Here are some
recommendations and tips to help travelers to Europe prepare their trips &
enjoy them safely.
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Currency: For our British Isles trip: Euros are used in Amsterdam, Ireland (except for Northern Ireland), and Belgium. British Pounds (pound sterling, GBP) are used in Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland, and Liverpool. In Guernsey (St. Peter Port), the currency is the Guernsey Pound, but they will accept the British Pound there. (Tip: If you exchange currency for the Guernsey Pound, it will likely not be accepted anywhere except Guernsey). Ken and I generally get
some Euros before leaving home, but we also use ATMs in Europe (where the
exchange rate is better). American
Express cards are not as widely accepted as they are in the U.S., but Visa and
MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere.
Be sure to have a four digit PIN number.
Most
ATMs in Europe, as well as subway token dispensers, require a
credit/debit
card with an embedded chip. Make sure that you travel with a credit card that has a chip.
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Notify your credit card company
that you will be in Europe & which countries you will be visiting.
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Make copies of your passports and
credit cards. Leave one copy with family or friends. Take a photo with your cell phone for your records.
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Pickpockets are common throughout Europe, especially
in tourist areas. Do not keep a wallet
in your back pocket; wear a secure money holder.
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Toilets: In Europe the bathrooms
(or WCs aka water closets) can be a challenge. Always have a few coins of local
currency with you, as you may be charged for the privilege of using the
WC. Of course, my favorite option is to
locate a cafe, pub, trattoria, or bistro and stop for a glass of local wine,
beer, or caffe & then there is no charge for the WC! You may find a toilet seat or you may find a
trough type toilet that you are supposed to squat over. If you are lucky, you
will find toilet paper, but often as not, you must provide your own. I always
carry a small pouch of Kleenex with me for this purpose. Once you complete your
business, it can be a challenge figuring out how to flush the toilet. You may
have to push, pull or wiggle any type of handle you can find within arm’s (or
leg’s) reach.
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Check with your insurance company to make sure your medical insurance covers out of
country expenses.
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Internet service: Internet cafes are inexpensive & easy to
locate. Wi-Fi is generally available at
McDonald’s restaurants worldwide.
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Cell phone: if you plan to use one, check with your
provider regarding international calls.
We purchased an international cell phone online from Mobal. The cost of an
international phone is as low a $29 and there are no further fees or charges
unless you make or receive calls. Note
that some of the Mobal phones will not work within the U.S. and calling rates are reasonable.
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Clothing: Comfortable shoes are a must. You could walk a lot and there are many
cobblestone streets throughout Europe. In cathedrals, knees & shoulders should be
covered; open-toe shoes and sandals are fine.
I pack a light weight shawl in my backpack.
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Baggage Allowance: Check with your airline; most airlines allow
each passenger one personal item (such as a purse), one carry-on, and one checked bag of up to 50 pounds.
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Packing: What
to wear for the overseas flight? Be comfortable as what you wear will
also be
your jammies for the night! Wear layers
so that when you arrive at your destination you can be comfy there too!
(Your hotel room may not be ready). Wear shoes that are easy to remove
when going
through airport security. I generally
take a large purse as well as a backpack for my carryon, in addition to my large lightweight piece of luggage to check.
Be sure to pack your medications, jewelry, airline tickets, passports,
camera & accessories, laptop, Ipad, and other valuables in your
purse or
carry-on. Take a book to read and
eyeglasses; don’t forget your sunglasses! Mark
your checked luggage well with colored tape, ribbon, etc. so that you
can
easily identify it & be sure that your name & address
information is on
the bag. Don’t take good jewelry; it’s fun to purchase locally made
jewelry as
souvenirs.
Electricity
Your stateroom will have 110/220AC outlets; so you won't need any adapters while onboard.
In hotels: Bathroom
sockets are usually for razors only. In Europe, most voltage is 220-240, whereas
the common voltage in the United States is 110. Therefore, you will want to bring
a converter with you to prevent burning out your personal items or tripping the
circuit. A converter is an electronic device designed to reduce 220 volts to
110 volts for small electrical items (hairdryers, irons, phones, etc.). You
will also need an adapter to enable your American plug to fit into a foreign
outlet. You may need to switch your adapter when changing countries (electrical
outlets vary throughout Europe). Adapter and/or converter kits that include a
range of plugs can be purchased at electrical supply stores. Kits can also be
found at most Wal-Mart, Target, etc. stores.
Remember “The World is a
book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
St. Augustine
