Vacationing in Europe, any tips?

[Bob_McMillan]

So our family of seven is having our last hurrah before my older sister moves out, and to do this we are going to go on a trip to Europe. We are visiting Spain (Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona), France (Paris and Lourdes), and Rome. Any advice? Its been seven years since we traveled as a whole family, and my sisters were all babies then.

Oh, and a few more specific questions:

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

 

[KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime]

So our family of seven is having our last hurrah before my older sister moves out, and to do this we are going to go on a trip to Europe. We are visiting Spain (Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona), France (Paris and Lourdes), and Rome. Any advice? Its been seven years since we traveled as a whole family, and my sisters were all babies then.

Oh, and a few more specific questions:

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

Well on a personal opinion level you're visiting places I'd avoid like the plague. Still it's nice to have a good family trip every once in a while to an exotic place. Especially if you have a decent size family to do it with.

1) It's a problem, but mostly for tourists. Any European will also tell you to avoid Gypsies like your life depends on it(and it could.)

2) Generally for any travel smaller luggage is the best bet. If it gets lost it's easier and cheaper to replace for one. For another Huge rolling suit cases will make people resent you. Also if you're taking any public transportation you'll have massive difficulty with it. A decent size Samsonite suitcase is probably the largest thing you'll want to have, possibly with a carry-on if necessary.

 

[Zontar]

I can only speak for France, but don't mention the smell. Weather you think it's bad or not, don't even mention it, it's a fight you don't want to start.

Also, if you know French, don't speak it unless the person you're speaking with can't understand English. For some reason the French (primarily those of Paris) seem to have a problem with New World French (despite it being the equivalent to the Queen's English in terms of linguistics) there are a lot of people who are pretty patronizing about that (the "Parisian asshole" stereotype exists for a reason). Also, pickpocketing is a very real problem in Paris, keep your wallet in a front pocket. Pickpocketing is an art in the tourist traps, with tourists being preferred targets.

1) It's a problem, but mostly for tourists. Any European will also tell you to avoid Gypsies like your life depends on it(and it could.)

Oh god this. I don't want to sound racist, but there's a reason this is a common warning.

 

[L. Declis]

Yeah. Avoid the gypsies; the children and the lot. Don't make eye contact and don't get involved. Once they have you as a soft one, expect to be mobbed. If you're getting followed, stay in the light and find a policeman. They back off then.

You will see children, old people and dogs that either pretend to inflict injuries on themselves, or will actually inflict injuries on animals, for example, so you feel pity.

Learn to say no. If you hesitate, they will press you.

If you carry expensive shit, they will see you as a rich mark with loads of crap; keep some emergency money in your shoes just in case. Never keep your passport in your purse or whatever. Learn to make sure your bag is zipped; try to go out without it. Make sure the woman keep their handbag over their shoulder, not perched on a shoulder. It might look nicer, but you are one scooter away from having it pulled from you and you dragged across the pavement. They do not give a fuck.

Use Duolingo to learn a few basics for each language. It will help just to know even the most basic things, like numbers, so prices don't jump. Expect to pay "white tax", which is when prices jump for tourists because you don't know better. Learn the exchange rates and make sure you are away of how much things cost (the name in China is white tax, anyway).

Plan your trip that day carefully. Go early. Eat at unusual times so you're not fighting a hundred other people for food. Learn to navigate (I never got lost in Paris with my gf, as I was able to instinctually keep track of where we were).

Don't bring huge amounts of luggage. It's a bastard to lug around in hot countries, and you'll be packing it every few days. Bring the essentials; you don't need a laptop each. An iPad or an iPhone will be fine.

If you lose your charger, just ask for one at the hotel desk saying you left it in the cafe or whatever; they have a box full of them and don't care.

If a place seems shifty, it bloody is. Don't go down shifty streets. At all.

Drink shit tons of water. Just general advice in the weather.

Learn the emergency number of each country; if you can, learn how to say "I don't speak x, I speak English"; they'll quickly move you over to an English speaking operator.

