The original do-it-yourself travel guide to Europe SM

What To Wear in Europe
Travel Clothes for All Occasions

The Pack Light Field Test, for men and women, girls and boys.
Pack light, dress sharp, be comfortable, wear complementary layers, blend in.


Chapter 5 of
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
Internet edition. By John Bermont.
Photos by the author except as noted.

John Bermont
A page from
enjoy-europe.com
with photographer and author John Bermont.

Stephanie's traveling street clothes in Paris at Cafe des 2 Moulins, August 2010. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/DSCN1895-Montmarte.jpg
My daughter Stephanie poses in front of the Cafe des 2 Moulins in the Montmartre district of Paris, August 2010. You know who the locals are — the ladies wearing scarves, one on the left and one in the far right background. For other views of Stephanie's garb, and that of others, in Paris see her blog at O hey Europe. [DSCN1895-Montmarte. Photo by a friend of Stephanie.]


CLOTHING GUIDELINES

Do not wear the emperor's clothes. Put on something a bit more modest.

What will you wear to Europe? This is a major concern, but it is secondary. The real question is — how much? You are infinitely better off going with nothing but an umbrella and a toothbrush than with the load you would typically throw in the trunk of your car and bring on a vacation in the United States.

Pack Light

As every traveler and chronicler of the subject relates, pack light. Seldom does anyone define the meaning of pack light, except to present a list of clothes and accessories to bring, no such list ever being universally practical. One size or style does not fit all. To enjoy travel, you must pack light. To define pack light, travel with your chosen load and see for yourself if it is convenient and gives you the freedom you need.

Remember that travel clothes are not the same as office or school clothes. When you travel you can wear the same thing day after day because nobody is going to see you twice, except your travel partners. They may get bored looking at what you wear every day, but they didn't go to Europe to see your wardrobe!

Dress Sharp

It pays to be well presented, with a European flavor. Europeans are clothes conscious. Northern European clothing is somewhat somber, while brighter colors are more common as you go south. Clothes represent personality and social status. The clothes you are wearing announce "This is me."

Europeans seeing you briefly for the first time will judge you completely by your appearance and will behave accordingly. Unfortunately for the traveler, most of your personal contact in Europe will be with hotel clerks and cafe waiters. To secure a good room, good table, and good service, dress as if you deserve it. In fact, you may be stopped and turned away at the door of some places if you are not properly dressed.

Three girls talking and walking in San Sebastian, January. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/P1030120-SanSebastian.jpg




These girls are talking while walking in San Sebastian Spain in January, and all are wearing one thing in common. Hint — check the necks. [P1030120-SanSebastian]


Be Comfortable

In addition, you must keep yourself comfortable. Northern European weather is generally cooler, wetter, and more variable than in the United States. South of the Alps and Pyrenees it can be warm and stuffy just about any time of the year. Walking in and out of museums, restaurants, and stores may force you to off and on your coat. In stores the heat from those little halogen lamps can be very uncomfortable. Be ready for rain or shine, morning chill or afternoon heat. In addition to your toothbrush and umbrella carry a light weight windbreaker at all times. See "layers" below.

Pack Light Field Test

I propose the following test, preferably taken in a light rain.

Pack everything, put on your hat and coat, open your umbrella, (raining or not), check the time, and walk one mile away from home with everything you have. Then, pretending you are trying to catch a train or trying to get to the tourist office before it closes, run or walk home. If you can make the round trip comfortably within 45 minutes, you have packed light. It is best if your test course includes a short, steep hill or several flights of stairs, upwards on the return leg.

Also make sure that all of your traveling companions can pass the pack light field test. If not, old friends may become lifetime enemies. Failure to obey the pack light rule will doom you in so many ways that you will be better off to stay home and water your tomatoes. Those taking a cruise or tour may think that they can escape this rule, but be aware that porters and taxis are usually scarce and/or expensive.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Rules for the easy traveler, then, are rather formidable:
1. Pack light
2. Dress sharp
3. Be comfortable

Typical Tourist Clothing

The clothes worn by most American tourists announce them as Americans better than any trilingual poster ever could. From the ground up you're wearing: jogger or tennis shoes, worn Levi's, collared tee shirt, and ski jacket, with a backpack. Actually, it seems that ALL tourists are wearing something like this.

Tourists in line to enter a Rome museum. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/DSCN3176-Rome.jpg
Tourists line up to enter a monument in Rome Italy in August. It looks like anything goes, including the smartly dressed character in the middle wearing blue bangos and camp boots. [DSCN3176-Rome. Photo by Stephanie.]

Go Like a Local

For a number of reasons you are better off looking like a local citizen rather than a standard American tourist. Don't misinterpret this. I love the USA and all that it represents, but I try to avoid being an American billboard when I travel overseas. The primary reason is to avoid being a target of pickpockets, a breed endemic in Europe. You might also think that it could avoid being caught up in terrorist bombings as London had in July 2005. That is probably not an issue since the murdering sons of bitches just kill anybody, including fellow Muslims praying at their local mosque.

For many years my personal preference was a pair of black slip-on shoes, wool/polyester blend slacks, turtleneck shirt, and sport coat. This ensemble will get you through almost any door in Europe with reasonable respect, keep you comfortable under most weather conditions, and allow you to blend in without being instantly identified as "the American."

I have worn out a couple of sports coats in my travels. I prefer the black/gray herringbone style with as many inside pockets as possible. This travels very well without showing wrinkles or minor stains. If you don't want to buy a new one go to a Salvation Army store in an upscale neighborhood. There will probably be a selection in the mid size ranges going for about $25.

The wool/polyester blend slacks look more like wool than plastic, but they wash drip dry. You won't need to iron these if you care for them according to the label. Levi Strauss has introduced a new Dockers line available in several colors besides the normal khaki. A couple of pairs of the dark charcoal served me well throughout Europe on my recent trips.

Turtleneck shirts are ideal for the cooler climate in northern Europe, but they are not normally stocked in American stores. In fact I couldn't find a single one in my hometown in Michigan as I packed for a recent trip. The men's shops all said that they weren't in style this year. Booosh! I ended up buying a couple of good cotton T-necks at the V+D department store after I arrived in Holland. Many turtlenecks are available at Amazon.com year round. See my advert column on the right. An open collar dress shirt is a good substitute for the turtleneck in warmer weather. In very few restaurants is a tie required, though you'll see them worn often in better establishments. For winter travel, I also bring a lightweight turtleneck sweater. When it is really cold I put on an extra t-shirt or two.

Levi's

Levi's and other brands of denim jeans became fashionable in Europe in the 1990's. Levi's are now tolerated in many cafés and restaurants during the day. However, regular slacks are much more common as street wear in major cities throughout Europe. Based on my observations of people walking through the central train stations of Europe, less than 20% were wearing denim jeans. The preference for the vast majority, men and women, young and old, was black slacks.

