European Travel Tips

[Point of Order]

I'm travelling overseas my first time this August and I really need some good tips and advice. My flight is booked into Paris and out of Rome 10 days later. I'll be staying a good portion of the time during the back end of the trip in Naples, Italy, where my brother is stationed and has a nice apartment on the beach.

My basic plan is to spend about 3 days in Paris and then make my way toward Naples and base day trips or overnight trips to different Italian cities out of my brother's place. I've planned one day trip to Capris for the Sunday before I fly out. Other than that I've done nothing yet. No rooms, no travel arrangements. Nothing.

I've been looking online and it looks like I need to order a 2-country Eurorail pass. Is there a more affordable decent way I should travel? What should I be looking for in terms of a place to stay for 2 or 3 nights in Paris? Is it absolutely essential to book a reservation before I travel? What about for a night in Rome? Venice? What type of luggage I should bring? I was thinking about a small roller bag and a backpack because I don't want to lug something big and cumbersome around Europe for a week and a half. How should I go about getting me some Euros? Also, I only speak English. Is there a French or Italian phrase book that is particularly helpful? Anything any of the experience world travelers out there want to share with me would be great. And a bunch of journalists have to have some good eating recommendations for France and Italy, right?

 

[The Big Ragu]

One point about the post above this. Using your ATM card in Europe to get Euros is the way to go, but it is not totally without a fee. The banks (if your ATM card is a VISA or Mastercard debit card) charge you a 3 percent fee. The conversion rate they give is way better (it is exactly where the Euro is trading to the dollar on the spot market that day) than you will get at an exchange place (such as the ones in the airport), though, and you will make out better, even with the 3 percent charge. Credit cards are the same deal if you use them in stores or restaurants. 3 percent fee for Visa and Mastercard but you will get the most favorable exchange rate available. AMEX charges only a 2.7 percent fee, with the good exchange rate, so I tried to run as much through my AMEX as possible. The percentage fee isn't that great -- you are talking a cents or a dollar or two on most transactions for the different between 2.7 percent and 3 percent, so it isn't worth stressing over. Just run your ATM card through an ATM. The French used to have this proprietary ATM system that meant US ATM cards didn't work in them, but I think that may have changed. I'd check it before going, though, because if that is the case you won't be able to use the ATM's to get Euros. There were no issues for me in Italy recently, though.

I can't help you with French and Italian phrases. I speak enough of each to say some simple things. You'll find most people speak English, though, and if you make any attempt to speak a bit they will help you. The Italians, in general, may be more gracious about it, but my girlfriend, who is from France, assures me the French aren't as bad as many Americans make them out to be.

I can't speak very well about Paris. I am going this August probably and then probably to Alsace and Loraine. I was in Rome recently -- I posted about it before I went-- and if you plan on going for 3 or more days (although it doesn't sound like it), I totally recommend picking up a Roma Pass. I can't remember the cost, but there is one that gives you unlimited use of the metro and the buses and you get two tourist attractions for no charge and then the rest at a discount. It more than pays for itself.

Your timing is decent. The Euro has been sinking relative to the dollar. It was a 1.5 to 1 conversion rate end of last year. Now it is hovering around 1.2 to 1 and may be below that when you go. The currency is in trouble with all the debt problems. So you'll get a bit more bang for your buck than you could have at any time since the Euro was introduced.

 

[Point of Order]

Great stuff. Thank you. Please keep advice coming if anyone has more.

Also, if I do the Eurorail from Paris to Rome or Naples who on the train will be expecting to be tipped? How much will they expect? When?

 

[bydesign77]

You should really check with your bank about the ATM thing before you travel...

Mine did NOT charge an ATM fee and I got the published exchange rate on my transactions... that was, I think $1.60 to a euro at the time, and 13.50 pesos to the dollar a little bit later... also, you can probably use your card over there for most transactions, so needing cash isn't a huge issue... I didn't need much in Ireland.

