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Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - April 1, 2008
Having only one day (really only a few hours) to see Rome and wanting to see as much as possible, we had to come up with a time saving, whirlwind of a plan. After much research, the following is what we decided upon.
Civitavecchia is the closest port on a Mediterranean cruise to get to Rome. From there its about an hour train ri
de into Rome. To get to the train station, you simply exit the port entrance and while keeping the sea to your right, continue along the street parallel to the coastline. It will take you to the train station, a yellow-orange building, in about 3-4 blocks. We each purchased a B.I.R.G. ticket for 9,00E. This is good for a round-trip to Rome as well as unlimited access to the subway and buses within Rome. The ticket must be validated (date/time stamped) in a yellow machine before boarding as a conductor can impose a fine for an unvalidated ticket.
With the Colosseum area slated as our first stop, we took the train to the Piramide station. This is a transfer point to the Metro B line. One stop away is the Circo Massimo stop. We opted to get off here instead of the Colosseo stop because the walk is downhill (as opposed to uphill from the second stop) to the Palatine Hill ticket booth where the lines to purchase attraction tickets are MUCH shorter. One ticket for 11,00E is good for admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. If you are going to be in Rome for an extended number of days there is a Roma Pass available for 23,00E. This provides free or reduced admission to over 40 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites.
Our first attraction was the Colosseum, an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city - the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Rom
an architecture and Roman Engineering. Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus. Originally capable of seating around 80,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It has been estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. Renovation work is in progress to preserve what is left of this magnificent structure.
Our next stop was Palatine Hill which is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome. This is also one of the most ancient parts of the city. It is thought that Rome has its origins on the Palatine Hill. Recent excavations have shown that people have lived on the site since approximately 1000 B.C. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine hill was where Romulus and Remus were found by a female wolf that kept them alive. After which, according to this legend, a shepherd named Faustulus found the infants, and with his wife Acca Larentia raised the children. Later when they were older, Romulus chose this site to build the city of Rome.
We then continued through the Roman Forum which is located in a valley that is between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill. The Forum was the public space in the middle of a Roman city. A gathering place of great social significance, it was often the scene of diverse activities including political discussions, meetings, etc. The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and also the business district and civic center. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. Much of the forum has been destroyed. Columns and stone blocks are all that remain of some temples. The arch of Titus and the arch of Septimius Severus still stand and are in good shape. On the west side of the Forum we passed by some other monuments which will have to wait until another visit to further explore.
We couldn't visit Italy without sampling some gelato. On our way to the Trevi Fountain, we stopped at San
Crispino which some guide books say has the best in Rome. After enjoying a sampler dish of four flavors of gelato, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain. This is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. Of course we had to do this, in hopes of someday returning to this beautiful city.
Next on our agenda was the Vatican Museum. The Vatican Museum, inside the Vatican City, is one of the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries. The museum has works of art of painters including Michelangelo, Raphael and Fra Angelico. Pope Julius II founded the museums in the 16th century. Our plan of attack was to take the metro line A from the Barberini stop located near the Trevi Fountain to the Ottaviano stop which is a short distance from the Vatican City. We found virtually no line at the ticket window in the afternoon where as it can be at least an hour wait to purchase the 14,00E ticket in the morning. After perusing the many breathtaking sculptures, paintings (on the walls and ceilings), tapestries, and mosaics, we came to what is probably the best know exhibit in the museum - the Sistine Chapel. From 1508 to 1512 Michelangelo painstakingly worked on the ceiling of this masterpiece. Unfortunately, no photography is permitted in here.
Near the back of the Sistine Chapel on the right side we took the quick way to St. Peter's Basilica. This can only be taken if no bags have been checked at the entrance of the Vatican. We went through a door and down some steps to emerge inside the secured area of St. Peter's, the most prominent building inside the Vatican City. Its dome is a dominant feature of the skyline of Rome. Probably the largest church in Christianity, it covers an area of 5.7 acres and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. It occupies a "unique position" as one of the holiest sites and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom. Catholic Tradition holds that Saint Peter's tomb is below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried here. On most Wednesday afternoons, the current Pope addresses the crowd from a balcony overlooking the huge courtyard.
