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Experts

Travel Tips for Baby Boomers
by Drury Bagwell


EUROPEAN TRAINS

There are a variety of Eurail passes available to you. Check them out. And, while they have both first and second class passes, first class is only a little more expensive and well worth it, mainly because you can reserve a seat. Otherwise, in either class, you could find yourself on the train, but sitting in the hallway. So, if you go first class, get a reserved seat. They are cheap (a couple more dollars) and worth it to know that you have a place to sit down. Be sure to get a written copy of your seat reservation, and you may want to see that your seat is headed forward.

Musicians play on trains - and expect tips as well. Photo by Dave Ottalini.
Musicians play on trains for tips.
If you don't get a reservation (and even if you do) make sure that you look at the side of the train car next to the doors as to where that particular car is going. The sign will give you the starting city and the ending city and all intermediate cities. Make sure that the car you are on is going to the same place you are going. Trains separate regularly at stops along the way. And, make sure that you stay in YOUR car when the train stops along the way. If you're in the coach car on another car, that one could be going somewhere else. Trains don't always run exactly when you want them to. And, sometimes you "can't get there from here." For example, there are no direct trains from Munich to Prague. You must change trains somewhere. You can get a general train schedule from your travel agent, "Cook's Timetable," from Eurail, or lots of places on the internet. But, while this will give you an idea of how to plan your itinerary before you leave, once you arrive in a place, immediately look at the train schedule for your potential departure.

All luggage goes in a rack above the seats. Remember that you must lift it up there. Smoking cars REALLY have smokers and heavy smokers. Italian trains are NEVER on time. German trains are ALWAYS on time. When you go to get a train reservation, write down what you want. This is one of the few places where not knowing the language could send you to Turkestan. Write in plain block English the EUROPEAN name of the city you are traveling to and an arrow from the city you are in. Write the number of the train, the class of service, smoking or no smoking, again using the foreign language on the train schedule. For example, a smoking car is "fumar," and will be recognized in most any country.

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WHERE TO STAY
You can see the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. Photo by Dave Ottalini.
You can see the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle.

Don't forget the Pensions as an alternative to hotels. Pensions are similar to B&Bs, where someone rents out a room in their home, or turns an entire house over to just renters. And, in the Greek isles, you will wind up staying in a native's home because they meet you at the ferry and lock you in. It is very common, even expected, to ask to see a room before you take it, even in better hotels.

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HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

Learn enough to let people know that you cared enough to learn their language. Good words to know - Hello, thank you, please, good-bye. Also, pronounce the names of their cities the way that they do - Praha, Roma, Firenze, Munchen, Wien.

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SAFETY

Put Alt here.
The main fountain at Versailles.
The same rules about safety that you apply here, should apply in Europe. Clearly most countries are as safe as the U.S. Just keep your eyes open and try not to wind up alone at night. Watch out for "street cons" - cheap goods, black market money, etc. Almost always you lose, and the con wins. The most bewildering can be the children in some countries who come up to you and beg. Watch your cameras and belongings. The kids know how to grab and run.

Watch out for pickpockets. They are a much bigger threat in Europe than here. Be especially aware on crowded subways and buses. Fanny packs and backpack zippers are easy targets. Carry things in front pockets or around your neck if you can. Accidents happen. You might want to explore some travel insurance that covers cancellation of the trip, medical emergencies and lost luggage. It is expensive, however. If you plan to rent a car, make sure that you are covered by your own insurance. Many European companies still require that you purchase very expensive insurance.

Carry a matchbook, postcard or business card of your hotel, just in case you get lost. If you take a taxi, stick with officially marked taxicabs. "Gypsy" cabs may really take you on a "ride." And, here's another idea. Laminate a small card with a contact name, address, and phone number on it along with your blood type. Then figure out a way to keep it with you as much as possible.

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MISCELLANEOUS POINTERS

Put Alt here.
Dru in South Africa.
DO NOT agree to bring things home for friends. They can order what they need through the internet! All gifts should meet two criteria - SMALL and LIGHT. DO NOT buy posters no matter how great they look. They are very difficult to carry without folding and tubes are big and awkward. Remember, anything that you buy at the beginning of the trip, you have to carry for the rest of the trip. If you plan to send postcards, print up some labels and take them with you. It will save you a lot of time and will make it a lot more likely that you will indeed remember those of us at home suffering with envy.

Some countries have "siestas" and everything closes up in the afternoon. Italy & Spain are most likely to interrupt your plans. Also, museums are closed one day a week, usually during the week. Be sure to think about this when you are planning. A late afternoon nap, before dinner, works well if you aren't getting good sleep at night. This is a good use for a siesta!!

USA Today is easily found throughout Europe. A sleeping blindfold mask is small, light, easy to carry and can be very helpful for trying to sleep during the day and on the plane or train. You can ship things home, but it's a lot of work. You have to find a box, tie it up, and then find a post office and then pay a lot of money. Many times, you will be expected to tip a small amount in a public restroom. Read all signs carefully, even if you think you understand. It will save you from making a lot of mistakes. Some foreign airlines require that you confirm your return flight 72 hours before departure. If you don't, they will cancel your reservation.

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