'What you need to know to have a great vacation in Europe'

1 -Notify your bank that you will be out of the country.
Let them know that you will be on vacation in a specific country and the actual dates. Sometimes a bank will flag international charges as suspicious. You could be having the time of your life in France; when you try to pay a restaurant bill with your credit card and have the card declined. So be sure to notify your bank.
2 – Exchange Rates.
The best exchange rates can be found through your credit card. Many people think that you should purchase your currency from a local bank before you travel. Or they exchange their USD at the airport. But usually these places charge some of the highest exchange rates and you are not getting a good value. Instead, just use your credit card. You can always get a cash advance from an ATM in Europe or pay for your purchases direct on your Visa.
3 – Research your hotel before making a reservation.
Hotel websites can be misleading; but you can get information from other travelers by reading the reviews on TripAdvisor.com. Some of their reviews will tell you exactly what they liked or did not like about the hotel.
4 - Where to dine.
Stay away from restaurants that have tour buses parked outside. It is best to find a restaurant that is patronized by the locals.
5 – Best time of year to travel.
Spring and autumn are considered the shoulder season. The rates in the hotels are less expensive. The cities are not choked with tourists. And the weather is cooler. The shoulder season is the best time to travel.
6 – Pack light.
Lugging a suitcase around is not fun. Pack items that can be easily hand washed and will dry easily. Limit your luggage.
7 – Travel Shoes.
Only take comfortable shoes to wear. You will do so much walking, visiting museums, villas, gardens, restaurants that you’re your feet can easily develop blisters if you do not have the proper footwear.
8 – Electrical Outlets.
European cities have a voltage that is almost twice the voltage in the USA. If you do not have a good adapter, you can burn up your equipment; whether it is a laptop or video camera. There are voltage adapters that you can purchase here in the USA. However, it is better to get one in Europe. Most major hotels will have a voltage adapter available for their clientele.
9 – Rent a car locally.
It is so much easier to see the sights when you rent a car. You can gain more of an exposure to the local culture and travel off the beaten path.
10 – Planning your trip.
Customize your trip to include destinations that emphasize one of your hobbies. You do not always need to see the main tourist attractions. What are your hobbies; wine, food, gardens, needlepoint or music? Try to find locales that specialize in one of your hobbies and can offer you a unique experience.
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