Since we actually had a little time left before we needed to catch the train back to Civitavecchia, we decided that relaxing for a while would be nice. We found a little sidewalk cafe and enjoyed some authentic pizza. The San Pietro station was a short distance away. We ended up on a very crowded commuter train which gave opportunity to mingle with the locals. All in all it was an extremely exciting, eventful, and exhausting day.
Below is a video encapsulating much of what we experienced. See if you recognize the Italian music mix we included.
Civitavecchia is the closest port on a Mediterranean cruise to get to Rome. From there its about an hour train ri
de into Rome. To get to the train station, you simply exit the port entrance and while keeping the sea to your right, continue along the street parallel to the coastline. It will take you to the train station, a yellow-orange building, in about 3-4 blocks. We each purchased a B.I.R.G. ticket for 9,00E. This is good for a round-trip to Rome as well as unlimited access to the subway and buses within Rome. The ticket must be validated (date/time stamped) in a yellow machine before boarding as a conductor can impose a fine for an unvalidated ticket.With the Colosseum area slated as our first stop, we took the train to the Piramide station. This is a transfer point to the Metro B line. One stop away is the Circo Massimo stop. We opted to get off here instead of the Colosseo stop because the walk is downhill (as opposed to uphill from the second stop) to the Palatine Hill ticket booth where the lines to purchase attraction tickets are MUCH shorter. One ticket for 11,00E is good for admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. If you are going to be in Rome for an extended number of days there is a Roma Pass available for 23,00E. This provides free or reduced admission to over 40 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites.
Our first attraction was the Colosseum, an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city - the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Rom
an architecture and Roman Engineering. Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus. Originally capable of seating around 80,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It has been estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. Renovation work is in progress to preserve what is left of this magnificent structure.Our next stop was Palatine Hill which is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome. This is also one of the most ancient parts of the city. It is thought that Rome has its origins on the Palatine Hill. Recent excavations have shown that people have lived on the site since approximately 1000 B.C. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine hill was where Romulus and Remus were found by a female wolf that kept them alive. After which, according to this legend, a shepherd named Faustulus found the infants, and with his wife Acca Larentia raised the children. Later when they were older, Romulus chose this site to build the city of Rome.
We then continued through the Roman Forum which is located in a valley that is between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill. The Forum was the public space in the middle of a Roman city. A gathering place of great social significance, it was often the scene of diverse activities including political discussions, meetings, etc. The Forum was the marketplace of Rome and also the business district and civic center. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. Much of the forum has been destroyed. Columns and stone blocks are all that remain of some temples. The arch of Titus and the arch of Septimius Severus still stand and are in good shape. On the west side of the Forum we passed by some other monuments which will have to wait until another visit to further explore.
We couldn't visit Italy without sampling some gelato. On our way to the Trevi Fountain, we stopped at San
Crispino which some guide books say has the best in Rome. After enjoying a sampler dish of four flavors of gelato, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain. This is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. Of course we had to do this, in hopes of someday returning to this beautiful city.Next on our agenda was the Vatican Museum. The Vatican Museum, inside the Vatican City, is one of the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries. The museum has works of art of painters including Michelangelo, Raphael and Fra Angelico. Pope Julius II founded the museums in the 16th century. Our plan of attack was to take the metro line A from the Barberini stop located near the Trevi Fountain to the Ottaviano stop which is a short distance from the Vatican City. We found virtually no line at the ticket window in the afternoon where as it can be at least an hour wait to purchase the 14,00E ticket in the morning. After perusing the many breathtaking sculptures, paintings (on the walls and ceilings), tapestries, and mosaics, we came to what is probably the best know exhibit in the museum - the Sistine Chapel. From 1508 to 1512 Michelangelo painstakingly worked on the ceiling of this masterpiece. Unfortunately, no photography is permitted in here.
