I say this with love - I have beloved US family members. My number one advice to US visitors to Europe is to turn the volume down when you talk. US tourists stand out because of it. I’ve never mentioned it to my various family members because it sounds rude to say it but they have, over the years, started matching our volume levels. And, yes, they tell us to speak up when we visit them!
As a 🇨🇦 I too notice the extra volume, I also hear it in Chinese speakers. I understand the loud enunciation in the Chinese language can sometimes be aligned with lower socioeconomic patterns, but I have no idea what’s behind the loud volume from my southern neighbours. Any. Ideas?
Good pointers. I have travelled to Europe many times during the last twenty years and I have two tips to share for first time (or experienced) travellers. First of all, make a color photocopy of your passport. Leave your passport in the room safe (or hotel safe) and use the photocopy. (Seniors - you get the discounts even if it's a photocopy.). Second,if you are considering buying a city pass which supposedly lets you into many sites for free or for a discount, check it out carefully! Many times the sites that you really want to see aren't included or the discount doesn't make it worthwhile because the pass is only good for a day or two days and you won't manage to see everything. If I'm considering buying a pass, I do the math before the trip. Bon voyage!
Re tip #9. For anyone thinking of going to Buckingham Palace, don’t mess with the Kings Guard. While they are happy to let you pose next to them for a photo, if you touch the reins of their horses, or get in their way when they are marching they will let you know in no uncertain terms.
Great advice. Doing your homework is key. Also, buying tickets for attractions in advance is the best. On a previous trip to London, we bought our tickets for Hampton Court and The Tower of London online well before leaving. What a lifesaver! We bypassed a massive line at the Tower. And avoiding trouble at religious sites - part and parcel of doing your research. I saw people (mainly young women) being made to wear paper shawls at St. Peter's in Rome. If they had bothered to read up, they would've been able to wear something modest of their choosing instead of a big sheet of paper. As for cities that I'm going to soon: Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Barcelona. We've already started looking at getting tickets for Sagrada Familia.
Another informative video, Megan-thank you! I was cheering because hubby and I already do some of the first things you said: make a list of what you want to do, prioritize, and go to direct websites to find out information, opening/closing hours/days, prices, discounts (we’re seniors), etc. Others poke fun at our “lists,” but it helps to make sure we get most if not all of the things done that we want to! 😃
I do that too, but mostly if I'm traveling with my father, who's in a wheelchair. That requires extra planning as you also have to check if a site is accessible with a wheelchair (not always a given, trust me on that). Mostly the website of the attraction has this information, but otherwise it's mailing or calling to check.
Buying tickets online in advanced saves time, money, and frustration. And using a guide or self guided audio is great advice. I recently did so when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, shenandoah skyline drive, and Gettysburg! Got so much from the guides.
This gave me a little confused moment, the idea of using the same international travel tips for your home country. I’m realizing that my Canadian perspective doesn’t count in my own country travel as “travel”, it has to be outside my own country to count. I do see a lot of Americans counting in US as travel though. Doesn’t count in my book.
I have found some wonderful and very reasonably priced towards via air BNB experiences. I found that a Well informed guide added enormous value especially to museum experiences. The tour guide also enable us to skip the line at Museums. So that was an added benefit!
Going to Germany in September. My brother lives there. Sometimes it is cheaper for me to buy advance tickets in the US, other times for him to buy in Germany. Also I use Wise to send him money in advance so I have all the Euros I need when I arrive. Probably the best advice is don't try to do too much and be stressed out.
One thing people can do too, that they often forget (and if their schedule allows) is to travel during "shoulder" or off-peak times. Generally these can be more rewarding in some ways, as you will have to deal with smaller crowds, but it may mean traveling during the slower months, possibly when its colder or when there is snow (for example, traveling during Jan-April, which are likely slower months for most countries in the northern hemisphere in general). If you're into photography, like I aim, then going early in the morning is a great tip. That's how I'm able to get most of my shots of iconic places. Not only are there fewer people (or in some cases, no people) out at this time, you also get great light (not harsh light like you do during the mid day as well). My new way of detering theives when it comes to travel in general is to wear pants that have zippers if possible. This way i can secure things like wallets or other important things in those zippered pockets (which in many cases, are in the front or side, but not the back) so that someone would have to unzip them to get access to the items. This isn't a guarantee that people can't steal from you but it does make it harder. If you don't have zippered pockets, then I tend to put my wallet and phone in my front pockets and have nothing in my back pockets (or at least, nothing of value, but generally nothing if I can avoid it).
