Traveling is an essential part of our lives, we are made to visit new places. Traveling is always the best investment you can make in your lifetime, but only a few can afford such an investment. This is unfortunate, and many people do not understand what traveling means for the less fortunate among us. Missing out on workdays, or using your money for something else than food and rent is a privilege many do not have.
In general, people cannot understand what poverty means until it strikes them. This is why you shouldn’t take travelling abroad for granted. Traveling from the US all the way to Europe is not a simple task, but it is definitely worth it. You should enjoy every second of your trip, but it is important to stay safe, and here is how you can do that.
- Health insurance
Unlike in the US, health insurance is not an incredibly expensive thing to obtain. Germany is among the European leaders in healthcare, and if you go to https://www.ottonova.de/en/v/private-health-insurance you can get a free consultation on health insurance for foreigners in Germany. Health insurance need not be expensive, and if you have been told otherwise, this is just a marketing tactic to make you spend as much money as possible.
Europe is generally much safer than the US, but accidents can still happen. The risk is always there, but with adequate health insurance, you should be covered. You can get the insurance at a quite reasonable price and be at ease during your beautiful trip. Health insurance plans differ from one another and it is important to read them before signing up for one. Make sure the insurance plan has you covered for most, if not all, things that could go wrong.
- Learning the law
There are quite a few laws in European countries that you might find shocking. One of them is that carrying firearms is, in most cases, completely illegal. Do not even attempt to bring one with you, as there is a high chance you will get into legal trouble. Another thing you should keep in mind is the rules for air travel, such as the limitation of liquids you can take in your hand luggage.
One thing that definitely goes in your favor is the drinking age in European countries. Most countries allow 18-year-olds to drink, some even 16-year-olds. You will need to look up other more important laws in the specific country you plan on visiting in Europe.
- Respecting the locals
It is important to understand the culture of the region you plan on visiting in Europe, as most people expect tourists to be respectful. If you plan on visiting Eastern European countries, Slavic countries, or other more dangerous areas, you should know how you can do so safely and respectfully. That does not mean these countries are not safe, only that you should be cautious, especially if you’re going outside of popular tourist areas.
Every country has its safe areas, as well as ones that are not so safe. When you think of England, you probably think about fancy, polite people. But, there are a lot of unsafe places even in cities like London and Birmingham. This is why it is important to understand the locals and respect them because they will repay the respect. It is impossible to learn everything, but you should give it a go and talk to locals to learn more.
- Enjoy
Europe is home to countries with very rich histories and a lot of cultures and different people. The whole point of your visit is to see something new and out of the ordinary in a new environment. It is important to stay safe, but do not be afraid to explore unknown places and discover the beauty in Europe.
Of course, everyone knows about the pickpockets in Paris or Florence, but by staying alert, you will enjoy your trip. It is the same way as anywhere in the world, just stay cautious and you will not have anything to worry about. So do not be afraid to try out some new food or talk to some people that experienced life on a whole new continent.
These tips were selected because they are pretty simple to follow, no matter the European country. By following these basic guidelines, you can have the time of your life on your trip to Europe.
By reading about these important subjects, you will not have to worry about anything during your stay. You will be able to learn more about new cultures and the way they handle things. All of this represents a valuable lesson that you should carry for the rest of your life.