Get health insurance; Spain, last time I went, didn't have free health care for foreigners. We never had to find out with France.

In France, in Paris anyway, the non-Parisians are nicer than the locals.

Bring a small camera. Bring spare batteries. Empty the memory every day into your computer. Bring a spare memory card just in case.

Buy a litre of water every night. Nothing sucks more than getting thirsty at night and you cannot find an open shop after 8pm to get water from.

 

[DoPo]

Don't bring huge amounts of luggage. It's a bastard to lug around in hot countries, and you'll be packing it every few days.

This is so true. Even a 20 kilo luggage may get you to hate it after few hours of hauling it around.

Learn the emergency number of each country;

This one is easy: it's 112 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/112_%28emergency_telephone_number%29]. Essentially, it's like 911 from USA but for the whole of the European Union.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

snip

You have successfully worried me. The gypsies are really that bad? Jeez.

Thank you for the advice, and to everyone else as well.

captcha: "that escalated quickly" How true...

 

[Joccaren]

So our family of seven is having our last hurrah before my older sister moves out, and to do this we are going to go on a trip to Europe. We are visiting Spain (Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona), France (Paris and Lourdes), and Rome. Any advice? Its been seven years since we traveled as a whole family, and my sisters were all babies then.

Oh, and a few more specific questions:

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

Well on a personal opinion level you're visiting places I'd avoid like the plague. Still it's nice to have a good family trip every once in a while to an exotic place. Especially if you have a decent size family to do it with.

1) It's a problem, but mostly for tourists. Any European will also tell you to avoid Gypsies like your life depends on it(and it could.)

2) Generally for any travel smaller luggage is the best bet. If it gets lost it's easier and cheaper to replace for one. For another Huge rolling suit cases will make people resent you. Also if you're taking any public transportation you'll have massive difficulty with it. A decent size Samsonite suitcase is probably the largest thing you'll want to have, possibly with a carry-on if necessary.

Nailed it first quote.
I've only been to France out of the lot, to exactly where you've been. Gypsies. Avoid them. If you can't, tell them [Nicely] to fuck of, or that you're not interested. If anyone is walking around asking if someone speaks English, DO NOT RESPOND. DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT. Generally these people start running when the police show up [Seen first hand near the Eiffel tower], as well as other gypsies. You CAN sometimes safely buy something like a small souvenir from them if they're peddling them, but you are far better off just getting them at a legit shop.
Pickpockets can be bad or not bad depending on where you go. Generally, having a concealed money belt helps, only ever bring as much money as you plan to spend [Minimum plans, not maximum] on any given day to any given place, and try to keep most of it on card + some emergency supplies and backup cards you keep safe in the safe in your hotel room. If anything gets stolen, it won't be much, and you'll have enough to continue on, a bit wiser and more careful.

Also, some pickpockets are crafty, and fast. Its best to try and blend in a bit, so you're less of a target, but you also need to be wary of anyone, and keep a constant check on your belongings [Not obviously though]. I think there was some test done in some city in Italy where a guy went out and flashed his [Fake] rolex to see how long it would take to disappear. Less than a minute. Naturally this is an extreme, and probably highly exaggerated, case, however it is a good way to let you know to be careful.
Additionally, my parents went around Spain before I was born, and they ran into some crafty pickpocketers. A couple of kids who looked poor and had a sign asking for money. They'd use it to get close, jam the sign into your chest, cut out your wallet [Block off LoS to your pockets and belt], and run before you could react. Trust no-one, if possible.

All that said, I toured Europe [Turkey, Greece, England and Sicily] on my own at the start of last year, and had no problems at all, not even remotely. We also went through France a few years back, and the biggest problem we had was with gypsies trying to get us to buy things. Its not as doom and gloom as I my be seeming to make it out to be, but it is definitely something to be aware of, and to plan and prepare for.