Slacks are also much more in harmony with packing light. Levi's are heavy and bulky, and take a day to dry out when they get rained on. If you do wear denim, select a lightweight pair with a bit of fashion. You might want to consider wearing Levi slacks rather than Levi jeans. Levi Strauss makes a good looking line called "Action Slacks." These are 100% Dacron and travel very well. Wash them off in the shower at night and hang them to drip dry by morning. I have a couple pairs in black. I recently switched to another Levi Strauss product for my European travels and everyday wear. These are charcoal Dockers, 55% cotton and 45% MicroPolyester, style number 405189256. They are very comfortable and look like dress slacks.

There are some people who wear blue jeans as if it was a religion. They insist on wearing them everywhere. I wear jeans if I am out on my bicycle or going to local pubs in Holland. But normally I dress a bit more upscale for the benefits it gives me. Fashions do change and fashions are different in different cities, but slacks, a dress shirt, and street shoes are always welcome.
JohnBermont wearing Levis, a beard, and long hair in Budapest Hungary, 1993. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/0902-Budapest.jpg
I'm preaching here on this web site about not wearing Levis, keeping your hair trimmed, and controlling the facial hair. I am a sinner. This shows me in Buda overlooking Pest in 1993. Mon Dieu! [0902-Budapest. Photo by Elizabeth.]

I have no ambition of being a clothing cop so accept this chapter as you will. The advice is based on years of personal experience in Europe. Yeah sure, you can wear your back yard jeans or shorts, t-shirt or no shirt, sneakers or flip flops, and that is the way you will be viewed and treated in the cosmopolitan cities throughout Europe. Expect no respect. I am startled by some of the email I get on this subject. Some readers claim that I have never been to Europe and don't know what I am talking about. They are passionate and rather foul at times in proclaiming that jeans are the holy grail. If you are under 25 and jeans are the only drawers you own, then do it.

Dressing well does not have to apply only to Europe. I had drifted into wearing Levis at my local pub in Michigan a few years ago. One night last summer I was returning home from an event where I was wearing a jacket and slacks and decided to stop in at Oscar's, my regular place, to shoot some eight ball. It wasn't long before a young lady about half my age started bumping into me and making strong eye contact. After that I started wearing slacks and a dress shirt when I went to Oscar's. Approachments by young dames have happened again and again to the point that it has become embarrassing, but I won't brag on it. Guys, listen up here! Dress sharp and you won't need all those bull drop lines to meet a girl in Europe, or anywhere.

I would expect that a woman dressed in grungy denim would normally be approached by a man in more or less the same low-life outfit. It's only speculation, but I guess that if you want to meet the prince of your dreams in Europe you would dress to the nines. Why not? Besides, women in Levi's are about the most asexual creatures on the earth. I don't know why girls wear Levi's. They are so unflattering to the derrière. And it won't cost you much to dress better. It will probably cost you less than that name brand stuff. Think, have you been to your local second hand store recently. They have some great stuff at laughingly ridiculous low prices. You will want to tell your friends, as I have just done. Male speaking, I bought a London Fog brand, zipper-in liner, trench coat for $40. It looks better than the the one in my closet that I bought 15 years ago for $140. Well, I must admit that it is a bit out of fashion. Most coats in Europe are black and the length is just above the knee, so this thing is the wrong color and a foot too long per current styles. I had a seamstress cut a foot off. Another of my Salvation Army store buys was a $60 London Fog windbreaker which I bought for $3. Perfect.

I came back from Amsterdam on May 4, 2008. The city is full of tourists due to the annual Queen's Day party on April 30 and the blooming tulips at Keukenhof during late April and early May. It appeared that about 80% of the tourists of all ages and 95% of the young locals are wearing Levi's or something similar. Girls wear very tight jeans with a prominent belt around the hips. There is no excess fat on the Dutch girls. Men are wearing various sorts of jeans in various colors, black being very popular. I stick to my loose slacks with pockets that I can get my hands into. My Dockers "Pleated Classic Fit" charcoal slacks from J.C. Penny were perfect.

I asked at a clothing store for the price of Levi's in Amsterdam. The whopping answer is $140 a pair and up. You can get 4 pairs of Dockers for that in the USA.

Leather

Leather jackets are fairly popular in Europe, especially in Spain. Leather looks good and is very practical. It resists drizzle and wind. Use mink oil to keep it clean and waterproof. I wore a bomber jacket on my spring 2009 trip around Britain and Ireland. It is cool and drippy in those countries much of the year.

Layers

Dress in "layers." This means dressing in items that can be added to or removed individually without changing everything when the weather changes. For example, instead of a heavy overcoat wear a sweater and a windbreaker. If it gets too warm in the afternoon take off the sweater and carry it in a shopping bag. Dressing in layers requires that all of your clothes be complementary and mixable. Dark, neutral, and earth colors tend to avoid fashion clashes, and do not need cleaning as often as lighter colors.

You can also dress in under-layers if it is really cold. On a winter trip through Scandinavia and the Baltics a few years back I would wear two or three T-shirts under my turtleneck and two pairs of socks. That extra insulation really helps and is not bulky. I was amazed to see the locals walking about with their coats open.

Scarf

For those of you who wish to look fashionable, keep your neck warm, and not look like an American tourist, wear a scarf. In Europe a scarf is a ubiquitous fashion statement. Women and men from 15 years old and up wear scarves. Bring one appropriate for the season and climate.

Pack your scarf in your carry-on luggage or wear it. The cool dry air in airplanes can give you a chill. A scarf will help to keep you cozy.

Tourists relax in a Rome museum. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/DSCN1399-Rome.jpg Visitors relax in a Rome museum. The Europeans, even the young ones, wear their signature — a scarf — even in August. [DSCN1399-Rome. Photo by Stephanie.]

Shoes

In Europe you'll notice all sorts of footwear — boots, clogs, tennis, joggers, sandals, army issue, camper clumpers, and Italian fashion. Many people will see and examine your shoes before their eyes come up to meet yours, if they ever do.

Appearance is important. Wear a good looking, durable, broken-in pair of shoes. Your average American department store shoes will probably be mistaken for Italian fashion. Perfect. An average pair of polished black slip-ons will get you in the door anywhere. Also, rubber soles will survive far better than leather soles on the rain soaked sidewalks of Europe.

