General Tips For European Travel

Many members travel to Europe regularly and already know the following

 information, but for those who haven't travel there in a while.

the tips below apply to travel all over Europe

• Most European hotels do not provide wash cloths - bring one and a zip lock bag to store it in if desired.
• Bring a bar of soap - most hotels provide a liquid soap/shampoo dispenser in the shower.  Not real good stuff. The same goes for shampoo, if you want it.  Take samples or travel size products - buy more while there, if wanted.
• Dual-voltage curling irons and blow driers are available in the US at many drug stores, Target, Wal Mart, etc.
• Take plug adapters for your cell phone charger, laptop, electric razor, etc.  Plug adapters are available for approximately $4.00.
• If the voltage info on your device states "110-220 volts" or "120-240 volts", all you will need is a plug adapter.  No power converter is needed.
• Most CPAP machines are dual voltage.  Check the data label.  Coil-type immersion units are good for boiling water to use in CPAP machines.  Distilled water is not always readily available.  Make sure the coil will operate on 220 volts.
• US Dollars are no good in Europe.  The currency used there is the Euro or other country-specific currency.  They have no use for American currency.  DO NOT bring traveler's checks.  Most places will not accept them for conversion.  If they do, the exchange rate will be bad.
• ATM's are the cheapest source of obtaining local currency.  ATMs are more easily found in Germany than in the States.  Most of them will bring up an English menu when you insert your card.  Bring at least one debit card tied to a checking account.  It is a good idea to open up a second account with a backup debit card in case of card failure.  The card should have a  VISA or MasterCard  logo.  (PIN should be 4 digits.)
• Notify credit/debit card companies which countries you will be in  so your cards will not be blocked.  Just call the customer service number on the back of the card and tell them the dates.
• American Express and Discover credit cards are not commonly accepted in Europe.  VISA and Master Card are accepted most places.  Capital One credit cards do not charge conversion fees on purchases.  Most cards charge 2-3%.
• Take good walking shoes.  There will be a lot of walking.  Europeans walk more than we do.
• Pack as lightly as possible.  Many hotels do not have elevators - travel lightly.
• Make photo copies of the information pages of your passport and store them in your bag.  Also, it is a good idea to register with the American Consulate in the country you will be visiting.  You can do that online.
• Many doctors will prescribe antibiotics, anti-diarrhea pills and sleep aid before your trip.  It is a good idea to have at least the first two filled.  It is not that Europe is dirtier, just that you are away from your usual medical support.
• If you have a pacemaker, notify the personnel at the airport security checkpoints.
• In Germany, most of the bottled water is mineral water.  Save the bottle and refill from the tap.  Yes, in Western Europe, at least, the water in cities is just as safe as it is in the US.

• Be sure that your passport has at least six months remaining at the end of your trip.

• One of the most important tips: don’t go over there demanding that you be treated special.  Don't expect everything to be as it is at home.  Go to Europe to experience the culture and enjoy the differences as well as the similarities to our own.