10 Tips for the First Time Europe Traveller

Hello friends!

When I went to France and Italy last year, I learned some things that might be helpful to you if you are a first time traveller.

Sooooo... HERE WE GO:

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

#1 : Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches or cathedrals.

Many churches have modest dress codes and will not allow you to enter if you have too much exposed skin. If the weather is really hot, you can put a light shawl or scarf in your bag to use as a cover-up.

#2: If you are paying for something less than 10 euros, use cash.

Be prepared to receive some scowls if you are trying to use your credit card for small purchases, even if they have machines.

I had my hand on my bag at all times while walking around the city.

#3: Keep your purses/personal belongings close to you at all times. 

As someone who lives in Vancouver, I realized that we are so spoiled here because we can leave our phones on the tables at restaurants, place our bags on the floor, and maybe even go to the washroom with those things there without much of a worry about someone stealing them. In Europe and most of the rest of the world, vigilance is much more important.

#4: Dress well but also dress comfortably when you are out.

Europeans care about fashion. Athleisure may be acceptable where you are from, but nothing says "American" (even if you are from Canada) more than a baseball hat, yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Casual clothing may not be accepted at a nicer restaurant and plus, you are more likely to receive better service if you are well-dressed. It doesn't mean you have to be wearing a suit or a gown, but you should look well put together.

#5: Remember to use the washroom at your hotel, at the museum, or at the restaurant.

There are very few public bathrooms and even if there are, you may have to pay for them or they might not be very clean.

#6: You are not obligated to tip most of the time, but it can be common courtesy to leave a few coins behind.

You may also go up to the counter to pay, especially when it is very busy.

#7: Carry a water bottle around so you can fill it up at water fountains and ask specifically for "tap water" when you go to a restaurant.

You don't want to be spending loads of money just buying water when you can be spending that money on food and other things. Most of the cities I visited had public water fountains and most of the tap water is drinkable. If you simply order "water" at a restaurant, you may end up having to pay for it so you need to ask specifically for "tap" water in their language if you want to save some of those euros.

#8: Remember to validate your ticket before you board a train.

Validating machines are located at the entrance to the platform. A heavy fine is given to those who have unvalidated tickets on the train.

#9: Observe what other people are doing to determine what is the accepted cultural custom/social norm. 

You are a foreigner travelling to someone's home country, so please respect their culture by adapting to and understanding their behaviours/practices. For example, in France, reciprocal greetings (ie: Bonjour!) are said when entering a shop or restaurant but engaging in excessive conversation is typically unnecessary.

Nessun Dorma in Cinque Terre: We needed to book appointments ahead for this pesto-making class and lunch. It was the best pesto I've ever had and was TOTALLY worth the extra planning/research.

#10: Try not to eat where all the tourists are eating or very close to tourist attractions.

Although they may try to bait you with "Free Wi-Fi" and air-conditioning, the food tends to be bad and overpriced. Don't be lazy -- do some research and find some places with good reviews that are likely a bit of a walk away from the tourist sites.

That's it for now! Enjoy what Europe has to offer and have a fricken great trip!

Lots of love,

Cherice

DISCLAIMER: Some of you may disagree with me and of course, recommendations are not limited only to this list. I am not responsible for how you feel if you get offended by my own personal opinions, so read at your discretion and click away to wallow in your own negativity in privacy. :)