Shoe rack at hostel in Riga Latvia. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/P1180137-Riga.jpg House rules at my hostel in Riga Latvia required everyone to check their shoes at the front door. This is what the patrons were wearing — fashion boots, tennies, flip flops, hiking boots, and street shoes. [P1180137-Riga]

Instead of shoes, I have become a convert to sandals, more specifically Birkenstocks, a German brand. Once you break in a pair of Birkenstocks you will never go back to shoes again, except for during stormy weather. You won't even want to go barefoot again. Birkenstocks have a half inch of cork between the hard rubber bottom and the leather part you rest your feet in. Cork is very easy to walk on. You can go all day in these things. I recommend black socks with the Birkenstocks, unless you are at the beach. Birkenstocks are expensive so you can make this one of your purchases when in Germany, at prices 50% less than the American prices.

There are other advantages to wearing Birkenstock sandals. At airport security check you can kick them off and slip them back on in a second. In hotels where the toilet is down the hall slip them on when making a trip. The same goes for overnight trains if you don't have a W.C. in your couchette.

Carry an extra pair of shoes since it is likely that your shoes will get soaked occasionally. If you invest in a pair with natural leather uppers, you can oil them to the point that they resist water like wax paper. Use mink oil or equivalent once a week.

My advice is do not wear any kind of sports shoes, e.g. tennis, jogging, or whatever else they call them these days. I was with some business associates in The Hague a few years ago and we decided to take a pub crawl. Two of them had just bought new jogger shoes and wore these out for the evening stroll. The doormen at several places would not allow my friends in the door. These places were just your average Dutch cafés and bars, not fancy or up-scale. And my associates were businessmen in their 50s, certainly good potential customers in any establishment. Those doormen want to keep their jobs so they keep the off-spec people outside. Nothing looks clunkier than fresh white tennies. I've heard that the French call them marshmellows. In my Amsterdam and Brussels train station observations, jogger shoes were worn by less than 5% of those passing through, usually by young people with backpacks.

An alternative for those who like tennies is the Florsheim line of shoes called "Comfortech." These are light weight black slip-ons with a cushion bottom. They look great, are super comfortable, and will get you past any maitre d' or doorman.

Hat

Hats are not very common in Europe. Don't let that stop you from wearing one. Hats are practical, whether to keep the sun or the drizzle off your head. I wore a black wool fedora on my last tour of Britain and Ireland, until I forgot it and left it on a train in Edinburgh. A more practical hat which can take some abuse is a golfer style hat. You can roll this up and stuff it in your shoulder bag so you won't forget it on a train.
Self portrait in Wexford Ireland. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/DSC_0134-self.jpg



I saw a mirror on a street in Wexford Ireland and paused for a self portrait. The wool fedora hat and the leather bomber jacket served me well on a drizzly May 2009 trip around Guinness Island. Notice the X on my luggage. That is visible at a hundred yards so it is easy to spot on the airport luggage-go-round. The bungie cord is very handy for keeping my shoulder bag tied down when I want to roll it rather than carry it. [DSC_0134-self]


Rain Gear

Weather protection is essential. Bring a telescoping umbrella. You can find umbrellas which slide down to under 10 inches. But get a good quality device.

A lightweight hooded mackintosh is very handy for those frequent all day drizzles. A light pair of leather gloves and a hat are helpful for off-season travel, and can even be useful in northern Europe in the summer.

WOMEN'S WEAR

Friends who have read this book often say that it is overly male oriented. A major reason, perhaps, is my discussion of clothing, but the attitude probably surfaces in other areas as well. I've seen packing lists on the internet written by women who must have had a platoon on hand to carry their utterly essential stuff. Some girls claim that they simply can't travel with only a carry-on bag, and some bring everything but the kitchen sink on a weekend sortie.

Here's How

I used to travel like that but learned the hard way how to do it the easy way. For a weekend trip to Paris with my Dutch girl friend many years ago I packed two suitcases with six days worth of extra clothes and other just-in-case stuff and drove over to pick her up. I was amazed. She wore a black jumpsuit, colorful scarf, a fashionable raincoat, and carried a slightly oversized purse with everything she needed. Although our room was a nice one in an above average hotel, there was hardly enough space to hang my things or stash the suitcases. My precious Paris time was wasted putting things away, deciding what to wear, and repacking everything.

Advice from Women

Women writers can give you plenty of tips on how to pack light. For encouragement and advice, ladies should consult the books of Mesdames Dena Kaye, Georgia Hesse, Louise Purwin Zobel, and Eleanor Adams Baxel. Some of these books are decades old but the advice is timeless. Another great source of clothing advice for women is on line at JourneyWoman. This is a collection of first-hand reader-submitted comments for countries around the world, with a generous helping for every country in Europe.

Three women wait for traffic to clear before crossing a street in Madrid. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/DSCN1895-Montmarte.jpg



Three women wait for traffic to clear before crossing a street in Madrid. [P1050244-Madrid]


A Report from Stephanie

I sent my then 19 year old daughter Stephanie to Italy for a month, half July to half August 2007. She stayed with her aunt in a village north of Milan and then went to the beach and shared a hotel room with her cousin Annaperina. This is a part of Stephanie's report.

"The style in Italy right now is very preppy. Everyone looks like they're going to step on a yacht. Collared shirts, the jacket over the shoulders, and tied in the front. They wear jeans all the time, but only the best...Guess, Dolce, and Gabana...etc. It's like stuck up, but effortless. It looks like it took them two seconds to get ready, but they look good.

"I did not see a lot of speedos, just the old guys...and even less topless women. I think I saw like five and I was there [at the beach] for two weeks. Of course the little girls are still always topless. I hardly ever see a girl under ten with a top on."

An Update from Stephanie

Stephanie made her annual month trip to Italy in July and August 2012 at age 24. By email here is her packing list and commentary.

Hey dad, I just wanted to give you my packing list:
-6 pairs of shorts
-2 pairs of pants
-10 dresses
-5 skirts
-4 nice tops, to go out
-14 more casual tops for during the day and less exciting evenings
-1 pair of leggings
-2 jackets, one windbreaker type jacket and another one is a knit cardigan type jacket
-1 scarf
-2 pairs of pjs
-2 pairs of toms
-2 sandals
-2 pairs of high heels
-2 bathing suits
This is for four weeks in Italy during the summer.
...This is based on where I'm going though, I knew that I would be spending most of my time at the pool and that for about a week and a half we would be going to the beach. I actually bought another bathing suit because I don't think two for ten days straight at the beach is enough. The only thing is that whenever traveling the most important thing is to be comfortable in what you're wearing. I don't mean pick clothing that is physically comfortable (although, you can... I always do when I'm on a long plane ride), I mean pick clothing that makes you feel confident and that you think you look attractive in. Most of the younger generation in Europe just wear jeans, a regular t-shirt, and a scarf with Converse type shoes, which I do not think is very fashionable. It is also important to be prepared for any type of weather. It was raining here the other night and I did not prepare for that. I was just going to wear one of my sandals out with a pair of shorts and a jacket because I hate getting any kind of cloth shoe wet (like Toms or Converse). We didn't go out anyways, but I really only had the one option.