Further tips, especially from France: Be polite, be understanding, and be courteous. Now, this is most difficult in France TBH. As a poster above pointed out, they don't like New World's French. At the same time, my grandparents have had trouble as they didn't even try to speak French in Paris, and the French hated them for that too. Its a tough line to walk, but in general if you have a few basic phrases down, and try to pronounce them correctly and with the correct tones, it'll go a long way. Speaking a lot of French when its your second language can be a bad move, but they seem to appreciate the little touches.
Additionally, at the expense of possibly sounding racist, there is one thing tour guides in most European countries have said to our group when we joined them: "Thank god, you're not more Americans", which then proceeds to gossip over how bad their previous group was. Whilst naturally it is nowhere near all of the country, or even tourists, in my travels it seems Americans have a habit of making a bad name for themselves as tourists. I've heard a lot of horror stories about their behaviour, and witnessed some pretty bad ones myself. Key among these wasn't that they were American, but that they were often loud and obnoxious, arrogant, and didn't care about local issues. This certainly isn't exclusive to Americans [I have a New Zealander friend who is one of these people -.-], but its the nation that comes up most often so, without having checked your nationality or W/E, if you are American, do pay extra care to being polite, as the way things are done in Europe may not be the way things are done back home, and you may be unintentionally being rude without meaning to [Best explanation I can come up with as to why Americans get bought up the most by tour guides I've spoken to, and the only reason I'm bringing nationality up here]. Additionally I'll throw out there that there have been some tour guides who have loved the Americans they've been with, so its not a matter of you're American you're doomed - its just a matter of be conscientious of the people around you, and you'll be fine. Just something everyone should pay attention to.
Now for some fun Horror stories, that we can all agree are just terrible:
1. From Hotel staff. The country was in the middle of a drought, and they had a man stay with them who couldn't understand why he wasn't allowed to have a half hour shower every day during water restrictions, and got abusive when the hotel fined him for it.
2. From personal eye witness. A couple who walked into a [French, no less, so they were doomed for doing this] restaurant, and without waiting for a waiter or anything just walked in, sat down, and demanded a waiter come to them to be served. Unsurprisingly, an hour later once we'd finished our meal, they were still sitting there, without having been serviced. The restaurant staff were, amusingly, to offended to even talk to them to kick them out of the restaurant, and were content to just let them show themselves out when they were ready.
3. From a tour guide. Went past the location of a semi-historic shooting that happened to be behind the introduction of more stringent gun laws [Not a main attraction naturally, but something over on the side]. Because this offended his idea that guns should be available to all, the tourist decided to lecture the tour guide on firearm availability politics, and generally make the tour unenjoyable for everyone.

Additionally, some smaller points that get bought up:
1. Don't compare big monuments to something back home and go "Oh, our's is bigger". There are some giant, purpose-built to be giant, castles in America. If you've seen one, and find a smaller castle in Europe that you're touring not as impressive, don't say it. It should be common sense, but your tour guide doesn't want to be told that their tour isn't as interesting as another one you've been on, or not even as interesting as your home town in some cases, and truth be told, they probably view those massive 'designer' castles that weren't built to defend a strategic position as just overcompensation by some rich nut. Talking about other historic or cool things you've seen is a great way to bond with the tour guide, but try not to compare them, and if pressed don't say that the other one is outright better. At the very least come up with some better things about the one their showing.
2. No even slightly racist remarks, or comments on their politics [Even if it doesn't turn into a lecture]. People have a different way of life than you. I'm sure a lot of Americans will take offence at the fact that I have seemingly singled them out as being bad tourists [Which I've tried to go out of the way to say I'm not]. You can imagine how the same would happen in another country. If you're in India, don't make a joke about all Indians being bad drivers. If you're in Scotland, don't make jokes about everyone being drunks. And if you're in France, dear god do not make jokes about their arrogance - that's a surefire ticket to pissing them off. It'll differ from tour guide to tour guide, but be safe and just don't do it. Don't question their home country and people, just accept it and keep any negative thoughts to yourself.
3. Pay attention to the schedule, and stick to it. There have been tour guides that have been stuck for 20 minutes or so waiting for a couple who decided that, with 5 minutes left until meeting time, it'd be a great time to have an expensive lunch at a nice restaurant. There have also been a lot of tour guides who will acknowledge leaving those people behind because they cannot wait for them. They weren't missed, as their arrogance did them no favours. The tour doesn't revolve around you, even if you are the only people on it. The tour revolves around what you are seeing, and then you. The schedule dictates what you are seeing, and thus, unless its a private tour with a guide that doesn't have a pre-determined route, you stick to the schedule.
Being 5 minutes late isn't too bad, but I've been on that end when I went to Greece - I couldn't contact the tour company to confirm my tour, so I decided to play it safe and wait until after pickup time had well and truly passed before leaving the hotel. At about 5 minutes past pickup time, they called the hotel, and informed me that pickup had been moved to another hotel about 2 streets down. A hectic minute dash down the streets later, I was aboard, and the everyone on the tour was already making snide comments about me holding them up 5 minutes. Understandable, TBH. Its a tight schedule, and every minute that you spend wasting time, is an extra minute everyone spends not doing the things they paid to do. If there is something you want to spend extra time doing, ask in advance if it'll be possible to do that. It means everyone can plan around it. Also, if its not possible, don't push and insist. If its not possible, its not possible, and people don't appreciate your insistence that you need to do it.

