If you have a lot of reservations and itineraries (flights, hostels, etc.), you can sign up for this website called tripit.com, and it will organize your entire trip onto one document. It will provide a step by step trip you created, and it’s incredibly easy to use. You just email your itinerary to them, it’ll automatically insert your information, and when you need to retrieve it, you can either log on the website or send them an email to get a copy. This is a great organizational tool for your travels.
If you do not have a world-capable phone, you can buy a phone and pay-as-you-go plan for around €50 total (I recommend Vodafone, they are in every country in Europe and more). The only use I had for a cell phone was to call home and keep everyone updated, and to store numbers of new people I met. This allowed me to call them when I was in their home city or put the number in my US phone when I returned home. Outside of this, there was little use of a phone for me. I rarely lost my friends and had no other purpose for it. If you are calling the US, the best way to do it is to call the person on your phone and have them call you back immediately. If a person from the US calls you in Europe, it costs you nothing and all charges are on the US caller. This will greatly extend the amount of phone calls you can make.
In terms of interacting with locals, all the younger Europeans speak English, as well as much of the business people. The only places you will find non-English speakers is with the elders and in more remote locations. There is a huge concern that Europeans hate Americans, but as long as you are street smart you will not have an issue with this. If you show an effort to speak the language and learn about the culture, they will treat you with respect. If, however, you immediately start speaking English to everyone you see and act like a pompous American, you will be met with very little respect. Just be courteous and open-minded and there will be no issues. Most people understand that many Americans do not necessarily support everything the government does, and if you avoid politics, you will not have any issues.
Tipping is different in Europe also. If you give the waiter a 20% tip you will be met with a huge smile. Many times, the tip is already included in the total, but the waiter may neglect to tell you this hoping you will tip additionally. Also, 5% is a solid tip for your meal. Make sure to double check at the front desk at your hostel or hotel.
Friends of Kamergids!
Self-Employed Health Insurance– Free health insurance quotes, plus information on guaranteed issue health insurance.
Pond Supplies – Find items like pond liner and pond pumps as well as information on pond aeration.
Pondworld.com for all pond needs including specialty items like pond supplies, pond filters and pond liners for sale.
Protect ponds and water gardens from cloudy and unhealthy water with a pond filter or filtration system.