I wrote to Stephanie recently to ask if she would give me the dimensions for her suitcase if she still has it. She replied 'I don't unfortunately — it broke and it was just too big.' I believe it was 29 inches. I do know that it weighed 49.6 pounds on the Delta Airlines scale, just short of their 50 pound limit, and I was the beast of burden getting it to the airport.

My 20 Second Advisory for Mature Women

I get a lot of emails from women complaining, and rightly so, that I am overly male focused when it comes to clothes. Well, I'm a man yes I am, but not Lola. If I was a woman I would pack a couple pairs of black cotton Capri pants, a few white or pastel blouses, a scarf or two for the season, flats and/or sturdy walking shoes. That is for the day. For evening bring a black pants suit or jump suit or dress or skirt/blouse to complement the scarf. You don't need to empty your closet into your suitcase. Mix and match and you'll be fine. Bring no jewelry except the junk you can afford to lose.

If you are under 25 years old you can wear just about anything you wear at home.

Six girls in the Riga Latvia train station, January. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/P1160019-Riga.jpg
In January these girls posed for me in the Riga Latvia train station. Notice the things in common, a scarf and jeans, and no tennies. [P1160019-Riga]

Friendly Helpers

Pack light girls. Yes, you can do it. Yes, you must.

In fact it is more important for women to pack light than for men. Remember — if you pack it you carry it, you burro you. And if you have too much and some helpful stranger offers to give you a hand in a train station or tourist office, chances are nine out of ten that he is helping himself. You might have nothing left to carry when he is done with you.

You wonder why a guy would steal a woman's suitcase? He probably has a girl friend who would be overjoyed with some American clothes and toiletries. This dude would be the hero of the month. If your suitcase takes a walk, I hope that you didn't hide your money and passport in it; cash, I.D., and clothes — what a score! This scenario from the 1987 edition of my book "How To Europe" is almost identical to a scene in the movie "French Kiss." In fact this story plot is the basis for a good piece of the film, produced 8 years after my book. It looks like the author read my stuff. Some of the rest of the movie is also pretty good. Kevin Kline plays a very believable French cad.

By the way, when the friendly helper is done with your suitcase, you might look to see if you still have a purse. One of his buddies standing nearby probably picked that off as the first cavalier distracted you with his charming accented English. This scenario sounds a little harsh, but this is the real world, not the fantasy feely-good world created by most travel writers. See chapter 8, ATMs in Europe: Cash and Credit for Travel, for advice on avoiding Jesse James and the bandit gangs. They are everywhere. The scoundrels rarely work alone.

BUSINESS WEAR

Casual is not cool.

No Dockers in the Office

Americans traveling to Europe on business must wear their best. Impression is critical in doing business overseas. If you wear khaki Dockers to work because they are so comfortable, put them aside for your trip. A dark plain lightweight wool suit will be accepted for all occasions. Use it for after work social events as well. See what the network news anchors wear. Don't wear brown and patterns unless you are a university professor.

The Tie Is the Thing

White shirts are fine and are always OK. You'll see many men wearing colors. I prefer a light blue. Ties from the top fashion names, or knock-offs, are the order of the day.

Women on Business

Ladies, please please please leave your Madeline Albright suits at home. Better yet just throw them in the trash. Those tight pastel skirts and jackets are screaming yuk, absolutely horrible. Hillary Clinton and her pastel pants suits aren't much better.

I recommend that you pack a loose fitting neutral dark pants suit, a few of your best blouses, a couple of splashy scarves, and maybe a string of pearls. Have a look at Dr. Condoleezza Rice and what she wears. She looks right sharp all over the world, and presents an image that all Americans can really be proud of. She is cool. Imitate her and you won't go wrong.

Bring only the jewelry that you can afford to have stolen. Repeat. Bring only the jewelry that you can afford to have stolen.

BEACH WEAR

Speedos had been the tradional beach wear for men in Europe. Younger fellows have taken up with California surfer style trunks which they wear over the speedos.

Women normally wear one piece and two piece suits as in the USA. However a significent percentage of women leave the top half of the bikini at home. Topless girls are everywhere. And the tonga is popular, showing 99% of the derrière and leaving not much to the imagination.

To leave even less to the imagination and not wear anything go to one of the nude beaches. Going naked is allowed on designated coastal beaches and inland waterways throughout Europe.

LAUNDRY

Unfortunately, you do have to wash your clothes while traveling. There are several ways to get it done. In packing light you need only 3 days worth of everything plus the clothes on your back. This means a laundry job twice a week.

Hotel Service

In standard tourist class hotels you rarely see a laundry bag, a normal item in American motels. When I have found the laundry bag in Europe I almost used it for something else after reading the prices. It would be cheaper to buy new clothes at American prices, but you won't find American prices in Europe. If the hotel does not have a cleaning or laundry service, the desk clerk will be able to direct you to a dry cleaner or laundromat.

If you are on an extended business trip you probably must use the hotel service because you don't have time to do it yourself. Some miserly Dilbert managers will single out this item on your expense report and try to disallow it. Stand your ground.

When having dry cleaning done, make sure that cleaning is done and not just pressing. Write down the native word for cleaning. If there are spots or stains, point them out to the attendant. Spot removal can't be guaranteed because the spot may be due to loss of dye rather than misdirected spaghetti sauce or wine.

Hostel "Service"

If you are using hostels as you travel, for the economy or the camaraderie, you are likely to find a washing machine in a side room. This will be one of the most convenient and cheapest opportunities for washing your clothes. If you are traveling in high season you may have to wait in line to use the machine.

These facilities will be strictly self-service. If you don't understand the workings of the machine, ask. If you put your stuff in and come back six hours later you can expect to see your clothes dumped on any adjacent table or chair. Someone else needed to wash. Do likewise if you need to, but ask the manager first. Just because the machine has stopped does not mean that the wash is finished. It may be on one of its pauses.

Before starting ask what the fee is if it is not posted. You may or may not need to furnish your own suds.
Stephanie in Paris at Cafe des 2 Moulins, August 2010. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/P1170060-Riga.jpg



The washing machines in my Riga hostel were the most modern Europe has to offer. The dryer was more traditional. [P1170060-Riga]


Laundromats

Public laundromats are usually attended, sometimes are coin operated, normally have restricted hours, and are typically closed one or two days a week. European machines are smaller than American ones and take one hour or more per load. Part way through the wash cycle the machine pauses for an extended soak.

