ATTENTION: First Time Travelers

1. Tipping is different
2. People are not as fat

Hotel rooms will be smaller than what you are used to in the US

Have you ever stayed in a NYC hotel? NYC is probably the most European-"like" large city in the US in terms of density, old architecture, land use patterns, etc. Some hotels in NYC rival any European hotel in terms of size (e.g. micro hotels, POD brand, etc). It's likely that the shower will be bigger though and not a tightly enclosed semi-circle door (even in the tiniest of rooms in NYC). Come to think of it, I've stayed in small rooms throughout the US in some popular tourist destinations, including Miami - the key was that it was an old property and there was not much room for expanding the room or changing the configuration.

Europe is not monolithic and there is plenty of variation, just like in the US (especially highly urban areas). I've stayed in various hotels in Europe which were quite large too; only difference may have been a lot less empty space in the bathroom (US hotel bathrooms are quite large).

People should be prepared for mundane differences when they travel, they're not deal breakers.

1. There will not be a washcloth in your room.
2. There will be more non-air-conditioned spaces, and there will be some under-air-conditioned spaces.

• People in service roles are earning a living wage, and are therefore relatively competent and pleasantly demeanored.

• Residents assume that state apparatus is there for the good of the commonwealth (rather than the transfer of wealth and power from the many to the few) such that municipal service employees are inclined to be helpful.

What I'm getting at is that you may have to wait in lines, but when you get to the counter, the staff will want to be helpful.
A stark contrast with the current USA, where life is nasty, brutish, and short for the many, and the few are sealed within airconditioned bubbles.

European differences are not as bad as some say.

1) Look both ways before you cross a street even with a walk signal. Remember the UK drives on the left so look the opposite way as you would at home. Also in many countries, like Turkey, motorists are king. The Turkish people are warm and friendly but behind the wheel they will rarely slow down for pedestrians.

2)Tap water is not brought to your table at a restaurant and isn't free. If you ask for water, you will usually be asked still or sparkling and the waiter will bring out a bottle of water.

1. Many older hotels or lodges have bidets.
2. 2nd hand smoke, as smoking it is not as widely banned as it is in the USA.
3. Palm Zombies (people walking around looking at a cell phone morning noon and night) are not as prevalent
4. The entrance to the baggage security screening on the way to the gates are automated in a lot of airports, you scan your boarding pass and a gate opens to the enter that area versus the TSA way.
5. You may run out of hot water the rest of the day if you like to take long showers

As well as being paid a living wage, service staff don't necessarily require tips - and not at the percentage of USA.
Restaurants may have already charged a service fee, and you might find a fee for bread - it isn't always free with meals.
You can ask for tap water from the waiter - in the correct language, but you may get frowned at.
Public water fountains are still found in cities - but won't look like the white ones from high school days. It isn't always easy to tell what to use, but if it is a decorative fountain rather than a drinking fountain, it might have the 'do not drink' symbol.
Restaurant staff is not your best friend and might be considered surly to one is used to a 'hi, my name is Chad, I'll be your server today' type of waiter.
If the lodging doesn't list AC, then there isn't any. It might try to convince you 'ac' is that old style fan in the corner of the room.
Not all lodgings have elevators....again, if it doesn't say it it doesn't have one. If it has one, it might be fit one person and luggage or 2 people no luggage.
Summer can be very hot. There is a reason the siesta was developed. Plan on afternoon breaks and lots of gelato
Wear good walking shoes...and that even means white sneakers.

If you are in France, say "bonjour" before you say anything to anyone.

“People are not as fat” - but in many places they’re not far behind.

1. No free refills of soda with meals.
2. Some restaurants serve bottled water that you pay for, unless you specifically ask for tap water.

The first floor in Europe is what we call the second floor in the US. Third floor walkup may sound romantic in France but realize you'll be walking up 4 flights of old stairs in a 19th century building-with luggage. I learned that the hard way in Madrid.

If you are going to a grocery store, read up on how to select and bag produce. In Spanish supermarkets, one uses gloves to pick out fruits or veggies, put them in a bag and then weigh and punch the code into a machine to print out a bar code. Our cashier was pretty upset when we showed up at the register without a barcode.

