General European Must-Haves and Should-Knows
Must-Haves and Should-Knows?
Are you ready for a European Adventure? A short vacation? Some relief from a claustrophobic Trump-filled nightmare? Have no fear; I am here to help you navigate foreign unknowns... This post includes a guide to prepare for an abroad experience before you leave and during your travels.
Prep for the Plane and First Arrival
Are you leaving America or traveling between European countries? Here is what to include in your bag.
Obvious Necessities:
1. Passport
2. Printed/On-Phone Boarding Pass
-Some airlines (RyanAir) will wanted a printed version to be marked at check-in.
3. CAS Letter Or Student Document
-For study abroaders, you will need this special doc to exit/enter different countries especially since you are not from the EU (European Union).
Less Obvious:
1. Currency From Destination
-Sometimes it may be the only currency accepted on the plane/train to buy snacks. It is also a good idea to have on you for public transport, ALWAYS take out currency at the airport of your final destination because you never know if your cards will work or only cash will be accepted.
2. Money Belt
-Look up the crime rate to see if this may be a good idea to have in the airport and/or in the country.
3. Outlet Converter And Portable Charger
-Keep one on you it is never a good idea to be without power in a foreign country. It makes for easy on the go charging as you over-snapchat your experience (like me) and are constantly GPSing around a confusing city.
4. Translation App
-You could use a fancy app, google translate if you have internet access, or that fancy app that will translate words from pictures you take. Do not worry much though most popular cities and Euro-destinations have tons of fluent English speakers wherever you go.
5. Headphones
-Good for travel, easy and light for long plane and bus rides or in-city public transport where you sometimes do not have internet (under the ground).
6. Gum
-For planes of course, keep those ears unclogged.
7. Pen
-For landing cards.
8. Lock
-Depending on your living plans, hotels and hostels may provide an area to lock possessions but not the actual lock. You do not want to leave your laptop in a hostel in a foreign countries whose crime rate may vary and whose occupants you do not know.
9. Towel
Depending on your living plans, often hostels do not provide towels so always make sure to bring one on smaller trips if you are unsure.
10. Plastic Ziplock Bag
-In my experience of European travel, all liquids must go in a clear plastic bag through airport security. Save yourself the time and energy of reopening your unchecked bag to sort using the extra bags provided and do it in your home packing process.
11. SLEEP ON THE PLANE
-No matter where you are going this is to your advantage! If you are about to face a large time difference, it is a good idea to acclimate to that difference by following the sleeping patterns of the country when you land, so some shut-eye right before is your secret weapon to maximize the fun to come.
To Do Before Leaving Home (Murica or Foreign)
1. Check Tipping Custom
-Most countries in Europe do not tip (it is included in prices you’re paying already) but some tip small amounts or when in large groups.
2. Learn The Lingo
-Google a few common words or phrases like “hello, thank you, excuse me and bathroom,” as well as other words or customs you may find helpful.
3. Check The Weather
-Minimize the mystery and pack according to weather, pack less and air on the side of packing less. Follow the phrase, “when in doubt leave it out.”
4. Tell Credit Card Company You Are Traveling
-Before leaving America; tell them you will be primarily in one area but going all throughout Europe.
5. Look Up Public Transport/Passes/Cards
-It is a good idea to have a plan for travel in a foreign city, especially if you do not speak the language. This makes for a less hectic travel experience and wastes less time.
6. Download Citymapper, Specific Travel App
-Maps or google maps work great to get around if you have internet. Different undergrounds, train systems, metros or buses often have free apps allowing you to map out your “journey” by plugging in a beginning and final destination or station.
7. Fast Transport: Download Uber Or Lyft
-Having a reliable way to get home after nights out or in case of emergency is important. Random taxies may be dangerous and held to very different standards than in America. Companies you know well are often the safest and cheapest means of fast travel.
8. Decide Item To Collect!
-Many people who go abroad decide to collect a specific souvenir from each of the countries they visit. Try to narrow down your choice before you leave so as not to miss collecting from every destination. Think about how many places you will visit and how much money you would spend getting your item that many times. Examples include pins, scarves, shot glasses, postcards etc.
Day-to-Day Essentials
1. Water Bottle
-Many Americans are discouraged by the infrequent still water provided at eating establishments. Save a few bucks and carry a water bottle throughout your travel where it will either be limited or costly.