If you allow the laundromat to do the wash for you the attendant will set the temperature depending on the color of your clothes. Attendants follow the rules on the machine, period. Your permanent press white shirts will probably be boiled and returned as permanently wrinkled. I suggest that you do it yourself in a coin machine. If you can't read the directions, ask around to see if someone speaks English. If that fails, watch the others. Temperatures are in Celsius, a.k.a. centigrade. For information on Celsius see chapter 27, The Metric System in Europe.

The price of one load of wash can be three dollars or more. Detergent will be available, either in single load sizes from a coin automat or free from a soap tub in the laundromat.

Dryers are similar to ours so you should have no difficulty. Dryers normally run on a ten minute cycle and the cost is reasonable. You'll probably have to come back every ten minutes to feed and start the thing again since many will not run multiple times with extra coins.

Lonely Planet is the only guide book series which locates laundromats in the major cities. Use their maps and legend to find a place to wash your clothes. You don't necessarily want to ask your hotel. The manager may direct you to one of his associates or sub-contractors. That is not always your best deal.

Wash Basin or Bidet

It's the old fashioned way. If you do not want to go to a laundromat then you must scrub, soak, rinse, wring, and hang to dry.

Many hotel rooms in France are posted, "Don't wash your clothes in the room, and don't eat in the room" — free translation from le français (French). My theory is that if no drip marks or crumbs are left on the floor, the spirit of the hotel keeper's request is honored. Hand washing clothes in your room will certainly save you money, will probably occupy less of your time, and will relieve you of the uncertainty of delay due to sometimes service. Picnicking in your room has exactly the same benefits. See chapter 15, Eating in Europe.

Instead of doing your laundry in the wash basin, use the bidet. A letter from a reader asked if this is sanitary. The bidet is clean so why not? You can let your laundry soak for a while and still be able to brush your teeth and wash your face.

Wring out your underwear and hang it over the usually present radiator. It will be warm and dry by morning. But dust off the radiator first. And do the wash early in the evening since the heat is often turned off at night and then comes back on for a few hours in the morning.

One challenge to the scrub-it-yourselfer will be in hanging your clothes if they are still dripping. This applies to slacks, skirts, shirts, blouses, and other outer-wear. Inflatable hangars are ideal for drip dry shirts and blouses. If you have no bathtub or shower in the room, use a newspaper to catch the drips. Sometimes a bit of ingenuity will be needed to figure out what to tie your line on. Some rooms are almost impossible. Strapping tape can sometimes come to the rescue. See chapter 6, A Packing List for Europe. Take your wash down in the morning so that the chambermaid doesn't observe. You don't need a confrontation with the hotel keeper. If your clothes are still damp just hang them in the closet, if there is one.

In the Bag

There are times when you just don't have enough time in one place to wash out the undies. Say you have to catch a train or drive to the next city pronto. No problem. Put your small stuff in a two gallon ZipLoc™ bag with a packet of Woolite™. Add water. Zip it up and shake it around a bit. You can let them soak until you find running water again to rinse them out. Then hang to dry.

On the Floor

Do not leave your clothes or anything you intend on keeping in a bag on the floor of your hotel room. Housekeeping hires from the bottom of the grade card from a third world country. It is possible, even likely, that anything on the floor will be trashed when maid service enters the room.

BUYING EUROPEAN CLOTHES

Buying clothes in Europe can be a challenge. Clothing is cut differently, partly for style and partly to fit the build of the average citizen. This varies considerably from country to country.

Size Conversion Tables

Take care in using the clothing size conversion tables presented in travel books. Tables differ. Sales clerks are seldom knowledgeable or helpful on this. They know less about American sizes than you can learn about European sizes. Size tables are posted in some of the large department stores, though in some stores I have seen conflicting conversion tables for American to European sizes on the wall and on garment packages. I have bought the same size under shorts with the same brand name in two different European countries. One was loose and one was tight.

The True Test

If you buy clothes in Europe, have yourself measured by a competent salesperson, if you can find one. Measurements and sizes will be in centimeters. See chapter 27 The Metric System in Europe if you slept through my math class and don't know about the metric system. Men's shirt sleeves are measured from the shoulders, not the spine. Also try the garment on. Ascertain whether or not it will shrink when washed. Cotton items purchased in Europe will probably shrink. Buy something a size too big.

Long coats are favored in Oslo Norway. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/P1120202-Oslo.jpg Long dark coats are favored in Oslo Norway. This is January and way up north at about the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, but there is no snow on the ground. The Gulf Stream keeps the climate temperate. [P1120202-Oslo]

HAIR

Although it is not something that most of us pack for a trip, hair is an important part of your wardrobe in the context of your appearance.

Men

The long grizzly look is characteristic of laborers and dopey students, just as it is in the United States. Before you go, get a haircut. Short hair is much easier to take care of, an important consideration while traveling. But, don't get a military trim. That's too short.

The morning shave is probably the one thing most men wish they could do without, but it might be better to continue shaving. Beards invoke suspicion in many people (e.g., customs agents and airport security folks), fear in some (e.g., young women), and instant dislike in most of the rest (e.g., hotel clerks and maitres d'). You don't need hassles and rejections from these folks while you are traveling. But then again, wearing a beard saves time and trouble in the morning so make your own call on this. Try to keep it neatly trimmed if you have a beard. I have had a beard for many years, on and off. I put up with the hassles for the convenience of avoiding the morning scrape. See chapter 6, A Packing List for Europe, to learn a better way to shave — with vinegar.

Having said this, take a look at the aforementioned chapter 9 photo taken in Budapest. Not only am I wearing Levi's, I am also wearing a beard and long hair. Oh my. No wonder the security guys have been giving me a pat down at Amsterdam's airport for decades.

Women

Traditionally, European women do not shave their legs. But they seldom show much leg (except at the beach) since their dresses and skirts overlap their boots. An American woman traveling in Europe could easily escape the regular leg shaving. In addition, many European women do not shave under their arms. These traditions are crumbling and women generally shave these days. Whether or not to go traditional is a matter of personal taste.

A couple of people who have read this paragraph have gone ballistic, accusing me of saying that European women do not shave their underarms and legs. And some European women have emailed me to the effect that women in the next country don't shave but the women in their country do shave. That supports my observations – some do and some do not.

NOTE TO READERS

I welcome questions and comments. If you have any concerns about your trip to Europe that have not been covered well enough in this chapter do not hesitate to write and ask.

My email address is johnbermont@enjoy-europe.com.

When you write please include as much detail as possible. There are about 50 countries in Europe. It will help me answer if you mention the countries and/or cities you plan to visit. I will reply in a day or two.

Don't forget to scroll through the Table of Contents below. The other 29 chapters of HOW TO EUROPE are also available, free to read on line.

