More people are travelling to Europe than ever before. Every country on the continent has historic places and landmarks, which makes for an exciting visit no matter where you go. It is a unique experience whether you’re in one of the most highly visited countries, like France, or the less visited ones, like Estonia.
The main European cities are extremely busy with tourists, creating a bustling environment that can make people feel cautious when travelling. When visiting these cities, it’s important to know what you should be wary of when you start travelling.
This guide will explore what travellers should be wary of when travelling to Europe. We will give you some tips and tricks to help you with your experience.
Public Transport Differences
Public transport is very different in every European country. Depending on where you go, there are dominant modes of transport that you should be utilising. Here are some examples:
- Trains: Switzerland, France, and Germany are the main countries that have excellent train systems. It’s one of the fastest ways to get around Europe.
- Metro and Trams: Metros and trams will be your best option in highly crowded cities. You should use these if you’re in major cities like London or Berlin.
- Bus: There will be buses no matter where you are in Europe, with it being the main mode of public transport. Poland, Italy, and France account for almost half of bus use in the EU.
- Ferries: You should hop on a ferry if you are travelling to coastal regions or visiting an island. It is by far the most interesting way of getting around.
Traffic Laws
Each country will have different traffic laws that need to be followed. You need to make sure that you understand the laws before travelling to a country. One example of a law that must be followed is driving on the correct side of the road. While most European countries drive on the right-hand side, some exceptions do drive on the left such as the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus.
Even though the general EU speed limit for motorways is either 75 or 80 km/h, speed limits can be different in some countries. Poland has the highest maximum speed limit in Europe, with the legal speed limit being 88mph, but if you are travelling at 93 mph you still won’t be prosecuted. It’s very important to research speed limits before travelling to any European country.
Scams
Scams can be found anywhere, but they are especially popular in large and crowded European cities. These scams come in a range of variations, like bank scams, visa scams, and fake petitions. All of these are ways for fraudsters to steal your money, assets, or private information. You must make yourself aware of these possible scams so that you know how to avoid them.
Language Barriers
When travelling to popular tourist destinations in Europe like Mallorca, Amsterdam, and Paris, they will typically understand a variety of different languages. Most of Europe will have at least a basic understanding of the English language. However, not all countries will. If you are travelling to a different country, you should take the time to learn the basics of their language before you visit.
Here are the ways that you can navigate the language barrier:
- Speaking slowly and clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
- Avoid using any slang words that people might not be familiar with.
- Keep it simple, as saying too much can add to any confusion.
- Use words that are understood internationally.
Tipping
Tipping is the norm in restaurants and cafes throughout Europe. You should carry some loose change with you so that you can leave a tip and not be disrespectful. In some cases, the tip will be added to the overall bill so you can pay this with a card payment. Tip sizes will vary depending on which country you visit, but it will usually be around 5 or 10 percent of the bill.
If you’re travelling to the UK, there is less pressure on providing a tip at restaurants and cafes, as it’s not as common. However, if you want to be a good tourist, you should always leave a tip.
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