Visiting Europe? Keep these 6 tips in mind!

Travelling to Europe can be a wonderful andwill take you less time to travel from destination
life-changing experience, but many people don'tto destination - saving on travel time will give you
enjoy it the way they could and should becausemore time to do other things.
of the little annoyances that pop up during the4. Rent a car or go by train? Both options have
trip.pros and cons, so it's worth thinking which is
Here are a few tips to ensure you can make thesuitable for you.
most of your travel through Europe:Renting a car can give you freedom that a train
1. Instead of taking a taxi to your hotel it mightcan't: for example in France there are a lot of
be a lot better to share an airport shuttle with avineyards that offer free wine tasting or dairy
few other travellers. Airport taxis are usuallyfarms with free cheese tastings. Just pop out of
more expensive and some unscrupulous driversthe car and enjoy!
will take side routes or even mess with theOn the other hand, trains are best when you are
meter just to get more money out of yourshort on time and money - unlike the United
pocket.States, train fares are cheaper here and the
With an airport shuttle you save money and youdistances are not that great. Also, if you stick to
don't have to worry about directions or findingmajor cities you'll most likely get there faster than
the hotel; plus, you can get picked up again at thein a car. If you plan on visiting smaller towns or
end of your stay and dropped off at the airport.even villages chances are that a train runs
2. Take your time when travelling! Some peoplethrough there, so going by rail is always a good
go on vacation doing a speed tour of every citychoice!
and location they can think of, and this really is5. Gas Prices - if renting a car you should also be
not the way to travel anywhere. Travelling thisaware of the higher gas prices in Europe. While
way will only exhaust you and you won't get tothe average price per gallon in the United States
enjoy each city the way you should.is hovering around $2.50 in Europe you won't find
Remember this: it's good to plan ahead but don'tit cheaper than $4 per gallon, and that's at best.
stick to it if you feel that you haven't spentSome European countries have it at around $7
enough time somewhere. It's better to go backper gallon.
another time and pick up where you left off thanThat train ride sounds better and better, huh?
to go home tired and disappointed with the6. Bring batteries and power adapters - if you're
experience.from Asia or the United States be sure to bring
3. Are you sure you have enough time to visit allbatteries and power adapters for every electronic
the places you want? Make sure that youdevice that you have with you.
reserve 2 or 3 days for each location and half aAlthough you can find them in Europe too, they
day or a full day for travelling from one place toare cheaper in your country and you wouldn't
another.want your camcorder dying on you when you
Given this reasoning for a 10 day trip you shouldreally need it!
plan to visit 3 or 4 places at the most, and a 15Keep these tips in mind and your trip to Europe
day trip would be suitable for 6 destinations.will be the best one in your life!
It is also helpful if you plan ahead for a route that