Traveling to Europe for the first time is quite a difficult thing to do. However, if you take the time to prepare, you can minimize the trouble and maximize the fun. In this post, I would like to write about preparations for your first trip.
< Documents required for entry >
EU countries have now abolished the Passenger locator form and the COVID Green Pass (vaccine). You can enter countries that do not require a visa with just a passport. On the other hand, returning to your own country is another story. You need to research if you still need a vaccine certificate or a PCR test result. By the way, corona tests such as PCR or antigen tests are no longer in demand in Europe, so many laboratories have stopped doing the tests. I strongly recommend you check the requirements to create a vaccination certificate if necessary and be prepared for your return trip. The requirements may change before you leave the country, so please check them as you go.
< Clothes >
• The weather is generally cold in the winter, especially in the mornings and evenings. If the humidity is low, it feels colder than the actual temperature.
• Occasionally, when you return to your home country, the customs officials misunderstand that you bought expensive foreign products such as branded bags, jewelry, watches, Macbooks, etc. that look brand new, and impose taxes on them. You may need to go through a certain procedure to avoid this at the airport before you leave your country.
•It is best to leave your belongings at your home if you don't want to lose them. Your suitcase can get lost, phones can be pickpocketed, and wallets can be left behind. Even if you leave valuables at the hotel, it may be stolen by the cleaning staff. If you lose something, it's safe to assume that it will never come back.
•Because you will be walking a lot, wear comfortable sneakers or boots. Europe has a lot of cobblestones, so I think it's difficult to walk in high heels. Also, the streets in the city center are dirty, so new shoes may get ruined.
•You may worry about how you dress to not stand out as a tourist, but you will be seen as a tourist no matter what you wear, so in the end, you should wear what is comfortable for you. However, if you wear expensive items, you may be targeted by pickpockets. Note that the latest iPhones are often good targets as well.
< Payment Methods >
•Most places accept card payments
• There is no compensation or insurance when cash is lost
•Credit card payment is cheaper than exchanging cash
For these reasons, it is recommended to carry less than 100 € in cash per person. I normally only carry about 20 euros in my wallet, and I use the local ATM if I need more.
If you pay with a credit card, you may be able to earn points and get cash back. Some cards come with offers such as foreign travel insurance. It is also important to look at the % of foreign transaction fees since it differs depending on the card.
Visa and Master are widely used all over the world. If you are going to make a new one, I recommend Visa or Master. Amex may not be accepted at small stores.
< Suitcase selection >
•The size of suitcases for check-in and carry-on differ depending on the airline. The typical sizes are compatible with most airline sizes, but if you buy a new one, check if the size fits. Also, the one with a lock is recommended because the TSA lock can be used when traveling to the United States. TSA locks are not used in Europe, and keys are likely to be broken if inspected, so you may not need to lock them. The reason why I recommend the number lock system is that there is a possibility of losing the key if it is with a key. Suitcases get beaten up quickly, so lightweight and sturdy are more important than a nice look. Smooth wheels make it easy to carry.
< Baggage restrictions >
•Checked baggage is a large suitcase that you check in at the airport counter. They will weigh your luggage at the counter, and if you go over the weight limit, you will have to pay an extra fee on the spot or reduce the amount of luggage. Generally, it's pretty strict. It is a good idea to weigh it at home beforehand. Weight limits vary by the airline. Since the luggage is handled roughly, it is better not to put fragile items such as mirrors and pressed-powder cosmetics (eye shadows) as they may break. Also, the airline will not compensate you for your lost baggage, so please do not put anything important in it. It's a good idea to put a card with your name, address, phone number, and email address in your suitcase in case you lose your bag. It's nice to have a name tag on suitcases, but tags made of non-durable material may be lost along the way. Dangerous drugs, battery packs, meat, etc. are not allowed, but sharp objects such as scissors and liquids are okay to put.
•As for hand luggage, these are usually a handbag that fits under the seat, such as handbags, and small suitcase that fits overhead. You must pass through security yourself, so you cannot bring sharp objects or liquids, creams, toothpaste, etc. in bottles larger than 100ml. Containers of 100ml or less can be placed in a ziplock bag (travel-size shampoo, etc.) for up to five per person in your hand luggage. Although there is a guideline for the weight of carry-on luggage, it's often not weighed like the check-in luggage.
< Convenient things to have >
•On long flights, it's definitely easier to sleep with a pillow around your neck. I recommend ones that can be inflated with air so that you can reduce the amount of luggage you carry. An eye mask and earplugs are also convenient, but airlines may provide them for free on the plane.
•They also sell flight socks to prevent Economy Syndrome. It is good to have for long flights.
•There are many pickpockets in tourist spots in Europe, so it would be nice to have a wallet that can be hung around your neck or waist and stored inside your clothes, or a jacket with an inner pocket.
