Traveling Europe -- Tips?

[stathunter]

Hey gang!
My son is graduating from High School and wants to travel Europe with me. First we have never been out of the US---so foreign travel is new to us. But I spoke with someone yesterday who does a lot of traveling and he suggested that I get a Eurorail pass and stay in Hostels.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Where should we start? What should we see or avoid?
FYI--- I was going to make this a 2 week trip and was hoping my blackberry would work during this---does it? Is it safe to bring camera gear?

[inthedeck]

Europe is a great way to travel. Hostels are great, if you are on a limited budget. Some places such as Paris (France), Munich (Germany), Amsterdam (Hollan), can get a bit expensive, so be prepared for that. Food is rather pricey, and when you figure the conversion rate, it all adds up.

It's safe to bring camera gear...I have never had any issues. Expect them to check your gear, whilst at the airport...in Germany, they scanned my Video Camera, and other Camera stuff, in a 'private' room checking for plastique and bombs, etc.

Other than that, I would say it's a great cultural experience. Be prepared to take LOTS of pictures...as there are so many different things to take pictures of.

As to a starting point...good question. I started in Germany, went to Holland, and back, via EuroRail. The trains are nothing like what we have here...especially on the long stretch of tracks. They just fly! As for BB service, I dunno...but it might/might not work, since you are in a foreign country...so be prepared for it not working, i.e. don't take it. It's a vacation, right?

Good luck with the trip...and congrats on your sons graduation. Feel proud.

[style731]

Hello, I'm currently stationed in Belgium which affords me the opportunity to travel around quite a bit. The Eurorail pass is a pretty good deal but you should also check into Ryan Air if you haven't already. You can fly for pennies, but of course you will have to pay the taxes also. It usually comes out to around 40 euros. Their airport in England will take you almost any place in Europe. Who is your blackberry service through, can you put a sim card in it. Most cell phones and stuff are prepaid and use GSM sim cards, I doubt you can use the blackberry otherwise. I think you should be fine bringing a limited amount of camera gear also, just enough so you won't be weighed down too much.
Well, I hope some of this helped. I hope you have a great journey. If ya need a place to stay in Belgium, let me know!

This website should help. Just run your mouse over a city and it'll show you where you can fly to from there.
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/dests.php?flash=chk

[jklewer]

I spent 5 weeks in Europe last summer, and absolutely had the time of my life! The Eurorail pass worked very well for me. I used one that gave me 6 days of travel in 5 countries. I balanced this with taking about 5 RyanAir flights while I was there, and I was able to see A LOT of land in the time I was there! One post above references the German trains. They are by far the nicest trains in Europe. Their public transportation is world class. Many of the other nations trains are not as nice, but they are all respectable!

Hostels are certainly a great way to do things. I imagined that it might be awkward being in a small room with a number of people you don't know, but everybody I stayed with were great people. I took lots of time to get to know those who were there. I even spent days in London with a couple I met in my hostel! Have a great time, I know you will, and please ask any more questions you can come up with!

[stathunter]

Thanks guys fantastic info. This is new to us but I think it might be now or never on the trip. I truly appreciate your help and style731 if the plans indidate a Belgium stay we will contact you! Thanks

Any places to definitely hit? Any places to avoid?
Thanks!

[jklewer]

Avoid dark alleys, and hit Paris! That place, contrary to popular belief, was not cliche at all, it was beautiful!

[TheGreatOg]

You don't know what it means to be American until you've had to be an American in another country. I mean no offense to anyone who's never been overseas. What I'm trying to say is that there is the cliche American, who will instantly be the target of pickpockets, ruffians and thieves because Americans are perceived to be stupid and rich (generalization, obviously it's not universal). The best way to stay safe and avoid problems is to not make yourself a target. I used to be able to pick out an American at 10 paces, they were the ones wearing jeans and bright sports jackets with backpacks on and a camera around there neck. Don't forget the bright white tennis shoes! They were the ones in restaurants yelling and hollering. They were the ones walking around with dictionaries or maps or walking by you'd hear "speak any english?" and just grimace. Know your surrounding. Always keep an eye out for everyone around you. If someone bumps into you, they've probably just pickpocketed you. For the love of Og, keep your wallet in the FRONT pocket or in an inside zipped pocket. If you're in a crowd, where your backpack on the front of you instead of your back. There are alternate and highly effective pants-styles other than blue jeans. Try to speak at least a little bit of the language of the country you're in. Even if you sound like s#*t, they'll respect you all the more for trying. Don't carry all of your gear with you all the time if it makes you stick out like a sore thumb. And don't make it obvious it's your gear. I guess don't bring so much gear you can't comfortably keep it with you at all times (camera gear). Try not to bring things that are shiny and new (is that blackberry absolutely necessary? Can you actually afford to lose it?), fish love shiny things and so do thieves. Staying in a hostel, don't leave things alone in your room, they'll get nicked. Never leave your passport anywhere unsafe. My point is that you want to put off an air of "done this before" and "not a victim" while you're enjoying your travels. Europe is amazing, culturally saturated and a ton of fun. Be smart while you're there and you'll never forget this trip and neither will your son. Oh one more thing, don't get into political arguments with foreigners. If someone insults the US or the president, be prepared to laugh it off. Oh an another one, don't take out more money from your wallet than you absolutely need to pay a bill. Nothing screams "rob me" more than a tourist with a wad of cash counting off ones trying to pay a tab.

