Ten Tips for First Time U.S. Travelers to Europe

You're excited about your trip abroad but are a little daunted by the myriad of things to consider. Here are ten easy tips for getting the most out of your European holiday.

Luggage
Despite the desire to do so, traveling with a suitcase the size of a small postal truck is not going to work well in Europe. In many cases, European hotels and hostels are not typical of American motels and hotels. Many are multi-storied buildings that may not have an elevator, so prepare yourself for having to cart your luggage up several flights of stairs. Thus, the lighter you pack, the easier time you will have. But what about all the souvenirs I want to bring back? Good point. The best solution is a carry-on-sized collapsible bag – a shoulder bag, perhaps – that you can pack in the bottom of your suitcase and use once you have made a few purchases. Since most airlines have a bag weight limit per person, this allows you to check a second bag or use this as a carry-on.

For women, typical purses are not the best choice. A small, thin purse, preferably lightweight and made of cloth or nylon, would be a suitable idea. Remember, this item is going to hold a wallet, passport and similar documents along with a couple of personal items and possibly a small digital or disposable camera. Thus, if you hit the airport with two carry-on items (such as the second bag mentioned above) where most airlines allow only one, you can stick the small purse inside one of the bags and claim the bag as a purse – it’s a little sneaky, but allowed and will save you a great headache at the airport.