Episode 72: Essential Europe Travel Tips

Embark on a European adventure with none other than Alessia Tenebruso, your trusted guide from One Girl Travel, as she unpacks the must-know tips and tricks for US tourists trekking across the pond. Did you know your spare change could be your gateway to restroom relief, or that asking for ice in your drink isn't the norm? Join us for these eye-opening revelations, as we explore the European landscape of public amenities, restaurant peculiarities, and the intricate dance of tipping etiquette. Alessia lays out the practical knowledge you'll need to avoid faux pas and embrace the quirks of European culture, transforming potential trip hurdles into anecdotes you'll recount for years.

As we chart the course through Europe's beautiful maze, you'll gain insights into local customs like the siesta that might find you in front of closed shop doors if you're not careful. Tune in as Alessia shares wisdom on navigating meal times, the power of polite language proficiency, and the essentials for any tech-savvy traveller. From your morning espresso to your evening stroll through historic streets, this episode is packed with practical advice to elevate your European exploits. With Alessia's guidance, you're set to craft an unforgettable journey filled with the confidence of a seasoned traveler.

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Chapters

• 0:00 European Travel Tips for US Tourists
• 5:30 European Travel Tips & Group Trip

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Welcome to the One Girl Travel Podcast, episode number 72.

Speaker 2: 0:05

Welcome to the One Girl Travel Podcast, your passport to the world of solo travel with certified life and travel coach, alessia Tenebruso. Join Alessia as she shares her own journey of self-discovery through solo travel, while also focusing on topics such as life coaching insights and travel tips along the way. Now here's your host, alessia Tenebruso.

Speaker 1: 0:31

Hello, my friends, and welcome to episode number 72 of the One Girl Travel Podcast. Today I want to talk to you about something that you might not be thinking of when you're ready to book a trip to Europe. So I know you're going to look up the basics, right, like where to go eat, what sightseeing to do, the hotel, the area, all of that. But there's some things that I realized when planning the first one girl travel trip to Italy that people overlook, and especially for Europe travel, you might not think of these things. So that's what I'm sharing with you today, so let's get into it. So the first topic I want to talk to you about are public restrooms. In the US, we are spoiled by our abundance of free public restrooms, but when you go to Europe, keep in mind that restrooms are not readily available and when they are, you most likely need to pay a fee to use them. Now, it's only maybe half a euro or a euro, but keep that in mind to have coins on you so you can access these restrooms. And on the topic of restrooms, when you use a European restroom, there may not be a seat for you to use. So work on your squatting skills, work out those thigh muscles. Make sure that you can hover over the European toilet because there's no seat there, or you might need to use some tissues because there might not be any paper. I came across many toilets while in Italy that did not have any toilet paper available or anything to dry my hands. So make sure you have a travel packet of tissues on you wet wipes, whatever you need to make sure that when you go to the bathroom, you don't have any issues. Now, I know this isn't something that you would really think about, so that's why it's important for you to remember this when you go, because you don't want any surprises, especially for something like using a restroom. If you go into a bar or a cafe, you might be required to purchase something before you can even use their restroom or, like I said, you might need to pay something to use the public restrooms.

Speaker 1: 2:47

My next reminder is for you water drinkers. Now, I drink a ton of water when I go to restaurants in the US, and water is always available. They might ask you if you want tap or still or sparkling water, but in Europe, they're going to assume that you want to purchase a bottle of water. So if you do not want to purchase a bottle of water, you need to let them know that you want tap water and again, they're not going to bring it to you automatically. This isn't something that's just given to you. You need to request it and you need to specify what kind of water you would like.

Speaker 1: 3:24

Also, ice. Again, we're so spoiled when it comes to ice. You go to a hotel in the US and we have ice machines everywhere, on every floor. In Europe there are no ice machines. You do not get served ice with your drinks, unless it's a cocktail. But if you order a soda or a water, it is very, very rare that you will receive ice with your drinks. So keep that in mind Again, specify what you are looking for. They will accommodate you the best that they can, but just know that in your hotel you are not going to get ice for your room. They might be nice and give you a glass of ice or something, but they are not going to hand over a bucket of ice like we have in the States.

Speaker 1: 4:07

The next tip is actually about tipping etiquette. So, again, in the US we customarily will tip 20% based on the service we receive. But the tipping culture will vary across Europe and in some countries, like France, a service charge is included in the bill. I actually came across this in Italy as well. They don't tell you this. You have to look at the receipt and check if there's a service charge on there. If it is, then you can always add on an additional tip if you love the service you received, but if not, you just pay the service charge. I would really recommend researching the tipping customs before you go. That way you're prepared and you just know what the etiquette is when you're there. But in Italy tipping is also not mandatory, but it was appreciated. Every time I tipped my driver or, you know, the guy handling my bags or the restaurant, they always appreciated it and a lot of times they look for it too. So they know that tourists are used to tipping, so they are looking for a tip most of the time. Again, use your judgment. Make sure that the service you received matches the tip that you're providing them. But it is always nice and appreciated to tip, but make sure you're not double tipping when that charge is already on your bill.

