All Things Travel Podcast
Listen in each week with Wonder and Beyond Travel Co-Owners and destination experts Ryan and Julie.
He is your travel professor, teaching you everything you need to know to have a magical vacation. She is a Disney-loving, Maryland mom of 3 and a specialist in family travel.
Whether they're discussing incredible destinations, top vacation tips, or sharing personal stories…it’s always All Things Travel.
All Things Travel Podcast
Europe Travel Tips: Essential Guide for First-Time Visitors
From packing strategies to cultural etiquette, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a magical European adventure.
1. Packing Light and Smart
- Pack less than you think - You'll be navigating cobblestones, stairs, and trains
- Choose neutral-colored clothing for easy mix-and-match options
- Invest in comfortable, versatile shoes for extensive walking on stone surfaces
- Don't forget multiple EU plug adapters (different from UK adapters)
2. Embracing European Pace
- Dining is slower - tables are yours for the evening, not rushed turnover
- Shops may close midday and reopen later, many close Sundays
- Public transportation varies by country - allow extra time to figure out systems
3. Money and Payment Systems
- Euros accepted in most continental Europe (except UK uses pounds)
- Credit cards widely accepted - notify your bank before traveling
- Use bank-affiliated ATMs for better exchange rates and security
- Public restrooms cost €0.50-€1.00 (often accepting cards)
- Choose dynamic currency conversion at ATMs for better rates
4. Staying Connected
- WiFi is common throughout Europe
- Download essential apps: Google Maps offline, translator, WhatsApp
- Screenshot important information in case you lose service
5. Cultural Etiquette
- Learn basic greetings in the local language
- Be curious, not critical about different customs
- You're a visitor - adapt to local customs, not the other way around
6. Flight Expectations
- Overnight red-eye flights are standard (7-10 hours)
- Jet lag is real - expect to feel off for 1-2 days
- Hydrate well and bring travel comfort items
Expert Tips
- Plan laundry service rather than overpacking
- Don't plan everything - ask locals for restaurant recommendations
- Build in extra days when arriving and returning home
- Consider guided tours with companies like Adventures by Disney or CIE Tours
Insightful interviews with Africa’s tourism professionals - Great giveaways from 5* guests
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Hello, and welcome to all Things travel. Traveling to Europe is a must do experience, but there are certainly some tips to make this trip more magical. Don't worry, we have you covered with what you need to know when traveling across the pond.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Listen in with travel advisors and destination experts, Ryan and Julie. He is your travel professor teaching you everything you need to know to have a magical vacation. And I'm a Disney loving Maryland mom of three and a specialist in family travel. whether we're discussing incredible destinations, top vacation tips, or sharing personal stories, it's always all things travel. Ryan has been to Europe multiple times.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:yes.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:been to Europe, but
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:No,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:the biggest question that I always get is what do we need to know about going to Europe?
