Europe is a popular continent for vacations and family trips. There are so many fantastic countries all within a stone’s throw from one another. The climate can be amazing, and there are loads of unique experiences on offer. But, before you plan a trip to Europe with your family, there are a few key things you need to know. Some of these will benefit your safety, while others are crucial for different reasons.
Not all European countries use the same currency
A lot of people assume that all European nations use the Euro. I mean, it makes sense, doesn’t it? The reality is that only countries in the European Union will use the Euro - and even some of these countries have their own currency. It can get confusing, but the last thing you want is to arrive somewhere with the wrong legal tender.
So, before you set off, do your research to ensure you bring the right form of currency. Some countries, like Hungary, will use the Euro and another currency. In cases like this, it’s almost always better to use the local currency instead of the Euro, purely because it’s cheaper for you.
You should only drink bottled water in some countries
Believe it or not, but some countries in Europe don’t have clean drinking water in their homes. The water from the kitchen or bathroom faucets is not suitable to drink because it may contain other things in it. As such, people living in these countries will only drink bottled water.
Obviously, it’s essential to know which countries have clean drinking water, and which ones don’t. But, to be safe, it makes sense to carry bottled water around with you wherever you go. I recently saw an article on Prepared Bee that went into detail on how long bottled water lasts. It’s worth reading up on things like this before you leave, to ensure that you stay safe and hydrated.
Some European restaurants and cafes don’t give out change
This is more of a cultural thing than anything else. It’s not something that’s restricted to one country, it can happen all throughout Europe. Essentially, restaurant staff won’t give back your change if you pay in cash. Why? Because they see it as a service charge of sorts. Clearly, the locals know this, so they either pay by card or pay in cash and let the servers keep the change. So, it’s never an issue for any restaurant staff.
The problem is when someone comes from abroad and pays with cash. Here, you can pay for a meal, be waiting for your change, then be really confused when it doesn’t turn up. To avoid making a mistake like this, it’s best to pay by card - or pay in as close to the exact amount of cash as possible. It’s not a significant issue, but you can lose a fair bit of holiday money if you keep doing this in every restaurant you go to.
For me, these three things are important for you to know. I think they will set you up for a better trip that’s free from any shocks or surprises. It’s always good to prepare as thoroughly as possible before a trip, so there’s less chance of things going awry.
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