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Europe travel tips ​

Here are a few things that made my trip between Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels easier and more enjoyable.
Hopefully, they will help you too!

Table of contents ​

Summary ​

  • Travel light - Avoid suitcases; use backpacks and duffel bags.
  • eSIMs are a must - Public Wi-Fi is not common, and Nomad's Europe plan worked well.
  • Eurostar takes time - Expect delays and limited luggage space.
  • Urban smells are real - Pack alcohol wipes and masks for unpleasant odors.
  • Apple Pay is everywhere - Nearly all shops accept credit cards; just watch for foreign transaction fees.
  • Photocopy ID - Keep a paper copy of your passport and ID in your day-pack to avoid loss or theft.

Packing and luggage tips ​

  • European cities are not designed for suitcases - cobblestones, narrow streets, and stairs are common.
  • Use large backpacks instead of wheeled suitcases - easier to carry and better suited for cobbled streets and narrow hotel staircases.
  • Every zipper should be lockable - pickpocketing is common in high-traffic areas.
  • For my partner and me, we packed:
    • 2 large backpacks (one for each of us)
    • 1 medium-sized day-pack packed inside one of the large backpacks
    • 1 sling or under-clothing money wallet
    • 1 duffel bag reserved for souvenirs and extra items for the return trip
  • Pack a foldable duffel bag to carry souvenirs or extra items for the return trip.
  • Bring thin slippers for hotel rooms - shoes are commonly worn indoors in Europe.

Specific bags used:

Eurostar travel tips ​

  • Expect delays - Eurostar trains are frequently behind schedule. Do not rely on them for tight connections, and do not schedule anything important immediately after.
  • Overhead luggage storage - You must lift your luggage overhead to store it, like a carry-on bag on an airline.
  • No checked luggage service - Everything goes in the overhead racks.
  • Limited elevators and escalators - Access to the train platforms can be challenging. Nearly all have at least one elevator, but they are difficult to find. Stairs are the default.
  • Train car numbers are often out of order - When trains are attached or detached, the car numbers may change. Be ready to change your location quickly.
  • Ticket prices fluctuate - Midday departures often have the highest prices.
  • Book in advance - The reservation process takes time and is not always intuitive.
  • Slow Wi-Fi - Onboard Wi-Fi is free but very slow. eSIMs are a better option.
  • Electric outlets next to seats - Most seats have electric outlets, but they are not always in the best location. Bring a light charger for Eurostar or airline power outlets.

Mobile data and eSIM ​

Currency and payments ​

  • Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere - even for small purchases.
  • Watch out for foreign transaction fees - they add up on transit or small charges.
  • Apple Card worked well: instant notifications and clear currency conversions.
  • Revolut is highly recommended - set it up before your trip.
  • Withdraw about €50 in cash in small bills (€1, €2, €5) for tipping or cash-only toilet locations.

Environment and hygiene ​

  • The smell of urine, cigarettes, and marijuana is common in urban areas.
    • Wash clothes more often than expected - choose hotels or Airbnbs with laundry facilities.
  • Bring:
    • Detergent (travel-size)
    • Alcohol wipes - for hands and surfaces
    • Face masks, especially for Eurostar train restrooms

Tech and device tips ​

  • Leave the laptop - bring an iPad with a small keyboard instead.
    • Easier to use in landscape mode than a phone
    • Less anxiety about theft
  • Bring a phone strap - drop protection for crowded areas.
  • Water bottle with filter built-in like Brita Filtering Water Bottle is great for filling up at sinks.
  • Extra power bank - outlets can be rare in cafes, trains, or stations.
  • Attach AirTags to every bag and important item.
  • Bring an extra AirTag for your Airbnb keys.
  • Battery life is crucial - bring an extra-large power bank.
  • Lightweight power adapter - the Sanwa Supply TR-AD4W overseas power conversion adapter worked well for us.

Using AI for translations ​

  • Google Translate is great for quick translations that can be done offline.
    • Make sure to download the language packs for offline use.
  • ChatGPT and other AI tools can provide translation plus context, allowing for more helpful understanding.

Example AI prompt for French menu translation from an image ​

txt
Translate the following menu items from French to English.

You are a chef native in English and French.
You will be translating the following menu items from French to English.
Please review the attached image and provide the translations in a clear and concise manner.

Instructions:
1. Review the attached image and extract the French menu items.
2. List each item with its English translation.
3. Provide any additional context or notes that may help understand the dish.

Example AI prompt to translate German text from an image ​

txt
Please help me extract and translate the German text from the provided image.

Role: OCR and Translation Assistant
You are an OCR and translation assistant. You are excellent at recognizing German text from images. You are also skilled at translating that text into simple English.

Instructions:
For every image you receive, follow these steps:
1. Extract all visible German text from the image.
2. Translate the extracted German text into simple English. Provide context where necessary.

Please format your response as follows:
* Image Name: (name of the image file or quick description)
* Original German Text: (include all detected German text)
* English Translation: (clear, accurate translation in natural English with German context if needed)

Output the response in a markdown format.

Thank you for your assistance!

Example AI prompt to review a French website and provide a summary ​

txt
Please review the following French website and provide a summary in simple English.

Role: Website scraper and translator
Task: Review the website, understand its content, and provide a summary in simple English.
Website URL: [insert_website_url_here]
Instructions:
1. Access the website and review the entire content.
2. Identify the main topics, sections, and key points.
3. If there are any dates or important instructions, take note of them.
4. Provide a summary in simple English, avoiding complex jargon.
5. Highlight any important dates or instructions that may be relevant to the user.

Thank you for your help!

TIP

I use Rocket Typist to store these prompts for quick access on my iPhone & Mac.

Final tips ​

  • Plan ahead for bookings - museums and trains often require reservations.
  • Flexibility is key - from delayed trains to odd smells, Europe is full of surprises. Stay adaptable and prepared.