Travel Tips for Seniors

Travel Tips For Europe

 

 

Though it may seem like parts of Europe are similar to the US, there are definitely a few key differences you should prepare for. That’s why we’ve gathered some tips and information that’s good to know for your visit to Europe!

 

In our Europe travel guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to ensure a fun and exciting adventure. From a quick glimpse at its history to essential travel tips for Europe, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you’re ready to embark on your next journey. You’ll also be able to explore some of Road Scholar’s European travel trips that open the doors to some of Europe’s top destinations. 

A Full Travel Guide to Europe

 

If you’re looking for a Europe travel guide, you’re in the right spot. At Road Scholar, we have an expansive collection of travel guides for areas across the globe, including Europe. Having access to a travel guide for your adventure is beneficial for many reasons. You can learn about cultural customs and practices to ensure you’re respectful to the communities you’re visiting, explore off-the-beaten-path areas to get a better understanding of an area, and learn about the history and geography that influenced the present-day norms of your destination.

 

In our Europe travel guide, we’ll provide a list of fast facts to help you grasp what makes Europe so special, as well as a comprehensive list of tips for traveling to Europe. If you’re interested in a European travel group, use our guide to get prepared.

 

Europe Fast Facts

  • Population: 748,617,895
  • Languages spoken: 24 official EU languages, including Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish.
  • Currencies: Euro, Bosnian Convertible Marka, Bulgarian Lev, Croatia Kuna, Czech Koruna, Danish Krone, British pound, Hungarian Forint, Macedonian Denar, Norwegian Krone, Polish Zloty, Romania New Leu, Serbian Dinar, Swedish Krone, Swiss Franc, Turkish Lira
  • Total size: 3,938,000 sq mi
  • Coastline: 41,000 miles
  • Number of countries: 51
  • Major cities: London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Florence, Munich, Moscow, Istanbul, Rome, Kyiv, Saint Petersburg, Barcelona

 

Europe Travel Tips

Are you ready for a European travel adventure? Whether you’re exploring Western Europe or spending the winter in Southern Europe, these travel tips for Europe will prove useful no matter where you go. Take a look:

Choose the Shoulder Season

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider traveling in the off-season (November through March). These quieter months mean fewer tourists, often cheaper prices but still pleasant weather (especially in the Mediterranean).

 

Research Local Budget Airlines

If you’re traveling within Europe, there are many budget airlines that can fly you almost anywhere in Europe for little cost. There are often hidden fees and special baggage requirements, though, so make sure you do your research before booking.

 

Travel by Train

Traveling by train is a great way to get around most countries in Europe. Just make sure you validate your ticket before you get on so you avoid extra fees. If you’d like to travel by train, there also may be rail passes you can purchase that will give you a discount.

 

Pack Adapters

Don’t forget your travel adapter! There’s many universal ones nowadays, but if you’re getting one for just your country, keep in mind that the UK and Continental Europe have different outlets.

 

Meet the Locals 

Shop at small, family owned businesses to really interact with the locals. If you’re headed to a city, chances are you’ll see a lot of tourist trap attractions and restaurants. To fully immerse yourself in your European adventure, journey off the beaten path.

 

Take a Siesta

Be aware of afternoon closures. Europeans really value their lunch breaks and siestas, depending on where you go. Make sure you check the hours of where you’re going to make sure you don’t end up somewhere closed.

 

Carry Cash

Carry some cash on you for those small cash-only restaurants and local markets. And be aware of the local currency – not all European countries are on the Euro.

 

Learn the Units of Measurement

In Europe, they run on the 24 hour clock so it would be helpful to brush up on the hours, especially if you’re running late for a train or have a reservation. Tip: Europeans also often say half-six for 6:30 or any half hour time. Also, in Europe, the dates are often listed as day/month/year, decimal points are used instead of comma ex 1,000 is 1.000, the metric system is used and they tell temperature in Celsius.

 

Be Prepared to Drive a Stick Shift

If you plan on driving in Europe, you’ll need to know how to drive manual transmission / stick shift. Though automatic cars exist, they’re a lot harder to find and often more expensive.

 

Be Prepared to Pay for Water

Tap water and bread baskets are seldom free in Europe. Be aware that you may see an extra charge for this on your bill if you’re feeling short on cash. Tip: Often soft drinks and beer are cheaper than ordering water.