Germany, Bavaria for 3 weeks , mostly driving and 2-3 days in each place to avoid the "human pinball machine" when trying to do too much. Lots of good content. I highly recommend Rick Steves" Europe through the back door" as a reference for all European trips, providing you are willing to do your own research ahead of time.
I love to do a leisurely guided bike tour in a small group at the beginning of a stay in a major city. Done it in Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence, Paris and Prague. Great way to see the sites and get some exercise. 😊
Vacation to Europe starts next Sunday going from NYC to Oslo to Stockholm to Tallinn, Helsinki,Riga,Vilnius,Vienna,Munich,Heidelberg to Paris and back home can't wait.
I've never been to Europe. I'm a teacher in Upstate NY and I'm now in charge of the travel club. EF Tours is sending me to Rome, Italy in January for training, then in April I'm taking 40 students to Londonn, Paris, and Barcelona.
Definitely get a guided tour. So worthwhile!! Don't try to cram too much in a day in one place. Take your time to absorb it all. There are no bonus points for quanity!!
@@PortableProfessional The tours are a combination of great food, drinks and some history thrown in. Especially great for solo travellers like myself as you meet people from around the world 🌎
Next Cities: London (airport only), Amsterdam, Iverness, Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Holyhead, Waterford, Cork, Dover. I really liked the private guide I had at the Vatican. I had paid for the "Angels and Demons" tour (private, not ship), which was expensive, but worth it, with visits to the locations in the morning and the Vatican tour in the afternoon. The guide went over some things I'd be seeing beforehand, with notes as to symbolism and context. I also got 50 Euros off at the start, when my guide showed up and asked if I minded him taking two passengers from a different ship to their tour (apparently their driver didn't show up). I accepted, and found they were already in the car (making me wonder what would have happened if I said "no"). I still considered that a win for everybody. They got to their tour, the diversion was minimal (they were let off at the Coliseum), I got a big discount, and the tour company didn't have to scramble to find transport for the affected people.
Hi Megan. I just want to say that you come through my feed fairly often. Has anybody ever told you that you're a really beautiful girl? Course they have. I just wanted to say something. Thank you for the videos!
No problem! There are maps you can use to find your way--a little confusing to begin with, but you'll figure it out. Just be sure to say "bonjour" to the bus driver, waiter, store clerk etc. The "Les Frenchies" You Tube channel has lots of specific useful videos about Paris. Have a great time!
All the ticket machine can be switched to English as in most places in Europe (it is also because it otherwise could be difficult for Europeans themselves as there is such a diversity of languages). So, please don't worry about not speaking the language. You cannot learn every language of Europe. But only be aware of "helpful" people trying to take advantage of you when trying to purchase a ticket from ticket machines. They are scammers.
@@hassanalihusseini1717 Thank you for that info. Thankfully, I have been made aware of the scammers and pick pockets. I hope to just blend in and not be noticed. :)
100% recommended to book ahead when trying to hit some museums in London. A few years ago, my wife and I tried to go to the Natural History Museum, but the line (on our arrival) was multiple hundreds of people long. This year, I booked online and literally just skipped the line and walked into the entrance ahead of everyone else. Can't even imagine how long most of those people must have waited to get inside! Also, as to your point #9, most guys are going to be expected to remove any hats when entering religious sites.
Number 1 makes me cringe because we’ve been full time traveling for almost two and a half months to multiple countries and we have yet see a sight without construction 😡🤬 Literally every country and city has constant construction going on and there’s nothing we can do about it! At this point we just accept it as a fact of life and move on.
