Pack the travelling necessities
If you’re like me and have certain things that are a necessity to bring, then make sure you pack those things first, so that they are not forgotten at home. I have horrible eyesight, year-long allergies, and of course a very womanly nightly routine. I always pack my contacts, glasses, saline solution, medication, and facial wash, etc. These items go in my travel bag first thing, because without them, I will not survive. Always be sure to pack these items first because without them, your trip will just be ruined….
When in doubt, don’t freak out
My mom and I have a funny saying that we ALWAYS laugh about when we travel together. I have now passed it on to my husband. “If you forget something, you can always buy it at Walmart.” I have travelled so often, that I have forgotten the most basic things (like a toothbrush). Before, I was saying pack the necessities because obviously, I cannot buy prescription glasses when I go out of town. Now, I am saying after you make sure that you have those necessities, whatever else you forget, you can just buy a new one. I have forgotten undergarments, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, etc. You name it, I have forgotten it. In Europe, it is a bit different. “If you forget something, just go to your local pharmacy.”
Don’t buy the travel sized cosmetic bottles
Why should you not buy the airplane bottles, you may ask? Well, news flash, they are ridiculously expensive, and last only for a few uses. I refuse to pay $2-3 for a tiny bottle that costs the same as my regular shampoo’s full size. Buy the bigger bottles, and just keep a travel pack of those items. Especially if you have a bigger family, then you can all just share. Take my advice, and your wallet can thank me later!
Bring extras when you travel, because why not?
Look, I know this is probably a bit controversial. I am a woman, and we overpack, blah blah. I HIGHLY recommend bringing extra clothes, undergarments, shoes, socks, etc. If you have the extras and you don’t use them, OH WELL. At least if you bring the extras, and there is an accident like, I don’t know, falling into the Trevi Fountain, you have them! It is important; bring the extras.
Side note: It is also a good idea to bring a rain jacket or jeans even if the weather is calling for a hot sunny day. There have been days that call for sunshine and clear skies, but then turn into the next infamous hurricane (I’m from Florida- if you know, you know).
Always bring cash, but have your card for back up
No matter where you are travelling, I recommend bringing cash. If you budget yourself to a certain amount of money, and only use your card as a backup, you will not overspend. I, for one, am probably your most budget-friendly Trip Leader. I refuse to spend a lot of money on ANYTHING, literally. Also, especially if you travel in Europe, it is always a good thing to carry euro cash, because not all businesses will accept card (I have learned that the hard way).
Learn basic foreign language
This has helped me SO much while living in Germany. I have been here for only a year, and I am able to hold a basic conversation with the locals. I also took 3 years of French in High School, so needless to say, I can get around in France pretty well too. Not only is it common courtesy to attempt to speak in native tongue, it is also extremely helpful. I am not going to lie, most foreigners in Europe know at least a little bit of English, but when you attempt to talk to them in their native language, they are MUCH more likely to help you. It really is not hard to open up an app on your phone (i.e. Duolingo or even Google Translate), and learn the basics.
Ask for help
As stated before, if you know the basics, you are able to ask for help. No one is going to judge you for not knowing your way around a place you have never been before.
It is also a good idea to get into the habit of asking the local hotel/hostel staff for recommendations. They usually know their way around, and most likely live near that accommodation, so they have all the good travel information!
Eat early or late and visit the top travel destinations during prime time
To eat, or not to eat? That is the question! The answer is do not eat at normal times throughout the day. If you visit popular sites during the times that people normally eat, then you are more than likely not going to have as long of wait times. I do this specifically at theme/amusement parks. I know people are going to eat lunch around 12-1pm, so I will get in the line of the best roller coaster during that time. You can also use this tip for other special touristy things, like going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It will save you a lot of time and will allow you to keep your nerves.
Travel AND Try new food
OMG, I cannot say this enough- try the dang food! I am 100% a foodie, so I guess I am a bit biased, but if you do not try the food, then you are missing out on the culture! I know food is scary, but if you do not like it, then just try something different. You are not going to be stuck with that specific taste forever. It lasts all of 5 seconds, then you take a swig of water, and poof, gone (unless it’s garlic based- at least you can ward off the vampires then). But seriously, I have tried some of the most amazing food since moving to Europe, and I am honestly sad to move back to the states. One thing I can attest to, is that in Europe (specifically Germany), the food is locally grown/ harvested and is SO fresh. I have also learned that the word “hot” in Germany actually means mild, LOL.
Pre-book your travels
Now, there have been times where I pre-booked an excursion and was not able to complete it. So, take this with a grain of salt. I pre-book everything and plan out my day by the hour. I have noticed that if I do not do this, then my husband and I just lollygag around the city and end up missing something important. During these difficult and very different times, there have been multiple instances where people have not been able to visit certain places due to the restrictions of people. I have never had this issue because I always pre-book, but I did go on a trip with a friend once, and she was not able to go with me at the time that I booked because she did not book in advance.
Take pictures- They last longer
This goes without saying. Use your phone if you must, or if you have a fancy camera, then bring it. Take pictures because, yes, the memory is always going to be there, but so will the picture. This is actually one of my must do’s for each travel destination, because I enjoy having photos in each place as a collector’s item. Most people collect shot glasses/ post cards, but I collect pictures.
Pin the location of your parking and/or hotel on your phone
Please do this. I have made the mistake of not pinning the parking location and spent thirty extra minutes looking for my car. Luckily, with EuroTrip Adventures tours, you will always have a trip leader that posts the locations of the bus parking on a private group Facebook every time you make a stop!
Avoid living lavishly
This is for my peeps who do not want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on one trip. I believe in quantity over quality. Meaning, I would rather take five trips for the price of what others would spend on one. Now, I am not saying to find the crappiest and cheapest hotel and book it. What I am saying is that I don’t need a 5 star, fancy hotel that I will literally only use to rest my head at night. When I travel (outside of my job), I book online, and always compare rates. I also travel so much that I have become a Genius member and get extra discounts on hotels.
Relax!
Not everything is always going to go as planned. Just go with it. I understand you wanted to go to the zoo and the ice bar and the spa. It may just not happen, for whatever reason. I name off these specific places because my husband and I went to Berlin and ended up having to cancel our spa day because I had food poisoning. It was great. Moral of the story- it happens.