I’m lucky enough to have traveled through a good chunk of Europe but I remember back to studying abroad in Spain and how many things I wish I did differently on that trip. Every time I go across the pond, I pick up a new trick (or regret) and I am happy to share them all with you. Here are some things I wish I had known the first time I had traveled through Europe.
Table of Contents
Leave the Birkenstock shoes at home
If you don’t hate on Birks at the very least for the nerdy socks and sandals aesthetic, hate on them for causing me to slip and slide on every cobblestone street. It made me fear for my life in a new way.
Leave room in your suitcase
The shopping in Europe is amazing. I seldom come back without having a few new pieces for my closet. And, the fashion in Europe, makes me hate my closet at home so I usually do a big clear-out when I come home anyhow.
Figure out your cellphone plan before you arrive
It was a nightmare trying to figure out the SIM cards in a foreign country. Instead, opt for a plan you can get while still back home or see if there is an international service you can use for data.
No one drinks water
I know I look like a tourist when I lug my big water bottle around but I don’t mind if it means I’m hydrated.
You usually have to pay to use the bathrooms, even public ones.
If you ask me, this is one thing that Europe is very outdated about. Finding a public water fountain or toilet is a Lord of the Rings-style quest in Europe. And, then when you do, they want two Euros. I guess it’s a small price to pay when you need to pee but still! (Also, “WC” is short for bathroom, which took me a minute to catch on to…)
💶 Tipping is different in every country. In general, tipping is not common practice in Europe, but it does vary by country so I would recommend looking up the tipping culture of your destination ahead of time.
💳 Pay with card. When I first went to Europe, I paid for everything with cash and would sometimes pay crazy ATM fees to take money out. Now, I think about all those points I lost out on but I was young and was still afraid to use a credit card. Luckily, I know better now.
Hope this helps any of you planning on a Eurotrip this summer!