Too despised by Europeans for perceived pre-eminence, or too utterly aware of suspicions their arrivals denote intentions to covertly carry out aggressions -- sensible Americans usually acquire the services of someone(s) indigenous to local destination parts---both to help guide their tourism(s), and to help establish ill-less underlying motivations for visit(ation).
Decide how badly you want to spend in line to see an attraction. For instance, do you want to spend two hours in line to see The Book of Kells for 2 minutes? Also, restaurants who post menus in English are targeting tourists. Prepare to pay a minimum of 50% more to eat there. Learn the basics of the language so you know if you're ordering chicken, fish or beef.
That can happen (I mean double pricing), but it is not very common. In 99,99% you won't have any problems with that. But it can happen that you have pay a ridiculous high amount in a restaurant (Barcelona, Rome, ...) in touristy areas though. So always ask for the menu before ordering and do not rely on signs or the waiter's oral explanation.
We haven’t noticed this menu In English phenomenon yet but I’ll be on the lookout. We use google translate when we get totally stuck with trying to figure out the items on the menu. 😉
London is the best city in the world! I just returned from a 10-day holiday there yesterday. It helps that I lived in London for 12 years from 1998 to 2010 becoming a naturalised UK citizen whilst living in London. BTW, London has an amazing vegan scene.
*ExpressVPN: Get 3 months FREE* ➔ www.expressvpn.com/portableprofessional
I say this with love - I have beloved US family members. My number one advice to US visitors to Europe is to turn the volume down when you talk. US tourists stand out because of it. I’ve never mentioned it to my various family members because it sounds rude to say it but they have, over the years, started matching our volume levels. And, yes, they tell us to speak up when we visit them!
As a 🇨🇦 I too notice the extra volume, I also hear it in Chinese speakers. I understand the loud enunciation in the Chinese language can sometimes be aligned with lower socioeconomic patterns, but I have no idea what’s behind the loud volume from my southern neighbours. Any. Ideas?
Good pointers. I have travelled to Europe many times during the last twenty years and I have two tips to share for first time (or experienced) travellers. First of all, make a color photocopy of your passport. Leave your passport in the room safe (or hotel safe) and use the photocopy. (Seniors - you get the discounts even if it's a photocopy.). Second,if you are considering buying a city pass which supposedly lets you into many sites for free or for a discount, check it out carefully! Many times the sites that you really want to see aren't included or the discount doesn't make it worthwhile because the pass is only good for a day or two days and you won't manage to see everything. If I'm considering buying a pass, I do the math before the trip. Bon voyage!
Thanks for sharing those tips, Nina!
Ohhhh, good tip on the colour copy of passport!
Re tip #9. For anyone thinking of going to Buckingham Palace, don’t mess with the Kings Guard. While they are happy to let you pose next to them for a photo, if you touch the reins of their horses, or get in their way when they are marching they will let you know in no uncertain terms.
Love the videos of them telling people off!
Lucy Ricardo tried to make one laugh. Couldn't!
I like the hop on hop off busses to get the “lay of the land!”
I agree! A great way to spend the day in a new city!
Great advice. Doing your homework is key. Also, buying tickets for attractions in advance is the best. On a previous trip to London, we bought our tickets for Hampton Court and The Tower of London online well before leaving. What a lifesaver! We bypassed a massive line at the Tower. And avoiding trouble at religious sites - part and parcel of doing your research. I saw people (mainly young women) being made to wear paper shawls at St. Peter's in Rome. If they had bothered to read up, they would've been able to wear something modest of their choosing instead of a big sheet of paper. As for cities that I'm going to soon: Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Barcelona. We've already started looking at getting tickets for Sagrada Familia.
Thanks for sharing! Looks like you have some serious travel ahead! Enjoy!
I am going on a school trip to Seville, Spain. I have been in Europe once before... but still nervous about international travel! Thanks for the info.
Your welcome, Taryn! Have a great trip!
Another informative video, Megan-thank you! I was cheering because hubby and I already do some of the first things you said: make a list of what you want to do, prioritize, and go to direct websites to find out information, opening/closing hours/days, prices, discounts (we’re seniors), etc. Others poke fun at our “lists,” but it helps to make sure we get most if not all of the things done that we want to! 😃
Glad you enjoyed watching, Lisa! Making lists can be helpful in so many ways!