Near the back of the Sistine Chapel on the right side we took the quick way to St. Peter's Basilica. This can only be taken if no bags have been checked at the entrance of the Vatican. We went through a door and down some steps to emerge inside the secured area of St. Peter's, the most prominent building inside the Vatican City. Its dome is a dominant feature of the skyline of Rome. Probably the largest church in Christianity, it covers an area of 5.7 acres and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. It occupies a "unique position" as one of the holiest sites and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom. Catholic Tradition holds that Saint Peter's tomb is below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried here. On most Wednesday afternoons, the current Pope addresses the crowd from a balcony overlooking the huge courtyard.
Since we actually had a little time left before we needed to catch the train back to Civitavecchia, we decided that relaxing for a while would be nice. We found a little sidewalk cafe and enjoyed some authentic pizza. The San Pietro station was a short distance away. We ended up on a very crowded commuter train which gave opportunity to mingle with the locals. All in all it was an extremely exciting, eventful, and exhausting day.
Below is a video encapsulating much of what we experienced. See if you recognize the Italian music mix we included.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Barcelona, Spain - March 29-30, 2008
After a very long overnight flight and what seemed like an even longer hike through Heathrow Int'l, we were finally in Barcelona. The first order of business - getting Euros from the ATM. The first one we found was out of order which is common. We finally found another one in a bit of an obscure place so make sure you ask if you need one.
Cabs are quite expensive here so we opted to pack a little lighter and take the bus. For 3,90E you can find an "express" bus which takes you directly to plaça Catalunya which is the main plaza in the tourist area. The subway can be accessed from here.
This is a very cosmopolitan city and one of the most popular to visit in Europe. As a result true bargains are difficult to find. Hotels (hostals) book up early so it's wise to make reservations asap. Staying on or around Las Ramblas, the main tourist drag, can be expensive and noisy so choose if you want to be among the action or not.
Even tho
ugh we personally waited a little late to reserve, we were fortunate enough to find a quad room (very rare in Europe) for a reasonable price just off of Las Ramblas at the Hostal Mare Nostrum. Our room had 4 single beds, a private bath, a small balcony, and included an adequate continental breakfast, luggage storage after check-out, and free internet.
Upon arrival at plaça Catalunya we decided to walk down Las Ramblas for the ambience which was challenging but enjoyable getting through the crowd. Our good friends, Mike and Alice, arrived earlier in the day and had already checked us in. Luckily we were able to reach them via 2-way radios to find our way through the crowds and growing dusk to the hostal. We grabbed a quick bite and hit the hay as we were all exhausted.
After a
great night's sleep and a relaxing breakfast we were ready to see the sights. Since we only had a few hours before embarking on the Norwegian Jade, we could only choose a couple of the many things to see. The weather was beautiful so we opted for outdoor sights. We headed down Las Ramblas toward the Christopher Columbus statue. There were many living "statues" encountered along the way. This is a great place to people watch.
From here we decided to take the subway to Park Guell which was designed by the famous
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. It contains many beautiful mosaic works that Gaudi fashioned including the much photographed mosaic dragon. With its location being high on a hill it has wonderful views of much of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. It was a perfect place to spend strolling on a sunny day.
It was easy and convenient to use the subway system in Barcelona. Installed just before the 1992 Olympics, we found it to be very cheap, clean, and modern. There are electronic maps with lights in each car so you always know where you are at. For those who are there long enough, there is also a hop on/hop off bus service that many people we met had good things to say about.
Please enjoy our video below set to the music of Los Lonely Boys.
Cabs are quite expensive here so we opted to pack a little lighter and take the bus. For 3,90E you can find an "express" bus which takes you directly to plaça Catalunya which is the main plaza in the tourist area. The subway can be accessed from here.
This is a very cosmopolitan city and one of the most popular to visit in Europe. As a result true bargains are difficult to find. Hotels (hostals) book up early so it's wise to make reservations asap. Staying on or around Las Ramblas, the main tourist drag, can be expensive and noisy so choose if you want to be among the action or not.
