Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Europe
I'm currently in Europe for the first time and, in true Anna fashion, didn't do a ton of research before making my way here. Here's a list of things that I'm sure I would have found out if I had taken the time to look and certainly would have benefitted from.
Bring your Student ID
I'm staying just outside of Oxford, England, which unbeknownst to me, is a college town. The student population makes up a large portion of the commerce and the market plays into that. You can find student discounts at almost any place. I have seen more advertisements for student discounts than I've seen for anything else. Checking out the specials at a new restaurant? It's the Student ID Scramble. Wanting to buy a bus ticket into town? Take a ride on the College Coach. I could be saving so much money if I had brought my identification with me. While certainly not a significant amount on each purchase, it adds up.
2. Exchange All Denominations Before Leaving
I went to my bank before I left and exchanged money so that I would have to pay such high conversion rates. I got the usual 5s, 10s, 20s, and thought nothing of it. In England, denominations less than 5 are coins. Things you could need a pound for? Getting your grocery shopping cart, paying to use the public bathroom, buying anything for less than 5 pounds. Sure, you can always buy something and get change back, but what that initial low budget purchase you'll wish you had some coins.
3. You Might Have a Hard Time Finding Air Conditioning
In the three weeks that I've been here, I've enjoyed air conditioning on the hour and a half ride on the Oxford Tube to and from London and.. that's it. Air conditioning isn't really that big of a deal here. If you're hot just open a window. This was difficult for me to adjust to. I don't do too well when I get really hot and I tend to get a little sick when I overheat. It's nice to have a piece of paper or a fan with you for those times when you need to be just a little bit cooler.
4. It's Going to Take You a Lot Longer to do Your Laundry
Washing your clothes is simple enough. Put them in the machine and start it. Drying your clothes is also quite simple. Take them out of the washer and put them on the line. Easy enough. Right? Well, only if you're not in a time crunch. Or if you spill on something you regularly wear. I've found that it usually takes a day and a half for your clothes to get really dry. I can get by with just a day if I am ok with being a tad bit damp for a while. I would recommend doing your laundry early in the morning so that you can place as many clothing items in the sun as you can. I'm fortunate to be staying somewhere where I can use the sun and the wind to speed up the drying process.
5. Some Restaurants Close During the Day
Some restaurants will close during lunch time and just be open for breakfast and dinner. This isn't the case for every restaurant, but you'll want to check with where you're going before you decide to walk in. They may also have different menus throughout the day depending on the time that you are going. I always recommend checking their website to see if you need to make a reservation as well. There's nothing worse than walking into a place for lunch and finding that not only are they closed but booked solid for the next week.
6. Everybody Smokes
This is something that was a little bit difficult for me. I have asthma and smoking is extremely common in Europe. To be the overly dramatic person that I am, I think there are more people smoking than not. Between the cigarettes and the vapes, there's always a perpetual haze around the city. You still can't smoke inside so you're petty safe in there, but the air is a lot thicker in Europe than it is back home.
7. Check to See if You Need a Visa
Not everyone needs a visa and it can be a little confusing to figure out. The UK website has a pretty easy to follow guideline if that's where you're headed. As an American citizen, I don't need a visa if I am going to be a tourist in the UK for less than six months. If you're working or here for school you will absolutely need a visa, but your general travel you will not. At the time of writing this, this is still the case. However, there are some changes being made and in 2024 you can expect to need a visa to enter Europe for any number of reasons. Check https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for the latest information regarding who needs a visa and for where.
8. Check With Your Bank
Some, but not all, banks will want to know if you are doing any international travel. You might be able to do this online, but there's nothing worse than being abroad and finding out your credit card has been locked because they think someone is trying to steal your identity. This process is usually super easy and doesn't take up too much time.
9. Check Your Phone Plan
I have Verizon, which means that I have the option to buy a travel pass for unlimited texting and data. I have a set number of minutes, but the only person I call is my mom so I think I'll be able to remain under my minutes. Another option is to buy a new SIM card. If that's the route you're choosing to go, I would recommend doing that before you leave instead of waiting until you get to your destination.
10. Bring an Adapter
I can't speak for anywhere other than the United States, but the outlet situation in Europe is completely different. If you are bringing your phone, your laptop, basically anything that will need a charge, you're going to need a way to convert the power. My personal favourite is the Epicka World Power Adapter, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-All-One-Smart-Black/dp/B07KQ23QHM?asc_source=verso&asc_campaign=60eeedeba86e5ac15953a11e%7C7CWiodEQPwQC2FszvJsT8b&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wired.com%2Fgallery%2Fbest-travel-adapters%2F&ascsubtag=60eeedeba86e5ac15953a11e&tag=wiredusa-local-uk-21 found here on Amazon. This adapter comes with 4 USB ports and sliding plugs that are compatible in the USA/AUS, UK, EU. I can charge my laptop, phone, and Apple Watch all at the same time wherever I go.
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