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:right.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I tend to rely a lot on Ryan and research and end up sending my clients this whole know before you go document.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Sure.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:it'd be a great idea to, go over this and lead with Ryan's expertise.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I mean there are, there are certainly some things that make the trip easier to know ahead of time.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:of looking at this with a North American traveling to Europe slant when we talk about flights and kind of what to expect my most recent trip was this past spring I did a solo trip to Germany for the river cruises. I don't know when I'm gonna go back, but I've got some ideas percolating.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:You do, and I have my first trip planned for next summer. so this will still be helpful to me.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Great. before we start to talk about that, remember sports fans Last week we talked all about sports travel and how you can either participate or spectate your favorite sport while traveling. All right, Julie. we have several tips today. what's the first one
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:The first one is about packing, so pack light and pack smart. pack less than what you think. You're gonna be traveling on all sorts of surfaces,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:cobblestones, stairs, trains. You wanna be mindful of that when you're packing you don't need to have all these fancy outfits. I like to tell clients. neutral colored clothing because then you can mix and match quite a bit easier.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah, I like that mix and match idea. especially if you're thinking about a trip, if you're gonna be there for a week or 10 days, you're probably gonna be wearing the same things over or getting things wandered, so you don't need as much as you think. And I agree with you a hundred percent about being mobile if nothing else. You have to be able to get your luggage from point A to point B.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:lot of times your hotels may be off the main street, so they'll let you off on the main street and then you've got, half a block where you need to carry stuff. if you're on a train or a subway. let's say you fly into Heathrow and decide to take the train in, that's an easy way to do it. But it's a 45 minute train ride with your bags. how do you manage all of that kind of stuff. And I tend to overpack to be honest with you. So I, I would always have a roller suitcase that always works okay. But sometimes it's a struggle.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:And you say,'cause I have asked you this question in the past, you always recommend doing laundry. Either your hotel is going to have a laundry service or there's going to be somewhere that
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:correct. I've
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:yeah, I've done it both ways. I've left stuff with the hotel or I've just found a laundry, that will do a bag for a certain amount of euros and just go pick stuff up.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:And I think that's a great idea, and I can understand that there might be some hesitation, like some nerves associated with that. I also like to remind clients the please not wear anything flashy, huge name brands, sports jerseys, things like that. I tend to say not a great idea to wear this. Number one, it really makes you stand out as a tourist.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:is a
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:and,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:thing you can be a really big target for. For wearing those things.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:and I don't mind playing the tourist card, but I want to be able to decide when I can do that. like asking directions and stuff. Other than that, even in the US when I'm in different places, I tend to try to be a little low key. so yeah, watching what you wear, Americans just dress more casual than a lot of Europeans. especially not in the summer months.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:around in leggings.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes. When I used to take the college students, I remember we did run into that because in the United States leggings and yoga pants and all that kind of stuff is good to go. And in Europe, we actually had several places we could not go because that's what people were wearing. so just keep that in mindful you do not have to dress up, but you know, you, you, you're not
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:some pants.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah. Athleisure is not a term in Europe.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:yeah, absolutely. I remember trying to explain this to clients
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:they had teenagers coming and they wanted me to do a call with just the teenagers
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:them what to know about Europe. the other thing along with that is to double check any tours or things that you may have booked. For example, something like the Vatican or any churches
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Covering your shoulders.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:They're gonna have some stricter guidelines, making
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:that. you wanna have some versatile shoes, something that looks nice but is comfortable to walk in.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:some shoe shopping
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Going to Europe, especially as a soon to be 48-year-old your knees feel that, not only are you walking more, but you're walking on, stone sidewalks, you're walking on cobblestone. I would opt for versatile, comfortable shoes over anything fancy. I think it's a must.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I'm not saying fancy. I'm saying like
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:looks nice, that's gonna be neutral,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yep.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:the majority of your outfits and not make you
