 The Do's and Don'ts of Europe |
AfricaAntarcticaAsiaCentral America CaribbeanEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaOceans and SeasThe Do's and Don'ts of EuropeEuropeTopic Type: Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I am going to Europe for 3 weeks and do not want to make a fool of myself. I would just like to know what is ok and more important, what NOT to do. Thanks! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 LaPrincesaSarita Sarah Joles Post Count: 4 Msg: #1 27 weeks ago, June 9th 2009 | Any do's or don't for fashion, manners, customs, ANYTHING will help! I have the packing sense for Latin America too, so any advice for what to pack and stuff I probably won't need would also help me! I plan on visiting Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. Some of the activities I plan on doing is clubbing, mountain climbing, walking a lot, going to the beaches in Barcelona, sight seeing in Paris... ahh there is just so much to think about. Thanks for any suggestions! | [Edited: 19:37 - LaPrincesaSarita ] Tinka Katinka Post Count: 8 Msg: #2 27 weeks ago, June 9th 2009 | hi | don't worry! I can't think of any tips about what you definitely shouldn't do. Ok it's not smart to do the Hitler salute but I think that goes without saying.... Custom greetings to strangers is to shake hands, but don't be surprised if you are kissed on the cheeks instead. It might be handy to take along a translation book with some commen phrases if you don't want to stay in the big city's. Specially in France and Italy alot of people don't speak english. It's getting rare but on some places they still exist: "the french toillet", (not only in France), it's basicly nothing more then a whole in the floor...  Mell Mell Post Count: 14692 Msg: #3 27 weeks ago, June 10th 2009 | Hello Sarah |  If you are American, my tip is to be sure to not talk too loud. The biggest complaint Europeans have about Americans is that they are so loud. Also, when you give tips at restaurants, put the money on the tray provided or in the booklet after you pay. The tips are always appreciated, but the attitude of throwing money at people generally isnt. So, no tossing a handful of coins or notes carelessly on the table before leaving. I wouldnt worry about anything else. Wear what you want and most behaviour is acceptable here in Europe. Yeah, the Hitler salute would not go down well in Germany. In fact it is illegal, and so is displaying any Nazi symbols, but you probably have no intention of being that provocative. ;) Hole in the floor toilets in France? I never saw one there. At the French borders, dont be alarmed if a lot of police and army people check your passport on the trains. They are often like that. It does not mean anything bad is happening. Mel LaPrincesaSarita Sarah Joles Post Count: 4 Msg: #4 27 weeks ago, June 10th 2009 | Thanks guys! |  Vin Pisano Vincent D. Pisano Post Count: 2 Msg: #5 27 weeks ago, June 11th 2009 | Hello, | I would also just like to add that you should keep in mind the general attitudes of some cities when it comes to etiquette. For instance, in the States we tend to see stores/shops as an extention of the public space, but often in places like Paris it is seen as an extention of the private space. This means often that the almighty Euro may not rule, and being polite and greeting the shopkeeper will mean that you will be more likely to receive friendly service. I simply recommend that you do your research on customs and etiquette before embarking. Vin  liliram liliram Post Count: 398 Msg: #6 27 weeks ago, June 11th 2009 | I often found that asking FIRST if one speaks English, preferably in their native language, elicits polite responses. Like assuming they do speak, understand , and can respond to you in english may be a bit disconcerting if not arrogant. It also helps if you use 'sil vou plais' , 'por favor', or their equivalent in german, greek, etc. before every sentence esp when you are asking for directions or information. Overall, I found that people everywhere respond very well to polite inquiries. |  thecrashpacker The Crashpacker Post Count: 145 Msg: #7 27 weeks ago, June 11th 2009 | DO be aware that for night life in the more southernly countries around the Mediterranean, nothing much happens until at least midnight - the evening meal will last from 10 or 11pm till 1am, and then if you want more, be prepared to stay out till the first light. Clubs go on all weekend sometimes and you can chillout and eat food in them. Have yourself a snooze in the afternoon to prepare! | The northern countries do a lot of drinking, the southern ones seems to hold onto one drink all night long. You'll probably be shocked at the amount people smoke too! People will stare at you. Thats the first thing i noticed about the med countries. Stare them back, and they won't look away, they'll just keep staring. You'll get used to it. Generally you won't have any crime and will be safe and meet helpful people, but be careful in places like barcelona - there is a lot of street crime there that targets tourists. Specifically, I wouldnt miss Berlin (the old east bits anyway), Amsterdam, London and Barcelona for nightlife. Brussels = Beer and mussles. Get the trainpass (seat61.com) and hop around all you want - you never know where you'll end up! Head to the Alps for some amazing mountains and villages and food (red wine and cheese basically...mmmm). Chamonix or the dolomites in italy, or even the central massif in France is amazing. Try and find some music festivals - there are hundreds now and you'll see some amazing acts and meet lots of local young people... Packing tips? As little as possible! Every city has great shops for you to pick up what you need and you dont want big bulky packs on the cramped public transport of most cities. Come to England - your dollar will go a long way these days! LaPrincesaSarita Sarah Joles Post Count: 4 Msg: #8 27 weeks ago, June 12th 2009 | Thank you so much everyone! I feel a whole lot better! Only 18 days before I embark on my adventure :)! |  Dudes Amy and Chris Post Count: 50 Msg: #9 26 weeks ago, June 15th 2009 | I would add one thing which you probably don't need to hear, but just in case, make certain that you have a good pair of comfortable, durable hiking shoes. Whether you're walking on paved streets, cobblestones, or hiking up a trail, you don't want to be miserable because you didn't bring a pair of good shoes. Especially if you're going to be spending your nights dancing in clubs. |  markyd159 Mark Post Count: 9 Msg: #10 26 weeks ago, June 16th 2009 | You might like to read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip regarding tipping, as the customs differ from country to country. | As for fashion, I would dress in smart, casual clothing. But no cargo. Cargo not only looks dodgy in places like Rome and Paris, it also screams "tourists" and makes you a target for pickpockets. Tinka Katinka Post Count: 8 Msg: #11 26 weeks ago, June 16th 2009 | Looks like it's easier to think of do's and don'ts in Europe if you're not an European yourself | Oblique Oliver King Post Count: 10 Msg: #12 26 weeks ago, June 16th 2009 | I'm heading to Europe for 10 weeks, leaving in 45 days. Can't wait!!!! | This thread has been rather helpful, keep 'em coming! scroosko scott mcgrory Post Count: 29 Msg: #13 26 weeks ago, June 18th 2009 | take a light waterproof jacket with you. it will always rains in europe at some point regardless of the season particularly if your going to switzerland and austria. i made the mistake of not packing a jacket and only one long sleeved top and had to endure the rain with my limited clothing! | dont try and use the subaway for free in Budapest, it will result in a costly fine as i found out to my detriment! the same applies for in germany and most other countries for that matter. system TravelBlog System User Post Count: 949 Msg: #14 26 weeks ago, June 19th 2009 | 3 posts moved to this new topic: What to eat and what not to eat, in Europe. | Number of Users: 11 | Number of Posts: 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
