Europe
Welkom!
Europe is a continent whose identity emerged from the rise, fall and struggle for power. From Caesar to Charlemagne to Machiavelli, Europe has emerged through much violent times and a tireless drive for a society based on the consent of the governed. Today, Europe is known for its vast variety of cuisine, historical architecture, variety of languages, ethnic continuity and stunning mountain and beach views.
Destinations
United Kingdom England – London
Belgium -Bruges, Ghent Luxembourg
Netherlands – Amsterdam, Volendam, Zaansdam
Germany – Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Bavaria, Rhine Valley
Czech Republic – Prague
Slovakia – Bratislava
Liechtenstein
Austria – Vienna
Slovenia – Ljubljana
France, Paris, Arles, Pont Du Gard, Avignon, French Rivera
Monaco
Spain -Barcelona
Switzerland – Jungfroujoch, Geneva, Interlaken, Wilderswil
Italy, Venice, Burano Island, Murano Island, Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Pompeii
Vatican City
Tips and Tricks
There are free water fountains all around Europe, especially the cities. The only way to get to them is by luck or asking a local. If you want ice, you may be out of luck because Europeans do not use ice, even during the hot Summers you will not get ice in your drink. When you go to a restaurant tell them you want tap water and because if you ask for just water, they will give you bottled water. The water is not free, normally around a Euro, more or less. Sides don’t come with your meal, you have to pay and order those separately. Hotels will not even have an ice machine and the refrigerators will not necessarily be cold, only cool. The food is similar to American food except you know “original” without the modern “American Twist” to it. The biggest difference is the meal portions are 1/3 the size of what you see in the states. The cities do not have many fresh deli’s where you can customize a fresh hot sandwich and eat on the go. Most of the time you will have to sit down at a restaurant and when you do, you will be there for at least an hour for 2 since service is a lot slower. When you do book a hotel room, note there may be VAT Tax and you might only be able to pay when you get there. The rooms will be small, sometimes so small you can’t open your suitcase up on the ground without having to step over it.
Advice
- Although many Europeans do speak 2 languages, English may not be their strongest of the two. Learn how to say hello, ask questions and learn basic answers.
- When traveling through Europe at a very fast paste it is easy to forget where you are. Make sure to keep a journal and make a mental note where you are. Google Maps/Apple Maps doesn’t always help.
- Many countries in Europe use the Euro but know ahead of time which currency you will need. If your scheduled to take an Escorted tour through multiple European countries I would recommend exchanging currencies before the trip starts. This way you don’t have to waste time finding a place to exchange currency or getting scammed into thinking you found one.
- If are are a city goer I recommend going to Europe in the Spring (March – May) or during the Fall (August – October). The Summers can be very hot and in 2019 Europe had a dangerous heat wave. The Winter is a good time to go if you are looking to ski the Swiss Alps.
- Don’t expect Modern and Glamor. Europe is known to preserve history. Instead of knocking old buildings down like we do in the United States, they will go to the extreme to keep their buildings standing, even if they aren’t the safest to be in.
Helpful Resources
Books
A Short History of Europe From Pericles to Putin by Simon Jenkins.
This is good book for someone who is a history buff and wants to learn how Europe developed as a country.