Even tho
ugh we personally waited a little late to reserve, we were fortunate enough to find a quad room (very rare in Europe) for a reasonable price just off of Las Ramblas at the Hostal Mare Nostrum. Our room had 4 single beds, a private bath, a small balcony, and included an adequate continental breakfast, luggage storage after check-out, and free internet.Upon arrival at plaça Catalunya we decided to walk down Las Ramblas for the ambience which was challenging but enjoyable getting through the crowd. Our good friends, Mike and Alice, arrived earlier in the day and had already checked us in. Luckily we were able to reach them via 2-way radios to find our way through the crowds and growing dusk to the hostal. We grabbed a quick bite and hit the hay as we were all exhausted.
After a
great night's sleep and a relaxing breakfast we were ready to see the sights. Since we only had a few hours before embarking on the Norwegian Jade, we could only choose a couple of the many things to see. The weather was beautiful so we opted for outdoor sights. We headed down Las Ramblas toward the Christopher Columbus statue. There were many living "statues" encountered along the way. This is a great place to people watch.From here we decided to take the subway to Park Guell which was designed by the famous
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. It contains many beautiful mosaic works that Gaudi fashioned including the much photographed mosaic dragon. With its location being high on a hill it has wonderful views of much of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. It was a perfect place to spend strolling on a sunny day.It was easy and convenient to use the subway system in Barcelona. Installed just before the 1992 Olympics, we found it to be very cheap, clean, and modern. There are electronic maps with lights in each car so you always know where you are at. For those who are there long enough, there is also a hop on/hop off bus service that many people we met had good things to say about.
Please enjoy our video below set to the music of Los Lonely Boys.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Come Fall for Cumberland Falls
On our way home from a recent weekend trip down south, we stopped at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park about 15 miles west of Corbin, Kentucky. Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of it's 52 State Parks. Nearly 8 million people visit Kentucky State Parks each year. Each park has it's own unique attributes ranging from winding caves and enchanting woodlands, to shorelines and majestic mountains.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Known as the "Niagra of the South", the waterfall forms a 125-foot wide curtain that plunges 70 feet into a boulder-strewn gorge below. Visible only on a clear night during a full moon, the mist of Cumberland Falls creates the magic of the moonbow. This unique phenomenon appears nowhere else in the Western Hemisphere. The schedule for this event can be found by visiting Kentucky State Park website at http://www.parks.ky.gov/.
There are 12 marked hiking trails at Cumberland Falls State Park ranging from the Laurel Trail (1/4-mile) to the Moonbow Trail (10.8 - mile). We took Trail #9 - the Eagle Falls Trail (1.5 - miles). Trail # 9 is the only trail leading to Eagle Falls. Much of this trail follows the cliff line, so hikers should use extreme caution , watching their step at all times. Parents hiking with children should keep them near their sides. The Eagle Falls Trail offers some of the best views of the falls.
About 1/2 mile from the trail head, there is a short trail leading to an overlook that views the Cumberland River gorge below the falls. There is also a historic Civilian Conservation Corps shelter at the overlook. After crossing a small seasonal stream, Trail #9 becomes a loop. To the right, the trail proceeds to Eagle Falls. At the one-mile point, a spur trail takes you down the river. This is the trail hikers should take to view Eagle Falls. Note that during high water, this lower section of the trail may be under water. The upper trail follows Eagle Creek upstream and then crosses a ridge to complete the loop. This is a very rugged section of the trail.
Even though the water level at Eagle Falls was low the day of our hike, it was still well worth making the hike. The weather was a perfect 72 degrees and the sun was shining brightly. The fall color was simple beautiful.
Since we love hiking, we wanted to leave you with some important hiking tips:
- When planning your hike, remember that the terrain is not flat. A mile of trail and a city sidewalk are not the same.
- Plan your hike so you will be back before dark. Many park trails are bordered by cliffs which make hiking after dark very dangerous. Remember that it may get darker faster in the forest.
- Carry an ample supply of water. There are no drinking water sources along the trails. Even on cool days, you are still going to need water, especially when hiking up hill.