I'm dumb so I love to have people proofread and poke holes in the plans also; finding the bugs, mistakes, improvements, and even better ideas !
I am always impressed by your extremely concise delivery on such beneficial travel information. You make excellent videos, Megan!
Thank you so much, Dennis! Great to know you enjoy watching!
I agree about the guided tours! In Greece last year, really helped at the Parthenon.
Heading to London and Paris in 3 weeks!
Have a great vacation, Natasha!
Citymapper map is another great way of figuring out how to get from one place to another and it also gives walking times and prices
Thanks for sharing that! Great having you on the channel!
@@PortableProfessional you're welcome! And thanks for putting out all the great info! I love your channel!
London, York & Edinburgh in September. I always make a spreadsheet for planning. Really helpful as it outlines the things you’ve mentioned here.
Great planning, Cindy! Have a wonderful trip!
I do that too, but mostly if I'm traveling with my father, who's in a wheelchair. That requires extra planning as you also have to check if a site is accessible with a wheelchair (not always a given, trust me on that). Mostly the website of the attraction has this information, but otherwise it's mailing or calling to check.
@@koenven7012 As Megan said, it make the trip so much easier when you plan ahead. 😀
Buying tickets online in advanced saves time, money, and frustration. And using a guide or self guided audio is great advice. I recently did so when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, shenandoah skyline drive, and Gettysburg! Got so much from the guides.
This gave me a little confused moment, the idea of using the same international travel tips for your home country. I’m realizing that my Canadian perspective doesn’t count in my own country travel as “travel”, it has to be outside my own country to count. I do see a lot of Americans counting in US as travel though. Doesn’t count in my book.
Great tips, thanks. Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve for 3 weeks in July.
My pleasure! I loved Portugal! Have a great trip!
I have found some wonderful and very reasonably priced towards via air BNB experiences. I found that a Well informed guide added enormous value especially to museum experiences. The tour guide also enable us to skip the line at Museums. So that was an added benefit!
Thanks for watching, Sheri!
Your videos are very informative and your delivery captures my full attention. Really well done! Thank you.
My pleasure, Frank! Nice to hear you enjoy them!
Going to Germany in September. My brother lives there. Sometimes it is cheaper for me to buy advance tickets in the US, other times for him to buy in Germany. Also I use Wise to send him money in advance so I have all the Euros I need when I arrive. Probably the best advice is don't try to do too much and be stressed out.
Great advice for having an enjoyable trip! Happy travels!
One thing people can do too, that they often forget (and if their schedule allows) is to travel during "shoulder" or off-peak times. Generally these can be more rewarding in some ways, as you will have to deal with smaller crowds, but it may mean traveling during the slower months, possibly when its colder or when there is snow (for example, traveling during Jan-April, which are likely slower months for most countries in the northern hemisphere in general).
If you're into photography, like I aim, then going early in the morning is a great tip. That's how I'm able to get most of my shots of iconic places. Not only are there fewer people (or in some cases, no people) out at this time, you also get great light (not harsh light like you do during the mid day as well).
My new way of detering theives when it comes to travel in general is to wear pants that have zippers if possible. This way i can secure things like wallets or other important things in those zippered pockets (which in many cases, are in the front or side, but not the back) so that someone would have to unzip them to get access to the items. This isn't a guarantee that people can't steal from you but it does make it harder. If you don't have zippered pockets, then I tend to put my wallet and phone in my front pockets and have nothing in my back pockets (or at least, nothing of value, but generally nothing if I can avoid it).
Germany, Bavaria for 3 weeks , mostly driving and 2-3 days in each place to avoid the "human pinball machine" when trying to do too much. Lots of good content. I highly recommend Rick Steves" Europe through the back door" as a reference for all European trips, providing you are willing to do your own research ahead of time.
Have a great trip, Dave! Safe travels! I will look up your recommendation!
