By no means have we figured out all the best ways to get around Europe. Planning trips can be very time consuming and expensive but we’ve learned a lot of things in just a few months. We have put together a few tips if you plan to travel or visit us!
Here are the Top 10 Tips to make it a pleasant and fun time:
1. Be Flexible and Patient. Its not always easy in a big, busy city and the unexpected DOES happen. Things are done much differently in Europe so you must realize our way is not always the only way!
2. Cultural differences will also be noticeable no matter where you are. We recommend being open, flexible, and adaptable to changes and situations. Restaurants and bars haven’t caught onto non-smoking way yet so a lot of cafes and pubs can be rather “brown.” Personal space is much different from basic conversations to shopping. Most people speak English but if they don’t, then speaking up or slower is not going to help them understand. Just say thanks and move on.
3. Pack light and essentials - comfortable shoes and clothes and definitely weather appropriate.
Here are the Top 10 Tips to make it a pleasant and fun time:
1. Be Flexible and Patient. Its not always easy in a big, busy city and the unexpected DOES happen. Things are done much differently in Europe so you must realize our way is not always the only way!
2. Cultural differences will also be noticeable no matter where you are. We recommend being open, flexible, and adaptable to changes and situations. Restaurants and bars haven’t caught onto non-smoking way yet so a lot of cafes and pubs can be rather “brown.” Personal space is much different from basic conversations to shopping. Most people speak English but if they don’t, then speaking up or slower is not going to help them understand. Just say thanks and move on.
3. Pack light and essentials - comfortable shoes and clothes and definitely weather appropriate.
4. Food and drinks are much different. Even US products have a slightly different tastes. Dutch food is mostly meat, potatoes, pastries, chocolates and they love mayo with fries and steak. Produce and meats are very fresh and locally grown (w/o chemicals and hormones )and shopping at the local markets is a treat. Just be prepared when ordering out, your entrée may be slightly different than you’d expect and normally you won’t get a lot of options (ie: salad dressing will be what they have made or available!) Be flexible and if you are a picky eater, order simple :)
5. Be prepared to take public transportation, walk or bike everywhere. Its very easy and efficient but takes patience, comfort and adaptability. Do some research prior to scheduling and leaving for a trip so you know what to expect for tours, attractions, etc...
6. Be on guard and notice your surroundings. Safety is obviously a concern everywhere. The NL is considered to be VERY safe but no matter where you are, just notice the obvious and trust your instincts.
7. Always remember whose country you are in. The American ways are not always the only ways so be flexible and courteous.
8. Enjoy and appreciate differences and the opportunity to travel. Relax and enjoy the culture and experience. Stress and worry can rob you of an enriching experience.
9. Be patient, flexible, adaptable, and courteous. Being in a new environment can bring new challenges and the simple things can be the most difficult so just enjoy what comes at you and smile.
10. Capture the moment. Take photos and journal to remember the smallest and grandest things you see, did and enjoyed while you traveled.
4 things sum it up: Patience, Adaptable to Situations, Courteous, and Flexible.
5. Be prepared to take public transportation, walk or bike everywhere. Its very easy and efficient but takes patience, comfort and adaptability. Do some research prior to scheduling and leaving for a trip so you know what to expect for tours, attractions, etc...
6. Be on guard and notice your surroundings. Safety is obviously a concern everywhere. The NL is considered to be VERY safe but no matter where you are, just notice the obvious and trust your instincts.
7. Always remember whose country you are in. The American ways are not always the only ways so be flexible and courteous.
8. Enjoy and appreciate differences and the opportunity to travel. Relax and enjoy the culture and experience. Stress and worry can rob you of an enriching experience.
9. Be patient, flexible, adaptable, and courteous. Being in a new environment can bring new challenges and the simple things can be the most difficult so just enjoy what comes at you and smile.
10. Capture the moment. Take photos and journal to remember the smallest and grandest things you see, did and enjoyed while you traveled.
4 things sum it up: Patience, Adaptable to Situations, Courteous, and Flexible.
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