Speaker 1: 5:30

The next thing to keep in mind are meal times. European meal times can be quite different from what you're used to in the States, lunch is typically eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm, while dinner is served later. Don't be surprised when a restaurant isn't open for dinner until after 6 pm. Typically, dinner is served around 7 pm. Typically, dinner served around 7 pm, 8 pm or later. We had many dinners in Italy that began at 8 pm and didn't end until after 10. So, and we saw people coming in even later around 9-ish, 10-ish so they eat late. Be prepared for that and make sure you have a snack available if you get hungry at the times that do not coincide with what's available for you in the country you're visiting.

Speaker 1: 6:15

Speaking of business times, I also want you to keep in mind that opening hours vary through Europe as well. So many of the shops and businesses in Europe might close for a few hours in the afternoon, especially in the smaller towns. So you've probably heard the phrase a siesta and the word siesta, and in some countries they do follow that, and don't be surprised when you try to go shopping at 3 pm and the store is closed. So keep that in mind. Also, the restaurants will close for a few hours as well. Again, just make sure you look at the times ahead of time before booking or before just showing up at the restaurant. It is best to just book ahead. That way you can make sure that the times that you want are the times you get.

Speaker 1: 7:01

My next tip is the language barrier. You most likely are not going to learn a new language before you travel, but it is appreciated that you learn a few common phrases, just so you can show that you do have manners when you're there. But it is appreciated that you learn a few common phrases just so you can show that you do have manners when you're there and you can show that you're trying. Don't worry if you're saying it wrong. They'll appreciate that you even put the effort in to learn it. But learn a few phrases. Hello, goodbye, how are you? Thank you, you're welcome. You might want to ask where something is, but you don't have to go crazy with it.

Speaker 1: 7:34

I do recommend trying to learn a new language just because it's fun. Before the Italy trip, I used Duolingo and I had a lot of fun with practicing my language skills. And it's just nice to know some phrases when you're there and play around with it and learn and just really appreciate the culture through their language. Now, if you're not comfortable learning a new language. I also want to recommend that you download the Translate app. There's Google Translate and on iPhones, I believe there's a Ready at Translate app on your phone. Utilize that, because you can easily write down what you want to say and your phone will dictate out loud what you are saying in the other language. You can also take a photo of signs or whatever labels, and you take pictures of it and it will translate it into English for you. So that really came in handy, because a menu might not have an English option, the science might not have an English option. Not everybody caters to the English language, so it is good to just have that confidence where you know that you'll get to where you need to go or you'll figure out what you need to figure out, and the Translate app is key for doing that. Download it, play around with it before you go, learn how to use it and definitely utilize it if necessary.

Speaker 1: 8:56

Another thing to consider is having emergency service phone numbers available to you. Not all of them will be the same, so it is helpful to look it up online before you go. Save that emergency number. It's not 911 like it is here. It might be 112 in Europe, but it depends on where you are, so it is important to have that on hand. I also recommend getting the US Embassy's number and address along with the consulate, just in case you never know. It's always good to have it. Along with that information, I do recommend that you take a picture or a photocopy, or both. It's always good to be over prepared of your passport and your license. That way you have it just in case something happens to your original copies. It does come in handy and it really is helpful to have it saved somewhere safe in your phone and somewhere safe left at your hotel room.

Speaker 1: 9:51

Now, when you're traveling, it's important to also look up the currency of where you're going. I do advise to convert your currency before leaving, for at least enough to get you through the first day. But don't take out a lot, because most places use credit cards anyway. But it is good to convert your currency and also familiarize yourself with that currency. Many places use coins instead of bills, and those coins, first of all, are a pain in the neck because they're going to go all over your purse and they also weigh you down. I recommend getting yourself a little coin purse and keeping your coins organized and together. That way you're not just searching around your bag trying to find these coins. I also recommend that you know what each coin is, what it looks like, what it's worth. That way you have it and you are comfortable exchanging it for whatever it is you're purchasing.

Speaker 1: 10:47

My final tip I personally learned the hard way on my first trip to Scotland. I brought a steamer and I brought a curling iron and I did not factor in the voltage of these items. Yes, I had a converter, but if you do not have the correct voltage of the utilities you're using, you are going to blow a fuse and you're going to completely destroy whatever items you're using. So I recommend actually like this is a must. It's not really optional you need to buy dual voltage items to make sure that the voltage is accepted and can be used in Europe, and you also need a universal adapter as well. So make sure that when you're purchasing a adapter, a travel adapter, that it is for the correct country you're going to, because not all of them will fit into the outlets. You really need to make sure that the one that you're purchasing covers that country, because there might be, like an Australian, a Europe and UK, or it might not have one or the other, but just make sure that it works for you and get that dual voltage curling iron steamer, whatever it is. I have all of them listed in my Amazon storefront so you can go on there.

