There are few things more exciting than your first trip to Europe, whether you’re 20 something and an Emily in Paris wannabee, or a more senior traveller who wants to follow in the footsteps of Martin Sheen on the Camino de Santiago, or jump off a Greek island jetty à la Mamma Mia. There is no doubt that Europe is romantic and historic, but for newbies it can also feel a little eccentric. Getting to grips with European ways can take time, and we hope that these tips will give you that push of the jetty that you need.
Politics and geography
If you’re from one of the vast continents, get ready to zoom in a bit. Europe is small in comparison. However, thinking of it as one continent to see and do in a month is really not the best approach. Each country offers something so different, and you could spend a month in Spain, France or Italy alone. If you want to do a combination, however, we’ve made it easier for you with these multi-country hiking and cycling holiday suggestions. It’s also worth remember that because it is smaller, it does get busier in some key spots in peak summer season, such as the Amalfi Coast or the Mediterranean. Read our blog on How to avoid overtourism hotspots.
The EU stands for the European Union, and when pronounced in acronym form does not mean ‘Ew! I’m going to be sick’. Just say it out loud a few times and get used to hearing it being said out loud. There are lots of words you probably don’t want to say out loud in Europe, however, one being Holland. When what you mean is the Netherlands. North and South Holland are regions of the country that is the Netherlands. Or Yugoslavia. That broke up into a collection of independent Balkan beauties in the early 90s.
Talking out loud about the EU and Brexit in the UK is one quick way to kill the mood. It’s best avoided. And calling Ireland part of the UK is not only a mood killer if you’re walking around the likes of Kerry or West Cork, it’s a ‘thank you and goodbye’ moment. Come back when you realise it’s a proudly independent country.
Not all European countries are in the European Union or, some countries that are in the EU don’t have euros as currency yet. Which can make borders and banking a brain ache sometimes. So, if you’re hiking in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, for example, which is in the EU, you need levs, but hop over the border to Greece to go trekking in the Peloponnese, and you’re back to euros. In short, check the status of the country before you travel!
European trains
You can actually go from Bulgaria to Greece by train, travelling from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia to Thessaloniki in eight hours. For under €20 (40 LEV!). Europe’s train network is both ancient and awesome, speedy and slow, take your pick. And it can be very good value, if you know how. Read our blogs on train travel in Europe and, if you want a quick immersion into European life, take a sleeper train. There’s even a train that takes you through Italy’s mainland and over to the island of Sicily where they shunt the train onto a ferry. If you’re from a country where train travel is only for commuting, then get in train-ing for Europe. For all our holidays that are reachable by rail, click here.
Timekeeping
Not all trains may run on time in Europe, but in Switzerland, they really do like clocks and timekeeping. Not just with trains but with everything. So don’t be late for dinner, or it may end up in the dog. As a result, coffee shops can be crammed at 16h because, well, four o’clock is Kaffee und Kuchen time of course.
16h means 4pm. Europe likes its 24 hour clock, or military clock, as it’s also known. When you get used to it, you’ll see that it can often help avoid confusion.
You will see some late times on many European clocks too, particularly in southern Europe, where people often don’t have dinner until 22h and have a siesta for a couple of hours during the day. Especially in summer when it’s sizzling. The further south you go, the more chilled people get about timekeeping too.
Blowing hot and cold
Europeans like to get heated about stuff, so don’t expect ice and air conditioning everywhere you go. Invest in a proper old fashioned fan, a good sunhat and a lot of linen if you’re travelling in summer.
It’s a myth that European drinking water is stinky because, for the most part, H2O is good to go from most taps. Check out our sources – the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Carpathians and Scottish Highlands, to name but a few. And then seek out the natural spring water taps in myriad locations too. Eau, la la.
Haute culture
Being in Europe for the first time can be an eye opener, especially if multiculturalism, gender fluidity, or extreme fashion statements are new to you. It’s tempting, but don’t stare, especially on public transport. Not all staring is intended to be intrusive, of course, but it’s interesting to note on the London tube there is signage saying: Intrusive staring of a sexual nature is sexual harassment and is not tolerated.
Religion is big in many European countries, as you can see not only from the array of churches but also festivals throughout the year. Orthodox Easter is practised big time in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania and it falls not long after the Catholic and Protestant churches celebrate it. Religious festivals often mean shops, restaurants and sometimes public transport shut down, including Christmas of course.
Nudity is normal in many parts of Europe and if this is an issue, get ready to chill about it or just join in the laissez-faire lifestyle. Particularly in Swedish or Finnish saunas, or on French or Spanish Mediterranean beaches where going topless is just the norm. There is also a vast network of beaches where swimsuits are optional. In Greece, however, local people don’t tend to go topless, so the best advice is just try and respect what local people do.
Hospitality
Hospitality is homely rather than about paying homage in Europe. You won’t be fawned over by waiters, and often they just leave you alone to get on with things. This doesn’t equate with bad service. There just isn’t the same ‘we are here to serve your every whim’ ethos, or tipping obsession. Adapting their menus for food intolerances and allergies is more common than you may think now. It’s not unheard of to see senza glutine (gluten free) on an Italian pizza menu nowadays, but usually only in the big cities.
Don’t expect ‘to go boxes’ or ‘doggy bags’ everywhere, although it is happening slowly but surely. In some rural areas in less developed countries, however, it’s worth having a collapsible food storage box in your daypack, to take home leftovers.
With restaurants, we always recommend small, locally-owned bistros or brasseries, tavernas or trattorias. Avoid the city centre food haunts that have menus in ten languages as they rarely get the concept of slow food.
Buying a bottle of wine or some beers and taking them to the beach, or a riverfront, is a norm in many parts of Europe. Which feels very civilised and exciting when you’re not used to it. Getting totally drunk is not part of the culture, and definitely not civilised, which is why some tourist hot spots such as the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca have banned public drinking. So always inform yourself about local laws before cracking open a bottle of something cool.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick journey around Europe. If you want to jump off Greek jetties at the end of a cycling or walking holiday, we’ve got plenty of places where you can do that. And as for the Camino de Santiago, we’ve got your back, and will transport your backpack too. For more articles on European culture, you may enjoy our blogs on Finnish sauna etiquette, Easter traditions in different countries, Best markets in France and Embracing the etiquette of cycling in the Netherlands.