- It is suggested that you not hike alone. The buddy system is always best. If you are planning on hiking alone, you should always let someone else know your hiking plans. Many cell phones cannot pick up service in these hiking areas.
- Proper foot wear is always suggested.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thinking Of Travelling By Sea? Here's Some Cruise Tips
If you have never taken a cruise before, here are tips that will make your trip more enjoyable, less frantic and organized.
Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require such as completing immigration information prior to the cruise. It is important that you have two forms of ID. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in. We always take along a photo copy of our passport as well. Our last cruise to Europe collected our passports on day 2 for visa processing in Turkey and returned them to us on the next to last day of the cruise. I'm sure they've misplaced a few passports over time.
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.
You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. The are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.
Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine or Meclizine (can be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy) in your bag. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. Modern ships have what are called stabilizers. This eliminates most of the rocking motion which sends people staggering around green from sickness. If you should experience sea sickness, retreat to your cabin and lie down with a cold washrag over your head or neck.
No cruise is complete without fine dining. You can even enjoy 24 hour room service - be mindful of tipping guidelines, which vary. We prefer the Free-Style Cruises, which allow you to eat in different resturants on board and at the time that is convenient for you - usually between the hours of 5 pm - 10pm.
When you are packing, bring comfortable shoes. This is very important because you will do lots of walking. Do not forget to take medications, plenty of clothes, a swimsuit and your travel documents in a small bag that you can take with you. This eliminates the anxiety of waiting for your belongings to show up in your cabin.
Above all, have fun taking advantage of the many activities that they offer there. Get a massage, go work out at a fitness center, and go relax by the pool. You can even watch movies, go rock climbing, go skating and more! Also, do not miss out on the shore excursions, If you are bringing your children, take advantage of the activities for kids. Every cruise line has a children's program. These are usually grouped by age. Take advantage of the baby-sitting service available. You will have to pay, but it is worth it if you and your spouse/partner would like to steal away and enjoy the nightlife on board. Whether you are going for an anniversary, a get-away, or a family vacation, a cruise line is a great destination.
By Nick Nikolis
Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require such as completing immigration information prior to the cruise. It is important that you have two forms of ID. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in. We always take along a photo copy of our passport as well. Our last cruise to Europe collected our passports on day 2 for visa processing in Turkey and returned them to us on the next to last day of the cruise. I'm sure they've misplaced a few passports over time.
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.
You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. The are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.
Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine or Meclizine (can be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy) in your bag. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. Modern ships have what are called stabilizers. This eliminates most of the rocking motion which sends people staggering around green from sickness. If you should experience sea sickness, retreat to your cabin and lie down with a cold washrag over your head or neck.
No cruise is complete without fine dining. You can even enjoy 24 hour room service - be mindful of tipping guidelines, which vary. We prefer the Free-Style Cruises, which allow you to eat in different resturants on board and at the time that is convenient for you - usually between the hours of 5 pm - 10pm.
When you are packing, bring comfortable shoes. This is very important because you will do lots of walking. Do not forget to take medications, plenty of clothes, a swimsuit and your travel documents in a small bag that you can take with you. This eliminates the anxiety of waiting for your belongings to show up in your cabin.
Above all, have fun taking advantage of the many activities that they offer there. Get a massage, go work out at a fitness center, and go relax by the pool. You can even watch movies, go rock climbing, go skating and more! Also, do not miss out on the shore excursions, If you are bringing your children, take advantage of the activities for kids. Every cruise line has a children's program. These are usually grouped by age. Take advantage of the baby-sitting service available. You will have to pay, but it is worth it if you and your spouse/partner would like to steal away and enjoy the nightlife on board. Whether you are going for an anniversary, a get-away, or a family vacation, a cruise line is a great destination.
By Nick Nikolis
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Traveling Tips to and Around Europe
Europe is one of the most heavily traveled continents for people coming from North America. There are so many famous countries that offer excitement, culture, learning experiences, and an overall enjoyable time. Given the potential great memories, it would be a shame to miss any of it due to lack of helpful information or preparation. So after choosing the country within Europe that you would like to visit, or if you plan to visit multiple countries on your vacation, you should be aware of the following tips.