Watch the news once in a while. Most hotels/apartments in Europe at least get CNN International and BBC News. It's always enlightening to see how the rest of the world reports on the US and our (ahem) government.

Many subways and trains don't have elevators, you have to schlep up the stairs a lot of the time.

The food doesn't have as many nasty additives (e.g. food dyes, artificial crap) as in the US, esp. in countries like France, Italy, Switzerland.

Recycling is way more prevalent.

Hotels may regulate when you can turn on the A/C based on time of the year. Ditto tour buses cannot idle and thus won't stay A/C-ed in hot weather.

Electricity is expensive, so you might find a room that requires you to slip your room card into a slot (like a cruise ship) in order to turn on the lights.
As well as regulating AC, they regulate heating to set months. If you are cold, ask for more blankets and put on more clothing - or buy a hot water bottle. If too hot, then ask nicely for an electric fan but not expect one.
Pack earplugs - some cities never sleep.
Retrofitted old buildings to apartments or hotels may mean ensuites the size of a closet, small showers, non-existent bathtubs.

European washing machines take about twice as long as ours to wash and dry. Sometimes it is the same machine and the dryer can be very hot. Temperatures are in celcius, but you can google english instructions of use for the make and model.
An appliance converter converts voltage from 120 to 240 (or US to European). An adapter changes the shape of the prongs. It is usually cheaper and safer/more reliable to buy a dual voltage curling iron, flat iron or blow dryer (though these are usually in hotels).
Electronics tend to be dual voltage already, so you only need a plug adapter.

ATTENTION: First Time Travelers to the USA (two can play at this game 😉)

1. Portion sizes are larger in the States, usually 1 entree dish is good for 2 people.

2. Do not assume public transport will be available, even in urban areas.

3. Do not forget to tip! Not tipping is seen as a big no-no and even insulting, 15 -20% is expected, no matter the service.

4. When people say "How are you?" they do not mean "How are you?", but rather it is a simple greeting, default to "Good".

5. Do not underestimate the size of the country, pick a region region to focus on, there is more to the US then New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Hope these can be taken in good humor :)

1. The first floor of a building is one level up from street level.

2. A double room in a hotel doesn't mean there's two beds. (There might be two beds pushed together that can be separated, but not always.)

On the no free refills issue: coffee! I haven’t been to any European country that offers a bottomless cup. If you want more coffee, you have to order and pay for another cup.*. The good news is that coffee is usually much cheaper in Europe than in the U.S. No $5 lattes. Also, related. In Italy, if you order a “latte,” you’ll get a cup of hot milk.
*i can’t speak for the Starbucks incursions into Europe. Maybe they follow American practices

What Emma said is soooo true!!!

Depending on where you are, public toilets (restrooms, washrooms, WC) may not be free of charge and may be difficult to find.

Always carry some of the local currency in coins in case you need to use a coin-operated toilet! And don't be surprised if there is an attendant with an out-stretched hand seeking a few coins before you enter the washroom.

For some reason, some of them don't speak English. Also, aren't door knobs suppose to be round?

@ Carlos 1) travelers to the U.S. in the summer better bring sweaters; most buildings have too much AC. 2) you can usually find a free clean toilet at a fast food restaurant and usually don't have to purchase anything 3) Amtrack(the railway) is seldom a good option for travel(with the probable exception of the Northeast corridor)

@Cala ah yes... the dreaded American AC, one must dress in layers in the summer!

Also another thing I remember is the amount of ice in the water, in the States the default is "Siberia" :) usually 3/4 ice and 1/4 drinkable water. Fellow Europeans should be advised to ask specifically for little or no ice when ordering water/soft drinks.

What first timers can expect over there: 1, you pay extra/more (however you define it) for luxuries, privacy, convenience, etc. Given a room in a small hotel, one en suite, one not, then you pay more for that privacy and luxury.

1. No AC in hotels set at meat locker, if you need that in the summer, I don't.

2. No elevator in B&B in London, You get use to it.

3. Some B&Bs in London add a surcharge of 2-4% to give you the luxury of paying with a credit card.

4. Showers in hotels are small in area as are the hotel rooms.

5. No refills pertaining to non-alcoholic drinks in Germany, the sign states that... "Nachfüllen nicht erlaubt."

6. Don't expect an ice cold beer in Germany, be it a draft beer or a bottle.

8 Be prepared in Vienna and Berlin to find restaurants, even those located in tourist visited areas, to pay only in cash.