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:dressed down.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:But I,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:my running shoes.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:right. It's not, nobody's gonna mind if you're wearing those.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I have a question about packing, and I don't know if this is later in the episode, but what are your thoughts on, including a plug adapter,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:in Europe.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:yes. packing several, because I've had the situation before where I've plugged it in and it's popped immediately. And so you wanna make sure that you have several I.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:what does popped
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:like it, like it blows the circuit. yeah. And so I have some that are normal plugs. I have some that are plugs that have the USB ports, I have some that have both. So just what are your plugin needs? a couple things to think about is a EU adapter is different than a UK adapter, so making sure you have the correct one. And in a lot of hotel rooms there are fewer, plugs. Although that's getting better. So, you know, maybe thinking about bringing a, an extension cord or longer charging cords
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Right. I agree.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:But as far as power goes, I have charged my computer, phones, used my CPAP machine. There's no problem with that, you just have to have the right adapter.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Got it. So one more note, one more callback to. How much luggage you're taking. We talked about having to carry it from one
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:to the next, but also considering the fees that you could incur with some checked luggage, not only on your flight, but also if you are taking a certain type of private transfer taxi train. I know you had a situation recently where you had to book a specific transfer for your clients in order to fit their luggage.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah. and they were not doing anything, they were not doing anything outside the ordinary. It was just the situation of where they were and needing to get to the port. and again, like you said, thinking about trains, There's not always gonna be a place to store the bags away from you. So what can fit up in an upper compartment the moral of the story is packing less and being able to be mobile will be your friend on these types of trips.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:And that's why I plan to do a cruise.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:So number two, embracing the pace. This is one of the things that I love about going to Europe is it's just different. Dining is slower. coffee shops are slower, and I don't mean slower service, I just mean slower pace. you may have shops depending on where you are, that will. Close for some time in the midday and then stay open later in the evening. You'll have a lot of shops that will close on Sunday, although if you're in a big city, that's less and less. but I will say the two things that people get annoyed with are dining and coffee shops. when you dine in Europe, your table is your table, and they're not trying to turn that table over like they are in the United States. And so you could sit there and have a two hour dinner if you'd want to have it, and it's perfectly fine. In fact. It's harder to get the server's attention because they're not paying as close attention to you as they are in the United States. they also aren't working on tips. I've had a situation in Spain where we had to basically hunt down our surfer to get our check. And it's not that she was being rude, she was letting us have our dinner.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Wow. mentioned, uh, that dining there. I know that I have been doing a lot of dining reservations for my clients that go to Europe. Is that something that you tend to recommend?
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I don't tend to dine at those places necessarily. I would say if there is a place that is a must dine. absolutely do that. Especially if you are wanting to, dine at a specific restaurant because it's part of the reason you're taking the trip or if you tend to dine at more upper level places. That's just not where I tend to dine when I go to Europe, but it doesn't hurt at all.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:these aren't even all upper level places. I think it's more so the peace of mind that they've
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah, sure.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:for the reason you said that, like it's a slow pace.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:and obviously the concierge at your hotel or your hotel staff can help with that too if you're unsure. And I would say, when you go to Europe, and the same as when I'm in bigger cities, don't plan everything out because you're gonna want to ask folks, Hey, where should I get this? Or, I'm really hungry for this type of food. Is there a place around the corner, walkable that I can get you'll find some really neat places.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:yes, I agree with that. But it around to my type of clients I work with, it's mostly families. So I think having younger kids with you.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:You're not as likely to do something like that. You wanna know where you're eating and make sure it's got something the kids are gonna eat. So I think that's where I run into a lot more
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:sure. I hear that. I hear that.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Okay. What's your last, you got another couple more tidbits on here about embracing the pace.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:public transportation is always great, but each country has a little quirk making sure that you give yourself enough time if you're going to the subway or the train for the first time to figure it out. you know, always use. The train system as far as paying for tickets, you can even do that online most of the time now. they're very, they're very efficient. a lot of times now you can just tap your credit card. I've done that in Amsterdam. I hear That's how you do the tube in England and you're just tapping in, you're tapping out. and don't be afraid to ask people if you really don't know what you're doing, just find somebody and ask them. and it's perfectly fine. the last thing I would say with that is. Don't expect the same 24 7 service that you're gonna get in other places. I, and overall don't expect the same, things that you have in the United States because you're not in the United States. So it's okay to embrace the slower pace. I remember I was sitting in Greece in Nap Leo, on a Sunday afternoon, with several friends and the, the wife was almost uncomfortable. Because she's like, she was seeing families, like families were having dinner and coffee after church, and the kids were just playing and she's like, do these people just sit here and this is what they do? And I'm like, yeah, welcome. she's like, I don't understand. why people would just sit around I'm like, let's breathe. this is our job today. we get to sit in the square and just relax and embrace that.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:she sounds like me. I have a hard time relaxing, but this kind of goes along with embrace the pace something I do always try to caution clients with is the hotels and, most of the places you're going. They're not new. It's
