Common Mistakes To Avoid In Your European Vacations
From Barcelona to Budapest, Vienna to Venice, the vibrant cities in Europe are renowned for their rich historical and stunning architectural heritage. Not to mention the delectable food and lively nightlife that add to their allure. Exploring these cities during a first-time vacation to Europe promises an unforgettable and truly memorable life experience.
However, the experience of first-time visitors is often marred by the inconveniences that result from common mistakes. Knowing and avoiding them will minimise your stress, and save you time and money.Buying a Ticket at the Museum
Do not wait to arrive at the museum or park to acquire your ticket, especially if you are in Rome or Paris. The line at famous places in these cities is often long. Even worse, the tickets might be sold out before you get to the counter, even after hours of queuing. Save yourself time by booking tickets to all the places you wish to visit in advance. It will also help you to plan your vacation expenditure in time.Taking a Cab
A cab is a convenient travelling option in most parts of the world, even in Europe. However, you might not need it while on vacation, not even from the airport. Most major European cities have a reliable public transport system. It is cheaper than a cab and offers a chance to experience different aspects of the town and the people. Walking is also an option that most first-timers mistakenly avoid. There are many walkable cities and towns in Europe, with Venice topping the list. Others walkable cities are Amsterdam, Bruges, Dubrovnik, Florence, Lisbon, Prague and Tallinn.Going to the Nearest Restaurant
While going to the nearest restaurant might be a good idea if you are hungry, there might be a better one down the street. Just because most tourists prefer a prix fixe menu does not make it ideal for you. Do your research and find the place that is affordable or offers food that is worth your money. It is also a good idea if you will need a taste of your homeland dishes in case you get homesick. In addition to choosing the right restaurant, remember that most of the items are not free, including the ubiquitous bread and water. Therefore, unless you need it, refuse the breadbasket. Buy a water bottle and fill it with water from a nearby store at a fraction of the price on the restaurant menu.Carrying a Lot of Cash
It is okay to carry some money with you. However, as many first-time tourists to Europe come to realise, lots of it is not necessary. Most places in Europe accept credit cards. Al you need is one that does not charge fees on foreign transactions. If you do not have a credit card already, get it before you travel. Another obvious danger of carrying tons of cash with you to a tourist destination is pickpocketing and bag snatching. You do not want to lose your entire vacation budget in the unfortunate event that someone makes away with your bag.