1. Buying a ticket for the S-Bahn in Munich from a S-Bahn machine is only by cash.
   

Yes, you do have coffee refills in Germany, ie, at breakfast in a Pension or at 2- 3 star hotels, no problem getting that where I've stayed in Berlin, Munich, Kiel, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Minden, etc and Vienna too.

Emma’s post was important - every country IS different - for instance someone pronounced “ no free tap water “ but in France it IS available - in Italy it is not . Countries differ.

Totally agree that Enma’s post is the most important one here: Europe is a whole bunch of separate countries with very separate ways of doing things.

Also someone posted this:

Electricity is expensive, so you might find a room that requires you
to slip your room card into a slot (like a cruise ship) in order to
turn on the lights.

This is not an expense thing. It’s an environmental issue.

This is not an expense thing. It’s an environmental issue.

Oh come on, we all know this is an excuse just like re-using the bathroom towels to help save the environment, it's all about the cost to the hotel, they couldn't give a toss about the environment.

Exactly, the 2 star hotel in Paris is like that with the lights. That Paris hotel is doing its part on the electricity, likewise in Germany 35-45 years ago, the hall way lights, eg in a Pension, (this was in westBerlin) were on timer at night, or so dim at night, you could hardly see crossing the open areas to reach the hallway and rooms.

You leave your room, no way the lights or TV can be left on since you have to turn in your card key before exiting the hotel. Once the card key is out of the light "socket" within a minute or so, the lights go out in the rooms, WC and shower room included.

Brilliant, Emma. We've had a few instances where one of us has wanted to leave the room briefly - to run down to the front desk, say - while the other has been showering. Good tip!

In a restaurant don't be surprised if you are not presented a check/bill after your last bite like here in the states. When you are ready for a check, just signal and ask for it. Also, don't expect to be hovered over during your meal. If you need something, signal any waiter or owner, they will attend to your needs. I have never been rushed through a meal.

I'm loving this thread! And yes, Carlos, we can take it in good humor. I for one hate the meat-locker temperatures of most public buildings in the States in the summer. I carry a sweater or sweatshirt in my car or wrapped around my waist when I'm running errands in the summer. Also spring and fall, at least in this part of the country.

Minor additions to the list, some of which are deducible from others:

Do not expect ice in drinks, including water

Do not expect your beer to be cold; it will be cool - cellar temperature - but not cold. Enjoy the taste difference without numbed taste buds.

We hear many complaints about bad service in restaurants, especially in Italy and France; not so. In many places in Europe, once you have a table it is yours. You will not be rushed, you will not be bothered. The staff assumes that if you want something (like another drink or your bill) you will catch the eye of a server.

And yes, I have indeed been at restaurants in Europe where the service was bad, but those instances were rare. Once you figure out the system, it makes more sense.

Oh come on, we all know this is an excuse just like re-using the
bathroom towels to help save the environment, it's all about the cost
to the hotel, they couldn't give a toss about the environment.

You can walk and chew gum at the save time at the same time. Why not? Don't see the point of knocking a hotel for trying to save money with a side benefit (intended or not) for the environment. I don't need or want my towels washed every day, and I think it's fine to signal that to the hotel.

As for electricity, in Germany and Croatia, I've stayed in places with motion sensors in the hotel hallways and interiors. I've also experienced having to keep a card in the door and was asked by an apartment owner in Malta (where it was blazing hot) to always turn off the air when leaving. They don't waste electricity like we do. Makes sense to me.

Having traveled throughout Europe since the 1980s, yes, Europeans in general are not nearly as fat as many Americans, but the gap seems to be closing as American fast food has become more prevalent. Well, American everything has become more prevalent.

Showers can be comically small.

No AC in many hotels and cars can be quite unpleasant. We were fortunate the owner of our VRBO provided a fan, or it would have been difficult to sleep a couple of nights.

