That’s the strangest thing. It’s normal to be treated rudely.

When I was in Tallin in Estonia last year, we found ourselves on a boat restaurant, with decidedly average food. Despite the restaurant being beautiful (we were on a little boat for cryin’ out loud, we couldn’t have been happier), the service was so slow there was a point when we nearly fell asleep in the sun. We thought it had just been a dodgy choice of restaurant, and didn’t mind so much because we got to look out at a little harbour and it was all fun and cute. The service in Estonia didn’t really get any better. Polite, yes. But slow beyond belief everywhere we went. We were having a lazy holiday, we didn’t mind. But it surprised me that that’s the standard.

Some countries are said to be rude, others nothing but friendly. Everyone seems to be have different experiences, and there are always different rules when it comes to tipping. Service is one thing that can make or break a restaurant experience for me, yet when I’m abroad I seem to let is pass me by. Except for the man in Sicily who practically threw my (overcooked) food at me and then rolled my eyes when I asked to see the dessert menu. We didn’t stay. There are always exceptions to the rule, and that man took on his role with gusto.

There are some pubs in London that people go to because the service is so bad (I know, seems crazy). People don’t believe that a pub can have 45 minute queues, so they go and check it out for themselves. I don’t think service in the UK is awful, but our service industry doesn’t rely on tips (and in some cases staff don’t even receive them) and I’m curious about what people visiting think of it.

Are their some European  countries you’ve been to that have excellent service? Or perhaps somewhere you’ve consistently bad experiences? What makes service stand out for you? Would love to hear what you think in the comments.

Flickr image from besighyawn‘s photostream.

What do you think of service abroad?

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Flickr image from Spixey

Go somewhere new each month. My housemate does this. So far she’s taken herself on a day trip to Paris, popped to Oxford. She’s off to Brighton next month. You don’t have to go on holiday to be travelling. A day trip somewhere can be just as exciting.

Stay local. When we think of travelling, we of course thing of curious countries and faraway places. But I’ve never been to Dulwich before, and that’s half an hour away from me. If you’ve always wondered what’s down the road, why not go?

Go and visit friends. Visiting friends is an excellent way of travelling if you’re busy. You’ll get to see people you like, potentially even get a babysitter as well so you can do some exploring on your own.

Take your holiday! Did you take every day of your paid leave last year? So many people don’t these days, there’s always a few days left over. But your boss will cope without you. Take your holiday, it’s yours and you deserve it.

Get off the train. Want to do more exploring? Hop off the train or bus a couple of stops earlier than planned. You’ll still get to your destination, but you might just discover something exciting along the way.

Just book! With so many great deals on flights, and advance train fares, booking on a whim is a great idea. Granted, something might happen which means you absolutely can’t get away, but if you can? You’ve got a sneaky flight to Italy booked and it only cost you a tenner.

Do you have any tips on making time for travel?

Six Tips on Making Time for Travel

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Turn up at the train station and just GO. Not cost efficient, I’ll grant you. But haven’t you ever wondered where those trains go? One early morning this year, I’m going to rock up at a train station and hop on the most appealing train leaving within a half an hour window. Or, I’ll get down with the kids and use the new Ljubljana is just one of them) so I’d like to visit one, and find out more about it. I can practise my pronunciation on the flight.

Try even the scary looking foods. I try different things when I’m away anyway, but I do still wuss out of the very scary things. That’s why I never had chicken feet when I was in China. Kinda regret it now (but not a huge amount, I’m not silly). But I will try more things, even the weird looking stuff.

That should keep me busy for at least the first half of the year – what are your travel resolutions for 2011? Tell us in the comments!

Flickr image from James Cridland‘s photostream.

What are your 2011 travel resolutions?

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

1. Turn your phone onto vibrate. I am an avid train texter and tweeter. I get bored, I’m looking out of the window, I take a photo of the snow, I send silly messages. I pester people to entertain me. But I always turn the little bleepy noises off. No one cares that you’re popular, no one wants to hear your bleeping. And don’t even think about answering your phone in the quiet carriage.