For a check-off punchlist of everything go to The Finale, Packing List and Last Call: For Travel In Europe.

If you know of someone else who would appreciate reading this web page please send the URL link to him or her. To easily do that, click your "File" tab in the tool bar and scroll down to "Send" or "Send Link." Your friend will thank you, and I thank you.

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Shop in your shorts!

Weather protection is essential. This is a great lightweight water repellent windbreaker.
Devon & Jones Pink Women's Signature Colorblock Jacket
Devon & Jones Women's Signature Colorblock Jacket



Look sharp and be comfortable.
Hot Chillys Women's Peach Skins Solid T-Neck Shirt
Hot Chillys Women's Peach Skins Solid T-Neck Shirt


Wear a scarf for comfort and style. Nobody will ever suspect that you are an American.
Very soft houndstooth neck scarf, Kanye West style, different colors available
Very soft houndstooth neck scarf, Kanye West style, different colors available


This stylish coat will come in handy just about any time of the year in Europe.
London Fog Women's Double Breasted Trench Coat
London Fog Women's Double Breasted Trench Coat


You'll be walking a lot, a LOT! For comfort and good looks the Clarks are hard to beat.
Clarks Women's Wave.Run Slip-On
Clarks Women's Wave.Run Slip-On


You don't see many people wearing hats in Europe but that doesn't mean that you can't look like the brightest flower in the garden.
Jessica Simpson Women's Satin Trench Rainwear
Tilley Endurables TH9 Women's Hemp Hat


I wore one similar to this on my early spring trip to London and Dublin.
Orvis Leather Bomber Jacket
Leather Bomber Jacket
Orvis


My "standard" shirt for off-season travel in Europe.
Kingsize Big and Tall Turtleneck Long-Sleeve Cotton Shirt
Kingsize Big & Tall Turtleneck Long-Sleeve Cotton Shirt


My favorite T-shirt/undershirt has a pocket for securely carrying passport, cash, and credit cards under my outer shirt.
Hanes Tagless Short Sleeve Tee with Pocket
Hanes Tagless Short Sleeve Tee with Pocket


New Casual Grey Herringbone Wool Cap
New Casual Grey Herringbone Wool Cap


Weather protection and extra pockets.
Scottevest Packable Multi-Pocket Windbreaker
Scottevest Packable
Multi-Pocket Windbreaker


SCOTTEVEST Travel Vest for Women
SCOTTEVEST Travel Vest for Women

Shopping easy at
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Amazon.com pays my site a small commission when you click and order an item, if you put it in your shopping cart within 24 hours based on the cookie they set on your computer. If you don't want to make a quick decision just put it in your shopping cart, think it over, and come back later. You benefit when buying here because Amazon.com has a 20% to 30% discount on many items plus a free shipping deal. The third bonus is that there is no sales tax on internet purchases in most states. Delivery is fast even when it is free, and returns are easy if you are not happy with the product.
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Have a good trip in life,
John Bermont

Note: Italicized notations by the author.
Walk on cork for all day comfort.
Birkenstock Bali Sandal
Birkenstock Bali Sandal


Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal


Just as comfortable as tennies but look great. I've gone through several pairs over the years.
Men's Riva Comfortech Slip-on by Florsheim
Men's Riva
Comfortech Slip-on
by Florsheim


Stay trimmed and neat.
Royce Leather Ladies Travel Kit with Shaver
Royce Leather Ladies
Travel Kit with Shaver


It rains. Be prepared.
Totes Titanium Auto-Open/Close Umbrella
Totes Titanium Auto-Open/Close Umbrella


For leg comfort on the plane.
Arriva Travel-Tec Travel Legwear with Smart Compression Technology
Arriva Travel-Tec Travel Legwear with Smart Compression Technology


Block the light and noise while flying.
Bucky Shades Sleep Mask With Earplugs
Bucky Shades Sleep Mask
With Earplugs


Certainly a better pillow than the corporate issue on the plane.
Bucky Fuzzy Wuzzy U Pillow With Snap & Go
Bucky Fuzzy Wuzzy U Pillow With Snap & Go


To relax and sleep on the plane.
Organic Valerian Root 515mg - 100 - Capsule
Organic Valerian Root 515mg - 100 - Capsule


Rolling luggage sure beats lugging a pack on your back.
Delsey Helium Breeze 2.0 Carry-On Upright
Delsey Luggage Helium Fusion Light 21 Inches Expandable Carryon


Day luggage for your walkabout.
Travelpro Luggage WalkAbout LITE 4 Deluxe Bag
Travelpro Luggage WalkAbout LITE 4 Deluxe Tote


Here is a convenient travel purse.
Rothco Venturer Travel Portfolio Bag
Rothco Venturer Travel Portfolio Bag


Keep your stuff organized.
eBags Medium Packing Cubes - 3pc Set
Luggage Packing Cubes
eBags 3pc Set


eBags Small Packing Cubes - 3pc Set
eBags Small Packing Cubes - 3pc Set


The two gallon size is excellent for packing your clothes, but it is hard to find in Europe.
2 gal. clear plastic bags ZipLoc by SC Johnson
2 gal. clear plastic bags
ZipLoc by SC Johnson


This carry-on liquids kit meets TSA airline rules.
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Custom Travel Bottle Set
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Custom Travel Bottle Set


Wash in your room basin and save time, trouble, and money.
Woolite Laundry Soap
Woolite Laundry Soap
20 packs, ¼ ounce each


Inflatable clothes hangars help with drip dry clothes washed in your room.
Inflatable Travel & Laundry Hangers Drip Dry Clothes Set Of 4 (04500) by Whitney Design
Inflatable Travel & Laundry Hangers Set Of 4 by Whitney Design


Much stronger than duct tape and doesn't leave that gummy residue.
Strapping Tape 1 inch x 60 yards 3M Company #8957-1
Strapping Tape
1" x 60 yards
3M Company #8957-1


An RFID blocking wallet protects your passport and credit cards from identity theft in public places.
Travelon RFID Blocking Passport Case
Travelon RFID Blocking Passport Case


This portable combo door stopper and alarm will give you additional security in your hotel room.
GE 50246 Smart Home Door Stop Alarm
GE 50246 Smart Home
Door Stop Alarm


A bungee cord is very handy for tying your shoulder bag to your roller bag frame.
Crawford-Lehigh 6102 Bungee Stretch Cords Assortment
Crawford-Lehigh 6102 Bungee Stretch Cords Assortment


You will need one or more of these plug adapters to use your electrical devices in Europe. The first item works just about everywhere on the Continent.
Electrical Plug Adapter USA to Continental Europe
Plug Adapter
Universal to Continental Europe "Europlug."
4.0 mm prongs. Ungrounded.


