Things to Consider When Traveling to Europe

Sep 8, 2013 by

When traveling to Europe or Great Britain, there are a few things you should consider. First of all plan for the time adjustment. Jetlag can be a real drag on your time spent in another country if your internal clock never seems to adjust to the time zone of your destination. This could mean staying up all night upon arrival or planning on going to bed when you arrive even if it is still early when you land. Getting your internal clock adjusted as quickly as possible is key to making sure you have the energy to enjoy your trip. I like to either stay up the night before and sleep on the flight if I am going to be arriving during the morning to afternoon hours, or planning on going to bed right away if I am arriving in the late afternoon or evening hours. You should do what you feel is the easiest for your body to handle.

If you are traveling to London, make sure you find London hotels that are close to the places that you want to visit. I usually like to stay close to the Thames River. Of course this depends on the itinerary that I have planned for that particular trip. Sometimes I find a quaint little place out on the edge of town where things move slower and are much quieter. Oftentimes I will take a 4 week European travel trip that starts in London but takes me through the major countries in Europe like a whirlwind tour. If that is your plan, make sure you have alternate travel accommodations set up ahead of time. Nothing puts a damper on your trip to be delayed in one country because of transportation delays. Generally I don’t rent vehicles when I travel to Europe but I always have different means of transportation booked or at least on the ready when I go overseas.

Take the time to read up on the cultural differences of the people in the countries you are going to visit. Don’t be the “typical” American when you go overseas. The people in Europe are very friendly and are willing to help with almost anything as long as you take notice of the cultural differences and try your best not to offend them. It doesn’t take a master’s degree in sociology, just understand the slight differences of the customs people have in other countries and you will do fine. They sell little pocket guides to specific countries which list these subtle difference and I even have one that covers a bunch of the major nations in the European Union. It’s a little thicker than a pocket guide but it has come in handy on more than one occasion.

Just be kind and generous whenever you have the chance and the European people will be friendly and helpful in return. Be yourself, unless you are the “typical” American, then I beg of you to change that rude, pretentious attitude well before your plane lands, for your own sake. You will enjoy your trip much more if you do.

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