| People who want to travel to Europe are finding it | | | | much: Try to concentrate on experiencing only a few |
| much tougher financially to achieve this goal. But even | | | | countries instead of every country in Europe. If you are |
| despite a weakened dollar, Americans still can travel to | | | | on a tour, consider staying no less than two nights in |
| any European country on a budget. I have written | | | | certain destinations. |
| below the best 10 tips to use when planning a trip to | | | | 6) Transportation: Decide on how you want to travel |
| Europe. | | | | within Europe. Driving offers more flexibility; it can |
| 1) You can exchange money in Europe the easiest | | | | become impractical at certain times, depending where |
| and the most inexpensive way by using an automated | | | | you are in Europe. If you are flying, you can hire a car. |
| teller machine. To play it very safe, visit your bank and | | | | You can use budget airlines such as Ryanair and |
| learn what kind of charges it makes for using your | | | | Easyjet. |
| bank card for currency exchange; some banks | | | | 7) Security of possession awareness: to maintain |
| impose outrageously high charges. Let your bank | | | | peace of mind, use a money belt or a hotel safe. |
| know that you will be traveling in Europe so that their | | | | Never put all of your cash and credit cards in only one |
| detection equipment doesn't block your activities. | | | | wallet or purse. Because if you happen to lose either |
| 2) Safeguard your documents: It's a great idea to | | | | one, you are in big trouble. |
| make photocopies of your passport and flight tickets | | | | 8) Speak the language: If it's within your grasp, make a |
| and put them in a few locations like your carry-on bag, | | | | fair attempt to learn a few practical words of the |
| just in case you lose something. | | | | language spoken in one of the European countries |
| 3) Buy a map: If you have to drive during your travel in | | | | you'll be visiting. |
| Europe, you will require a detailed map for the regions | | | | 9) Be flexible in your traveling schedule: For a more |
| you will visit. Do not waste time shopping for a regional | | | | pleasant traveling experience with no frustrations, try |
| map at the last minute; get it as soon as possible | | | | to allow time to roam around and to relish a carefree |
| before leaving home. | | | | lunch. It's a great idea to develop an itinerary in order to |
| 4) Buy a new guidebook of the countries you will be | | | | experience more of Europe. On the other hand, you |
| visiting will be very useful. You'll practical information | | | | can still be flexible. |
| such as when certain sights are open and close, | | | | 10) Book your accommodation in advance: why? You |
| phone numbers. Dot not buy an outdated guidebook; | | | | will avoid wasting a lot of time searching from one |
| you'll be frustrated and lose precious time. | | | | hotel to another for an available room. |
| 5) One pitfall to avoid: Do not try to see & do too | | | | |