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:No.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:You're not gonna have the most modern looking or the newest, Soft goods in your hotel.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:and lets you specifically book a brand that you're loyal to A lot of them are gonna be the three star type places, and they're perfectly fine. They're just not as up to date.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:yes. I just wanted to mention it because I think a lot of times people are like,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:oh, this looks a little, and I'm like, you have to remember, these buildings are very old, and
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:the charm you're looking for here. You're not looking to stay at the Four Seasons, in the US it just isn't like that.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Tip number three, Julie is a biggie. We get questions about this all the time.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes. understanding money and credit cards and how this works. euros versus local currencies, go ahead and elaborate on that.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Well, I mean, if we're going to Europe, most of the countries we're gonna be in either their currency or Euros, or they will take euros. The only one we really have to worry about is the UK where they take pounds every other place. If you're in continental Europe, they're going to take Europes. they may not give you the best exchange rate, but if you're in a tourist location, they're used to that and most likely you're gonna be using your credit card anyway. But if you're just going to a coffee shop to get a pastry or a cup of coffee let's say you're in Switzerland for the afternoon, and you just say, do you take euros? They're gonna say yes. knowing what the exchange rate is usually in my mind, I kind of look at it as for every seven. Euros. I'm paying one extra dollar, so it's pretty close. you look confused.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah, no, I just had to think that one
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:second.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:So it's pretty close to, the US dollar. It's not that much different. Pounds is a different story. Pounds is higher so you do have to take that into account.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Okay.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:As the years that I've traveled to Europe, have gone on credit cards are more and more accepted. this last time I was in Europe, it's almost expected that you're paying with a card. I would say have small cash for some of those smaller things if nothing else, because you may be dinging yourself with a little card transaction fee back home. but really you could get through most of Europe other than tipping. That was the only thing, like if tipping guides and stuff like that, I kind of ran outta cash at the end and that was really the only thing that was a struggle. other than that, I could use my credit card for anything. So make sure your credit card knows that you're traveling. If you're gonna take money out, if you're using an ATM card, make sure your bank knows that you're gonna be traveling. speaking of that, let's talk about, ATMs
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Always use an ATM that's associated with a bank. you're less likely to get scammed. And more likely to have a better exchange rate. you can use the counters, but just be a little wary. I've always used an ATM and found that to be better, but I've used a counter a couple times. One time I was ripped off and the other time, was perfectly fine. the main thing is if you don't know the exchange rate and you don't pay attention to the fees, that's when there's gonna be a problem. One thing to keep in mind with ATMs is a question that will pop up do you want dynamic pricing, or dynamic currency conversion? the answer is yes, because that is a more favorable exchange rate because they pay it in the local currency. You're not gonna get ripped off if you say no. it's just basically gonna give you the dower worth of that, of that amount.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:it.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:And then when you get home you may see, small fees for your different transactions. So keep that in mind, as you're going along.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:And this is a biggie. This is one that we have trouble public restrooms. You often pay a euro or 50 cents for public restrooms.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:That is so silly to me.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:And you can use credit cards too. the idea is they're nicer because you pay to use them. Oftentimes if you're in a store or a shopping center, you can get, validated for that. for instance, I was, on our bus ride to Vienna. I used the toilet, but then I could take that to the coffee shop and reimburse that part for a cup of coffee. other places you can show your receipt, but yeah, that's something that we're just not used to at all, but. It's part of it and you just, you know, you kind of chuckle about it the first time you do it and then it's kind of like, well, if I've gotta use the bathroom, I'm gonna pay a euro.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Wow. Interesting.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Julie, so before we talk about our next couple tips, I wanna talk about where in the world is all things travel. This week when I looked at new locations that popped up for us lacrosse, Wisconsin popped up. La Crosse, Wisconsin. Looks like a beautiful place along the Mississippi River. I want to meet our listener at Granddad Bluff. It's a bluff providing panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River Valley and the tri-state area. It features a picturesque drive and sheltered picnic spots. I think it'd be really fun, especially in the fall, to check out the Mississippi River Valley and just enjoy everything having to do with Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Well, hey listener, Reach out to us at Wonder and beyond travel.com and you can contact us'cause I would love to send a little thank you gift to lacrosse for being featured on today's show. All right. Just as money has changed, Julie, other things have changed. What's the next tip when it comes to visiting Europe now?