2. Ask before you push your seat back. I hate this. Hate hate hate. People don’t ask to push their seat back, suddenly my water goes flying and the rest of my journey is not comfy. Just because the seat goes back very very far, that doesn’t mean you have to be rude. Ask, at least wait until I’ve finished my wine.

3. Don’t eat stinky food. Unless you’re on the last drunky train of the evening, you really have no excuse. Buy some crisps like everyone else.

4. Don’t sit next to me! OK, for whatever reason, I maybe feel a little bit like sitting on my own. There’s lots of other seats, I’m not being rude. I just want a little space today. Please sit somewhere else if you can – read the signs and the look on my face. Asking someone to move their bag if you don’t have to isn’t rude, of course it’s not, but by not making them shift their stuff, you’re making someone’s journey a little better. If you can sit somewhere else, do. You’ll get good travel karma, honest.

5. Don’t push in front of me, shove me out of the way or think your journey is more important than anyone else’s. The flight is delayed. Not you. The flight. Your journey isn’t more vital than anyone else on that flight. Pushing won’t get you there any quicker if you’re not in the pilot’s seat (he’s probably allowed to push if he likes). If you have to push me out of the way to get to where you’re going, you’re the one in the wrong. Simple.

Got a bugbear about other passengers? Tell us what you think makes a considerate passenger in the comments!

Flickr image from iamjon*‘s photostream.

How to be a considerate passenger

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Book now. Right now. Get organised. If you can pick a day to travel, do it now. Because once you’re having trouble finding the times and right priced tickets, whether you’re flying or getting a train, you’re going to have a nightmare. Booking now means that you’ll save money, hopefully get a seat reservation and won’t have a mad scrabble to buy a ticket minutes before your train leaves.

Go first class. OK, now call me a snob, but if I’m travelling by train I’d rather bump myself up to first if it’s cheap enough. Usually I do this on the return leg of my journey, but it’s worth it. I get a little bit of luxury after a week of manic family time (as fun as Christmas is, it’s not exactly relaxing, is it?) If you can afford the extra, it’s worth it.

Get a quiet coach. This is key for me, especially on my journey home (my journey out of London is often full of snowy excitement and wine in a plastic cup). If you can sit somewhere where no mobile phones are allowed and there isn’t a screaming child next to you, you might just survive the journey. And if you do have kids, please don’t stay in the quiet carriage if they’re crying.

Leave a day early and a day late. Obviously this depends on your commitments, but if you can leave a couple of days either side of your trip, you’ll miss the rush and get extra holiday. OK, it’s a luxurious option, but it’s Christmas!

Have a ‘staycation’ and make people come to you. OK, on a travel blog I’m suggesting NOT travelling, but hear me out! Explore your local area instead. Always go for walks in the country? Find a riverside walk in your area. Love the Christmas markets in Brussels? Check out the ones in London and Birmingham. There’s often loads of great options without going anywhere, and there’s a lot to be said for people coming to see you over the holidays. At least once they’ve gone, you don’t have to worry about a six hour journey home.

How do you make the journey home at Christmas that bit easier?

Flickr image from davidhc‘s photostream.

UK Christmas Travel Tips

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

But that doesn’t stop you from walking around when you’re on a summer holiday. It doesn’t stop me from exploring (and winding up in a rather run down area just because I could spot a church in the distance that I wanted to go and see). I’m curious about how conscious we are about our safety when we travel.

When we’re on holiday, we’re relaxed. We let our guard down. We’re not thinking about anything serious. Of course, most of us still won’t walk down a creepy looking alleyway on our own, but I don’t think we always put our safety first when we’re away. Of course, a lot of this is common sense, but I don’t think it’s always top of our agenda when we’re away. Not mine, anyway. I’m not proud of that, but I think it’s the truth.

Most of the time, even during the day, we can spot a dodgy bar (I’ve been to more than enough of those in London). But you don’t really know, do you? That cafe that looks fine could be quite horrible once you get inside. I’m all for throwing out the guide book, and going it alone, but a quick flick through will tell you where the dangerous areas are. Asking friends if there’s anywhere you should avoid is key (and very handy now there’s Twitter).  You can also read our “Top 10 Tips for Safe Travel“.

