Lead Author of Lonely Planet: Europe on a Shoestring, Vivek Wagle, offers the following must-read advice to first-time travelers:
1. Make photocopies of your passport, traveler's checks, etc., and be sure to leave a copy with someone at home. Put a copy in each bag. This way, if you lose your passport, you'll have all the numbers you need to fix the problem. Also, memorize your phone card and account numbers.
2. Get a slim money belt that fits under your clothes. This ain't your grandpa's fanny pack! Put your passport, plane ticket, an "emergency" $20 and your Eurail pass in Ziploc bags (to protect them from sweat). Put them in the money belt and wear it. It's dorky, but you won't worry about it. Never take it off except to shower, and then, keep it within arms reach.
3. If you're staying in hostels, call ahead and make reservations. You'll regret being stranded and blowing all your fun money on a fancy hotel if you don't. Also, talk to the people you meet here. This is an amazing chance to meet people from all walks of life from all over the world. Be sure to swap stories, they might know some useful info. Even better, they might be Europeans who are heading home soon and might offer you a place to stay later.
4. When traveling in a sleeper car, choose the top bunk if possible. And always use your stuff as a pillow. Things can go missing in the middle of the night, but chances are you'll notice someone coming towards your head. In general, when setting your bag down wrap the strap around the leg of your chair or your own leg if there is nothing else. This way you'll be certain to know when someone's trying to get into your things.
5. Two things about traveling within Europe: 1) In general, a Eurail pass is useful, but don't always buy one. Sometimes, deciding your next destination on the spot and paying by trip is much less expensive.2) If you're going to be there for a while, consider flying between countries. Check ryanair.com and easyjet.com. They fly into smaller airports outside of the major cities and spur of the moment trips can be quite cheap (but don't forget to add transportation to/from airports into your cost consideration).
6. Carry these two cards: 1) International Student Identity Card (ISIC), and brandish it imperiously when forced to pay for anything. (Note: Learn to recognize coins and notes (bills) on site, so that you can quickly count change while being hassled.) 2) prepaid phonecard such as Lonely Planet's Global Phone Card (www.lonelyplanet.com). You can use it to make calls within Europe and to check in with the folks back home.
7. Try to speak the language. A little effort on your part will go a long way with the locals. Learn the words for "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." But, you should buy and carry a good menu translator!
8. Ditch your itinerary at least once in a while. Venture into those small villages surrounding your main destination. Rent a car and drive around the countryside and stop in places that look interesting. And if you're traveling with a friend, be sure to plan some "apart" time. Do your own thing or you'll kill each other. Not everyone wants to see that wax exhibit you've got your heart set on.
9. Splurge on the food sometimes, but exercise restraint on souvenirs. Sure you want to save money, you're on a shoestring budget, but if everyone is chowing down on a big pastry from a certain shop, try one. But also remember that as cool as everything seems, everything you buy, you have to carry. Maybe those ceramic dolls weren't such a good idea...
10. If you're going out drinking: Map out the general area and which buses/subways/streets you'll need to take to make it back. Put this piece of paper somewhere you won't lose it. This makes stumbling home much easier. Always watch the bartender pour your drink and take immediate possession.
From what to bring, to where to bring it, to where to bring it on, this is the guidebook for the savvy young traveler. Whether by rail, bus, plane or bike, take the first step of the trip of your life with Lonely Planet. |
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