1. When packing, leave a lot of extra space in your suitcase. If you can bring only one personal item on the plane with you, it would be perfect. Then pack a bag in your checked-luggage that is to the carry-on specifications. This way you have plenty of room to carry-on all of your goodies on your return flight home. On Lufthansa, your carry-on should be no heavier than 8 Kilos and your checked-bag should be no more than 23 Kilos. On this note, know the metric system.
2. If your bag ends up being over the weight limit, and if you have time, take yourself to the nearest luggage store in the airport. Buy a cute suitcase for $129. Put a few things in it. Check this second bag for $50. It will still be less than $200... And you get something in return! I wish I thought of this 5 minutes sooner : )
3. Have the airline print your boarding passes all the way through on initial check-in. Make sure they check your baggage through to your final destination. Look at the tag they put on your bag yourself to be sure they are accurate. If you have a quick connection, request a priority sticker be placed on your bag.
4. If you misplace your boarding pass or didn't get them printed for all connections, the airline staff can print it for you on arrival to each of your gates... No worries!
5. I saw the most amazing thing. A guy had his iPhone, pulled up his boarding pass on his iPhone and scanned his iPhone instead of scanning a paper boarding pass. I was in love.
6. Watch what the locals do. I was given jelly and some cheese. I had no clue. I watched a German lad put the jelly on his cheese. I did it too. It was delicious.
7. People watch. It's the best way to feel the true pulse of the city you are in.
8. The US dollar is not doing so hot. Be prepared when you exchange your $20 for euros. You will be left with the equivalent of $13. In Turkey though, with the Turkish Lira, you will feel like a millionaire!
9. There is very little traffic in Europe in August. They go on their month long holiday.
10. I wouldn't shop for clothes before your trip for your trip. I would wait to clothes shop at your destination. Europeans have such amazing style for example, and you will find super cute things you can't get at home. Plus it will double over as a great souvenir!
11. I would bring some cash just to have. I would trust your ATM card while overseas for cash withdrawals only. ATM cards that are in your network are all over the place. They are easy to find and it is much cheaper to get cash out of an ATM then to exchange money and pay the exchange rate (5 euros in some cases). I would use cash in most places... Restaurants, shops, etc. I would bring a credit card for bigger purchases in more legitimate stores only and for more upscale restaurants.
12. Haggle.
13. Read everything you can before you go. Learn a lot about where you are heading. Learn a few lines like hello, thank you, how much, bathroom, etc.
14. Bring a journal to take notes about the specifics of your trip, funny quotes and interesting facts. You will be glad you did once you are home.
15. Pickpocketing happens. Have a purse you can wear across your chest. I'm not so much a fan of the backpack. If you're a guy, watch your wallet - you don't have eyes on the back of your head.
16. Bring hand sanitizer and make sure it is easily accessible. Use it often.
17. Always have an iPhone, laptop, iPad or something that will connect to Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere, and it makes it so easy to communicate, check restaurant reviews, times, etc.
18. Be prepared to communicate with your hands. Point to your watch to see what time something is opening, hold up your index finger if you are looking for the #1 or best restaurant, place or item... I love how hand gestures can break any language barrier... It's impressive.
19. If you would like to bring some cans of beer back, they will not combust in your suitcase. Someone thought I was crazy for doing so because they would explode. That is not the case! They, along with a bottle of wine, will happily make it home. I would still put them in a plastic bag though - just in case.
20. If you miss your flight, oh well. It happens all of the time. Some flight schedules are too tight to worry about. Most times the airline will rebook you, free of charge. In my case, they even paid for my hotel, dinner, breakfast and airline transfers.
C'est la vie (say la vee).. French for That's Life. Say it often, because no problem is worth worrying about when you're on your vacation/holiday.
Fantastic advice! One of your best blog posts!
ReplyDeleteLove,
H3