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• Reputation: 959 Q&A: 19 0 5 517 38 0 Classifieds: 0 0 what's this? Follow Following 0 Tom Sackett

  6 0 Europe, and most of the rest of the world, have both "youth" hostels and independent hostels that are often called "backpacker's inns", or just "backpackers". These can be cheap, and are good places to meet people if you are traveling alone. Pack light. One carry-on size backpack/roller bag should be enough. Bring an additional small backpack or shoulder bag as a day bag, but don't depend on it for extra space. Some things you don't need: - A power transformer. You need an adapter or two, but not the heavy brick that turns 220 current to 110. Most power supplies for electronics will do this themselves. - Lots of books. If you think you'll do a lot of reading, get a Kindle. - Lots of clothes. - Lots of anything. Use ATMs for money. Memorize you PIN as numbers, rather than letters, as many ATMs don't have letters on the keypad. Take a look at Rick Steves web site and books. His advice is often aimed at slightly older travelers like me than the the 22 year olds, but a lot of it is good. English isn't exactly universal, but it's the language that Europeans use as a common language. A phrase book is more of a security blanket than a useful tool. I always carry one (Rick Steves sells a good multi-language one.) but almost never use it. Tom Sackett answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report 1 comment by Gingersnap… 1 0 Thanks! I showed him your response and he has taken your advice to heart (I think the overpacking thing is the hardest part for most travelers). He's pretty smart for a 22 year old, so we aren't too worried about him. Gingersnap commented 8 months ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  4 0 Have multiple cards you can pull cash from in case the local machines are finniky about one or the other. Also, I tend to use my debit over there since the fees arent as high as my regular credit cards. That said, its nice to have those extra cards around when the debit card doesnt work in a given machine. I will second traveling light. And have a suitcase with the little rollerblade style wheels. Wear the most comfy walking shoes you possibly can get. Many areas of Europe have cobblestone streets, and it can be murder on your feet after a few days of sightseeing. Use a passport wallet and keep it securely attached to your person. And have a few photocopies, just in case. I would brush up on my French if I was going to Paris. The French seem less inclined to English than in Amsterdam, where its fairly common. rastabilly answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  2 0 Just buy a SIM with a pay-as-you-go top-up card when you get there. Skype is great. Ogling the world's teen runaways under red light behind glass is less titillating than advertised. Go to the Annefrankhuis, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum instead. Assuming he's taking the train between Amsterdam and Paris, try to stop in Brussels for the beer, moules et frites, chocolates, and Comic Strip Center and Library. Keep a couple of photocopies of your passport stashed in your bags and on your person, just in case. Remember that Europeans by and large don't share our American repressed sexual mores. capicola answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  1 0 Use your VISA or Mastercard INSTEAD of depending on traveler's checks. PS: Several couples I have travelled with have packed light...and then picked up memorable t-shirts or sweat shirts as needed, so that they wore them home, or disposed of worn, soiled clothes along the way, replacing them with new memories associated with clothes. In other words, by buying exactly what they needed, their memoriabilia was clothing instead of gift shop crap they had to haul.) O my captain answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report 2 comments by Gingersnap and keshmeshi… 0 0 Last year when I went to Denmark, I tried to get traveler's cheques and the bank doesn't sell them anymore. I guess they just aren't cool. Oh well, it saves the trouble of having copies of the serial numbers somewhere! Gingersnap commented 8 months ago | Report 0 0 I loathe travelers checks. The only times where they would theoretically be useful (in parts of the world that are so behind the times they don't have ATMs and where theft is rampant) are also places where you will never, ever be able to get the damn things cashed. keshmeshi commented 8 months ago | Report Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  1 0 Use condoms. Basil answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  1 0 I agree with all of Tom Sackett's, except the phrase book. I have found it makes ALL the difference...making the effort with the local language (even butchering it terribly) will generally create such goodwill. Always at LEAST learn to ask "Do you speak English?" in the local language. It's such a small effort at being polite. Hell, half the time, we'd stumble through Italian (or german, or czech, etc), and the person would just respond in English, often asking us to repeat our question (as we'd been mostly unintelligible). In fact, on three separate occasions I watched American tourists ask, in English, for something (a train ticket, a meal, etc), and the person would not understand and/or not be