Preparing For Your European Experience:
Getting into Europe is not as easy as it used to be, so you'll want to come prepared. You must have a passport to enter any country. Consequently if you are traveling through several nations on the same trip, it is wise to have your passport and/or visa ready at all times to show to the various customs offices. You also need to be aware in advance of items and products you can and cannot bring into other countries as you travel from one to another. Be prepared to leave those at your hotel and avoid the risk of confiscation.
Learning a Few Foreign Phrases:
There are 320 mixed languages spoken throughout Europe, so try to learn a few key phrases based on the primary languages of your destination nations. The majority of Europeans speak several languages in addition to their mother tongue, so it should suffice to learn just a bit of the major ones. A high percentage of people also speak at least a little English as well, depending to where you travel.
International Driving Considerations:
When renting a car, be aware of different national laws. Some such as Ireland, Cyprus, and parts of England require driving on the left hand side of the road, so be cautious if you plan to drive. (If you are uncomfortable with that arrangement and fear making a critical driving error on the wrong side of the road, you might alternatively consider taking a taxi or bus instead of driving yourself.) Seatbelts are required everywhere you travel in Europe and for everyone in the car, so don't be negligent. Additionally, the speed limits change and can be much higher than those in the US. Drive safely and move to the far side of the road if you plan to motor at a slower pace.
More To It Than Just Plugging It In:
Finally, you need to know that electrical currents differ in Europe from that the United States. There are special adapters you can purchase before your departure so that you can plug in your hair dryer, iron, and other electrical necessities you may bring on the trip. If you do not have an adapter, ask your hotel concierge to provide one since the power will ruin anything using electricity without using an appropriate adapter.
Planning your trip thoroughly is a good idea. If you do this, you will minimize your hassles as you travel throughout these beautiful countries. With the finer details taken care of prior to departure, your vacation in Europe will be truly a positive experience you will never forget. For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe, Bahamas and many more, please visit www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!
By Terri Miller
Preparing For Your European Experience:
Getting into Europe is not as easy as it used to be, so you'll want to come prepared. You must have a passport to enter any country. Consequently if you are traveling through several nations on the same trip, it is wise to have your passport and/or visa ready at all times to show to the various customs offices. You also need to be aware in advance of items and products you can and cannot bring into other countries as you travel from one to another. Be prepared to leave those at your hotel and avoid the risk of confiscation.
Learning a Few Foreign Phrases:
There are 320 mixed languages spoken throughout Europe, so try to learn a few key phrases based on the primary languages of your destination nations. The majority of Europeans speak several languages in addition to their mother tongue, so it should suffice to learn just a bit of the major ones. A high percentage of people also speak at least a little English as well, depending to where you travel.
International Driving Considerations:
When renting a car, be aware of different national laws. Some such as Ireland, Cyprus, and parts of England require driving on the left hand side of the road, so be cautious if you plan to drive. (If you are uncomfortable with that arrangement and fear making a critical driving error on the wrong side of the road, you might alternatively consider taking a taxi or bus instead of driving yourself.) Seatbelts are required everywhere you travel in Europe and for everyone in the car, so don't be negligent. Additionally, the speed limits change and can be much higher than those in the US. Drive safely and move to the far side of the road if you plan to motor at a slower pace.
More To It Than Just Plugging It In:
Finally, you need to know that electrical currents differ in Europe from that the United States. There are special adapters you can purchase before your departure so that you can plug in your hair dryer, iron, and other electrical necessities you may bring on the trip. If you do not have an adapter, ask your hotel concierge to provide one since the power will ruin anything using electricity without using an appropriate adapter.
Planning your trip thoroughly is a good idea. If you do this, you will minimize your hassles as you travel throughout these beautiful countries. With the finer details taken care of prior to departure, your vacation in Europe will be truly a positive experience you will never forget. For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe, Bahamas and many more, please visit www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!
By Terri Miller
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