Yes, Europeans are much better at conservation and are more environmentally friendly. Again, in general. Europeans tend to dress better than Americans, where around here you see people in pajamas and bedroom slippers in stores and restaurants.

As for portion size in the US, we normally get an entree and a big salad, and split it. Even that is often more than enough. Then again in Germany a jagerschnitzel with pommes and salad is as high calorie as typical American restaurants.

I'd hazard to guess that if reusing towels wasn't profitable, hotels wouldn't do it. The bottom line and profit are the main drivers.

On a side note our town is ending the recycling of plastics due to losing money on the venture. Something to do with China no longer accepting refuse plastic? Anyway, bummer.

At a minimum, learn how to say “good day”, “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” in the country’s language. Always preface any interaction with the local “good day”.

Some of the hotels I have stayed in Germany and Vienna, eg in Kiel, Vienna, Berlin Ostbahnhof,, operate in the same manner as that in Paris, where the room lights are turned off by the card key. That way you know the lights will be off when exiting.

There is absolutely enormous difference in public transport between the most of USA and most of Europe. Most of the time you don't need to rent a car - in Europe. If you do it usually cost more than in US, car is smaller and automatic is exception, you have to ask for it and you pay for it. Gas is significantly more expensive. Parking in big cities is much less available and expensive. If you park somewhere where you should not it will be almost certainly towed away or they will put so called boot on one of the wheels. Public transport is generally much better than here. Trains are much more frequent than here. In some countries you even don't have to look at schedule. In most cases you don't have to book train ahead. Simply come to the station, buy ticket and board. Be ready to get off at your destination. Train stops, people get off and on and usually in less than one minute train leaves. Not like here when you have sometimes 10 to 15 minutes time. Most trains are much faster than here. You see very few diesel locomotives. Most are electrical and most railroads are electrified. I am very familiar with the Czech Republic but this is valid for many countries in Europe. You can get to every town, every little village by train or bus. On main railroads train is usually faster than bus, in rural areas is usually opposite. Enough of public transportation. Your probability of being pickpocketed is higher in Europe especially in certain countries. For a change your probability of being shot or violently robbed is lower in Europe. A lot was said about differences in hotels. Generally it is true, but I was also in bigger hotel rooms having bigger bathrooms in Europe than in USA. But what is generally valid almost always breakfast is much better in Europe. And I am sure there are many other differences which were not mentioned yet and they will slowly cross my (and your) mind so I am not ruling out another contribution.

Europeans have really taken to American-style brunches, especially Spain. There were so many restaurants in Barcelona that served “El Brunch” on Sundays and they were all packed with young Spaniards! So American culture is still seeping through.

Our Spanish waiter encouraged us to go to the brunch when he found out we were American.He was shocked when my dad told him we don’t like brunches. I guess it was like finding out a Spaniard doesn’t like paella-it destroys all the myths.

I am using my own experience, true I had in mind hotel breakfasts in Central Europe, specifically Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic. Much better than anywhere in US hotels I have been. What else is different in Europe: no American sprawl. There is a clearly defined town, then end of town or village (unlike in US, there is a big difference between them) then open space then another town. Here in the States we have plenty of open space mainly in the west but it is relatively far from the city or town. Land is abundant and cheap here comparing to Europe. Another difference: houses in Europe are solid from brick and mortar (with few exceptions in Scandinavia), here from the wood and plywood. They survive earthquakes better than brick and mortar but hurricane and tornado destroys them relatively easily. Another difference: wider roads and streets here. Bigger cars. People are friendlier here (at least on the surface). People are less formal here and know less about outside world.