 

Pack Medications

Travel with ibuprofen, just in case. It’s a prescription drug in some Europe countries, so you may not be able to pop into a pharmacy and get it if you need.

 

Get Your Bearings at Your Hotel

Floors are often numbered differently in Europe. The bottom floor is called the ground floor and what we call the second floor is the European’s first floor. So if your room is on the second floor in Europe, it’s actually on the third floor in America. This also means that anything below the ground floor will be a negative number. In a hotel elevator, 0 will often be the lobby.

If you don’t find your hotel lights turning on, check if you need to insert your hotel key into a slot by the door. Most European hotels use their key as a power source and you’ll need to put it in this slot to operate the lights and outlets of your room.

 

Check Customs Regulations

Look up the US Customs regulations before bringing back any food. There’s restrictions placed on meat, cheeses, produce and other food items brought into the US.

 

What Countries Are in Europe?

Europe is home to some of the oldest countries in the world that have been formed through century-long conflicts, migrations of people, and lengthy empires. Today, much of present-day Europe looks much different than it did a century ago, with the newest country, Kosovo, joining Europe in 2008 after separating from Serbia. Currently, Europe is home to 51 countries, which include:

  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Türkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom (UK)
  • Vatican City

 

What Is the European Union?

The European Union is an international organization that governs basic political, economic, social, security, and monetary matters of member states. Currently, there are 27 members of the European Union, including:

  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden

 

The goal of the EU is to create peace and freedom among member states by reducing international borders to make it easier for travelers and citizens to visit, trade, and explore with other EU member states. Additionally, all members of the EU use the same currency, the Euro, to make it easier for citizens and travelers to exchange money for goods with one another.

 

 

 

How to Get Around in Europe

Europe is a vast and populated continent that’s home to over 50 countries that each represent unique cultures and communities. With that said, getting around Europe can be challenging, as entering each country may require its own customs process if it’s not part of the European Union. However, Europe is at the forefront of public transportation, making it easier for visitors to hop from country to country. Here are some tips on traveling in Europe:

 

  • Train: One of the best ways to get around Europe is by train. There are several rail systems that can bring you throughout Europe, depending on your origin and destination, including Eurostar, SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain, Italo, and Renfe. Not only will taking the train make it easier to get around Europe, but you’ll be able to relax and take in the views of the European countryside, small towns, large cities, and mountainous landscapes.
  • Plane: There are dozens of major international airports located throughout Europe, and flying within Europe is often affordable and fast, making it a great option if you’re looking to make it to another destination in a short period of time.
  • Subways: Most large cities in Europe, such as Paris, Berlin, and London have subway systems that connect nearly all points of the city. Subways are low-cost and easy to navigate, making them a great option to explore urban centers without driving.
  • Car: If you prefer traveling by car, Europe has one of the best highway systems in the world, making it easy for travelers to get between countries. For example, Germany’s Autobahn system is easy to navigate and get places in a short amount of time.

 

 

START TRAVELING IN EUROPE WITH ROAD SCHOLAR

Are you ready to start traveling in Europe? At Road Scholar, we have an expansive collection of European learning adventures to choose from. Whether you’re interested in a European riverboat cruise or a walking tour of a major city, our professional guides will help you discover your destination's culture, geography, landscapes, and cuisine. 

 

With this list of Europe travel tips for seniors, you can rest assured knowing you’re fully prepared for any group travel, from Monaco to Belgium and everywhere in between. Our experiential learning programs consist of diverse cohorts of like-minded adventurers who are eager to learn more about the world around them. You’ll leave with lifelong friends and memories through spirited conversations and active discovery.

  

Travel Guides

England Travel Guide

Read on to find out some of the many reasons why England is a top travel destination, and take advantage of our tips, testimonials, reading list and more to help prepare you for your England travel adventure!

 

Check out our England Travel Guide →

France Travel Guide

From the sun-splashed vineyards of the Loire Valley to the sophisticated charm of Paris, authentic France is best experienced by learning its history, culture and cuisine. Whether you’ve never been to France or are a seasoned traveler, there is always a new way to delight your mind, body and senses.

 

Check out our France Travel Guide →

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