Basically, consideration for others is key. Do that, and you'll be fine. Well, try to make sure your family do that too, but I've travelled with my sister and I know how hard that can be -.- [Wearing a bikini to a Muslim water park in a Muslim nation. Hahaha oh god the dirty looks she got. I wanted out of there ASAP].

On baggage, smaller is better. I went for three weeks at the start of the year and made do with less than 10Kg of luggage going over, and just under 20Kg coming back [I also went to Japan. Oh god the Studio Ghibli shop... It is dangerous. More dangerous than a Steam Summer sale; Not only can you not resist buying everything, but everything is goddamn expensive too]. I didn't bring a suitcase, as I thought I'd try out a large camping/travel backpack instead.
In some ways, it was good. When only 10Kg of stuff was in it, it was fairly easy to squish into form to fit in most places, it was easily identifiable among the sea of suitcases, and it had so many compartments to sort my stuff into.
The downsides were that, me being short, carrying it really disbalanced me. Especially when it was near 20Kg, and about 40% of my weight. Additionally, it wasn't as hard and protected as other cases, so a lot of space went into 'packaging' to keep souvenirs safe {Mostly that was clothes, but there was also a lot of packing foam and plastic there too}. Its odd shape also made packing some things needlessly difficult.
I think next time I'll try a small suitcase [Midsize technically, but those tiny ones aren't suitcases], and a backpack. Yes, smaller is better. GENERALLY transport options will have space allocated for large luggage, especially if its to and from the airport, however its not guaranteed, and sometimes - like on my local trains - its "Stand in the middle near the doors but far enough away that you don't block people's entrance". Not fun for anyone. The smaller, and easier to move around, it is, the better off you'll be. Lighter is also a lot better if you want to avoid fines, and always save space for more souvenirs than you planned to buy, as you will see some cool things and decide that you have to bring them back. I was only planning on spending maybe $200 on souvenirs for my whole 3 weeks in Europe + Japan. I'm not a big souvenir guy. First day in England I'd spent that $200 [Jewellery for my partner who couldn't come, to be fair], and by the time I hit Japan my allocated souvenir space was gone - and I'd just hit the main stretch for buying souvenirs [Japan was where I'd planned to spend all my souvenir money]. I had to buy an extra, small, carry-on suitcase, and a briefcase [As briefcases didn't count as carry on for the airline I was flying with, so I could bring 3 pieces of baggage if I got it as opposed to two] to get everything home.

Anyway, this has gone on really long, but hopefully its been a little insightful. Travel is fun, and Europe is beautiful. There are some things to be careful of, but largely so long as you just keep them in mind, you'll be fine - no need to constantly fret and worry about it. Hope you guys all have fun, 'cause the world is a great and fun place.