2. Cash, Cards, ID, Student ID
-Europeans love their outdoor markets which often do not take cards. Many places will not let you charge on a card for small amounts of money. ID is needed for buying alcohol and getting into clubs, and student discounts are all over the place.
3. Keys
-You guys can infer this one.
4. Layers
-Even if the weather is cool be sure to wear layers because public transport may be heated *cough no air conditioning cough* throughout much of Europe.
5. Public Transport Tickets/Cards
-Europeans use public transport like we use cars; constantly and consistently. You never know when you might be getting on something and it was probably already your plan so be sure to stick to cards and tickets like glue.
6. Camera
-If it is a short trip then definitely. If it is your home country for a semester or longer, leave it up to your discretion. But it you are going to a world famous castle, church or location it is probably safe to bring it along.
7. Portable Charger/Phone Charger
-If you are in a country for a few days I would say keep it on you but again if you live there keep it with you until you have learned to judge various trips and normal daily routine just in case.
What to Wear
The general thought process to European style is “dress up,” or dress fancier in your day-to-day wear. However, it is a good idea to read up on your specific country because they all differ slightly and of course style is always evolving. Indulge on all the internet has to offer. Here are some general tips I found useful while abroad. Keep in mind I was mostly in London and not in warmer locations.
1. Europeans Wear Backpacks
-Purses and backpacks are both appropriate, but so many people have them you will find yourself craving one eventually. Backpacks prove extremely useful in carrying more items than purses in addition to being a trend. They are also more male-friendly. Smallish or medium-sized canvas and leather bags are the trend.
2. Neutral Colors
-Europeans do not wear many logos, and often have a clean look because they wear many neutral or solid colored clothing.
3. Makeup
-The dressier theme abroad combined with almost-daily photo-shoots in famous and historical locations calls for a layer cosmetics. I am a girl who generally wears eyeliner only and found myself buying lipstick and applying mascara daily. Europeans do not overdo it but apply enough to showcase the fact they are wearing makeup: a clean, natural look with some radical winged eyeliner. The key is mature, not messy.
4. No Obvious Rain Gear
-Raincoats and rain boots are non-existent. In keeping with the dressier fashions, people mostly wear items that can be both cute and water resistant. Rubber boots made to look like fashionable booties are the go-to, umbrellas appear in cities, but most just seem to stand the precipitation.
5. No Flip-Flops or Shorts
-Besides near beaches, Europeans tend not to wear these items even if temperatures permit, because they almost never do normally. This is at least the case in northern countries and in winter months.
6. Scarves
-Boys and girls alike wear them. They can dress up any outfit and can be essential for both warmth and fashion.
7. Cute Running Shoes
-One of the funniest fashions by far I observed in Europe was hip, trendy outfits worn with tennis shoes. It seems that all the walking people do in these countries translates directly to their sense of practical fashion.
8. Sweats Do Not Exist
-Sure, wear them to bed, but on the streets of London and many other cities they were nowhere to be found. They definitely do not fit the "smart causal" style of everyday London dress.
9. Cover Those Legs (Ladies)
-People are known to wear cute skirts and dresses daily, but will absolutely always wear tights. This is the only option unless you are wearing jeans “denim,” or long pants “trousers.”
10. Denim And Leather
There are two fashionable fabrics that Europeans cannot get enough of. Jean jackets or leather jackets complete any outfit, and leather accents find their way into cute "going-out" outfits. The idea of "double denim," wearing denim pants and a jacket of the same color, is controversial. But, feel free to rock that blue denim jacket with your favorite pair of black jeans...you will match about half the population around you.
11. Men's Fashion
-Sorry guys, I was a little less observant when it came to male outfit choices but the general dress is, you guessed it, up. Slacks and button downs, sweaters and cardigans, no shorts, fix your hair, stylish trench coats, etc. Boat shoes or Sperrys are a no. Think "dressing for an interview."
Miscellaneous
1. Give Yourself Way Too Much Extra Time For Travel
-You never know when a train delay will strike or an airport will be more crowded than you anticipated. Endless parts could go wrong and unexpected surprises are a constant when abroad…but do not worry you will make it!
2. How Do I Pee???
-Find a friendly, familiar chain restaurant like McDs, Burger King, KFC etc. Sometimes they charge, but it is better than nothing take my word for it.
