Destination:Europe

Tips for making your trip stay fun and safe

I’ve come across lots of teens who dream of traveling to Europe, but I haven’t really seen many who actually gather the courage and start planning their trip, and even less who DID take off. I thought that, as I have made this trip myself, maybe my advice will help the dreamers.

• First of all, decide who you’re traveling with. It must be someone you’re really comfortable with, because having a discussion with your partner while you’re away isn’t only discouraging, I’ll even say it’s extremely dangerous!
• Also think of how long you will be away. Traveling to Europe for less than too weeks is pointless.
• Once these matters are settled, start by getting your paperwork ready three months in advance: apart from the passport and booking for tickets and accommodation, you may need a tourist visa, health insurance or an international driver’s license.
• While you’re preparing your itinerary, keep in mind that you’ll want to take your time to walk the streets, shop, eat and rest. That’s why visiting too many cities in a short period of time is definitely a bad idea.
• Then there is the accommodation problem. You have a broad choice of hotels, hostels, camping sites… On the Internet, look for pictures of what each of them looks like, and based on that, choose the option you prefer. Just remember to make reservations in advance.
• If you aren’t on a guided tour, speaking the local language is recommended. The market offers tourist phrasebooks which may be useful. Some of them have advice on good restaurants and hotels, and even a short introduction on the culture and history of the country you’re visiting.
• If you’re planning to rent a car, make sure your driver’s license is valid where you’re going, otherwise you’ll need an international one, and that the driving rules are the same as they are in Argentina. For example, British people drive on their left instead of their right.
• Another cheap option is traveling by train. Look for student rail passes.
• How will you communicate with friends and family in Argentina? Here again you’re free to choose: global cell phones, wifi, cyber cafes, telephone cabins or international telephone cards that’ll make things cheaper for you.
• Well-packing is difficult: you don’t have to take too many clothes, you don’t have to take too little. Prioritize comfort over fashion, and remember to check the weather on the Internet, even though it’s likely to change.
• On D-Day, try to get to the airport several hours earlier, and respect the security regulations. Don’t be nervous on the plane and enjoy your flight.
• Finally, once on destination, of course you shouldn’t forget the typical touristic places, but if you have some spare time, dare to go eating at a tiny, regional restaurant; or to get lost in a small village. This will help you know the culture much better. Some of these small villages, for instance, may be forgotten medieval pearls, and the pleasure of discovering them is beyond compare.

I know some of this advice may sound obvious, or maybe you’ve heard it somewhere else, but it’s always good to remember all this, so you won’t be surprised by any unexpected situation.
I WISH YOU LUCK ON YOUR TRIP!!!