 

[kurokotetsu]

So worrisome the people in this thread. I've been to all this places except Lourdes.

I already told you pickpocketing isn't a problem. Just b aware, don't dump, keep your stuff in the front pockets or even a fanny pack ( Seeing you say you are Asian and travelling with th whole family you are going to look as tourist so that is off the table). Never in any of thos places have had something stolen. Gypsies that I've encountered are mostly beggars, they are not dangerous, just decline them politely and go your way. Never been mobbed. Avoid the Gypsie neighbourghoods. Your life doesn't depend on it. Never seen anyone dragged by a purse, just keep it under the arm so is os closed as having your hands in the pockets makenit harder to pick pockets.

If you are moving around a lot, take nothing more than a small to medium bag. Too much luggage will tire and exhaust you.

Speak French, but not with Quebecois accent. As a foreigner trying to speak French will make you appriciated. And Prisians have a terrible reputation but making the effort to comunicate will make them much more open and appriviative (never been mistreated by anyone in Paris). The smell isn't an issue.

Don't buy water for the night. Drink tap water. It is perfectly safe. Only buy while in a stroll, specially in Spain where it is significantly hotter.

Plan what you want to see but leave a lot of time to get lost. Thos cities specially Barcelona, Paris and Rome are gorgeous and you can get lost and feel the real place. Just explore. Look at the sights see other places. Get lost. See the Louvre and the Vatican but enjoy the life of places. There are very few "shady places" so just enjoy. Hell I got lost in Caira and it was great. Don't be afraid. Learn to use the subway in Paris and you eull have a blast.

From my Father that has lived in France and Spain both have insurance, so don't worry that much.

Try to learn thr languages. Even speaking a few words will help and make everyone more friendly. Spain has the lower leel of English but you can still comunicate.

in Eurpoe there isn't that much of a markup in prices. Food near touristic spacws and ttinkets will ve expensive, but can be bypassed. The printed number will be how much they charge you. No haggling.

See not from the lense of a camera. Take photos but ypu are there to experience not document the place. Look at it feelit enjoy it.

I would advise against any computer. Bring your phones and use free Wi-Fi. But cacations to places are to disconnect. There are also a llt of Internet cafes if you need somehing. Bring several cards if photos are your concern and leave them in the hotel ehen they are full.

Have fun. Explore. Live.

Edit: Also, try to avod tours. Better to go at your own pace and see what you want to see. And careful with eating schedules, they are differnet between countries, SPain eating later in the day normally, to the resto of Eurpoe and USA (around 2-3 o'clock is lunche, thather that 12-1, and places may be closed because of that in both places).

 

[Jarek Mace]

What god damn Europe are you people talking about? Having been to everywhere in the EU from east to west and living in the UK, you guys are making it out to be some weird, shady Yakuza den spread out over the space of a small continent.

 

[GundamSentinel]

My tip: get out of the big cities for a bit. Sure, the major tourist attractions may be there, but you get a much more agreeable picture of a country visiting some outlying places.

For instance, on my last trip to Rome I took the train to some towns along the coast and took the bus to Tivoli (well worth it).

Also, people here talking about this 'gipsy problem' make it seem like it's a continent-wide infestation. I live in Europe, we don't have those where I live. Again, get off the beaten path a bit.

 

[Squall Estrria]

What god damn Europe are you people talking about? Having been to everywhere in the EU from east to west and living in the UK, you guys are making it out to be some weird, shady Yakuza den spread out over the space of a small continent.

And like the US, we in Europe have our own versions of Americans. The English. Avoid English tourists when possible you will find the French being particularly mean to you. As for the pick pocketing. I haven't noticed much of it myself. I feel allot of this is scare mongering but then again I try to be vigilant with my items. On the topic of Gypsies they are a problem. Some say don't make eye contact. I find the best way is to look at them dead in the eye. Say No. Then look elsewhere. Look annoyed they disturbed you and I find they tend to leave you be after that. They want to grab and keep your attention so you give them at sliver basically tells them you are aware of them and to leave you alone.