I love reading these comments. I am a transplanted German in the US and most of them make me smile.
A couple other comments (didn’t read all so might be repetitive, sorry)
1. If you have problems with bread etc bc of gluten you might be fine in Europe, much less gluten in baked goods
2. Saying bonjour before anything else in France is essential, even try to stutter a couple more words as they won’t be as ‘rude’ ( I love the French i think they are much nicer than Germans! Great recommendation)
3. Always have change for bathrooms, yes they cost money almost everywhere in Europe
4. Europeans in general have nothing on US customer service (west coast), if they don’t ask how you’re doing that’s normal.
5. In a restaurant you have to indicate when you want to order, want another drink or pay. Most likely they won’t take your plate either, it is just a different approach on service, they want you to enjoy your time and not be hasseled by the waiter.
6. Try to eat with knife and fork
7. Lunch in France is at least 2h if you’re in a rush let them know, in Paris a lot of places have extra fast menus and normally charge a little more. I recommend not rushing it’s part of France and should be experienced!
8. Credit cards are not as common and not accepted for all amounts, always carry enough cash
9. Get a travel credit card with no forgein transaction fee and free miles when you sign up :) ( I flew for free to Amsterdam and closed the card before the annual fee)

10. Best way to exchange money is atm, Schwab for example reimburses any atm fees
11. Be aware second hand smoking is bad, not Asia bad but annoying when used to a smoke free life
12. Don’t care about your weight while traveling and eat us much as possible, food is so different and so good!
13. Be aware of thieves, they are way more common in Europe than US in general
14. Just in case, make copies of passport, leave one with a friend at home and carry one in a different place from your passport.
Have a fun trip.

1. Food service is slow by American standards. That's GOOD, just be prepared to go with it. Sit, talk to your traveling companion, enjoy the food and wine. It's hard to flag your waiter down and get the check much of the time - so don't cut your times too close. When you get home, be ready to feel really, really annoyed with "good" American service that will feel rudely rushed.

2. Depending on where you go, meal times may be different. If you can eat at the local schedule, do so! For example, in Spain dinner is often after 10PM. Lunch is a bigger meal and it's more like 2PM. You can always find food at other hours (cafes, fast food) but trying the local schedule will open you up to better experiences. And some countries are much more similar to the US times, just depends.

3. You are going to Europe, not Antarctica. No need to prepare for an expedition to the ends of the earth. All these differences are interesting, but in the end it's more similar to what you are used to than you may think because people are people. Don't worry - any problem you run into can be solved there. Anything from a medical issue (they have hospitals!) to running out of toothpaste (they have stores!).

4. Learn basic phrases and customs in the local language (in France, ALWAYS say Bonjour to store/restaurant/hotel employees, for example) BUT Do not let the language barrier stop you from going anywhere! You can usually find an English speaker (in many countries most people you run into will speak excellent English), and even if no one there speaks English you can get by with google translate or a phrase book and a good attitude. People are very willing to work with you as long as you are polite.
   -Signs and museum information are usually in the local language, with an English translation and often a third language, either that of a nearby country or of a place where they have lots of tourists.
   -Big restaurants often have English menus (not the most authentic places, but very helpful to new travelers and those worried about food).

Carry a coin purse or some other manner to keep your change. The smallest euro bill is a 5, so you will end up with a lot of coins. I didn't know this on my first trip and resorted to putting my coins in a ziplock baggie. Very classy :-)

Here's mine, many repeat what has already been said:

1. Meal times vary. In Ireland, people may not be surprised if you eat an early dinner. In France, expect a restaurant table to open around 7:30 (maybe 7 at the earliest). Tips are better thought of as not required unless you receive exceptional service. Even then ten percent would be over the top. Round the check up to add a couple euros and you will be about right.

2. Store hours vary. Europe doesn't have the 24/7 retail we're used to. In Spain and Italy, even much of France, store hours might be 8-11 and 2-6 rather than 9-5 or longer. Being open 7 days a week is also unusual.

3. Energy is expensive. For various reasons anything energy related in Europe costs much more than the States, so they make major efforts to conserve. You see it in lighting, many rooms have only one light bulb. It's also not uncommon to have to put your room key in a slot to make the light work. Air conditioning isn't a common household item. Hot water isn't unlimited. Elevators aren't as common as stairs. Fuel is four times as expensive (only double California). If you don't want to be seen as a rude tourist, don't waste energy.

4. Driving is a little different. There isn't as much wiggle room on speed limits. 5 km (3 mph) over the speed limit is often enough to earn a speeding ticket. Speeds go down in towns and pedestrian areas, even if it's not posted. In Italy, you can get a ticket for driving in the center if you aren't local. Stay out of the fast lane, except to pass (especially in Germany).

