How To Avoid Expensive Mistakes When Visiting Major European Cities Part 2

TIP: Theatre and concert tickets in Europe can cost an arm and a leg but there are plenty of free and cheap entertainment options. Summertime is great for arts and music festivals and parades. Amsterdam has lots of free concerts and London’s Royal Opera House in Covent Garden sometimes has free outdoor screenings in the cobbled courtyard of what’s happening onstage – a great atmosphere! In Paris (where you can nab an opera ticket for as little as 5 euros), pick up a copy of Pariscope at newsstands for weekly listings including free events, and in London, check out Time Out magazine.

TIP: Apart from entrance fees to many major attractions, you’ll likely fall victim to the souvenir shop and it can rapidly get out of hand and maybe even tip you over into excess baggage charges if you buy too much stuff. Keep costs down by setting a budget for souvenirs

TIP: Go easy on tipping. In the US 15-20% may be the norm, but in most European cities, 10% is sufficient and in some places, service is included - check your bill first. In bars, whereas Americans would typically leave a dollar per person for the barman, loose change will suffice in most cities. If service is not so good, Europeans just don’t leave a tip at all, much as that goes against the grain with Americans, who would probably just reduce their tip slightly. Be sure to have some cash in hand, so use your Visa Debit at ATMs, accepted all over Europe.

TIP: While you may be desperate to send ‘Wish You Were Here’ postcards home to make all your friends jealous, it can cost a fortune when you add up the price of cards and stamps, plus they can take 1-2 weeks to arrive. Download photos from your camera to your laptop and email them to friends. The iPhone and Android also have an app for sending postcards but be careful as this could work out even more expensive than mailing cards via snail mail.

TIP: One of the costliest and most distressing mistakes you can make is not safeguarding against theft. Tourists stick out like sore thumbs and scams abound, with Americans often seen as soft targets. Take sensible steps like wearing a money belt inside your clothing, be savvy in crowded areas, don’t wear your best jewellery, don’t leave valuables (or tourist maps and guides) visible when you park your rental car, and don’t discount the possibility that beggars may be after more than your pennies. Use ATMs in well lit areas when drawing cash with your Visa Debit Card and be as vigilant as you would be at home in guarding your pin number. There’s no need to be paranoid but being street wise makes for a safe and happy vacation.