Here’s what you can expect on your first vacation in Europe

Things are different in Europe — that’s why you go. But every first-timer has concerns about getting along in an unfamiliar place. Here are a few friendly tips to help smooth the way.

Necessities: I’ve seen people pack a whole summer’s supply of deodorant or razors, thinking they can’t get them abroad. You can get virtually everything in Europe. If you can’t get one of your essentials here, perhaps you should ask yourself how 500 million Europeans can live without it.

Communicating: Getting over the language barrier isn’t as hard as you think. Many hoteliers and waiters speak some English, and are used to tourists. (I speak only English and manage just fine.) It’s helpful (and considerate) to learn a few words of the native tongue, but don’t try to master whole sentences. Instead of struggling to blurt out “Where’s the restroom?” ask “Toilet?” A few basic words — and a bit of sign language — are all you’ll need.

Crime: Europe is a safe place. It has very little violent crime — but there’s plenty of petty purse snatching and pickpocketing. European thieves target Americans — we’re the ones with all the goodies in our day bags, wallets and purses. Zip up and secure your valuables, preferably in a money belt.

Restaurants: I used to think that all those sophisticated Europeans dawdling through their three-hour dinners were showing off. But now I know they’re simply savoring the good life — enjoying good food and good company. Think of your dinner as the evening’s entertainment — a cultural show-and-tell. Slow service is respectful service. To get the check, you’ll have to ask for it, but that’s only because your host considers the table yours for the night.

At a table or at the bar: Throughout southern Europe, drinks are cheaper at the bar than at a table. The table price can be a great value, if you want to linger and enjoy a world-class view (such as Venice’s St. Mark’s Square or Krakow’s Main Market Square). But if you’re just tossing down a quick drink, do it at the bar for about half-price.

Tipping: Don’t overtip. A service charge is almost always included in a European restaurant bill, so locals just leave coins on the table, rounding up their tab a bit — and they often don’t tip at all. Get tipping advice from a local (try your hotelier). But don’t lose sleep over walking out of a restaurant in Europe without tipping — it’s not expected.

Passport check: Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked to temporarily surrender your passport when checking in at a hotel. It’s a European Union requirement for hotels to collect your name, nationality and ID number for their law-enforcement databanks.

Hotel keys: Especially in characteristic, family-run hotels, you may find yourself fumbling with an old-fashioned skeleton key, often attached to a cumbersome key fob. You might be wondering how to fit it in your pocket, but don’t even try. Your hotelier expects you to turn it in at the front desk as you come and go from the hotel.

In your room: European hotels are often in centuries-old buildings, so be prepared for idiosyncrasies. Rooms are small, bathrooms are quirky, and you might need to climb stairs to reach the reception desk. A “double bed” may be two twins sheeted together. Especially in northern Europe, don’t be confused if your top sheet is “missing” — many hotels use covered duvets instead of a top sheet. You may need to lower your washcloth and towel expectations too (they get smaller the farther south you travel).

Night noise: European cities have lots of night noise. Don’t pay a premium for a room with a view — take a quiet room in the back instead (and pack earplugs). But don’t stay in your room and complain about the noise: Get out in the streets and make them even noisier. Cultural tourism happens in the streets as much as the museums.

Driving: There are plenty of big autoroutes connecting Europe’s major destinations, but in rural areas and quaint villages, little single-track roads are the norm. Road etiquette varies from country to country. For example, in Germany, never cruise in the fast lane — use that just for passing. Observe and copy.

©2016 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.