The idea of traveling to Europe must be exciting. You will be dreaming of exploring beautiful places and different cultures, but it is also essential to know what activities you must avoid to experience a safe and happy trip.
A user asked the forum what people should avoid while traveling to Europe. Here are the top responses.
Falling In Canals and Walking on a Bicycle Path
It is dangerous to fall into canals. And also you must avoid walking on the bicycle paths to avoid any misfortunes.
“Falling in canals and walking on bicycle paths if they come to the Netherlands.”
Avoid Accepting Flowers
Scammers will try to offer you flowers and ask for money in most European countries. So, it is better to avoid people who are trying to offer you free flowers.
“A girl in Athens handed me a flower. I told her right away I have no cash on me (I travel for work, I don’t carry any cash if I can’t pay contactless I go somewhere else). She stuck another one behind my ear and said it was a free gift because there is a festival today. Okay cool.
She then gestured to a pregnant belly and asked for a little something for her baby.
I told her again as much as I would love to help her, I don’t carry any cash. Her really sweet demeanor changed to a cold face; she took both flowers back and went away without another word. Pretty funny tbh.”
“I once had an Irish garda hand me a rose as I was walking back from something; it was late evening and my first thought was oh no, where is this going? Turned out he had found a discarded bunch nearby and was giving the roses away instead of putting them in the bin.”
Do Not Stop When People Ask For Directions
Pickpockets will try to stop you in the name of asking for directions. So, it is essential to be cautious when someone asks for directions.
“DO NOT STOP to “help” people asking for directions. You’re a tourist, you look like a tourist, and you’re the last person someone would legitimately ask for directions. They’re trying to get you to stop so they can pickpocket you. It’s usually a woman, too, looking “helpless.” Just keep moving.”
Do Not Keep Your Bags Behind You
It is important to keep your belongings safe while you are traveling because you can never guess what kind of people are surrounding you.
“Do not put your bag/purse/backpack on the back of your chair when you sit down to eat, especially outside.
Thieves look for this in groups of three or four. One of them will come from one side of you as a snatcher, and the rest will stand in a group very close to you, talking or smoking, etc., pretending that they don’t know the snatcher.
Then the one guy will snatch your item and run right through the group, in case someone is quick enough to chase. They will “accidentally” be in your way. It happened in Rome, but locals recognized it and broke it up.”
Do Not Wear Stilettos in Germany
While traveling, it is good to prefer comfort over anything. Wearing stilettos if traveling to Germany, especially in slippery places, is not a good idea.
“Do not, for the love of god, wear stilettos in Germany. You will slip and fall down in front of 100 people, including children, who will point and laugh at you as you wobble away on the cobblestone with quivering ankles.”
Don’t Rent a Car
When we travel to other countries, we are tempted to rent a car immediately, but if you are staying in the major capital cities, you can use public transport as you get to experience and meet new people.
“Don’t rent a car if you’re going to stay in a major capital, it’s not worth it, it’s much better to use public transport and get an occasional Uber.”
Don’t Take Selfies At Memorials
If you are visiting any memorial, it is good to know the rules and regulations or traditions before you do anything so that you can avoid getting stuck in awkward situations.
“Be respectful to memorial places. Don’t come to the idea of taking selfies or similar. Inform yourself about the traditions of the country. In some countries, you can openly make small talk with strangers, while in another one, you do have to approach them like wild animals.”
Don’t Carry A Bunch Of Cash
Planning and managing money are essential while traveling overseas. It is suggested not to carry a lot of cash to avoid unnecessary currency exchange costs.
“Coming over with a bunch of cash ($) and using an exchange service to buy €. Just use your debit or credit card everywhere. If you need some cash, take it out of the atm. Exchange rates will be much better, with no commission and a 3% fee from your bank, but that’s reasonable.”
Don’t Speak Without Greeting
Different countries follow varied traditions. Likewise, in France, speaking without a greeting is considered rude.
“Avoid speaking without exchanging greetings first (in France at least) and not responding in kind when someone greets you. In other words, exchange bon jours before you ask where the toilet is.”
“Avoid letting your kids act like monsters in public–in restaurants, in particular. Avoid rushing through meals (unless your kids are acting like monsters).”
Don’t fall for Scams
Before visiting a country, you can talk to a traveler about scams in different countries to prevent yourself from losing money and peace.
“SCAMS. There are a lot of them. Beware the person that picks up a gold object (ring etc.) and tells you that you dropped it. It is NOT yours, and it is COSTUME (fake). They will then try to get money out of you.
There’s another one with a guy that will ask for directions or something like that and then GIVE you an article of clothing. The jacket or shirt will be garbage, and he’ll try to get money from you.”
“There are LOTS of other scams too. Oh yeah! Someone tried the gold ring scam on me in Paris. I was so confused why she’d give me a gold ring, so I handed it back and told her she should sell it. She looked so annoyed.”
What are your thoughts about these things? Do you have a similar experience, then comment below!
More From Mrs Daaku Studio:
Strange but True: 10 European Habits That Leave Americans Scratching Their Heads.
We wanted to know what are the European traits that Americans find strange.
10 European Habits That Leave Americans Scratching Their Heads
10 Endangered Jobs That May NOT Be Around Much Longer
Some professions are becoming obsolete as technology, and societal shifts continue to shape the workforce. We bave listed some jobs that don’t see the light in the coming years.
10 Endangered Jobs That May Not Be Around Much Longer
Kill It: 10 Frugal Things That You’re Doing, But Aren’t Worth it ANYMORE!
While being frugal is a wise financial practice, not all frugal habits appeal to everyone. Some may find certain practices tedious, uncomfortable, or just not worth it anymore.
Kill It Now: 10 Frugal Things That You’re Doing, But Aren’t Worth It Anymore
11 Most Hated or Useless Jobs That People Wish They Could Eliminate From Society
The modern job market is diverse, and each profession has a unique value. However, specific jobs may be considered useless, providing little benefit to society.
11 Most Hated or Useless Jobs That People Wish They Could Eliminate from Society
Don’t Get Duped: 10 Biggest Rip-Offs That You Are Continously Buying
As consumers, we often fall prey to clever marketing tactics and gimmicks that convince us to buy overpriced products or services that don’t live up to expectations.
Don’t Get Duped: 10 Biggest Rip-offs That You Are Continuously Buying
This article originally appeared on Mrs Daaku Studio.