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Staying connected smartly. So wifi is pretty common in Europe,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:and your cellular plan can help you navigate, translate, communicate. So it is important to make sure that you are, are doing that in a smart way, that you're not incurring a lot of unnecessary fees. You have a couple options. You can use an international phone plant, an eim, or a local SIM card. I don't really understand the sim thing. My plan is to ask my husband what to do.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah, I mean, I, I used to not travel with anything, so I would just live off of wifi and I just both for my job and personally, I need to be more connected than that when I travel internationally. So I just factor in the international phone plan as part of my travel and it's, very easy. when I turn my phone off airplane mode, when I land, it just says, congratulations, you're in another country. and it charges me 12 hours a day and it caps it at$120. basically at 10 days. and I can use my phone just like any other time.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:if you needed a laptop you could probably hotspot
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:that's what I do. I, if I'm not on wifi, once I'm at my accommodations, I just hotspot off my phone. I've never had any trouble, especially when you're in these smaller towns using Google Maps and the walking directions are really, really helpful. So I just factor that into the cost of my travel now.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I really love this next tip to download apps that you want to have
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:So apps like Google Maps, the Translator app, WhatsApp WhatsApp might be what you use to communicate with others in your party there, or people back home.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Well, most outside the United States, most people use WhatsApp. anytime you're connecting with a restaurant or your hotel or something like that. Yeah, what WhatsApp is gonna be, so, so you should have that anyway. and then what I do too, Julie, and this is me being kind of a geek, is if I have a, a app that I know I'm gonna be using a lot I always change the home screen to have that right in front. whatever airline I'm on, I just have that stuff. If for nothing else, then I can see the notifications pop up if I need to. yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:some of the trains have apps.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:like that you might need. with our new agency and our new back office, we also have an app available that you could access your itinerary, so
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah, everything will be right there.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:And beyond the apps, something else that might be helpful if you are in a situation where you don't have service is to screenshot things and save them to photos. So if you pull up and map something and you're worried about losing that service, go ahead and screenshot it. maybe if you wanna screenshot any of your reservations or flight information,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:as a screenshot.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:And speaking of Google Maps, You can actually download maps to be offline. You obviously can't search new things, but you can have sections of maps that you can get to.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Okay. I'm just gonna follow whoever I'm with. I am not a map person.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:tip number five, and this one is near and dear one to my heart. You learn some local etiquette and I guess by that. Be a good traveler. Again, you're not in the United States. I was with a group of people and one of the guys in our group was so frustrated in a Greek airport that he could not use his TSA pre-check. He just didn't understand why he had to do all this stuff. And I'm like,'cause you're not in the United States. we as. Folks from the United States, we are always the loudest in a restaurant. We always take up the most space in the subway. So just kind of think about, how you are and you can, talk back, well, you know, I shouldn't have to accommodate, but I. you kind of do, I mean, you're a visitor to their country, so, thinking about how to say Good morning or hello or thank you in the, language that you're visiting. it just helps. And I just think I really get frustrated when I see, especially Americans, because we have a bad reputation when it comes to visiting Europe. it really bothers me when I kind of see that play out. And so I really try to not be that way and folks that I travel with not be that way because I think You not only learn more and observe more, but I think you just have a better experience when you're just trying to go with where you are rather than a square peg in a round hole, if you will.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:that's helping you be more immersed in where you are. You want to feel like you're a part of that culture for a little bit. You're there to experience it. You're there to learn about it.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:What is our last tip, Julie?