5. Wall sockets are different. You will only need a plug converter for most modern electronics. Make sure you pack one. Car sockets are the same, so a car charger there is the same as a car charger there. If you have anything electronic without dual voltage, leave it at home.

6. Floors are labeled differently. Essentially you always have the ground floor. What we call the second is their first. You may be staying on the third floor and have no elevator, which means three flights of stairs.

7. Muggers are very rare in European cities. Pickpockets and scammers, however, are common.

8. Good beer is pulled from the basement and served room temperature. Good red wine is brought from the wine cellar and also served room temperature. If you're hoping for something cold, order a white or rose.

9. Ice isn't used in abundance. I've theorized (having owned a restaurant) it's because of the cost of running an ice machine but it's at least equally plausible that Europeans see it as a disservice to water down your drink with ice.

10. Monday is a normal Museum closing day but it's not exclusive. Don't be surprised if a sight is closed on Monday but check their hours, sometimes they choose Tuesday instead.

11. Europeans get the most from their small closets. They have less room and own far fewer items of clothing. Each item is something they really like. Instead of having a walk in closet full of clothes they never wear, Europeans have a small wardrobe (not built in) with expensive clothing items they love. If you admire European fashion, remember they probably have the same, or less, invested in their clothes as you do - imagine what you could afford if you approached it the same way?

Ice isn't used in abundance. I've theorized (having owned a restaurant) it's because of the cost of running an ice machine but it's at least equally plausible that Europeans see it as a disservice to water down your drink with ice.

It's not because of the cost of running an ice machine but rather it's not something that is often required. You've mentioned yourself that beer is pumped from a cellar and therefore is served cool (not room temperature) however tapped lagers are often cooled en route from the pressurised keg. You'll also find bottled beers in fridges. Not that there will ever be any reason for having ice in beer, you can get a cold/cold beer anywhere.

Likewise wine is served at room temperature or slightly chilled depending on the variety and still no requirement for ice.

Bottled water is often stored in the fridge and is served satisfactorily cold, no need to add ice.

Soft drinks are also often stored in the fridge and again, no requirement for ice. If it's already cold why dilute it with ice?

You can get ice if you want, most bars and restaurants will provide it but there's no requirement for gargantuan ice machines simply because the demand isn't there.

I can't stand the overuse of ice in the US, you get half the drink you've paid for and by the time you've reached the end it's so heavily diluted you can barely taste it.

Doors and keys. In US doors generally open to the outside. So pull to go in, push to get out.

In Italy and France, we’ve found that the majority of doors open in. So push to get in and pull to get out.
We are used to it after living here for 8 months but there were a few times where we though “the store looks open, but why is the door locked?

Seems that many locked doors require keys on both sides of the door. The deadbolt lock on the inside of the door may not exist.

Shopping carts require a coin to “unlock the cart”. But when you return it to the coral and insert key, you get your coin back. Best idea we’ve seen that completely eliminates stray shopping carts or carts left in parking lots. Everyone returns to coral to get their Euro back.

We have these carts in areas of Canada but the coin is a quarter. A Euro has more value as an incentive. Some would think even our Loonie not worth returning a cart for.😅

Hotel rooms will be smaller than what you are used to in the US. Unless you are in one of at least 8 Eastern European countries and pay about the same as a Marriott in the US, in which case the room is larger.

Public transportation is excellent and abundant unless you are in a city where it isn't.

In Germany, EVERYONE obeys the rules, no exceptions.
https://twitter.com/welcomet0nature/status/1112264013835108352

We have these carts in areas of Canada but the coin is a quarter. A Euro has more value as an incentive. Some would think even our Loonie not worth returning a cart for.😅

It doesn't have to be a big incentive for you, it just needs to be a big enough incentive for the local kids to take it back if you don't. Same applies to deposits on bottles.

Re floor numbers in lifts (why does the US call them "elevators"?)
The ground floor is 0 (zero), the ones above it are 1, 2, 3 etc. The ones below -1, -2 etc. Logical.
Click here for photo

Add to the list:
1) 24 hour clock
2) Dates Day-Month-Year. Today is 3/4/19 = 3rd April 2019
3) Metric system only. Nobody knows what a foot, pound or gallon is.
4) Temperatures in °C, 25°C is warm. Nobody has heard of Fahrenheit.

