Europe FAQ's

[wilson49332]

Frequently asked questions:

1. Is Europe safe?
YES!! Europe is nothing but America senior for the most part. The water is safe to drink, all of the amenities we have here are in Europe. Do you like Mcdonalds, BK, etc. They got it. Walmart fanatic? Yup- our culture has brought Walmarts to the other side of the big
pond. For the most part- its safe. Its just like America however, if you go looking for trouble- you can find it. Be safe, use common sense. While the drinking age is usually 16-18+, Europeans dont look to kindly to drunk people. Watch it! Can I go to a bar or pub at night- sure. But a few tips if you do. One- dont get drunk alone- or at all if you can. If you do, stay close to the hostel. Always have identification as well. Make copies of all of your information such as your passport just in case you loose it- it WILL make it much easier to get a new one from an embassy. Know your rights if you get in trouble- and always make a call to the local US embassy. Bring a phone that works to Europe. Most US phones are world/tri-band capable. Ask your carrier. If it has a sim card in it, you can bring it to any cell phone store and get a new sim card loaded with pre-paid minutes on it for around 20-50 bucks US. Its always good to have, and you can call home. Otherwise buy a pre-paid phone and minutes for around 60 bucks.

-Internet? YES. They come in the form of either free internet at hostels, to wireless at many major universities and coffee shops, to internet cafes where you pay around 1.50US an hour to use the internet. Thats not an issue there.
-Dont bring a laptop. Its one more thing that can get stolen. One primary issue Americans have is with theft. Lock your stuff with both a zipper lock and a luggage lock that will tie to a bed pole.
-Keep money in the form of credit if possible. Nobody wants to steal cards. Keep wallets in the front pocket- pickpockets are very efficient in Europe.
-Dont advertise that your a tourist. Try to fit in as much as possible. That means no large maps, the pocket sized ones work fine.

2. What are the best ways to get to Europe?
Well- the cheapest places to fly out of are New York, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. Pretty much common sense- the East coast is closest. If you can try one of two things:
-Get a ticket to London, then fly on Easy Jet/ Ryan Air, etc.... to the mainland. London is generally the cheapest bet to Europe, then add around 100-150 for the additional flight to the mainland. Fly in on a Wednesday or midweek to save more.
-Get a ticket from your local airport to New York, or those named above, then a second ticket to Europe. Make sure you allow enough time at customs to get to the internationals gate however.
-Try to drive to a larger airport. IE- you live in Madison, Wisconsin. Drive to Chicago or Minneapolis rather than flying out of Madison. Thats the usual anyways. Just make sure the gas costs is worth the drive.
Try Canada. Zoom Airlines (flyzoom.com) Air Transat (airtransat.com) and Air Canada are usually cheapest in Toronto. Its generally cheaper there due to a lower tax rate on flights, and more budget airlines that the US seems to strongly appose.
Plan on around 800 from the East Coast major cities peak, 500 off-peak. Plan on around 1100 from the East coast non major cities and midwest major cities peak, 700 off-peak.
Plan on around 1000 peak west coast major cities peak, 700-800 off-peak for a flight.


3. How do I save money in Europe?
Stay in hostels. Hotels are expensive.
Skip breakfast- most hostels offer the barebones anyways.
Use tourist passes in many cities to skip lines (ques)
Buy food at a supermarket and cook at the hostel- feel more like a European that way anyways

4. How long should I spend at each destination?
Well of course that is up to you. The larger cities generally plan on 3-4 days. The smaller cities around 1-2 should be sufficient.

5. What do I need to bring with me?
Check this out for more on that:
[link]

6. What should I plan to spend in Europe?
That depends on where you plan to go. London is usually the most costly city due to the exchange rate and taxes etc. Plan on around 70 a day in London. Most cities, you can get by with around 50-60 including: Hostel (around 30 a night), meals (2), and transportation around the city for the day (5 bucks). All prices in USD. What you do with the rest is up to you- you can spend a lot on souvenirs and also each travel attraction you visit, then again you may spend none at all on free attractions- buy a guidebook- there are plenty of places to see for free if your on a tight budget and are in Europe just to say you have been there.



7. How do I get more information about Europe- travel guides etc?
Well you can check this link out for more information on that:
[link]


8. How does the Eurail Work?
Check this link for more information on that:
[link]
Its complicated, but ask questions and we can help if you want to know which pass is best suited for your travel needs.

9. 5 absolute must visit cities in Europe are....
Well these are just my thoughts but: Paris, Rome, London, Munich, and Vienna in no order.
Others to consider are: Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Salzburg (Austria), Florence (Italy).

10. What about the money situation in Europe?
Most of Europe uses the Euro. Plan on a rough exchange rate of around 1 euro to $1.70 US, so about 3/4 the amount back. England uses the Pound Sterling, which you can plan on around $2.00US to 1 pound- so half your money back. Thats why England is so expensive- well it is in general anyways.


11. Will the language barrier be an issue?
NO. Most Europeans speak English quite well, especially the children. When in doubt, ask a cop or tourist agent such as a ticket seller. They usually speak it fluently. Try as much as possible to use the native language though, you will get respect quicker and also have more of a chance of not being lied to. Besides, they find it funny how badly we mess their language up- so why not try be as European as you can. Its what you are there for anyways right?


Misc Other Tidbits:
Plan on long lines in the summer, especially in August when most Europeans take their vacations. It is hot in southern Europe- so dress accordingly. Churches in Europe are plentiful- take your pick. Dont wear shorts in them however! There is NO Air Conditioning and most places NO elevators- sorry guys. Dont plan to eat much beef- its expensive and hard to find- even at the fast food places. Water is expensive, especially in Germany where beer is cheaper. NO REFILLS! Dont order FRENCH fries in France lol.


More? Ask them in a reply or a pm! I will post them as you ask them- no question is stupid here, most people are thinking the same thing. Ask before you go- its what we are here for!