Housing some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Europe is a class apart from any place you have visited till date. European travel isn’t about tasting fine wines and large agrarian stretches alone. You should know a lot about their customs, their holiday seasons and more, especially if it is your maiden voyage. Here are a few things you should be aware of.
Offseason can be more fun
Traveling in peak season can make you go through a mess, quite literally. The continent is filled with endless queues, be it a popular destination like Paris or a smaller city like Verona. If you want to avoid long queues and are not interested in waiting at airports, restaurants, hotels, and even public washrooms, it’s advised to avoid traveling in June, July, and August. Summer will also not be a good decision as Europeans themselves tend to move into other locations. The best season is early spring or fall.
Knowledge of local language is icing on the cake
If you know few phrases from the local language, then there are more chances of people greeting you better. It is seen that locals appreciate a tourist who tries to communicate in their dialect. Understand that some of the locations are very peculiar about their accent and diction. So, it is better to learn a few words to mingle better with the natives and to avoid any uncomfortable situation.
Travel by train
Europeans are in love with their trains, and they deserve appreciation too. In most cases, a journey by train is less expensive and allows you to experience the European life up close and personal. Chances are high that you will keep looking out of the window throughout the journey. As trains work cross-border as well, they could often be cheaper than air travel. The comfort and scenic countryside views are the most beautiful add-ons in the journey. Download a rail planner app to check routes and fares.
Live in smaller cities
Although large cities like Rome and London have their own unique attractions to enjoy, they are often overcrowded. You may have to pay a high price to find an accommodation in a small hotel during peak season. You can choose to travel to the smaller cities, which are not just beautiful but provide you a very authentic experience of the region as well. There are higher chances of finding hidden gems, living like a local and go off the beaten track. This is the perfect option for travelers from other large cities, who want to avoid noisy and crowded places.
Be on schedule
Europeans have a habit of being on time be it their lunch breaks or their appointments. Value their culture and try to avoid being late. It is also important to know that offices are closed from noon till 2 pm. Plan your day’s itinerary accordingly to refrain from being regarded a misfit in a foreign land.
These tips could help you in making your European trip perfect. The vast expanse of the continent provides you endless tourism options. Don’t forget to.
My name is Sadio and welcome to Bare-foot my personal travel blog