This plug adapter does not fit in many outlets of Italy and Switzerland. It is the standard plug in France, Germany, and northern Europe. SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER - CONVERTS GROUNDED USA PLUGS TO EUROPE PLUG-GERMAN SHUCKO PLUG (VP 11W)
SIMRAN PLUG ADAPTER
Adapts grounded USA plugs to European grounded "Shucko" plug.
4.8 mm prongs


This is a universal plug adapter for the UK and Ireland.
AC Adapter Plug for use in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland
AC Adapter Plug for use in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland


This series of "3-Pack" Ceptics brand grounded universal plug adapters is handy if you are carrying multiple gizmos or if you have travel companions who also need a charge.

Schuko Continental Europe plug
Continental Europe


British and Irish plug
Britain and Ireland


Italian plug
Italy


Swiss plug
Switzerland


This 110-250 volt power surge strip has three universal outlets and an American grounded plug so it needs a plug adapter for the countries you are visiting. Make sure your gizmos are rated for 110-240 volts. SM-60 Universal 3 Outlet Power Strip / Surge Protector for Worldwide Travel. 110V-250V with Overload Protection.
SM-60 Universal 3 Outlet Power Strip Surge Protector for Worldwide Travel. 110V-250V with Overload Protection.


For charging up to six gizmos at a time use this 250 volt universal power strip. It comes with a grounded Continental plug.
Universal Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip for AC 220V/240V Countries. Max Load 13A 250V 50/60HZ - 450 Joules. CE Certified
Surge Protector
Power Strip
6 Universal Outlets
220/240 Volt 50/60Hz


If your gizmos charge through a USB port this can keep you going. European cars have the same 12 volt system as American cars.
Scosche Dual USB Car Charger
Scosche Dual USB
Car Charger


Make sure that your electrical appliances are 110-220 dual voltage so they will work in Europe.
Note: These appliances require a plug adapter(s), NOT a converter, for the countries you are visiting.
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer
Vagabond Compact Styler
Conair's Dual-Voltage Ionic Hair Dryer


Conair Flat Iron Ceramic Straightener Dual Voltage
Conair Flat Iron 2" Ceramic Straightener
Dual Voltage


Remington H-1015 All That Quick Curl Travel Hair Setter
Travel Hair Setter
Dual Voltage
Remington H-1015


SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)
SteamFast SF-717 Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron (dual voltage)


Braun Series 1 150 Men's Shaver with Automatic Worldwide Voltage Adjustment
Braun Series 1 150 Men's Shaver with Automatic Worldwide Voltage Adjustment


For light sleepers here is an international "white noise" machine. Includes a Continental plug adapter.
Marsona TSCi-330 White Noise Travel Sound Conditioner For both USA and International Use
Marsona TSCi-330 White Noise Travel Sound Conditioner For both USA and International Use


For coffee or tea in your room, without waiting or paying for room service.
Lewis N. Clark Immersion Heater 120/240V
Lewis N. Clark Immersion Heater 120/240V


Starbucks makes the best instant coffee I have found, and these little packets cost only 58¢ each in the 50 unit box. That's a bargain in the USA and an absolute steal anyplace in Europe.
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee, available in House Blend, Colombia, Italian, and Italian Decaf roasts.


My book will get you started.
How To Europe The Complete Travelers Handbook by John Bermont
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete
Travelers Handbook
by John Bermont


The best travel guide to all of Europe.
Europe on a Shoestring Lonely Planet
Europe on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet


The essential timetable and handbook for rail travelers.
European Rail Timetable Winter 2012/13 Thomas Cook
European Rail Timetable
Winter 2012/13
Thomas Cook


Two excellent maps to help you plan and execute your journey.
Rail Map Europe, 18th (Thomas Cook Rail Map)
Rail Map Europe
18th edition
Thomas Cook Rail Map


 (Rail Map of Britain & Ireland, 7th, Thomas Cook Rail Map)
Rail Map of Britain & Ireland
7th edition
Thomas Cook Rail Map


A comprehensive guide to 3,000 hotels and restaurants in 44 major cities throughout Europe, in English. Separate books in the Michelin Red series cover individual countries in greater detail. This is a must have for frequent travelers.
Michelin Guide 2013 Main Cities of Europe
Main Cities of Europe 2013
Michelin Guide


This will come in very handy very often.
Fenix LD15 High Performance LED Flashlight
Fenix LD15
High Performance
LED Flashlight


For reading maps and other stuff with fine print.
Bausch and Lomb 819013 2X Folding Lighted Handheld Magnifier with Acrylic Lens, 4 Inches x 2 Inches
Bausch and Lomb 2X Folding Lighted Magnifier


A Swiss Army knife is probably the best traveling tool there is, but it must be in your checked luggage on the plane.
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Pocket Knife
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Pocket Knife


Who wrote this?

Home and general index.


Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional
Table of Contents
HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook

All of the text, updated to May 2013, is available on line, FREE. Updated photographs with captions are available on line for those chapters as noted "with illustrations."
The entire book, copyright 2003, can be purchased by clicking Amazon.com.
Chapter 1, with illustrations.
What's It All About?
Travel Like a Native In Europe First home in Holland on the Spaarne River in Haarlem. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/01-0117.jpg


Chapter 2
On Budget in Europe
Travel Costs


Chapter 3
Passport and Visas
Essential Identity and Travel Documents


Chapter 4
Flying to Europe
Travel Starts at the Airport


Chapter 5, with illustrations.
What to Wear in Europe
Travel Clothes for all Occasions Stephanie in Paris. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/05-1895.jpg


Chapter 6
Your Packing List for Europe
A Short List for Travelers


Chapter 7
Luggage for Europe
Let It Roll


Chapter 8
Cash, ATMs, Credit Cards
Travel Money in Europe


Chapter 9
Your Travel Diary of Europe
Notes Supplement Your Photos


Chapter 10
Europe Guide Books and Maps
Tomes for Travel


Chapter 11
Electricity in Europe
Travel Voltage Fundamentals


Chapter 12, with illustrations.
Photography in Europe
Travel with Your Camera The Austrian Alps from Hall-In-Tyrol, just east of Innsbruck. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/12-1204.jpg


Chapter 13
Bring a Smile
Travel Europe in Good Attitude


Chapter 14
Hotels, Hostels, B&Bs, Private Homes
Sleep Options for Travel in Europe


Chapter 15
Good Eating In Europe
Travel on Your Belly


Chapter 16
City Transport in Europe
Bus, Tram, Metro, Taxi, Bike, Boat, Shoe


Chapter 17, part 1, with illustrations.
Trains in Europe
A Primer for Riding the Rails An ICE high speed train parked at Amsterdam's Centraal Station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/171-P1230436f.jpg


