Travel Tips: Large European Cities Edition

I've posted before about stuff for specific cities I've visited, and I've posted about my favorite stuff to have with me. Today I'd like to focus on what so many people would find useful when visiting Europe's major cities like Paris, London, Rome, Madrid and Amsterdam. Oftentimes those lucky enough to travel to Europe from the US only hit the big cities and it can be quite stressful. They're bustling cities with a lot going on, whether it be people, attractions, bicycles and/or multiple languages.

Here are some things to do in preparation for your trip so you can enjoy more and stress less.

• Bring earbuds. Totally random or genius? If you're going to a bunch of museums, they might have audio guides, many of which work when you hold the item up to your ear and listen as you walk around. I don't know about you, but that sounds super gross since I have no idea how clean these are. My solution is to bring earbuds, as these same devices have headphone jacks. That way, you can just hang the audio guide around your neck and still listen along. Bonus: they hardly take up any room in a bag, and you won't fatigue your arm by holding it up to your face all day.
• Research public transportation options before your trip. I say before because as any Washingtonian will tell you, tourists look ridiculous and freaked out at the Metro stations and waste valuable time for locals by not knowing what is going on. Don't be a hypocrite - get on the internet and check out how metro works. Study the maps, determine where you're supposed to go, etc. I found a really great app for the Paris metro that lets you plug in your route to show you how to go - which is a thousand times easier than looking on a metro map in a station (they have over 300 stations so it's pretty overwhelming).
• Make at least one dinner reservation somewhere. Inevitably, you're going to be so engrossed in sightseeing that you end up too exhausted to find a decent place to eat, or worse, miss out on some totally delicious looking place only to show up and be refused service without a reservation. By checking out some places, reviews, menus and prices online beforehand, you'll have a good handle on what to expect. Many places allow you to email them for a reservation with the info found on their websites. By doing this, you'll have a meal you're really looking forward to without all the hassle of trying to find something when you're already starving.
• Bring good shoes - not flip flops, not sneakers - good, neutral walking shoes. Not only are both flip flops and sneakers total giveaways that you're a tourist, but they don't make much sense. Flip flops offer no support and it's dangerous to walk around all day not knowing what you're going to step in. Sneakers take up a ton of room in suitcases, and don't go with many outfits. Maximize your luggage space (and wardrobe) by having shoes that do it all - look fine for walking around during the day, and for a respectable restaurant in the evening.
• Just plan - read reviews, check out maps, and get acclimated to the layout of a city. What insider tips would you offer to your best friend visiting your city? Take those tips and seek out the same information for where you'll be traveling.

One of a million Paris metro stations

Best practices:

• Don't take up half the sidewalk with your group. Move out of the way of other pedestrians (and bike riders!).
• Have change for restrooms, and/or take advantage of facilities when you're almost done with that museum. Maybe even keep it separate in your bag so you aren't digging through a bunch of coins you aren't familiar with (there are SO many coin denominations!).
• Go into each city knowing how to say the following things: Yes, No, Please, Thank you, I'm sorry, and I don't speak [local language], do you speak English? Not only is it respectful to do this in other countries, it will make you feel more at ease when someone starts rattling off to you in a language you don't understand. (For restroom purposes, you might want to also know what "men" and "women" are, as sometimes the doors won't have those convenient pictures). Learning these phrases is so much better than standing there confused, walking away, or saying something rude in English. Don't perpetuate the nasty American stereotype that we are ignorant - just learn it.
• Know where your stuff is - get a great bag and a pocket scarf. Don't carry a bunch of random stuff that's going to bog you down all day, because your shoulder will get sore. Look for something that can be slung across the body for maximum security. When you're in crowds if something doesn't feel right, take a step back and get some distance.
• Find a grocery store nearby for water (and snacks). If you haven't researched this ahead of time, ask at the hotel where you'd find one. The bottled water is so much cheaper there than at the tourist attractions, and you can find delicious snacks...

A good rule of thumb to follow: think of visiting big cities as a trip rather than a vacation. Vacations tend to evoke images of sandy beaches, pools, and lounging with not a care in the world. When you're in a large city in Europe, though, you have to get out of that mindset. You have to think a little bit more, be practical and definitely self-aware.

I know I'm missing more tips, but I think these are the big ones. Keep them in mind and you're bound to have a great time!