Oh, I will give you another tip. Try not to "sound" American. I live in Ireland and I almost lost it when a woman walked past me and say "Oh wow there's another on of them round tower things"... Now, this was a case of being loud, and stupid. You don't walk down a street in America and call out loudly "Theres another gunshop!"

Also if you are under 21 you can drink. In some countries even under 18's can drink. There is food often with alcohol. So just be careful if dining and if people are experiencing alcohol for the first time... It draws way to much attention to oneself.

The most important thing is to have fun! It sounds scary but that's true of travelling anywhere. A little common sense and forethought and you might find yourself sitting with a local and enjoying an engaging conversation.

 

[Petromir]

Essentially, it's like 911 from USA but for the whole of the European Union.

Indeed, and like 911 most modern mobiles worldwide will allow it to be dialled on a locked phone.

It also works in many countries where it is not the "designated" emergency number, (the UK for example uses 999, but 112 works identically) I believe some US operators even auto redirect it to 911.

911 and 112 are GSM standards and from mobiles at least are worth trying if you are ever unsure of the local equivalent. After that 999 is worth a try (there are a fair number of places that use it and while the UK and Ireland both accept 112 as well I don't know about the rest.) and the final option is 000.

 

[Pinkamena]

To be honest, I don't think it's much different from being a tourist in big US cities. Only difference I can think of is the gypsies, but those have been thoroughly covered already.

 

[Zontar]

To be honest, I don't think it's much different from being a tourist in big US cities. Only difference I can think of is the gypsies, but those have been thoroughly covered already.

Not really, I've been to New York, Boston and Chicago, and outside of New York the pickpocketing problem is nowhere near the same league as it is in Paris.

 

[fix-the-spade]

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

1) Pickpocketing is a huge problem in all major European cities, there are lots (and lots) of groups of eastern europeans in gangs picking pockets. Don't pose for photos (especially not with mascots in suits, seriously), don't give them your camera, if someone 'drunk' or happy comes and grabs you to make merry kick him and look for his buddy, he's usually the distraction.

2) God yes. It's not impossible, but I've been around Europe with my mountain bike in tow and carrying anything big will get you death glares. For the record Germans have the worst death glares, it's like when your mom says she's disappointed in you, cuts right to the bone.

 

[KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime]

To be honest, I don't think it's much different from being a tourist in big US cities. Only difference I can think of is the gypsies, but those have been thoroughly covered already.

Not really, I've been to New York, Boston and Chicago, and outside of New York the pickpocketing problem is nowhere near the same league as it is in Paris.

It's partially because of large police presences in US cities for one thing, and the other is that people who want your money are more likely to straight up mug you. Tourists especially, also especially in bad neighborhoods. There was a joke about New York throughout the 60's-90's that you couldn't walk a block with out getting mugged. In Europe and East Asia they tend to be less confrontational, so pickpocketing is more the norm.

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

1) Pickpocketing is a huge problem in all major European cities, there are lots (and lots) of groups of eastern europeans in gangs picking pockets. Don't pose for photos (especially not with mascots in suits, seriously), don't give them your camera, if someone 'drunk' or happy comes and grabs you to make merry kick him and look for his buddy, he's usually the distraction.

2) God yes. It's not impossible, but I've been around Europe with my mountain bike in tow and carrying anything big will get you death glares. For the record Germans have the worst death glares, it's like when your mom says she's disappointed in you, cuts right to the bone.

I don't know why they were so glare happy with you, bicycles are petty normal for personal transportation through out Europe. Especially because of high gas prices, road taxes, registration fees, and the difficulty of getting a license most places. Unless you had your bicycle in unusual places like inside various eateries and drinking establishments.

 

[generals3]

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

1) Since Spain is one of the few EU countries I haven't been to I can't say for sure but I know no one who has been to Spain and been pickpocketed.