I will say this, make sure you fill out the emergency contact forms on the passport and airline stuff... especially if you're not going to have a cell phone over there, just in case there's a labor strike or a volcano or something... someone will know how to get in touch with you.

Also, make a copy of your passport, leave one at home in the states, carry one in your bag... this way if you lose it, you will have an easier time at the embassy to get out of the country.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

If you get a Eurail pass, book your trains so you can sleep as you travel. It saves time and a ****load of money.

 

[finishthehat]

Unless Paris has changed greatly, you can enjoy yourself just walking around aimlessly, and the subway's a breeze to navigate.

 

[Buck]

Try the veal.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Tell everyone you're from Canada.

 

[BRoth]

I have been told by my much more traveled brother that this hotel is THE place to stay in Paris: http://hotelresidencedupalais.com/

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Watch Hostel before you go. Don't do what they did. :D

 

[Point of Order]

"The Résidence Pension du Palais has 5 spacious Single rooms decorated in southern colours. They have a television, Internet and a shower and washbasin. The toilets are situated on the landing."

What exactly does "the landing" in the above sentence mean? Does it mean I would have my own shower but a community toilet?

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

It's been awhile since I was in Paris (pre-911) and we spent most of the time in Germany.

I don't really remember where we stayed, since most of that was done by the tour company (took a bus tour from Germany, able to get decent discounts through the military).

As far as luggage, I had a medium sized rolling bag, my golf clubs and a carry on. (remember, this was pre-911, before the airlines started charging for bags).


I also made a trip to Venice. Like the other person said, it is pretty far from some of the other Roman tourist areas. And, to be honest, I wasn't all that impressed with it. It was a little dirtier than some of the other European cities (but I guess to be expected since it is surrounded by water).


As far as money, I exchanged money at my local bank before I left into D-marks since that was where I'd be most of the time (it was about 2-3 years before the Euro). When I needed lira (Italy) or francs (France), my friends made the exchange at the military bank.

But for the most part, I just put most of what I spent on credit card. I really only needed 2-3 days in a hotel since I stayed with my friends.

 

[Sic semper tyrannis]

You can probably get a cheap flight from Paris to Naples or Rome, and with only 10 days, why waste a day on the train.
In Rome, the airport is a ways from the city, but the train is cheap and takes you right into the heart of Rome.

Language in those major cities won't be a problem in most cases. The odd time you'll have to do the sign language thing, but most in the service industry will know at least some English.


And if you're not fussy about accommodation, you can probably find small B and B once you are there. Just hit a designated Tourist help place. All I've ever needed was a place to drop the backpack, and then sleep for six hours. Don't want to be in your room in either of those cities.

I know your brother is stationed there, but I would spend as little time as possible in Naples. When I was in Italy, nearly every Italian warned me away from it.
Head toward the Amalfi Coast - Amalfi, Atrani, Positano, Ravello - beautiful scenery. It will be touristy at that time of year, but better than being in garbage-strewn Naples, and being near the sea as it starts to get hot will be worth it.

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

Don't make out with your sister. [/Euro Trip'd]

 

[MrWrite]

Tell everyone you're from Canada.

I've heard, from someone who frequently travels there, that the French actually prefer Americans to Canadians.

 

[Point of Order]

What does it mean when they say the toilets are situated on the landing? Sounds kinky. Anyone?

 

[deskslave]

What does it mean when they say the toilets are situated on the landing? Sounds kinky. Anyone?

Yes, it means they're outside in the hallway, not in your room.

If you decide to use your card rather than cash to pay for purchases, bear in mind that you won't be able to use your debit card as a debit card, in other words by entering your PIN. You'll have to have it swiped like a credit card and sign the receipt. Just hand them the card; they'll know what to do, even if they look at you slightly funny. (Which they probably won't. You're unlikely to venture anywhere they haven't seen one before.) That's because European debit cards have a chip in them.

