The Takeaway

It's been about a month since I was in Europe, and I'm still thinking about it. While it was certainly a whirlwind...I got the chance to see most of the things I wanted to, and can add many more flags to the map of places I've been. My feet STILL hurt (especially when I first get up in the morning), but I am so glad I did what I did and the way that I did it.

When I first announced on Facebook I was doing this trip, I had more than one naysayer tell me that what I was planning was impossible--that I wouldn't have any fun, and I wouldn't have a a good experience. Wrong on all counts, losers! I had an awesome time, and since the life I lead doesn't afford me vacation days, I don't know if I will ever be able to go back and visit those places if I hadn't done it all at once. So while it may not have worked for other people who travel differently, it was perfect for me.

Here's some travel tips for you.

train/plane ettiquette:

• get into your seat quickly. don't take up the aisle while you go through all your stuff and THEN put your bag in the overhead rack/compartment. you are NOT that important (and neither is your stuff).

• armrests: do not take up the entire thing! use the front half or the back half...and DEFINITELY do not put your elbow over the armrest into my space. i WILL bump you repeatedly until you move it.

• keep the aisles clear (see #1)...that means your feet, asshole.

• PLEASE do not wear cologne/perfume on a train journey, but especially on a flight where the smell becomes overpowering!

• have your boarding pass/passport ready. don't waste time digging it out when you were standing in a line with PLENTY of time to have it ready.

• don't stand in everyone's way attempting to find the perfect spot that gets you on board more quickly. we're all gonna get there at the same time, bozo.

planning in general:

• the internet is a wonderful thing. download maps ahead of time. a lot of museums have downloadable audio guides you can have in advance as well.

• don't use your phone unless you have wifi. it is CRAZY expensive otherwise.

• mcdonald's and starbucks are beautiful places...that have free wifi when you need it :-) even when they are closed...just stand nearby.

• make little cards with phrases to use in the language of your selected cities (especially "thank you"). they appreciate the attempt.

• buy tickets to things (like museums) online in advance and save money (and time spent waiting in line).

• use public transport as much as possible (download those maps!)--buy a 24 hour card (pretty much everywhere has them and it saves you money over buying individual tickets).

• talk to people you meet (this one is hard for me)...they are fascinating.

• use airbnb instead of hotels--can't emphasize this enough. SO much less expensive...and much nicer. plus, you get a built in city expert who can answer any question you have (and you don't have to tip them like a concierge).

• no need to bring money--use your card at an atm. if you have a good debit card (like capital one), it costs you NOTHING extra--no fees, no foreign transaction nonsense. just get an odd amount (280 euro instead of 300 so you have some smaller bills) and don't take out too much at a time...because if you have to change it back to dollars, you'll lose some money. atms are everywhere. only use a credit card for LARGE purchases, because they will charge you more (and a lot of places in Europe don't take credit...only debit or cash. traveller's checks are for losers.

#ettiquette #vacation #armrests #publictransport #planning #maps