Tips and Tricks 1

I have only been traveling for about a week so I am still new to this but these or some tricks and tips I have learned so far.

-Detachable day pack is very helpful

-always have a pen on you

-take pictures of metro routes and bus routes with your phone so you can bring it up on your phone and know where you are

- bring an extension cord for hostels so you can plug in multiple things and also reach the top bunk

- if you have the option pick a bottom bunk unless the hostel is very cold pick the top (due to air density and convection :-)

- don't listen to music on your headphones like everyone does in america unless you want to travel all of Europe by yourself and not meet anyone.

- carry lots of cereal/breakfast bars with you to eat on the train and when your on the go.  Sometimes you don't have time to get food.

- try and have a water bottle on you at all times too.  Europe doesn't have as many water fountains and the breakfast bars make you really thirsty :-)

- like everyone says TRAVEL LIGHT.  I see people trying to get on these trains with huge suitcases that barely fit and they need 5 guys and a tractor to lift it into the train.  I meet a girl at a hostel that brought a curling iron and some other stuff she didn't even use.  If you think you might need it leave it at home and buy it over here if you actually really need it.  I brought two pairs of jeans and I am starting to think that might even be to much.

-If you have the money take trains.  You can see the country side and don't have to be there 2 hours early for a flight that is outside of the city.  ( I am still calculating if the euro rail global pass is worth it or not.  I will know by the end of my trip)

- If your handed something almost always don't take it.

- if someone tells you "you don't need to go to another country.  You haven't even see all of your country yet". . . . don't listen to them.  Trust me :-D

-  if you like partying with all tourists, seeing every attraction in a large group, living as if you were in the united states, take a cruise, go on a big tourist bus or stay in all 5 star hotels and restaurants.   If you like learning new things, meeting new people, and experience life differently go down those back alleys or take the time to sit on a park bench by yourself and watch the little things and tricks the locals do.

- if your traveling for a long time don't plan your whole trip out step by step.  It is a good idea to get a general idea what you want to do and see though.  My itinerary lasted for about one day.

- sign up for as many activities at the hostel as you can.   You meet so many good people.

- as everyone says, learn hello, goodbye, thanks a lot, sorry, excuse me,  where I am now ( for when your lost and pointing at a map), the numbers 1 to 10, and wow your hot.    The last one is optional  :-D