2) I guess it depends, but small luggage is always better.

Now overall i see a lot of scare mongering and gotta say they are exaggerating. Now there are places in European cities (like any other i guess) you don't wanna go to. Avoid the Parisian Banlieu at any cost for example (but than again why would any tourist even go near them). Also avoid Gypsies like the plague. While it's unfortunate one has to make such a statement unfortunately stereotype sometimes exist for a reason. I've also seen people talk about a tourist tax. I haven't seen or heard of that one in any EU capital. Except maybe for random street sellers who're trying to sell you fake rolexes and ray bans in Rome.

Just use common sense and caution and you'll be fine.

 

[fix-the-spade]

I don't know why they were so glare happy with you, bicycles are petty normal for personal transportation through out Europe. Especially because of high gas prices, road taxes, registration fees, and the difficulty of getting a license most places. Unless you had your bicycle in unusual places like inside various eateries and drinking establishments.

Bikes are common, but three smelly British twenty somethings armed with mud splattered mountain bikes is not such a common sight on a TGV.

 

[maninahat]

My main warning about places like Barcelona or Paris is that you will be spending 90% of your time in queues. I would just avoid things like the Eiffel tower, seeing as how the best thing it really offers is a panoramic view...which can be obtained elsewhere in the city.

The pick pockets are less of a problem than the touts and the con artists. I had to shake hundreds of the buggers off in Milan and Prague. You'll have kids running up to you, asking for money, people pretending to "help you" pay for train/metro tickets, people trying force products on you, beggars etc. etc. In high holiday season, it can be relentless, especially if you look like a dumb student tourist.

I went to Lisbon a couple of weeks back, expecting the same treatment. I didn't meet a single person, except for one girl who started giving me a sob story about how she had left her bag on a train that had just left, that she had no money, and couldn't contact her friend on her phone, blah blah blah. I was sitting there, nodding in a sarcastic "yeah right" sort of way, ignoring her blatant crocodile tears. Her story didn't add up in the slightest...she then got on the train with us, was intercepted by a ticket officer, and the first thing he said was "you're the girl who left her bag on the train, aren't you? Don't worry, you're friend called the station."

That's the worst thing about the con artists - they make you into a cynical, merciless shit.

Other advice? Find someone, anyone, from these cities. They will tell you the best places to go, things that aren't worth going to, and the places the guide books probably won't mention.

 

[Albino Boo]

1) Is pickpocketing really that much of a problem? Especially in Spain?

2) Is it better to have smaller luggage? I heard that bringing huge suitcases on the trains is impossible.

1) Since Spain is one of the few EU countries I haven't been to I can't say for sure but I know no one who has been to Spain and been pickpocketed.

2) I guess it depends, but small luggage is always better.

Now overall i see a lot of scare mongering and gotta say they are exaggerating. Now there are places in European cities (like any other i guess) you don't wanna go to. Avoid the Parisian Banlieu at any cost for example (but than again why would any tourist even go near them). Also avoid Gypsies like the plague. While it's unfortunate one has to make such a statement unfortunately stereotype sometimes exist for a reason. I've also seen people talk about a tourist tax. I haven't seen or heard of that one in any EU capital. Except maybe for random street sellers who're trying to sell you fake rolexes and ray bans in Rome.

Just use common sense and caution and you'll be fine.

Its not exaggeration, Paris has major problem with organised Roma gangs pickpocketing people. 2 years ago the Louvre closed for a day because the staff went on strike about the number of Roma children pickpocketing people there. Last year one gang leader was jailed for stealing in the region of 1.3 million Euros. Romania and Bulgaria only had EU restrictions cross border movements lifted 2 years ago at which point the gangs moved to the big cities and targeted tourists. Crimes reported against Chinese tourists in Paris rose 25% in the year that the Roma gangs arrived. Paris is by far the worst by you will find the same tricks in the streets of London. I have even seen Roma begging in the streets of Siena and Oslo.