Our final day in Europe included thick cut bacon, scrambled eggs with curry & coffee with Bailey’s, prepared by Chef Dave. It was time to leave for one of the busiest airports in the world! Frankfurt!
One more German beer at the terminal and we were on our way back to Canada, but not before Colin got a pat down from German security. Remember to take ALL the things out of your pockets.
Toronto! The view my from my brothers condo...
These are some of the travel tips we’ve come up with on the flight home. First off, it took Maria well over a year of planning and also coordination with friends all over.
• If you have friends, USE THEM! Just make sure you’re good to them, or you may never be invited back.
• Make paper & electronic copies of your important documents, we took a jump drive with us. Also, leave a copy of these documents with somebody you trust at home.
• We had a “red book”. This book had all of our hotel, airline, bus and every confirmation number & specific address. This book came in VERY handy at 4:30am in London. It saved the day!
• Be very careful of pick pockets, be conscience of those around you and know where your bags are.
• Don’t look like a tourist. Keep your cameras in your bag if you’re not using them. You’ll also want to keep your passport on you at all times. A money belt is a big help and for the guys, yes get a man-bag, it’s ideal for carrying everything in concealment.
• Keep a pen and paper on you at all times for writing directions, addresses, sometimes drawing maps!
• Get a good map, Google is not always the best. In Paris we had to use a combination of maps because sometimes roads were not always indicated, but when we cross referenced two maps, we could find our way. And don’t be afraid to write on the maps, it really helps!
• Take a netbook or a small computer that can get internet connection, there’s wireless just about everywhere and most times for free!
• Be sure to pack/travel light. It’s a big help. We used Mountain Equipment Co-op backpacks (which we highly recommend). You will encounter many steps, having a backpack will ease climbing up and down. When we were leaving Paris, we had to take the Metro, which required fast walking and using many steps. One couple that was also traveling had big suitcases on wheels; going up and down the stairs in the underground was very awkward and difficult for them. They wasted precious time when catching the trains.
• Use the public transport (subways/trains/buses), you’ll save money. Also with public transport, they have special passes you can purchase instead of just day passes. Like in London, we had the Oyster card, it enabled us to use the Underground (or buses) as much as we had on the card. Plus you’re not fumbling for money each and every time. Riding the rails between cities also have great discounts, research your transportation!
• If you decide to buy a rail pass, make sure it’s one that will make your trip easier and actually save you money. Our Britrail pass was easy to use and saved us a fortune. Our Eurail pass was a headache. And don’t forget, sometimes it’s cheaper and faster to hop on a flight to get to your next destination. There are plenty of budget airlines in Europe. Just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into, lest you be surprised to find that seating is unassigned or that you have to pay to use the toilet.
• When packing, roll your clothes and place them in separate se plastic bags (like Ziplock). It’ll keep your clothes smelling fresher & easy to sort when you get to the place you’re staying.
• Ladies, take a pashmina/scarf. It will come in handy when there’s a chill, as quick towel, or even to sit on a dirty bench.
• Use internet hotel websites or discount websites to book hotels (keep confirmation numbers in “red book”). If using a booking service (Expedia, etc), double check the price against the hotel’s actual website. It may be cheaper to book directly with the hotel.
• Make a list of places to go before you actually get to your destination, but don’t schedule too much. You’ll have more fun that way and you can plan your days according to the weather you encounter.
• Picnic! Everywhere! Pick up a compact set of utensils before you leave home and keep them in your day pack when you are out exploring. Grocery stores and markets offer great selections of food you can enjoy in parks. It will save you money and offer you the opportunity to eat like the locals. And don’t forget the wine. In many places, you are permitted to drink alcohol in public. Just keep it classy.
We want to thank our gracious hosts throughout Britain and Europe, and to those we have met along the way. We could not have made this journey without your kindness and generosity. Traveling for 30 days, spending literally 24 hours a day (including every personal moment ), might seem like a bit much for some, but for us, it was well worth it!
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