I hate being a holiday killjoy, but it always surprises me that I’ll talk to anyone on holiday, chat away, go to a bar with them. I wouldn’t do that as readily in London. I don’t think I’m alone in that. The urge to experience everything and meet new people kinda takes over. And whether we like it or not, that makes us vulnerable. Especially when we’ve gone out for a few drinks. I don’t feel like I do enough to put my personal safety first. I’ve never found myself in a dangerous situation, but I have put myself in a couple of hairy places that could have easily been avoided. I think I need to take off the rose-tinted glasses when I’m away.

What about you? Are you more vigilant when you’re abroad, or do you want to experience everything and think about safety a little less than you should?

Flickr image from Dominic’s pics‘s photostream.

How safe are you when you travel?

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Traveling by air has many advantages, particularly when you go a long distance. Air travel is quick. You arrive at your destination without spending days getting there. Air travel is safe compared to driving your own car. Also, a person can arrive at his destination after a flight rested, relaxed, and ready for work or whatever comes next.

Air travel, without proper planning, can be very expensive. That is especially true now with the legacy airlines adding on every possible fee that they can come up with.

The good news is that by following some time-tested, well thought-out travel tips, you can usually do air travel for a reasonable price. The remainder of this article will include 10 budget air travel tips.

1. Be flexible.
Air fares are higher some days of the week than they are others. The time of day your plane departs can also affect the ticket price. Check out different days and times that fall within the parameters of when you can travel.

2. Check prices at discount airlines.
Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit are all referred to as low-cost airlines for a reason. Their ticket costs are often less. Also, they tend to either not charge a luggage fee, or the first bag is free.

3. Check on the Internet, but also talk to a travel agent.
When you do both, you can be sure you are getting the lowest possible fare.

4. Sign up to receive discount airfare e-mails.
If you type “discount air tickets” into your favorite search engine, it will list companies that will keep you aware of discounted prices by e-mail.

5. Start early to look for a good fare.
Don’t wait until the last minute to check ticket prices. You don’t have to book your ticket until you are ready, but a good price could come early.

6. Buy a vacation package.
If you are going on a trip that involves air fare, hotel, and a rental car, or airfare plus either of the other two, consider buying it all at once from the same discounter. You can usually save a significant amount.

7. Consult “name your own price” websites.
Priceline.com and hotwire.com ask how much you will pay for a ticket. There are restrictions; but, if they accept your price, you can save up to 40%.

8. Investigate flying as a courier.
A company hires you to go and uses your luggage allowance to transport time-sensitive documents or materials.

9. Check prices to alternate airports.
Large cities sometimes have more than one airport. Often other cities with an airport are near the destination that you need to reach.

10. Choose your destination based on ticket cost.
People often have a list of places they want to visit. Their travel dream is to go to and experience many different places. One travel plan is to purchase cheap tickets that are on a special promotion to a place the person would like to visit. Buy the ticket, go, enjoy it, and mark it off the list.

Buying your airline ticket as cheaply as possible will allow you to go more and do more.

Another important aspect of travelling is food. Most of us are unaware of good places and end up taking most of the meals in the hotel we stay, which can turn out to pretty expensive. Hence a great way to save money during travel is by planning and having your meals for cheaper price outside the hotel you stay. Cooking for yourself is another option to consider as it not only helps save money, but is also fun as well.

When on vacations, we spend most of our time travelling and spend equally huge amounts on taxis. But by booking for car rentals in advance you can save big bucks.

Steve Perillo, the CEO of Perillo Tours, a travel Company that specializes in trips to Italy, hosts a travel show, where he gives a lot of useful travel trips. Pauline Frommer, an acclaimed travel expert and creator of several travel guidebooks was invited as a guest on the Steve Perillo talk show, where she shared her experiences on budget travel and also gave some tips on travelling cheap. She suggested that tourists can travel for less by trying alternative accommodations, such as private apartments, monasteries, convents, and other religious accommodations. Johnny Jet, a US based expert travel blogger also appeared as a guest on the Perillo Travel Talk Show. He is of the opinion that being friendly to the gate agents and flight attendants can ensure a smooth trip. He also gave viewers tips on how to get cheap business class and first class seats as well as information on hotel booking.

