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Woman Shares “Things I Wish I Knew As An American Traveling To Europe For The First Time” And We’re Taking Notes!

A woman eats a slice of pizza at a restaurant table.

Vacations are meant to be times of rest and relaxation. That said, if you’re visiting a place whose culture is different from your own, it can take a bit of adjusting. That’s part of the reason why it’s recommended to do a bit of research ahead of time. That way, you can show respect for another country’s culture and avoid potentially stressful or confusing moments.

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Luckily, there are lots of experienced travelers online who are happy to share their knowledge with others. Abby Hudson, for example, has some amazing tips for Americans who plan to travel to Europe. Her advice comes from experience, and it’s gone viral online! So, let’s get into some of her tips, shall we?

A giant home sits feet away from water. At a distance behind the home are giant mountains. Text on the image reads:

They love when you try their language - Saying "bonjour" or "grazie" earns instant respect. Even if you butcher it, they appreciate the effort (and will probably switch to perfect English to save you)
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Abby starts off strong with a language tip. Depending on where you go, the people there may not speak English. While it can feel intimidating to even attempt to speak their language, according to Abby, it’s very much appreciated. Now, let’s talk about outfits. Because comfort is key!

Abby smiles wide as she sits on a boat. She's wearing sunglasses. Text on the image reads:

You will walk 10 miles a day - on cobblestone. Up hill. You're truly an idiot if you think you will wear heels or cute shoes. I bought white Dr. Scholls and paired them with every dress
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Sure, you’ll want to look as fabulous as possible in your vacation photos. But not at the expense of your comfort and enjoyment. Speaking of which, Americans might be shocked to learn this about public bathrooms…

Insightful Adventurer Gives Her Best Travel Tips for Americans Who Plan to Visit Europe

A massive home sits amidst tall, skinny trees that are taller than the home. The view is from a boat on the nearby water. Text on the image reads:

Bathrooms cost money - yep, you gotta pay to pee. Always carry coins and an urgent facial expression
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As an avid traveler, Abby is full of helpful advice like this. In fact, here’s a breakdown of the remaining travel tips she has for those headed to Europe:

  • Cold coffee is not easily accessible. She didn’t find “cafe freddo” widely accepted until Greece
  • Dinner is eaten late — “8 p.m. is early. 6 p.m. is for confused tourists and toddlers.”
  • Tipping is not the norm, so Abby recommends keeping it to 10% because, otherwise, “20% makes you look like you’re trying to buy the restaurant.”

Finally, Abby’s last piece of advice applies to anywhere you go: Be present!

“Don’t forget to put your phone down and just take it all in,” Abby insists. “Traveling is a PRIVILEGE that most people can only dream of… if you’re lucky enough to soak in a brand new culture GO ALL IN, make memories, and don’t be scared to try new things!”

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!

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