• You don't need a car.
• Public transport is abundant, safe, usually cheap and usually reliable. And everyone uses it.
• Public transport is not only present in cities, it can take you to smaller towns and villages as well.
• You don't want a car in urban areas. You might be able to drive to you destination, but once you get there you might not be able to find parking.
• European towns and cities are built for people, not cars.
• Europe is not one homogenous continent, there are many regional differences. Sometimes huge differences.
• Many Europeans speak English, but many don't. (According to Eurostat, 65% of EU citizen speak at least one foreign language, 30% speak two or more foreign languages. The best foreign language skills are found in the Nordics, the Baltics, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Malta. The worst in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and the UK.)
• Note that foreign language ≠ English.
• Learing a few words of the local language helps a lot.
• Don't worry about not having a common language with others.
• You don't need to fly between cities, in many cases the train is a better option.
• Remember that a one hour flight is at least 3 hours from city centre to centre when comparing travel times.
• If a restaurant or shop has signs/menus outside in mostly English, it is probably a tourist trap that the locals avoid. (Unless you are in a country where English is a local language.)
• Familiarize yourself with SI units, outside the UK people wont understand what you mean if you talk about inches, feet, fahrenheits or ounces.
• Keep your voice down. Many (not all) Americans have a habit of shouting instead of talking in a normal voice. It can be a bit annoying.
• Don't be overly friendly. This is something that varies a lot by region, but if you are speaking to the person next to you, try to sense if that person actually wants to talk to you or is just being polite. Especially if you are on a train or plane where they can't escape.
• Think about how you dress when visiting churches and cathedrals. Many cathedrals are more tourist attractions nowadays, but they are still religious buildings.
• Don't rush! You might be able to set foot in London, Paris and Berlin in a week, but you won't enjoy it. If the goal of your trip is to get a lot of pictures of famous landmarks you can post on social media to impress your friends it might work. But if your goal is to enjoy the trip, it won't.
• Europe is more than the major capitals, there is a lot to see outside the beaten paths. In many cases just as nice places but far less congestion. Think outside the box!
• Even in the major cities, there is a lot to see outside the beaten path.
• Try to find out what you wan't to see, not what the guidebooks want you to see. They are a great start, but people are different. If you don't like art and history, it is probably a waste of time to visit the Rijksmuseum no matter how many guide books recommend it.

Space is running out, but those are a few things I've noted by meeting Americans, both IRL and online. I realize that it's hard to break old habits but I've sometimes been chocked by how (some) Americans behave. Like the American tourist who had booked a flight from Prague to Berlin via Brussels. Why anyone would choose a 6 hour €150 flight over a 4 hour €20 train ride I don't know, but he probably never thought about the train. Or the American on another travel forum that thought it might be a good idea to rent a car to get around London.

Not all of Europe, ie, here western and central Europe, is inundated with tourists in the summer. Lots of places in Austria and Germany where American and international tourists are not to be seen in the summer, especially in eastern and North Germany and in smaller towns.

1. The more you want to get out of visiting a place, be it in Poland, Austria, Holland, France, Germany, Hungary, the better you know the language , the more than just a superficial view you'll get. In this case, being able to read it is paramount.

Chris F. and Badger thought about something which did not cross my mind and it is very important. US is probably the last country still on gallons, miles, ounces, pounds, feet, Fahrenheit etc. Learn metric. Learn 24 hours day. It will be easier or much easier for members of military or veterans. If you want to know temperature learn Celsius. Date: first day then month then year. Comma and decimal point are switched: for example 3.5 meters in US = 3,5 meters in Europe. 1,300 is one thousand three hundred in US. 1.300 is the same in Europe.

US is probably the last country still on gallons, miles, ounces, pounds, feet, Fahrenheit etc

No, you're joined by Liberia and Myanmar. Not entirely sure why, Myanmar probably as a result of former British control and Liberia as former US control in the form of the American Colonization Society.

