Global Resorts Network Travel Source

with Molly Dalbec

November 18th, 2008

SAFETY TIPS FOR A SECURE AND ENJOYABLE EUROPEAN HOLIDAY VACATION

     Europe has so much to offer that probably the only things that could damper your spirits would be a bad weather and safety risks.  Although no destination is 100 percent safe, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy your European holiday to the fullest.  Here are 6 safety tips you can use to make sure that you have a secure and fun European holiday destination:

1. Book only with trusted and established travel agencies.

     Don’t try to save a few dollars by booking a vacation with an agency you’ve never heard of before.  That way, you can be assured that there will be no problems about your travel papers or your accommodations.

2. Protect your belongings.

     Probably the number one safety concern that most tourists have during a European holiday – or any holiday, for that matterluggage – is loss of belongings.  When you’re carrying money or valuables, you’re fair game to pickpockets, thieves and other local criminals.

If possible, try to carry as few bags as you can when you travel.  That way, you don’t have to a lot to worry about.  Keep all valuables in a bag that’s close to your body.  Avoid individuals or groups that seem suspicious.

3. Don’t draw too much attention.

     Leave the bling at home and use only the most important stuff during your European holiday.  A cheap watch should suffice or if you have to wear any jewelry at all, use only a pair of stud earrings.  Wear clothing that’s similar to those worn by the locals.  Avoid shirts that advertise strong political or ethical views.  Try to look as neutral as possible to avoid becoming an easy target. 

4. Familiarize yourself with the local area.

     Just because you’re a stranger to the area doesn’t excuse you from being uninformed.  Prior to your trip, go online and seek out information about your European destination.  You could also look for tips and advice in online forums or go to websites that offer tours of the area – they will often post information about the place that you can use.

Buy a map and try to familiarize yourself with the area.  Check where your hotel is located on the map and try to locate the areas you plan to visit.  Look at landmarks, roads, streets and buildings in relation to your hotel.  You might also want to locate police stations and public information offices so you’ll know where to run to in case you encounter any problems.

5. Don’t do what you won’t normally do at home.

     Even if you’re back home in familiar grounds, you wouldn’t france mapwalk into a dark, deserted alley, would you?  You also wouldn’t allow a total stranger to accost you or take you to an area that’s unfamiliar. 

Even with a map or a GPRS, you might find many of the local places in Europe difficult to navigate.  Since you’re not a local, there are plenty of little streets and alleyways that you might want to steer away from.  Best stick to main thoroughfares and roads where there are more people and tourists like you.

6. Avoid picking up a fight.

     You know what they say: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’  Don’t try to argue with the locals regarding their practices or try to disparage their culture.  It’s not your right to do.  As a tourist, you came to your European holiday destination to see the sights and enjoy yourself – not to change things or lecture the residents.  In case of tension or confrontation, it’s best to just simply walk away.

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November 18th, 2008

How to Prepare for a European Holiday Vacation

Steps to help you prepare and map out your first vacation to Europe

 Step 1: Making General Plans

Prior to your preferred vacation date, plan as early as six months. Make a list of places that you wish to visit. Travel PlanConsider the amount of free time you can allocate to your vacation and make sure you have at least a day or two to dedicate to a single city to make the most out of it.

Start learning the various foreign languages you expect to speak when you finally head off to Europe. Overcoming language barriers will help save money in more ways than one.

Step 2: Start Paying

Once you’ve got your itinerary for your European vacation ready, you should start making arrangements for your flight. Shop online for the best airfare deals. airfare dealsBe sure you know the dates of public holidays as they could make a significant impact on your travel plans. Besides the usual holidays, Europe also celebrates Assumption Day on August 15 and the Epiphany on January 6. Munich has Oktoberfest, but celebrations could start as early as September while Venice has Carnevale on February.

Allocate three months for preparing paperwork if you need to renew your passport or apply for visa. This is also the best time to start shopping for shoes that can get you around Europe, walking the cobbled lanes of old English town and cross the thresholds of the best French restaurants.

If possible, transact with just one or two persons for your travel arrangements. This would entitle you to more discounts. Advanced bookings for accommodations would also help you in saving money. Remember that your choices aren’t limited to just rooms and suites of hotels and resorts. You can also rent out cabins, lofts, apartments, cottages, and condo units.

Step 3:  Choose Your Method of Transportation

If you are proficient with right-hand driving then you can save a lot of money by renting out a car; make sure your rental dates coincide with your arrival and London Undergrounddeparture date on the cities you’ll visit.

Transportation, however, can also be an adventure. You might be familiar with the Metro in Paris and the Underground in London, but are you aware of the trams, buses, and the T-bana in Stockholm? In Venice, you’ll have to ride the waterbus or vaporetto – and yes, there are always gondolas for scenic tours – and funiculars in Lisbon.

Rail systems can be quite complex in the large cities so make sure you have your map with you at all times. Purchase a multi-day or daily pass as well as frequent checks because they offer greater traveling convenience.

Step 4: Start Packing

Yes, it’s now time to pack and your motto shouldn’t be ‘pack everything possible’ in case of emergencies but to ‘pack lightly’ for traveling convenience. Yes, it’s nice Pack your thingsthat you prefer to pack for all sorts of emergencies, but if such items are also sold in Europe then it’s best not to pack them with you.

Choose clothing that will provide you the appropriate protection from whatever weather you expect to greet you in Europe. Make a list and be sure to double and triple-check it every week and until the day prior to your departure date. Register your travel arrangements with the State Department and make photocopies of your passport, ID cards, and other pertinent papers.

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DO THIS NOW! If you are interested in learning how to vacation at luxury 4 & 5 Star Resorts while enjoying Huge savings or, starting your own Home Based Travel Business with Global Resorts Network, let us show you how You Can Earn $500 or Even $1000 Per Sale… Without Selling Anything Yourself!  Learn all about it at http://grntravelsource.com


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