My family is looking at vacation packages heading to several European countries and I have a couple of things I could use advice on: We are Canadian, so we really don't know much about Europe, since we have never been. I mention this because we don't want to offend anyone, or leave them thinking that all Canadians are stupid or something. LOL! Is there some crash course in how not to offend people when you travel to 14 countries in 21 days?
Also, if you were packing for a trip like this, or have been on one at all, are there things you wish you had brought, or left behind?
This is our first family trip abroad, and I would really love any advice you have about travelling or Europe in general.
Igotamonopoly answered Tuesday March 11 2014, 2:30 am: Bring a travel converter/adapter, for sure. You can buy pretty much anything you need/forget.
I've been traveling all over Europe and the Middle East for the past 7 months, and the most important thing is to ask questions if you're not sure. You're not going to blend in, but learning pleasantries in the local language will take you a long way. Hello, thank you, etc. are good to know, and learning them shows that you care about learning about their culture. Every culture has certain things you should know, like for example, in Hungary, don't say "thank you" until you've received your change. If you say it and hand someone money, it's the same as saying "keep the change".
I would be more than happy to elaborate on certain cultures if you edit your question to include your itinerary. Also, there are lots of great travel blogs, many are even targeted to female travelers. It will be really hot over the summer, but Europeans generally still look put together. In Spain last summer, for example, no one but me was wearing workout shorts. I don't know how they look so good all the time, but I digress... [ Igotamonopoly's advice column | Ask Igotamonopoly A Question ]
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