Leaving from Boston in a few weeks for Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Paris and Brussels for 3 weeks, can’t wait
Thanks for watching! Have a great trip!
I love to do a leisurely guided bike tour in a small group at the beginning of a stay in a major city. Done it in Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence, Paris and Prague. Great way to see the sites and get some exercise. 😊
I have found buying tickets for most favorite attractions before my trip has been better than waiting until I get there.
Vacation to Europe starts next Sunday going from NYC to Oslo to Stockholm to Tallinn, Helsinki,Riga,Vilnius,Vienna,Munich,Heidelberg to Paris and back home can't wait.
That is quit the itinerary! Enjoy your trip!
Headed to London and Paris (Disneyland) in 2 weeks, your videos have been extremely helpful in general. But this one stood out to me. Thanks!
I've never been to Europe. I'm a teacher in Upstate NY and I'm now in charge of the travel club. EF Tours is sending me to Rome, Italy in January for training, then in April I'm taking 40 students to Londonn, Paris, and Barcelona.
Wow! 40 students travelling! Good for you! Have an amazing time!
London is spelled with one n, not two 😉 Have fun!
My wife and I are going to Ireland for 2 weeks. Some family there but also going to travel around, Dublin and south and west of Ireland, county Cork.
Have a great trip, Matt!
Definitely get a guided tour. So worthwhile!!
Don't try to cram too much in a day in one place. Take your time to absorb it all. There are no bonus points for quanity!!
Keep it coming, 90k on the way!
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video, currently in Rome day 6. Heading to Florence. 12 days left , Venice, Milan , Como
Thank you, Wayne! Enjoy your holiday and safe travels!
Love your expression, “don’t be that person”🙄. My next destination is Lisbon, Portugal.
Thanks, Sandy! I was just in Lisbon and loved it! Happy travels!
We’re planning a trip in Fall 2024 to Rome, Florence and Sorrento area.
Have fun planning your trip!, Renee!
I highly recommend food tours, every one I’ve had has been excellent. Book in advance of course 😊
What a great idea to and to any travel trip!
@@PortableProfessional The tours are a combination of great food, drinks and some history thrown in.
Especially great for solo travellers like myself as you meet people from around the world 🌎
We just had a wine and cheese tasting night. Highly recommend it.
Excellent advice, as usual! 👏🏻👍❤️
Thanks for watching!
I absolutely love to hear your voice! The way you speak is perfect. And you are quite beautiful.
My next European adventure begins in Reyjkakvic, Iceland, then to Norway, Amsterdam, Belgium and then Southampton England.
That will be an amazing trip! Happy travels, David!
Next Cities: London (airport only), Amsterdam, Iverness, Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Holyhead, Waterford, Cork, Dover.
I really liked the private guide I had at the Vatican. I had paid for the "Angels and Demons" tour (private, not ship), which was expensive, but worth it, with visits to the locations in the morning and the Vatican tour in the afternoon. The guide went over some things I'd be seeing beforehand, with notes as to symbolism and context. I also got 50 Euros off at the start, when my guide showed up and asked if I minded him taking two passengers from a different ship to their tour (apparently their driver didn't show up). I accepted, and found they were already in the car (making me wonder what would have happened if I said "no").
I still considered that a win for everybody. They got to their tour, the diversion was minimal (they were let off at the Coliseum), I got a big discount, and the tour company didn't have to scramble to find transport for the affected people.
Glad you enjoyed your tour! Looks like you have lots of travel ahead. Enjoy!
Hi Megan. I just want to say that you come through my feed fairly often. Has anybody ever told you that you're a really beautiful girl? Course they have. I just wanted to say something. Thank you for the videos!
Thanks! My pleasure!
Great video Megan.
Thanks, Jim! Great to have you on the channel!
I’m going to Paris Bruges Belgium, and Haarlem, Netherlands in early fall. Aloha
first! thank you Megan!
Thank you for all your encouragement, Zoe!
Going to Florence / Tuscany at the end of the month.
Enjoy your trip, Tom!
You should purchase the "Florence Card". Very useful - Did that in 2018 when I visited that beautiful town with my Mum in 2018.