US is probably the last country still on gallons, miles, ounces

On the subject of metric measurements, the UK is a little different to mainland Europe. We basically use a hybrid system. This is why we’re so torn up over Brexit... ;-)

Road distances are given in miles, not kilometres. Petrol (gas) is measured in litres. However motorists tend to use miles per gallon
when talking about the fuel consumption of their car. Personally I prefer to think about the cost of a full tank for my small car (£45) and that I’ll get about 400 miles out of it.

Most people use feet & inches for their height, unless they’re being measured by a doctor.

Weight - most of us use pounds & stones (a stone is 14 pounds so a woman who is 150 pounds would tend to give her weight as “10 stone 10”). However kilograms might be used by those who are really into fitness or are medical in some way.

All Brits know what a pint is, obviously, because beer is sold in pints. As is milk, generally, although it might be labelled in litres - this is why you can readily buy a 1.13 litre container of milk (2 pints).

Fred is right about being able to read the signs. That's one reason we always do a quickie Dutch refresher before we go to the Netherlands. Actually, we make it a point to learn a bit of the language of any country we visit, more successfully in some cases than in others. But knowing what kind of store that is or what kind of office you're walking into is helpful. (Or the difference between "no entry" and "welcome!")

Besides, it impresses the hell out of the locals when you say "Goede morgen" and pronounce it correctly. (No, it's not pronounced the way you probably think it is. For example - my favorite memory aid: "Hoe" is spelled 'hoe', pronounced 'who' and means 'how')

I love languages.

In contrast to Germans following all rules.....

Rules, laws, traffic signs, etc. are mere suggestions in Italy.
Examples- if all the legal places to park are taken, it’s ok to double park, on sidewalk, or in no parking zone. Stop sign- if no one is coming, slowing instead of stopping is common. Speed limit says 30, and you will have someone tailgaiting as you are going too slow. That being said, as a foreigner, follow the rules, road signs, etc. Do not enter crosswalk until you have either made eye contact with driver or are positive they will not run you over. Drivers here in Verbania stop for pedestrians at cross walks 99% of the time. But after a week in Tuscany, not so much.

@ Jane...Points well taken, totally agree. One can usually find someone who has at least some ability to speak English in a lot of places, depending on where you are.

Other than that part of communicating, that doesn't mean you can read the signs, read train-related explanations, graffitti too, newspaper headlines, advertisements, plaques on churches and other buildings, monuments, memorial plaques relating to the horrors and victims of Nazism eg, the memorial plaque at Westbahnhof, or Schwedenplatz in Vienna, Gare de l'Est, numerous ones in Paris, etc, and the war,

All these things ( and more) add to and enhance your experience in the place and to how much you get of the trip.

Be prepared for more different ways to flush a toilet than you ever could imagine. Pull, push, lift up, press down, knobs, levers, chains . . . On our first trip to France, in 1989, it seemed like every toilet flushed differently. At one point, while staying at a friend’s vacation home, we actually had to enlist the aid of a neighbor to figure it out. I can’t remember that she spoke English, and our French likely didn’t extend to asking that question. However, we were able to communicate our dilemma, and she demonstrated the solution.
Also, in all seriousness, be prepared for surprises and flummoxes. Above all, keep your sense of humor.

Oh, yes, toilet flushing. One other method is a pedal on the floor at the toilet base, usually cleverly hidden.

Toilet flushing... which can be a segue to VERY funny observations about differences in toilet tissue!

Oh yes, one has to address not all plumbing can accept any toilet paper and certainly not other commercially made products. Read the signs or follow the obvious signs of practice in the stall.
Oh and watch YouTube on how to use a bidet.

On the subject of bathrooms...you may encounter squat-style toilets.

Nobody ever packs more on their second trip and there are stores where you can buy whatever you didn't bring.

Don't look for things to be the same as at home because you'll be disappointed, appreciate the differences.

Toilet flushing is far easier than figuring out hotel shower/tub fixtures whether you're in North America or Europe. I stayed in an otherwise well-designed Hyatt in Colorado a few years back where the front desk apparently had so many questions on how to turn the shower on and to the correct temperature that there was a laminated piece of paper attached to the bathroom wall with text and diagrams explaining it.

Wow there is a lot of emphasis on the workings of modern household aplliances and such in this thread. It must be a pretty distopian future these time travellers are comming from!