Setting off on a trip to Europe can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Whether it’sa fancy five-star resort on the Amalfi Coast, or a 10-euro hostel in the heart of Lisbon, here are a few tips to consider before the adventure begins!

What to wear?

Before pulling out the family sized suitcase to pack athleisure and running shoes, remember that almost no one but Americans wear leggings outside of the gym. The European fashion world is wildly different from that of the United States. For Americans, it can feel like everyone is over-dressed, but presentation is a key social aspect. European culture, in general, tends to be more modest than that of the United States. A cropped shirt from Shein with jeans will pass for a night out in College Station, but in Madrid, a black mini dress may be more appropriate. A day of sightseeing in a T-shirt can be easily elevated with gold jewelry and a pair of linen pants. Unfortunately, the infrastructure built for the cold winters means that the buildings were not designed for the rising heat temperatures and the sticky summer weather. When picking clothes to accommodate these changes, a new closet isn’t necessary-- just go for light, loose fabrics. Plus, a satin head scarf and oversized sunglasses can turn any outfit into something a little more chic during the summertime! The running shoes that are tempting to pack for the walking ahead? Probably best to replace them with a comfortable sneaker like Adidas Sambas. When the night arrives, a smaller heeled boot or sandals will do nicely. Just remember that the sidewalks are often cobblestone, so avoid a tall heel to skip the rolled ankle!

Where to stay?

Everyone’s vacation looks different. Some people would rather go backpacking across the continent, while others are looking for a week of relaxation to unwind from the corporate world. Whether it’s in the budget to splurge on the ocean-view suite or save with the hostel that has bunk beds with curtains, a good rule of thumb is to avoid Airbnb. With the rise of Airbnb in the past decade, the European Parliament agrees that short-term rentals have been contributing to a rising housing crisis in many tourist hubs. Barcelona saw a 50% increase in rent which is much attributed to the Airbnb crisis, and London has over 95,000 listings on Airbnb– the most in one European city. Opting out of renting an Airbnb can be a small but mighty choice in cities that hope to maintain affordable apartments and houses for their citizens. According to the Economic Policy Institute, their research shows that short-term rentals severely drive up prices and often have the unintended effect of pushing out local residents. Respecting the overall wishes of the outspoken communities against Airbnb can mean booking a hotel where taking out the trash isn’t expected like at a short-term rental.

Are Americans really that loud?

Yes. If it sounds like normal projecting, chances are it’s shouting. Just talk quieter.

Is knowing English enough?

Absolutely not. It’s always common courtesy to learn basic phrases like how to greet people or how to order. Fluency of another language isn’t expected, but taking the time to learn common phrases in the native language of the region shows a sign of respect for the people. Even in France– where the classic story is that they refuse to listen to broken French and will immediately switch to English– most people will be receptive and friendly as long as there is some consideration taken. Humiliation is a virtue, so be open to receiving feedback on pronunciation, even if it feels a little embarrassing.

What is the nightlife scene like?

Depending on where in Europe, the night scene can look completely different. The culture of Dublin versus Berlin are two different worlds. But, if headed to a club somewhere in Europe, many will expect a pre-purchased ticket which are usually found online or through affiliated apps depending on the city. A fun perk of buying tickets beforehand is that a drink ticket is often included. Meaning once inside , make a beeline to the bar for that vodka RedBull or RedBull sans vodka! The downside of the club ticket? There’s still a line to wait in before entry. The clubs won’t close until sunrise though, so there shouldn’t be much of a time crunch. If navigating the nightlife scene sounds overwhelming, there are bar crawls that are full of travelers looking to meet people during a stress-free night that is usually put together by hostels. The fee to join a barcrawl will cover the fee to both the bars and then the club at the end of the night. Plus, they get to skip the line to get inside!

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that when someone is travelling, they are a tourist. Don’t pretend to be a local or claim to be Canadian. Despite the bad reputation of Americans, a friendly attitude and willingness to learn about different cultures and people makes any European getaway much more enjoyable!

Written by Thea Findlay, Photography: Sri Kuram, Social Media: Celine Nguyen, Styling: Deborah Zheng, Event: Kaila Tindall

Europe is Waiting