Another great video Megan hopefully you'll come to London one day
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
@@PortableProfessional you're welcome I struggle how anyone couldn't enjoy your videos Megan.
Spot on advice!
Thanks you, Peggy!
Looking to visit Norway, Sweden, krakow, Poland.
Have a great trip!
Nimes, France has the most intact gladiator arena in Europe
Thanks for sharing that, Colleen. Happy travels!
Been there, done that ‐ the good & the, sigh, why'd we do that!
Thanks Megan! More helpful tips! We are going to Greece & Spain in October so very timely!
My pleasure, Kari! Have fun planning your trip!
Madrid on September ❤️
Have a wonderful trip, Laura!
I am going to Italy!!
You Rock.
Thanks for watching, Gregg!
Palma de Mallorca
Sounds wonderful! Enjoy!
@@PortableProfessional thank you megan
Madrid and Lisbon next cities
Have a great time!
When you don't know the language, how do you use public transport? I'm going to Paris and I only know a handful of words
No problem! There are maps you can use to find your way--a little confusing to begin with, but you'll figure it out. Just be sure to say "bonjour" to the bus driver, waiter, store clerk etc. The "Les Frenchies" You Tube channel has lots of specific useful videos about Paris. Have a great time!
@@Elle-kr8od I have watched Les Frechies. I love them. And thank you for your good advice.
All the ticket machine can be switched to English as in most places in Europe (it is also because it otherwise could be difficult for Europeans themselves as there is such a diversity of languages). So, please don't worry about not speaking the language. You cannot learn every language of Europe.
But only be aware of "helpful" people trying to take advantage of you when trying to purchase a ticket from ticket machines. They are scammers.
@@hassanalihusseini1717 Thank you for that info. Thankfully, I have been made aware of the scammers and pick pockets. I hope to just blend in and not be noticed. :)
@@renferal5290 You are welcome! Probably you will not have any problems, but it is always good to be aware.
Have a nice trip!
100% recommended to book ahead when trying to hit some museums in London. A few years ago, my wife and I tried to go to the Natural History Museum, but the line (on our arrival) was multiple hundreds of people long. This year, I booked online and literally just skipped the line and walked into the entrance ahead of everyone else. Can't even imagine how long most of those people must have waited to get inside!
Also, as to your point #9, most guys are going to be expected to remove any hats when entering religious sites.
Nice to hear booking ahead worked out for you! Happy travels!
Number 1 makes me cringe because we’ve been full time traveling for almost two and a half months to multiple countries and we have yet see a sight without construction 😡🤬 Literally every country and city has constant construction going on and there’s nothing we can do about it! At this point we just accept it as a fact of life and move on.
Too despised by Europeans for perceived pre-eminence, or too utterly aware of suspicions their arrivals denote intentions to covertly carry out aggressions -- sensible Americans usually acquire the services of someone(s) indigenous to local destination parts---both to help guide their tourism(s), and to help establish ill-less underlying motivations for visit(ation).
Decide how badly you want to spend in line to see an attraction. For instance, do you want to spend two hours in line to see The Book of Kells for 2 minutes?
Also, restaurants who post menus in English are targeting tourists. Prepare to pay a minimum of 50% more to eat there. Learn the basics of the language so you know if you're ordering chicken, fish or beef.
Good advice, Abigail!
That can happen (I mean double pricing), but it is not very common. In 99,99% you won't have any problems with that. But it can happen that you have pay a ridiculous high amount in a restaurant (Barcelona, Rome, ...) in touristy areas though. So always ask for the menu before ordering and do not rely on signs or the waiter's oral explanation.
We haven’t noticed this menu In English phenomenon yet but I’ll be on the lookout. We use google translate when we get totally stuck with trying to figure out the items on the menu. 😉
London is the best city in the world! I just returned from a 10-day holiday there yesterday. It helps that I lived in London for 12 years from 1998 to 2010 becoming a naturalised UK citizen whilst living in London. BTW, London has an amazing vegan scene.
Must have been nice to go back for a holiday!