Chapter 17, part 2, with illustrations.
European Rail Stations
Finding Your Way Around The train departure board at Brussels' Zuid/Midi train station. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/172-p1020015.jpg


Chapter 17, part 3, with illustrations.
Europe's Night Trains
City to City As You Sleep


Chapter 17, part 4, with illustrations.
Europe's Bus and Ship Services
Road or Ferry


Chapter 18, with illustrations.
Driving in Europe
Car, Van, or Motorcycle The Champs Elysees in Paris France. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/18-0440.jpg


Chapter 19, part 1
Telephoning to, from, and within Europe
City Codes, 10-10, cell phones, PTT


Chapter 19, part 2
Sending Snail Mail to & from Europe
Priority Mail, PTT, Poste Restante


Chapter 19, part 3
Internet and Email in Europe
Cyber Cafes, Keyboards, Your Laptop


Chapter 19, part 4
Telegrams
Wiring Cash and Keeping in Touch


Chapter 20
Health and Safety in Europe
Travel in Confidence but with Caution


Chapter 21
Working in Europe
Get Paid to Travel


Chapter 22, part 1
Moving to Europe
Things to Know Before You Go


Chapter 22, part 2
Living in Europe
Travel to the Max as an Expatriate


Chapter 23, with illustrations.
Shopping in Europe
Stuff You Can't Live Without The duty free chocolate shop at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/23-P1250471.jpg


Chapter 24
Shipping Your Treasures Home
Travelers' Options from Europe


Chapter 25
Passing Customs in Europe
Know the Rules When Crossing Borders


Chapter 26
Languages, Numbers, Alphabets
Encounter The Tower of Babel in Europe Sign: Please do not walk on the grass. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/DSC0649-PleaseDoNot


Chapter 27
Metric System in Europe
Grams, Meters, Liters, Celsius


Chapter 28
Time and Dates in Europe
Travel in a Different Time Zone


Chapter 29
Weather in Europe
Travel with Your Umbrella


Chapter 30
Melding with Europe
Travel Is Interesting and Entertaining


The Finale
Packing List and Last Call
For Travel In Europe Stephanie is ready to kick off at the airport. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/StephanieAtAirport.jpg




Time for High Flight.

Get going!



Learn the basic infrastructure:

Prime Travel Data
Elementary Travel Information for Europe
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland

France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Utilize John Bermont's exclusive:

TRAVELERS YELLOW PAGES
A Directory of Links to Products, Services, and Information
Airlines to Europe
National Tourist Offices
City Tourist Offices
City Information and Tours
Country Information and Tours
Luggage and Backpacks
Discount Air Travel
Villas and Homes for Rent
Hostels in Europe
Hotels in Europe
Auto Rental in Europe
Rail Services of Europe
Eclectic Travel Sites
Internet Search Engines
Photography
Guide Books for Europe
Educational Programs
Newsletters from Europe
Personal Travel Pages
Personal Trip Planning

Get open hours, costs, locations, and more:

Travelers Portfolio
Essential Visitors Information for the Top Sights of Europe
       Amsterdam       
Anne Frank Huis
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
       London       
British Museum
Buckingham Palace
National Gallery
Natural History Museum
Palace of Westminster
St. Paul's Cathedral
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
       Paris coming soon       
Arc de Triomphe
Tour Eiffel
Hôtel des Invalides
Musée de l'Armée
Opera
Montmarte
Cathédrale Notre Dame
Musée d'Orsay
Musée du Louvre

Exchange rates, weather, maps:

Up-To-The-Minute
Be informed before you go.
       Money Exchange Chart/graph of the value of the euro 1999 to 2013. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/Euro-1999-2013b.jpg
Currency exchange rates, including the euro, British pound, Swiss Frank.
       Weather in Europe Chart/graph comparing average temperatures in Atlanta, Chicago, Vienna, and London. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/weathergraph-s.jpg
Current European weather conditions and forecasts. Good luck.
    Maps and Time Zones
Free online maps of Europe. Guide to setting your watch ahead.
    German Wine Labels: Taste and Spit Label and bottle photo of a German Riesling Nahe blue bottle wine. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/GermanWineBottleLabel-s.jpg
How to translate the labels. Rieslings, Piesporter, Ice Wine, and other stuff to know.

Captioned photos from Europe
PhotoLog
Pictures of what we do in Europe.
       Queen's Day Queen's Day boats in a canal in Amsterdam, Holland. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/Starting-s.jpg
Holland hosts a great one-day party, annually on April 30. Here is the action in Haarlem and Amsterdam.
       Keukenhof A small portion of the magnificent flower garden at Keukenhof, Lisses, Holland. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/MorePatches-s.jpg
A beautiful huge tulip garden blooms during middle spring. We made a leisurely bike ride from Haarlem.
       Bull Flight
A small bull chases Stephanie in Spain. http://www.enjoy-europe.com/BullFlight-s.jpg

My daughter Stephanie enters the ring and encounters a baby bull in Spain, then flies for her life!
       O hey Europe
Stephanie's Blog. A 22 year old spends a month in Paris, with a weekend diversion to La Baule on the Atlantic coast.

Copyright
Internet edition
© 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001 James J. Broad
© 1987, 1986, 1984, 1982 Murphy & Broad Publishing Co.
All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés.
This is copyrighted material. Do not reproduce, copy, plagiarize, store, modify, extract,
transmit, or purloin any part of this publication in any nation in any form or by any means
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You may link the URL http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/clothes.htm freely. Please do. When you link please send the URL for your linking page and a crosslink will be installed in one of the categories of the TRAVELERS YELLOW PAGES to your site if it has significant content for travelers in Europe.

Travelers:
You may print one copy of this chapter for your personal use. To order the complete book with all of the captioned photographs see the next section below.

Permissions:
If you want to copy any of this material to your web site, book, article, speech, or term paper please ask first. Note that plagiarism includes paraphrasing text and even copying ideas. Everything on this page is original. Students, professors, journalists, writers, and politicians are outed almost every day, caught stealing the works of others and then lying as they present it as their own work. They make excuses when caught. Then they are thrown out of school or fired. The politician runs for Vice President when the people forget that a gross case of plagiarism forced him to drop out of the 1988 Presidential race. How about it Joe Biden? At least one other travel writer has plagiarized heavily from my work, claiming and getting credit for writing a few dozen books every year. Some of his books have included my work for years on end, without credit. For honorable people, permissions are freely granted so you don't need to steal and lie. Just say where you found the information and ideas. For permissions contact: johnbermont@enjoy-europe.com.

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345 b/w photos
Last Call checklists
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© 2003
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$28.50


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HOW TO EUROPE
The Complete Travelers Handbook
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