As Americans, we all have idealized ideas about travel in Europe. We think that traveling to any country at any time is a simple as throwing down a couple euros and hopping on a train. Or if that fails, there’s always a handsome foreigner on a Vespa right around the corner, just waiting to be our personal chauffeur. The reality is that for a novice like myself, travel in Europe can be complicated, stressful, and a little scary. Granted, I’ve been criticized for my lack of street skills, but in this article I will openly display my embarrassing travel mistakes to the world, in the hopes of helping out some future world explorers.
First, it’s generally a good idea to know what language the people speak in the country that you are traveling to...and where said country is located on a map.
There are many popular European travel websites where you can simply pick a date and an airport, and the website will give you a list of the cheapest flights. For our group, that meant an insanely economical trip to Brussels, Belgium. As we boarded the plane, I looked at my friend and asked, “so where exactly is Belgium?” It turns out she did not know either. We guessed somewhere in between Italy and Germany (we only a couple hundred miles off). It’s a very strange sensation to know that you are completely incapable of locating yourself on a map. When we got to the airport, we went to approach the cab drivers and realized we had no idea what language to talk to them in. We later learned that the popular languages there are French and Dutch, but luckily, almost everyone (including our cab driver) speaks English.
Second, keep in mind that euros are not monopoly money. The euro’s colorful, sparkly facade may trick you into thinking that you can freely spend it with cheerful ease, but your bank statement the next day will tell you otherwise. Hold yourself accountable to a budget, or at least have in mind prior to a trip what you’re willing to spend more money on. Paragliding in the Swiss alps, a ticket to an art museum displaying the works of Michelangelo, upgrading your hostel booking from a room with 10 bunk beds to a private triple - all worth the money. A second round of drinks on you for the Norwegian field hockey team - not so much. Also, never ever regret spending money on good food. I can still taste the soft, sweet, flakiness of my first Belgian waffle.
Finally, RELAX. Travel is supposed to be fun, not stressful. There’s no need to arrive at an airport five hours before a flight. If you miss a train, stay calm and just get on the next one. Public buses aren’t “sketchy” or dirty, they’re actually rather pleasant. If you’re lost or confused, ask someone for help. People are generally very kind and willing to offer guidance, even with the added language barriers. Traveling is an individual experience, and it is important to explore cities in your own way rather than simply doing things you feel obliged to do. Guided tours are great, but walking into a local cafe and asking for directions to the best view of the city is great too. If you’re overcome with an impulse to forgo a visit to a museum to sit in the middle of a square with your face in the sun listening to a street musician, do it. You will remember and savor a traveling experience that is distinctly yours.
The bottom line is that there’s a huge and magnificent world out there, and you should never let the stresses of travel prevent you from enjoying it. If you make mistakes along the way (and if you’re anything like me, you will), just remember that they will always come back for a good laugh or a great story.
