Avoid These Common Travel Mistakes: 11 Do’s & Don’ts for Travel in Europe
- Max Travel Abroad
- Sep 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7
by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC
Planning a trip to Europe? Here’s your essential guide of travel tips, including do's and don'ts for first-time travelers. From tipping etiquette to surviving the lack of ice in your soda, these tips will help you travel like a pro.
Do’s and Don’ts for Traveling in Europe: The Ultimate Guide and tips for Americans
Traveling in Europe is exciting—but let’s be real, it’s also a little different than what we’re used to in the States. Whether it’s ordering tap water (spoiler: it’s a thing) or figuring out why your floor numbering is all backwards, here are my best **do’s and don’ts** to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
DO Enjoy the Differences
Europe is a wonderland of cultural quirks, so embrace them! When you’re at a Swiss Lindt store and they ask you how many grams of chocolate you want, don’t panic. Forget pounds and ounces—they’ve got it down to a science with grams, and they take chocolate pretty seriously. When you accept these little differences, you’ll start seeing the charm in everything from the smaller personal space to the metric system.
DO Use Cash, Not Just Cards
It’s handy to have cash, Euros, when you’re visiting small shops, cafés, or markets. Some businesses might not accept cards at all, or they’ll charge you extra for using one. Keep a few Euros in your pocket for easy transactions—trust me, you don’t want to be that tourist digging for their credit card in a cash-only café.
Max Travel Abroad Travel Tip: Don't bring US cash to exchange during your trip - exchange kiosks are expensive, instead use your ATM card.
DO Pay for the Bathroom (Yes, Really)
Speaking of Euros, keep some coins handy because you’ll need them for the WC. Public restrooms often charge around 50 cents to a full Euro. You’ll sometimes find an attendant at the door collecting coins or a turnstile where you drop in your money. Pro tip: If it’s a turnstile, it’ll usually spit out a ticket that gives you a discount at the gift shop or café. So, not only do you get to answer nature’s call, but you also get a deal!
DO Brush Up on Local Etiquette
Learn a few key phrases, like “Grüß Gott” in Austria, or just make an effort to greet people politely wherever you go. Europeans tend to be a bit more formal than Americans, so a friendly hello and a smile go a long way. Plus, nothing says “I’m trying” like tossing out a well-meaning “thank you” in the local language—even if it’s a bit butchered!
DO Expect to Pay the Waiter Directly
In Europe, paying at the table is common. Once your meal’s over, the waiter will come by to settle the bill with you directly. Don’t leave your tip on the table—it’s better to hand it over when you’re paying. Leaving money behind can be considered impolite. You’ll thank me later when you avoid the awkward “oh no, was that rude?” moment.
DO Travel Light—Like, Really Light
Trust me on this one: “Bring half the clothes and twice the money.” It’s advice that keeps getting passed down for a reason. You don’t need as much as you think, and let’s face it, shopping in Europe for that *perfect* outfit is part of the fun!
DON’T Expect Ice—Or Enjoy Warm Soda
🚫 Forget about free refills and ice-filled drinks—in Europe, it’s just not a thing. Even at McDonald's, you’ll have to request ice, and it’s rarely included by default. places like McDonald’s, it’s optional, and while it seems like you’re getting more soda without it, the reality hits when you’re sipping lukewarm Coke ten minutes later.
✅ Pro Tip: If you love ice-cold drinks, ask for your soda “with ice” or stick to bottled beverages. Ice in drinks is rare in Europe.
DON’T Expect Familiar Soda Brands
If you thought coffee people were particular, just wait until you get hit with the soda situation in Europe. Coke Light and Coke Zero are more common than Diet Coke, and forget about Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew! Instead, expect European sodas like Austria’s Almdudler, which is refreshing but nothing like what you’re used to back home. And good luck finding fresh brewed iced tea—you’re probably looking at a bottle of Nestea if you’re lucky!
DON’T Mix Up the Floors
In Europe, the ground floor is Floor 0 or marked E (for Erdgeschoss). So, when the elevator says you’re on Floor 1, that’s what we’d call the second floor in the States. You’ll figure it out quickly, but save yourself some frustration by remembering this little trick when checking into your hotel. It’s not complicated, just quirky!
DON’T Travel Without a Coin Wallet
Since the smallest Euro bill is a 5, you’ll rack up lots of 1 and 2 Euro coins—especially because you’ll need them for things like the bathroom (yes, really). A coin wallet or pockets are essential, or you’ll find yourself with coins jingling in every direction.
DON’T ask for the “Bathroom”
When you ask for a bathroom, remember to ask for the “WC” (water closet) or “toilet.” Otherwise, they might think you need an actual bath! The concept of bathrooms is more straightforward here, and sometimes the sinks are tiny and separate from the toilet. It’s just how they roll.
DON’T Forget to Keep Your Cash and Cards Safe
Europe is one of the safest places to travel, but that doesn’t mean you should walk around with all your cash and cards on you. Carry only what you need for the day, along with one credit card and an ID (like your driver’s license, or Passport Card), leaving the rest in a secure spot.
Max Travel Abroad Travel TIP: Want to avoid all these little mishaps and focus on the fun stuff? Let us handle the details while you relax and enjoy your European adventure!
By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll navigate Europe like a pro. There’s nothing like traveling with a little insider knowledge to make your experience that much smoother—and more enjoyable!
🎒 Ready to explore Europe stress-free?
Let Max Travel Abroad handle the details while you enjoy the adventure! Contact us today for expert travel planning.
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