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:So know what to expect with your flights. Most flights from the US to Europe are overnight red eyes. you leave in the evening US time, and arrive in the morning Europe time,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Right.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:the middle of the night for
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:is something I always stress to my clients when we're booking our flights. If you are. Check in date for your hotel is, you know, July 1st. Book your flight for June 30th, not July 1st. You will
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yep.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:depart on the 30th and arrive on the first. jet lag is very real. expect to feel a little off for the first day or two. That doesn't mean that you're not gonna enjoy yourself. Just expect that you're gonna feel a little bit different, and that's okay. And. I always try to accommodate for that when I'm planning itineraries for clients, not doing anything super crazy that first two days, kind of waiting till that third day, maybe for the really big tour, not doing any long tours that first full day in country. your flight times are gonna range anywhere from seven to 10 hours, depending on departure, destination, cities, any lay layovers you have. Typically, if you're having a layover, it's gonna be London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam. I've had a couple in Vienna recently. maybe you have enough of a layover that you can go explore outside of the airport. when you're on the plane and you're on this long overnight flight, try to sleep if you can. bring things like a travel pillow, eye mask, earplug, something like that, and be aware of others around you. Like if you're trying to watch a movie or put on a sound machine, please put on your headphones.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I actually. On a flight like this, I will wear my noise canceling headphones, the entire flight,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:even if I'm not listened to anything just for noise reduction. And it really helps me relax.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Wow. You obviously don't travel with little kids.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I hardly ever sleep on a flight. Unless I'm completely exhausted. So for me, any sleep is bonus sleep. this last trip to Germany, I didn't sleep at all. but I knew that first day if I tried to sleep during the day, it was gonna throw me all off.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Absolutely.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:on a trip several years ago to Amsterdam, I woke up at six in the morning in Indiana. I went to bed at midnight the next day in Amsterdam, I just powered through. But the advantage to that is by the second day and definitely the third day, you're really on European time.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:that is good. along with that, build into your schedule don't try to do this in a short trip.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I know
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:your
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:you're thinking about how do I do this with littles and I don't have the answer to that.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Build into your schedule an extra day when you
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:in the new country and an extra day or two when you come back home, come home on like a Friday. So you've got that Saturday and Sunday for you to recover, your kids to recover, before school and work and all those things start. that's a real big help. you also wanna make sure you're hydrating on your flight. Don't have heavy meals, bring lots of snacks
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:I know it's tempting, but skip the alcohol. You're just not gonna feel great on the first couple days if you don't do those things,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:on the flight, the times I have been able to sleep, I haven't eaten that evening meal
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:not gonna serve it till like 10 o'clock. your clock is completely off and
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:feed you a meal And then they turn the lights out and like three hours later they're like, it's morning time and the lights come on and it's breakfast time. I know you're ready to start your vacation, but just think about what's the best way to, uh. Kind of regulate your eating and drinking before you get there. Alright, Julie, I talked about my top six tips here. What other questions do you have when you're thinking about either your family or folks heading to Europe for the first time?
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Something I hear all the time is, should I get one of those under the clothes belt bags? What is your thought on that?
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:When I first traveled to Europe, I always had one.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Mm-hmm.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Now I just keep things hidden. so like if I'm wearing, I don't tend to go in the summertime, so I always have a coat on. I'll have my, wallet and stuff in an inside pocket, and I've never had any trouble with that.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:is someone's first time and they are going in the summer, do you suggest those belt bags.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I prefer to have the ones that hang over the neck. They're just more comfortable than the belt bags, but something that can conceal where your money is because
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Got
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:you know,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:You know?