Your debit card will still work in an ATM, though, and that's absolutely the way to go. One sort of downside: I happened to be in Paris weekend before last, and both my traveling companion and I took out a couple hundred euros at the beginning -- and the machine gave us a good bit of it in 50s, which is a slight pain in the ass. Didn't have any problems changing them, but was also careful about where I did it. Wouldn't pay for a Diet Coke with one, that's for sure. And while your bank will charge you a fee, European ATMs won't. (With extremely rare exceptions -- cash machines in casinos, that kind of thing.)

Unless you're really keen on train travel, look into the budget airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet) to get between countries. They have major drawbacks -- luggage charges, inconveniently located airports -- but they're quicker and dirt cheap. Also look at individual ticket prices for the trains -- those passes can get pretty pricey.

I found I remembered a bit of my high-school French and used to it to middling effect. A couple of times, I got English in return, but a couple of times, the effort seemed to be appreciated. I even managed to buy my friend a postage stamp entirely in French. (All of three sentences, but still. I felt good about it.) But everyone speaks English.

 

[Point of Order]

What does it mean when they say the toilets are situated on the landing? Sounds kinky. Anyone?

Yes, it means they're outside in the hallway, not in your room.

If you decide to use your card rather than cash to pay for purchases, bear in mind that you won't be able to use your debit card as a debit card, in other words by entering your PIN. You'll have to have it swiped like a credit card and sign the receipt. Just hand them the card; they'll know what to do, even if they look at you slightly funny. (Which they probably won't. You're unlikely to venture anywhere they haven't seen one before.) That's because European debit cards have a chip in them.

Your debit card will still work in an ATM, though, and that's absolutely the way to go. One sort of downside: I happened to be in Paris weekend before last, and both my traveling companion and I took out a couple hundred euros at the beginning -- and the machine gave us a good bit of it in 50s, which is a slight pain in the ass. Didn't have any problems changing them, but was also careful about where I did it. Wouldn't pay for a Diet Coke with one, that's for sure. And while your bank will charge you a fee, European ATMs won't. (With extremely rare exceptions -- cash machines in casinos, that kind of thing.)

Unless you're really keen on train travel, look into the budget airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet) to get between countries. They have major drawbacks -- luggage charges, inconveniently located airports -- but they're quicker and dirt cheap. Also look at individual ticket prices for the trains -- those passes can get pretty pricey.

I found I remembered a bit of my high-school French and used to it to middling effect. A couple of times, I got English in return, but a couple of times, the effort seemed to be appreciated. I even managed to buy my friend a postage stamp entirely in French. (All of three sentences, but still. I felt good about it.) But everyone speaks English.

Thanks. I called my bank today and the lady said it was fine to use my card over there and I wouldn't have any problems, but then added "but you will have to use it as a debit and use your PIN." That struck me as odd and I didn't really get a satisfactory answer as to why, but I can see it being a problem. Anyway, I'll probably be using the debit card to get a little cash and use my Amex for the most part anyway. It will charge a 2.7% fee on each international purchase but I guess that is not awful.

 

[Dyno]

In Paris, you can go a long way toward avoiding the stereotypical French attitude by saying "Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame" upon entering a store/restaurant/taxi and "Merci, Monsieur/Madame" upon leaving. Even if you learn no other French, that will help a lot.

Please leave the ugly American uniform home. Don't wear big, white athletic sneakers, baseball hats or God forbid, a fanny pack. The last time I was in Paris, footwear was the dead giveaway for the Americans. Dress is a little more formal over there.

Lots of things shut down in Paris in August, so I think you should try to make advance hotel reservations or at least do some research before you go.

Feel free to PM me if you want any more specific Paris info.

 

[jackfinarelli]

Let me make something very clear here. If you are in Paris - - or most anywhere else in France - - and/or in Rome or any other part of Italy, you will be hard pressed to find a bad meal or a bad bottle of wine. Naturally when I say that, I assume that you have the good sense not to go to the "Golden Arches" or any other chain restaurant of that ilk while you are in any of these places.

I love Paris. Having said that, my two favorite European cities are Rome and Istanbul. Enjoy yourself. It will be a great effort for you to find ways not to do just that...