1) Hotels are Different from What You’re Used To
If you’re having a hard time finding a hotel to your liking in Europe, you can stop looking. Hotels are a bit different than other countries. For one, many of them don’t have elevators, but instead, narrow staircases that lead up to your room. Additionally, it can be hard to find a room with a private bathroom, as many hotels in Europe have shared bathrooms. Hotels are already fairly expensive, so you’ll pay more to get exactly what you’re looking for if it’s even there at all.
2) No Free Public Restrooms
Speaking of bathrooms, in Europe it’s very hard to find free, public restrooms. Even if you go into a public building, like a train station or restaurant, you’re probably going to have to pay to use the restroom, and it can be a few euros. This can make sightseeing all day a bit of a hassle since you’ll have to worry about making sure you use the free bathrooms when you can.
3) Lots of People
Most cities in Europe are very small and crowded. Yes, most cities around the world are crowded, but in Europe, it’s especially noticeable. The streets are narrower and a number of tourists walking around in addition to the locals can make you feel a bit claustrophobic. It’s not easy getting that one picture of the Eiffel Tower or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Get in line!
4) Pick-Pocketers
In general, Europe isn’t any more safe or dangerous than anywhere else in the world. While there are certainly some cities that are more traveler-friendly than others, pick-pocketing and scams are very big here. You need to be very vigilant when you’re out and about so that you don’t become a target. Be careful putting your phone in your back pocket or having a bag that doesn’t zip all the way.
5) Things are More Expensive (Usually)
Depending on what countries you visit on your tour of Europe, it won’t take you long to realizes that things are not cheap. Museums are expensive. Sights are expensive. Hotels are expensive. Transportation, food, shopping, etc. are all expensive. It’s not the kind of place that you can backpack for very cheap, like Southeast Asia. Even if you’re planning to tour here on a budget and even if you visit some of the cheaper countries like Portugal or Bulgaria, you still need to have a decent amount of money saved up before coming here.
6) No, Not Everyone Speaks English
Yes, a lot of people can speak English around Europe, as students tend to learn from a young age in school. But, that doesn’t mean you can expect everyone to speak English because, in most countries around Europe, it’s not their native language. It’s always nice when you can learn a few words in the language of the country you’re traveling to; enough to be polite. And, even though your tour guide will be able to handle the communication, there will be times when you’re out on your own and you can’t rely on them.
7) The Best Time of Your Life!
Like any place in the world, Europe isn’t perfect. There are a lot of things about this continent that you may have never expected to see, but it’s important to be as prepared as possible. And, beyond that, each country — each city — has its own way of doing things, too. Of course, if you keep an open mind like you should do when you travel, you’re going to be quite alright.
Check out all the tours that bring you through Europe right here and experience it all for yourself!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
