Sam and I got one whole month to pursue priceless memories, encounter thousand+ year old ruins, eat authentic local food, admire architecture, and peruse shopping options.
We loved our experience. However, I wish I’d known a few cultural differences between Europe and America to help plan the trip!
1. Train etiquette is easier than airplane etiquette.
Had I known I could breeze onto a train 5 minutes before departure, I would have book A LOT more trains.
Going in between cities in the same country, it’s tempting to book the cheapest option Google Flights offers.
I used the Omio app, cheaper than the train company, to book my train tickets on my phone. That way, we could roll out of bed, have a cappuccino, and make our transit within the hour!
2. There is no need to tip – but that doesn’t mean you’ll get good service.
We were warned before we left to Europe that you do not tip in European countries. That didn’t translate to us getting good service, if we got any! At one pizza place, I recall the server plopping down at the table behind us and having a LOUD conversation and beer with his friends.
3. The tourist attractions have strict entry times.
We got to the Colosseum early, expecting that our due diligence would be rewarded with early entry. Instead, we were sent to the back of the queue to wait to get in all over again.
Check out my other European travel articles for more tips on how to make the journey smoother, more affordable, and more interesting!