A quick checklist of dos and donts, tips and tricks if you’re travelling to Europe for the first time.
Travelling to a foreign land is exciting for most travellers. People save their hard earned money so that they could take that dream vacation they had been planning for and come back with great memories. But the same feeling can be overwhelming for others. Toursscope Holidays will not only make your trip to Europe hassle free but also prepare you for any unwarranted situation that may possibly occur. Here’s a quick checklist of everything you must know if you’re travelling to Europe for the first time.
Be Vigilant
Toursscope Holidays can take care of your entire trip but you are responsible for your own safety. No matter which part of the world you’re travelling to, it is advisable to take care of your belongings and always keep your guard on. The foremost thing you must do while travelling to Europe is to get a local sim card as soon soon as you land and make yourself communicable in case of an emergency. There are lots of plans to choose from and we highly recommend it because its cheaper than getting an international roaming card from India, which in most cases and from our own personal experiences we have learnt, may not work.
Use Of Local Transport
We recommend using local transport like buses or metro/tube as they are a great way and relatively cheaper to get around and explore the place because you get to see, observe and know things that you otherwise won’t. In Europe, local cabs and taxi services work as per meter and they’re much cheaper than the ones you book through hotels. Opt for local cabs and taxis, in case ease and comfort is your thing or if you’re travelling with children or older family members, who find it difficult to hop-on and off the buses and trains, and need to commute hassle free.
Avoid Buying From Roadside Vendors
One thing you need to be extra careful of are the roadside/street vendors outside monuments or any other place of interest, selling stuff. Resist the temptation. Our local guide asked us to steer clear of such vendors at all cost no matter how much their products or they try to lure you. We, in no way are judging them as someone who can potentially cheat you, but then, you wouldn’t know who may? In some European countries it is even considered illegal. and we wouldn’t want you to get into any kind of trouble. There are dedicate markets for everything, even thrift stores and duty free stores. It is better to shop from there.
Ask Before Clicking Pictures
It’s great fun to click and get clicked with living statues or street performers. You would find them outside museums or at public places in many European countries. But should you be doing that? Of course you should, BUT not without their permission. Living statues make a living out of the tips that tourists give in return of pictures they click with them, and the same goes for street performers/artists, which is not more than 10 Euros. But if you click pictures before checking with them or settling for an amount, be ready to shell out a hefty sum.
Learn Local Language
No, we don’t want you to take language classes before you travel to Europe. That would be going too far. But do google some basic words and phrases and try to memorise them to communicate with the locals. Whether you visit France or Switzerland, Italy or Spain, Europeans love their mother tongue and prefer it over English. And they’ll appreciate if you respect that aspect of their culture. Toursscope Holidays would suggest you to give your louder self some rest. Be calm, stay polite and you’ll have the most amazing time, no matter which part of Europe you are in.
Been to Europe? We would love to hear your experience. Share it in the comments section.