you do the Stars on Google Maps, what do you do after you've visited the place? Do you remove it or change the category?
These are awesome tips. Love the suggestions for various apps in Europe. Could you please link the wise card referral as well? Also would love to see train/bus system in Italy, France, and Spain. Definitely not used to train travel in the US. Thanks a lot!
Hey Sammy! Glad you enjoyed it. I just uploaded a general Europe train travel video here: th-cam.com/video/2LtZitVvECw/w-d-xo.html
And here’s my Wise referral code: wise.com/invite/ih/christinag77
Thanks again for watching! :)
Country specific videos would be amazing! Thinking of doing a backpacking trip from Germany to France to London with adult kids. No idea where to start.
Great collectin of must know items, It got me to subscribe right away.
Nothing on Spain? Please tell me it is on your todo list.
Thanks, Michael!! I have a Spain video coming in two weeks. Stay tuned haha
Sending love from the Philippines. I'm hoping to travel to Europe 🇵🇭
Hope you get a chance to soon! Thanks for watching 🥰
Thanks
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!!
I’m going to Switzerland to meet my boyfriends mother so the packing tips were much appreciated 😂