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European Travel Skills Part I

Date: March 2, 2015 By Categories: News Tags: , , , 17 Comments

In this first of three shows covering travel skills, we’ll visit the Netherlands and Germany to learn about transportation by train and car within Europe, ch…
Video Rating: 4 / 5

17 Replies to “European Travel Skills Part I”

Hilary Benoit
March 2, 2015
I want to do the Uk, France, and Switzerland for three weeks by rail.. :) 
payam49er
March 2, 2015
Well, Steve has ignored a big issue for Americans who travel to Europe. The majority of American credit cards won't work in automated machines in Europe. Automated machines such as ticket machine for bus or trains. Also, occasionally, the automated machines only accept Maestro issued cards, which we do not have it in the US, so your credit card or even debit card will become useless. It happened to me multiple times. The only solution is to carry some cash with you. Some credit cards in the US are getting issued with a smart chip that will accept a pin number, the last time I used them in Switzerland, I still had to sign the receipt. One other big advice, always carry to debit cards and not in the same wallet. If your debit card gets lost you will be in a big trouble and there is little that you can do. Have two bank account and two debit card. You will not regret this. 
feenix00
March 2, 2015
My next European trip will definitely be a full train ride trip so I can get that full experience of the beautiful scenery outside + less hassle of going through an airport. :)
Vktour Co.,Ltd
March 3, 2015
Thanks for your video! We're coming to Denmark next year.
MarkHitsTheRoad
March 3, 2015
Good to point out the train ticket validation. That varies across locales - I missed validating a ticket in Italy on one of my first overseas trips and was fined. Oops. Aren't sure if you need to validate? Watch what someone else buying a ticket does with it. Trains and public transit are great ways to get around. I did a 31-day 6-country trip, and with day trips I visited 17 cities and towns - all by train or bus, not a single taxi. If you travel with a suitcase, a narrower suitcase is better for the overhead racks on the trains. I made the switch to a narrower suitcase after watching my wide suitcase hanging out over my head shift a bit as we rounded corners. A small bottle of laundry detergent makes up for the slightly less packing space. On a genealogy trip to Scotland a couple years ago, I had several small towns to visit, combining trains and buses. At one stop I had only five minutes from the train's arrival to the bus departure - or I'd have to wait 2 hours for the next bus. Checking Google Maps and Streetviews in advance of the trip meant I knew exactly how to get from the train to the bus stop and what it looked like. A little advance prep goes a long way.
Peter Parker
March 3, 2015
Some tips are common sense (ATM). Others are helpful (train departure information). European transit systems are generally MUCH better than American systems. Amsterdam is so nice. Outside of the heavyweights (London and Paris), Amsterdam is my favorite European city. 9:55 I think Rick is disturbing the people who want to sleep 16:15 Graffiti? When did Europe become ghetto? 19:00 LOL @ Rick's disclaimer.
Alan Anderson
March 3, 2015
hi steve thank u for the videos my wife and I are in our 60s and are traveling though europ this year 2015 do u have any great ideas by iour selves 1st time so looking for any help u can give us 
Ezra Christian
March 3, 2015
Awesome!
JayStation
March 3, 2015
I really wanted to see Rick take a puff of a blunt lol
Pat O
March 3, 2015
Im pretty sure Rick Steve is the greatest man ever
zzAGONYxx
March 3, 2015
so helpful. thanks Rick
Steve Mazwan
March 3, 2015
Thanks a lot Rick Steve. These are excellent tips just on point for my December trip to Europe. Will be visiting Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain. What is the benefit of rail pass if you still have to pay for reservation? Any advice for me regarding the rail pass or ticket option?
Finn Hafnmr
March 3, 2015
How do you become a guidebook maker?
Thư Trịnh
March 3, 2015
Great ! I love it n i wanna go around the world just like that :)
Cory Hoskins
March 3, 2015
Wtf at 1:14. The guy got trampled by a bull
ANIME SNERF
March 3, 2015
amsterdam seems cool and germany seems awesome to travel through
Daniel
March 3, 2015
These are great tips for first time and well traveled globetrotters. Looking forward to meeting Rick at the Bay Area Travel Show 2015