| Because the US once mighty dollar has suffered | | | | 5) Don't try to see & do too much: Try to |
| in worth against many currencies around the | | | | concentrate on experiencing only a few countries |
| world, US citizens traveling for their vacation to | | | | instead of every country in Europe. If you are on |
| Europe has become more expensive than in the | | | | a tour, consider staying no less than two nights in |
| past. I have written very practical tips on | | | | certain destinations. |
| European travel so you may have a much easier | | | | 6) Transportation: Decide on how you want to |
| time while traveling within Europe. | | | | travel within Europe. Driving offers more flexibility; |
| 1) You can exchange money in Europe the easiest | | | | it can become impractical at certain times, |
| and the most affordable way by using an | | | | depending where you are in Europe. If you are |
| automated teller machine. To be very safe, at | | | | flying, you can hire a car. You can use budget |
| your bank learn what type of charges it records | | | | airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet. |
| for using your bank card for currency exchange; | | | | 7) Security of possession awareness: to maintain |
| some banks will impose amazingly high charges. | | | | peace of mind, use a money belt or a hotel safe. |
| Let your bank know that you will be traveling in | | | | Never put all of your cash and credit cards in only |
| Europe so that their detection equipment doesn't | | | | one wallet or purse. Because if you happen to |
| block your activities. | | | | lose either one, you are in big trouble. |
| 2) Make photocopies of your passport and plane | | | | 8) Speak the language: If it's within your grasp, |
| tickets and place them in your carry-on bag, just | | | | make a fair attempt to learn a few practical |
| in case you lose something. | | | | words of the language spoken in one of the |
| 3) If you must drive during your travel in Europe, | | | | European countries you'll be visiting. |
| you will need a decent detailed map for the | | | | 9) Be flexible in your traveling schedule: For a |
| regions you will visit. Do not waste time shopping | | | | more pleasant traveling experience with no |
| for a regional map at the last minute; get it as | | | | frustrations, try to allow time to roam around and |
| soon as possible before leaving home. | | | | to relish a carefree lunch. It's a great idea to |
| 4) Buy a new guidebook: A new guidebook of the | | | | develop an itinerary in order to experience more |
| countries you will be visiting will be very useful. | | | | of Europe. On the other hand, you can still be |
| You'll practical information such as when certain | | | | flexible. |
| sights are open and close, phone numbers. Dot | | | | 10) Book your accommodation in advance: why? |
| not buy an outdated guidebook; you'll be | | | | You will avoid wasting a lot of time searching |
| frustrated and lose precious time. | | | | from one hotel to another for an available room. |