10 Do's and Don'ts When Touring Europe

We have all had those awkward moments that make us squirm a little. Remember that time you lunged in for a hug but were met with a rigid outstretched hand? Or that time when you turned up to a party completely underdressed, embarrassedly looking down at your shoes wishing the ground below them would swallow you up? Well, the unknown is tenfold overseas! Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to help you prepare for your tour of Europe.

Do: Research your destinations

Look into the destinations outlined in your itinerary before you go. It will help you to hit the ground running and know what excursions you might choose without having to make a rushed decision on tour. And you can always change your mind when you get there!

Do: Dress appropriately

Europeans tend to dress well, so pack some nice outfits particularly for dinners out or for special occasions. Research cultural etiquettes for the regions you are visiting and make sure you are covered appropriately when visiting significant sites, particularly places of worship.

Do: Look into money matters

While the Euro is predominantly used, many countries have retained their independent currency – check what you will need for your journey. Credit cards are widely accepted; however, carry some cash with you particularly for smaller purchases, tipping, and when visiting smaller towns and islands. Make sure you have change for public restrooms where entry is paid.

Do: Learn some local lingo

When travelling Europe, it is always handy to have some phrases in the local language up your sleeve. While you are likely to find English speakers everywhere you go, it is appreciated if you try some native tongue. It is also part of the fun!

Do: Step out on your own

If your travel companions choose to spend their time doing one thing and you really want to do something else (be it a tour excursion or free time) then be brave and follow your heart’s desire. Don’t forsake ticking off a bucket-list moment because others have chosen to do something different.

Don’t: Be scared to try new things

Travel is all about trying new things. Taste the frog legs in France, give salsa dancing a go in Spain, or order the salted cod in Portugal. The beauty of being on a tour is that your guide can let you in on the local secrets, so you can have truly authentic experiences. Don’t miss out!

Don’t: Overpack

You will find cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks which make wheeling a large suitcase difficult. A lot of hotels and train stations don’t have elevators, so it is a good idea to pack only what you can carry. Porterage may be taken care of on your tour, but it is best to be prepared and still much easier to travel as lightly as possible. This will also help keep your possessions safe when moving around.

Don’t: Be late

Travelling on a tour means all the logistics are taken care of so you can sit back and enjoy your holiday. The carefully curated itinerary and seamless scheduling is the result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes, so it goes without saying that being on time to meeting points is the best way to respect your fellow travellers and tour guides.

Don’t: Sit down in a café

You will often find a service charge applied or included in your bill if you choose to sit in a café rather than downing your espresso and pastry at the counter. Take a table to rest your feet if you need but check to see what you will be paying for the convenience.

Don’t: Rush your holiday

Remember that in much of Western Europe things slow down after lunch and many shops close for ‘siesta time’. Dinner is also generally served later across Europe and tends to be a drawn-out affair. Take the opportunity to relax and just enjoy being on holidays – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!