helpful. Then, when I got to the front of the line, I'd ask for two train tickets in terrible french, and the ticket seller would respond in perfect English. Ha! Honestly, this small effort will go such a long way in goodwill and attitude. Although, in truth, mostly folks will know English, you should always be prepared and willing to attempt the local language. Hostels are great! Wonderful way to meet travel companions. Also, they are full of great information...often better than at the official tourism information places. They generally have fliers and pamphlets, details on local tour guides and day trips, etc. Many of the day trips require a minimum of 3 or 4 people, so the hostel is a great way to find some other folks to take that trip to an old castle or wherever. Oh, if it's not too late, digitally scan your passport and any other travel documents and email yourself a copy to a web-based email (google, hotmail, etc). 10 years ago, the advice was to have a photocopy or two of this information in your bags in case it is lost or stolen. But now it's even easier to have a digital copy. If it gets swiped, it'll still be a hassle/long process, but having a copy will REALLY help. Get one of those stupid money belts, too. http://www.rei.com/category/4501758 Not one that looks like a real belt, but the pouches that you wear under your pants. It will hold your passport, your emergency credit card, your eurorail pass, etc. Then have a SEPARATE wallet for your daily spending with cash and a credit card. Remember to enjoy the whole experience of traveling. The waiting at train stations, the getting lost wandering the streets, the long bus rides...all of these are great opportunities for people watching and discovery. If nothing else, they'll be good stories when you come home. Learning to count these experiences as PART of your journey will add to your enjoyment. Again, PACK LIGHT. Having to buy an item you forgot is way better than having to carry around a bag that is cumbersome and too heavy. Honestly, you'll not really miss leaving many things behind. Have fun! Be open to new experience and new people. BE SMART AND AWARE. Don't wander down dark alleys alone. Don't open big maps and/or look lost, even when you are. Go someplace public and well lit, maybe order a coffee. Then open the guidebook to try to find out where the hell you are. Just basic awareness will save many travel headaches/heartaches. Speaking of, be friendly. Again, the hostels are great for this. And, with social networking and the internet these days, the folks you meet can actually become longterm friends, not just fond memories. Tracy M answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  1 0 This is all pretty much advice I'd give anyone going to Europe (who isn't planning to live in the lap of luxury). Comfortable shoes, pack light (unless you're moving, a carry-on bag on wheels is all you need, for any period of time), passport photocopies, back-up money sources. Specifically for 22-year-olds ... hm. You don't specify how long he's going for, so I'd aim for something general: See the history. It's a cliche, but it's just serious, amazing, fabulous stuff. I haven't been to Amsterdam, but I personally would not miss the Rijksmuseum. If you're not a museum type, pick one in Paris and one in Amsterdam. If you're not a phD in art, ALWAYS take/pay for the audio tour. A little background adds so much to the experience. *Take the time* to eat well, at least a few times. Of course, your time is limited, and food is fuel, but the cuisine is so wonderful in Europe, and sitting down for a leisurely meal streetside immerses you like nothing else. If you really can't spend much on eating in restaurants, go to grocery stores. Go to open air markets. Buy staggeringly fresh and lovely fruit to munch on. Cram your face full of charcuterie and cheese in France. Eat chocolate. Etc. If you're not an adventurous eater, now is the time to be. I'd probably avoid mussels, if just for the smallest risk of something going horribly awry. I'd say this to anyone: You'll have downtime. My God, I always have delusions about how much fun I'll be having and how packed my day will be. You'll have nights. You'll be tired. Definitely pack reading, or plan to stock up at the airports and train stations (where it's easiest to find English language books). And know where your local embassy is, in case you lose your passport or need help. Gloria answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  0 0 Europe is the best travel destination in the World.I suggest you go through some online travel portal book your accommodation in advance. I recommend you some online travel portal such as tripadvisor dot com , Flybee dot com , etc. Hopefully it help you. Ella Brown answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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  0 0 English shouldn't be a problem bit if he has an iPhone google translate may be an app worth getting for any sticky situations( like medical stuff) where pointing ar your arm doesn't cut it sublevelthree answered in Long Distance Travel 8 months ago | Report Comment on this answer Enter your comment or ask a new question preview THIS IS A PREVIEW: Click "Post" to submit it or "Edit" to make changes. edit Please wait… This could take a minute if the tubes are clogged.

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