For more information and useful travel tips offered by Johnny Jet and Pauline Frommer on the Steve Perillo Talk Show, check out the episodes on www.perillotv.com.

1. Don’t Over-Pack

One of the most common mistakes that people make when traveling is bringing too many things. You don’t really need to bring a fresh change of clothes for each day – there should be laundromats, for example. Contending with a massive, bulging suitcase at each stop is never any fun. Pare your belongings down to as few as possible to have the easiest time.

2. Notify Your Embassy

If you’ll be traveling out of the country, it never hurts to notify your embassy. Give them your basic travel itinerary and contact information. That way, if an emergency arises back home they’ll be able to get a hold of you easily. It’s just one more way to gain peace of mind when overseas.

3. Obey All Local Laws

Different countries have different laws. Research what the laws of the country you’ll be going to are, and make sure to follow them. Nothing ruins travel plans more quickly than getting in trouble with the local authorities. Be conscientious about obeying their rules and you will have no trouble whatsoever during your holiday.

4. Check Travel Sites For Advice

Once you’ve decided on a particular destination, sign up with a travel website and keep an eye on the tips and advice being posted there. Things can change in the blink of an eye, so monitoring those discussion boards and other websites is a smart move. You’ll keep abreast of how things are in the place you’ll be going, keeping ahead of current events and other issues.

5. Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t always necessary, but in some cases it makes sense. If you’re not in top notch health, rely on prescription medications or will be traveling to a tumultuous part of the world, consider investing in a bit of travel insurance for protection.

6. Invest In A Decent Backpack

Being at the mercy of tourist traps selling overpriced drinks and snacks can cost you a lot of money. Invest in a high quality backpack and bring along your own snacks and drinks to tide you over throughout the day. You’ll save a bundle of cash, and you’ll keep body and soul together as you tour the area.

7. Learn The Local Lingo

Another great thing about the Internet is that it allows you to learn a bit of the local lingo of wherever you’ll be visiting. Find out a few key phrases if a different language is spoken, or find out a few popular slang terms so you’re not surprised on arrival. Learning new words is fun!

8. Talk To Others About Their Experiences

If you know someone else who has visited the same place you’re going, talk to them and find out if they have any tips about what you should absolutely see – and what you should avoid. It can be tremendously helpful to get a good friend or family member’s take on a particular area, especially since you know them so well and can trust their opinion.

9. Make A Packing Checklist

In the weeks leading up to your departure, write up a thorough packing checklist so you know everything you absolutely must have. This should include all of the necessary documentation, as well as maps and other important travel information. You don’t want to arrive empty handed!

10. Bring Along The Essentials

Most of the time, it is far cheaper to bring along your own batteries, film and toiletries, if possible. Therefore, stock up before leaving and pack them along. Although you want to pack lightly, you don’t don’t want to spend a small fortune on these things upon arriving at your vacation destination. Plan ahead and you’ll save money and can avoid wasting time looking for these things.

Now if you are looking to find a general travel tip, one of the best places to start is on the Internet. When you look online you can pretty much find everything imaginable. The Internet is an amazing resource, one that you should take advantage of when you are looking for a general travel tip.

Tips

When it comes to a general travel tip, one of the best is to double check your list. You want to make sure that you have a list and then mark everything off the list as you pack. This is important so that you can make sure that you have everything that you need and make sure that you are not going to forget anything.

This is important because the worst thing that could happen is for you to get all the way to your destination only to realize that you have left something at home. You also want to make sure that you choose the right destination to travel to, and this is probably the most difficult step of all.

Planning your accommodations is also going to be important on your travels. The Internet is a great resource to use here, and you want to do some comparisons between different hotels and other lodgings in order to choose the one that is going to be right for you. There are lots of different options out there, and you just want to make sure that you are going to get all the amenities that you need.

You are also going to need to be aware of the details, so for instance if you have pets that you are bringing along you need to make sure that your accommodations allow for pets to stay with them. As you can see, finding a general travel tip is never hard to find, and with the resources mentioned here you can do it very easily. If you want even more help, talk to a travel agent, who is a professional in this area and who is going to be able to offer you all the information that you want.