✈️ Travel Tips for Your European Tour

Whether this is your first overseas trip or you’re a seasoned traveler, these reminders will help make your experience smooth, safe, and memorable.

🧼 Tips on how to pack and what to wear

• Be certain your bags, including carry-on, are under European airline weight restrictions. You may want to invest in a small luggage scale if you anticipate purchasing many souvenirs.

• Roller bags – Make sure your bags are easily transportable - hotels may have small elevators, and you’ll be moving often.

• A small day bag or crossbody bag will be useful for daily outings.

• Earplugs and a sleep mask can help in noisier urban hotels, and a travel pillow may be a great aid on the airplane.

• Comfortable walking shoes are a must for covering cobblestones and uneven ground on long touring days. Tennis shoes are not as popular in Europe as in the United States, but what is most important is that you are comfortable and safe on your feet.

• A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is always wise, as are a hat and sunglasses for long durations in the sun. 

• A scarf or shawl – good for warmth, sun protection, or church visits where modesty is appreciated.

• Dress in layers – Europe’s summer weather can shift between chilly mornings and warm afternoons.

🎒 Extras You’ll Be Glad You Brought

• Small notebook or journal to record reflections and stories from each stop.

• Bring a washcloth or quick-dry travel towel – many European hotels don’t provide them.

• Ziplock bags (for dirty clothes, snacks, or keeping electronics dry).

• A few band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness pills, or allergy meds – just in case.

• Toilet paper and tissues aren’t guaranteed everywhere – pack travel-size tissue packets. 

• Hand sanitizer and wipes are helpful for quick cleanups.

• Bring any specific toiletries (e.g., conditioner, lotion) – hotel amenities vary.

• Optional: a small folding stool or cushion if you’d like to rest during long outdoor tours.

📍 Daily Logistics

• Always carry the day’s hotel name/address (in English and local language) in case you get separated.

• Bring a refillable water bottle – many towns have public fountains.

• Snacks or protein bars are good for longer drives and full days.

• Have small coins for public bathrooms, especially in museums or roadside stops.

• Don’t be late – the group can’t wait, and some visits are time-sensitive.

📱 Phones & Connectivity

• Check with your carrier about international data and texting. Many U.S. plans offer free or low-cost international roaming.

• Download Google Translate and Google Maps offline for use without data.

• WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are great for free messaging over Wi-Fi.

🔌 Electronics & Power

• Bring a European power adapter if you intend to use any devices requiring a power cord. Most of Europe uses Type C or F plugs (two round pins) and 220V voltage.
  For France, the Netherlands, and Germany, you'll need a Type E/F travel adapter. This adapter can accommodate both Type E (grounded) and Type F (grounded with side clips) sockets, which are commonly found in these countries. You may also find Type C (Europlug) sockets, which are also compatible with the Type E/F adapter.  
  If you intend to travel to other European countries, some use different plugs, such as Great Britian, which requires a Type G converter.

• Only bring dual-voltage appliances (like travel hair dryers). (U.S. 110V-only appliances may blow fuses, even with converters.)

• Pack a USB wall charger with multiple ports to charge multiple devices.

• Consider a small power bank, solar if possible, for charging phones during long days.

💶 Money & Security

• Notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid card holds.

• Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and a small amount of euros in cash for small purchases. 

• Conceal your cash and wallet in a place that is easy for you to reach but not for potential pickpockets.

• Use ATMs at banks, not on the street or in airports, to avoid high fees.

• A money belt or neck wallet is helpful in tourist-heavy areas.

• Photocopy or take a photo of your passport and key cards – keep them in a separate bag.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded public spaces such as airports or events.

• You may want to avoid wearing clothing with logos or sayings when walking individually on the street during downtime. T-shirts and other logoed items draw attention to those wearing them as "tourists". Many Europeans, especially in France, prefer button, blouse, or collar shirts and tend to choose more fitted styles.

• Leave expensive jewelry at home.

• 🇫🇷 Dining in France: Tips for American Travelers

• 1. Wait to be seated :  Unlike in the U.S., it’s common to wait to be seated even if tables are free. Don’t just walk in and sit — wait until the staff directs you to a table. 

• 2. Reservations are important : At mid- to high-end spots, reservations are often essential—especially for dinner and weekends Food & Wine.

• 3. Start with an apéritif  : Begin with an “apéro” — a drink such as wine, kir, pastis, or Champagne served before the meal Wikipedia+10Lawless French+10Epicure & Culture+10.

• 4. No grazing on the bread : Bread isn’t a free snack—it's for the meal or to mop up sauce Reddit.

• 5. Drink order matters : Courses often follow: apéritif → entrée (starter) → plat principal (main) → fromage (cheese) → dessert → café → digestif (after‑dinner drink) ThoughtCo+5Lawless French+5French with Agnes+5.

• 6. Cheese comes after the main course : Not before or with your entrée Food & Wine.

• 7. Cutlery stays continental : Keep your fork in the left hand and knife in the right; tines down, handles at bottom right when done Misadventures with Andi+3Wikipedia+3Condé Nast Traveler+3.

• 8. Don’t start until everyone’s served : French servers typically only clear plates after everyone finishes; wait for the host to begin Lawless French+15Misadventures with Andi+15Epicure & Culture+15.

• 9. Cheers: eye contact and full glass : Clink glasses at eye level, avoid crossing arms, or you risk “seven years of bad luck!” Misadventures with Andi+7Epicure & Culture+7Food & Wine+7.

• 10. Tipping is modest : A service charge (“service compris”) is usually included. For great service, a 5–10 % tip is appreciated talkinfrench.com+4French with Agnes+4Food & Wine+4.

• 11. Doggy-bags aren’t common : Taking leftovers home (“à emporter”) is unusual—ask discreetly; it’s allowed in some places Lawless French+12Epicure & Culture+12Wikipedia+12.

• 12. Keep it relaxed and polite : Hands on the table, quiet voices, hold your phone — keeping etiquette and ambience in mind French TodayCondé Nast Traveler. Always start with a polite “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” and use “s’il vous plaît” and “merci.”