Speaker 1: 12:07

I personally own many of these items. I purchased a lot of them for my Italy trip, but they work great, especially my steamer. I love steamers when I travel. I don't like wrinkled clothes and this one is just so good. I actually just used it at home and, yeah, when you have dual voltage, you can use it at home, in the States or in other countries, and they work great. So make sure you have that, because you do not want to blow out, you know, your Dyson. Don't bring your Dysons, do not bring your expensive items with you, because you are going to destroy them and you're going to have to throw them in the garbage when you're there. So avoid that. Make sure you check out the voltage at that country. Make sure you have the correct items that you can use there and, yeah, that's an important one.

Speaker 1: 12:54

Since we are on the topic of Europe, I want to remind you that there is another One Girl Travel group trip coming this year. It's December 1st through the 8th, 2024. It is the German Christmas markets. Now, this is something that has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I always thought I would do the river cruise for the Christmas markets, but those are so pricey and I realized that I can host a group trip to Germany and experience it with the One Girl Travel community, and that's what we're going to be doing December 1st through the 8th. Like I said, we are visiting Berlin Dresden Orientation Walk Dresden Christmas Markets, zwinger Palace, visit to Siphon, carlo Vivari Orientation Walk Prague Orientation Walk Prague Christmas Markets. And then there's also two optional activities which I'm very excited about Thermal Baths and the Pilsner Brewery Tour.

Speaker 1: 14:02

Now, this is for women only. I really had the most magical time with the group of women that joined me to Italy, and bringing women together has just been a dream come true, and I'm so excited to host this trip and many more in the future and just bring women together and just travel the world together. There's nothing like the community of women, and we just have the best time, and so I hope you join me. It is going to be magical, it's going to be a unique experience. This is more of an active trip, so we're going to be going to a different hotel every night of this trip. It is not going to be a relaxing one. You're going to see a lot. You're going to do a lot. If you have any questions about this trip, feel free to contact me. We can set up a quick call and talk about it, see if it's the right fit for you.

Speaker 1: 14:56

Just know that group travel is something that might not be for everybody. Group travel is something that might not be for everybody. Group travel is if you are open to meeting new people and experiencing new things. At a group timeline, you might not always have that leisure time to yourself to do what you want to do. It might be more of keeping up with a group. At times we always factor in some leisure time so you can do your own thing, but there are going to be times where you do need to keep up with the group and go at the pace of the group. So I want to make sure that you are choosing a group trip if you know all the facts. And group trips are a great way to meet new people because, especially as an adult, it's not always easy to make new friends, and group trips are it's more than friendship Like it feels like a family.

Speaker 1: 15:49

Now. I just met with some of my ladies yesterday. We had a little reunion call and just the relationships that formed and the bonds it just it makes my heart so full because I know how powerful that is. And now we have friends all over the country and we're going to stay in touch and we can visit each other. We're going to travel more together. It was just everything I could have hoped for and these ladies, they just love the experience and meeting everybody else. So, yeah, I can't wait for this.

Speaker 1: 16:26

So, if this sounds like something you want to do, christmas markets are special. Christmas markets are just the most festive thing. There's so much to do, there's lots to buy, so make sure you bring an extra duffel bag for whatever it is you're gonna purchase purchase. But there's just a magic I don't know how else to phrase it. It is magical. I experienced my first Christmas market in Edinburgh around the time I went for Hogmanee and there were just all these unique booths and there's all these festivity going on and it's a great way to experience. You know small businesses at those locations way to experience. You know small businesses at those locations experience their food, their culture, their traditions and, of course, you're just getting into the Christmas spirit also. Plus, you're visiting so many places and I'm just so excited and I hope that you join.

Speaker 1: 17:17

Right now. There are a few spots left for early bird pricing where you save $100. So don't sleep on that. Make sure you get your $100 discount and if you have any questions, like I said, reach out to me. I am here, I will talk to you to see if it's a good fit for you and, yeah, let's go traveling together Until next time. I hope these tips gave you something to think about for your future travels. Definitely save this, and I'll create a blog post on the topic also and put it in the weekly itinerary so you can access it when you need it, because I know these are often overlooked. It was overlooked by me the first few times I began traveling and it really comes in handy to be aware of these things. That way, you can have the best trip possible when you're visiting Europe. I hope you have a great day, a great week, and I will see you soon, my friends. Bye.

Speaker 2: 18:14

Thanks so much for tuning in to this episode of the One Girl Travel Podcast. If you're enjoying the show, please feel free to rate, subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can find out more about your host on our website, onegirltravelcom, or follow her on Instagram, facebook, pinterest and TikTok. Thanks again for tuning in and we'll catch you in the next episode.