[jklewer]

My point is that you want to put off an air of "done this before" and "not a victim" while you're enjoying your travels. Oh one more thing, don't get into political arguments with foreigners. If someone insults the US or the president, be prepared to laugh it off.

First point well taken: look like you know exactly where you are going, and exhude the confidence that noboby can argue with. Second point: absolute crap. In no way should you be a pushover unless you are one of the "Americans" who are ashamed to call themselves that. You can be respectful and have a debate. Both parties will probably learn something as a result. You are there to learn, but Europeans are not infalible, there are things they do not know about America like there is stuff you do not know about Europe. Have a good time, and learn something you can tell your friends at home.

[primoz]

It all depends on attitude. That's reason why I stay away from political discussions... even with friends. It can be pretty nasty. But anyway... if you will go into political discussion on this side of ocean, be prepared that most of us are not so keen of your politics and your government ;) But I don't think anyone will shoot you if you disagree with us :)

As far as overall security is concerned... outside of big cities I generally feel much safer then I ever did during my visits of USA. But I'm not really all that paranoid so I never had problems walking alone in middle of the night in USA either. Or maybe I was just lucky till now :) I live and work here with quite some of equipment and I never had any problems, so yes I think you can bring camera over here too :) Afterall Europe has lots of interesting places, so it would be shame if you wouldn't bring any photos back.

And one more thing... to avoid looking like totally uneducated idiot (no I'm not saying Americans are, but generally people actually do think typical American has less general education then typical European), try to prepare at least a bit and find out at least few info from places where you are going. People won't show it (we are unfortunately not that open as Americans are, and that's something I really like with you guys), but will still give them another "proof" that those stereotypes, which are quite popular in Europe, are true.
PS: And no I don't think this way personally. I agree you have idiots everywhere... here and over there, but personally I have quite few really good friends from across the ocean, and pretty much all Americans I have met, were really great people. So I try to spend at least few weeks every year or two over there :)

[jklewer]

Primoz... I like what you had to say. I found that the younger crowd didn't seem to be as educated about American issues as I always thought they were. I spent about two hours in Dublin talking to two French guys my age. We went back and forth about the truth about our two countries, and there were all kinds of things they did not have a good education on when it comes to America. In the same way, of course there was plenty I didn't know about France as well!

I think that lively debates can be very fruitful while you are there, just be sure you are not arrogant when talking. The most important skill to know is how to listen! Cheers!

[TheGreatOg]

I think that lively debates can be very fruitful while you are there, just be sure you are not arrogant when talking. The most important skill to know is how to listen! Cheers!

Excellent point, well said. I apologize if I sounded like I wanted you to be a pushover. When I said laugh it off I simply meant don't be arrogant. There are other opinions as informed and valid as your own that will disagree with your own opinion.

[jklewer]

Excellent point, well said. I apologize if I sounded like I wanted you to be a pushover. When I said laugh it off I simply meant don't be arrogant. There are other opinions as informed and valid as your own that will disagree with your own opinion.

Definitely! I learned a ton there during political/social debates and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Traveling is such a great learning experience. Cheers!

[rhys]

The big thing when travelling through a country is to dress like the locals. Don't speak unless you must because it's very hard to disguise your origin. As other said - use caution in cities and on public transport. Railway and bus terminals are full of thieves in Eastern Europe. In Spain and Italy pickpockets and bag slashers are everywhere where there's a crowd. Try viewing my travel and safety section on my website.