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:pickpockets are real.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:But what I would say too with that is I might keep some cash and maybe even one of my cards. In a zipped pocket because I don't wanna always be reaching into that concealed bag.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Got it. That makes sense. the other thing I wanna mention is the ETA applications.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yep.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:just putting together a client packet. so there's a couple different types of, applications that are starting to pop up. This is not something outta the ordinary just for our guests to know. It's not outta the ordinary. A lot of countries do this. it is just like filling out a customs form. Basically, when you go to a new country, it's that they want you to do it online before you go. So there's a UK ETA.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:as of right now, there's uk but there's not eu.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:But what's odd, Ryan is the client packet I was just working on was for Italy it came directly from the supplier and had all that information on it.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Okay.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Okay.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Well, and that's one of those things where, you know, they say it's coming, they say it's coming, they say it's coming. So as a traveler, you need to be on top of that or work with, an advisor who's on top of that.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I know all of my folks who have gone to the UK said that application process was simple.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes. Very simple. Just make sure you're going to the correct websites. and that goes for country you're going to,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yeah.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:just Europe, because there are a lot of different options that are going to potentially charge you different than what is actually required.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:And ignorance is not, an exception. They don't care if you say you don't know.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Yes. This whole episode makes me say you cannot understand the benefits of working with a travel advisor. Like we cannot say them enough. Right? I'm not just saying that because we are travel advisors. If I was not a travel advisor, I would be terrified to go to Europe for the first
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:or you would be reading, 10,000 Facebook groups and blogs and maybe you're not getting the right information.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:yes. Because like I said, even though I have not been for my clients, I'm doing all sorts of research. I'm making documents for them to know before you go. not only are we there for you as a resource, but if you're on a tour or working with a specific tour company and you have a guide with you, that's someone to literally help you step of the way while you were there. And it just like, you cannot discount the help that that can be working with a company. I'm thinking of Kensington, I'm thinking of CIE tours. adventures by Disney. Somebody who has a guide with you as you go to, to assist you and. Give you money for the public restroom or tell you
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:A,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:for dinner,
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:and they do, you know,
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:know?
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Traveling with my family with Adventures by Disney. they've got the Euros for the bathroom, they've got the shawls for the Vatican, if you forgot them. I mean, they know that stuff. And they specifically work with mostly North American guests. so they kind of know what some of these stumbling blocks could be.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Absolutely. if you are any sort of nervous traveler, reach out to us and we will provide you with all this information. I have a lot of clients traveling to Europe this summer specifically, it's been a very popular destination and with all of them, we've had a lot of phone calls, a lot of emails, text messages exchanged about various questions that they have as we get closer and. happy to be able to ease their nerves when that happens.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:So Julie, you talked about your next, plans for Europe travel, or your first plans rather. What are they?
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:Currently we have booked to go on the Disney Dream on a Mediterranean cruise for next summer. I hope it happens. we'll see. it's a long way off still. but. is probably the number one place that I want to go.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Sure.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:has a lot of heritage there and I mean, it just looks beautiful. It's so historic. it's just number one on my destination list I
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:right.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:to. Uh, as a family with young kids, a cruise seemed like the easiest right now. We don't have to pack up, go anywhere. The kids have familiar food once they get back on the ship. we've been on a Disney cruise, so it takes out that guessing factor of what are our accommodations gonna be like. It just eases a lot of things, I think, to do that. and of course Disney because. The kids will be comfortable there.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:I totally agree.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:But I know I'm going to be leaning on Ryan as we get closer asking all sorts of random
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:Y you know, for a very modest fee. I'm happy to, um, to travel along. And by modest I mean all expenses paid.
j_1_07-01-2025_151013:You're too much.
ryan_1_07-01-2025_151013:The world is full of wonder and your next great adventure is waiting at Wonder and Beyond Travel. We work with you to create a one of a kind journey, taking the stress off your plate so you can focus on the joy of exploring and the memories that will last you forever. If you're ready to start planning or you just wanna dream a little bigger, head over to Wonder and beyond Travel, we would love to help you get started. You can reach us at Wonder and beyond travel.com. We look forward to talking to you next week on All Things Travel. When we discuss nostalgic Walt Disney World,
