Trip Insights

Looking back over this incredible adventure, Trenton and I left with many insights and several trip tips we'd like to pass along.

The most significant impact to your trip, past the planning phase, are the people you travel with - from tour group staff to other tourists.

Our RS Tour guide was Grégoire (pictured above holding a map). He had a true passion for teaching others about European history and culture - as well as a few handy phrases to speak with the locals. He also embodied a genuine kindness and consideration for his group of travelers. Witty and humorous, he presented well-thought-out and timely content for our destinations, clear instructions for navigating our environment, and generous encouragement for those of us not keen on braving the trains in Europe or the subway in Paris on our own. He had a talent for engaging with the many different personalities on the trip. This is my 3rd tour (2 were with other companies), and I've had 3 other tour guides who have been good, but not of this caliber. This experience really set Rick Steves Europe Tours apart. 

And Hilde, our bus driver, she was joy personified. Such a delight. Her driving was smooth as glass. And she was kind enough to let any who had the need to use the bus bathroom - what a lifesaver! A true sweetheart!

Brooke, Grégoire's sidekick, was also a sweetheart. While she didn't lead the tour, she was a wealth of information, as well. 

Last, but not least, our tourist group, pictured above, gelled and meshed unlike any I've seen in the past! I think folks who love Rick Steves have a lot in common and that helps. And trust me, we were from all walks of life, all ages, and a variety of spiritual and political beliefs. Yet, it was family almost from the start - the good kind, not the kind you dread seeing at Christmas. ;-) Folks were kind and helpful and rallied around those that were ill or in need. We're even planning a reunion trip. ​

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Travel Tips

There's not much more that I could add outside of what Rick's travel tips have to offer. So do invest time in reading his posts. That being said, here are my thoughts or echoes of the wisdom of others that bear repeating. 

If you get motion sick, sit over the back wheels of the bus. In the past, I sat up front, but on this trip, I discovered sitting back there was much better. 

Be patient. There will be crowds, especially at museums and famous monuments. Take your time and wait for your photo op and then move on for others. 

Be flexible. Sometimes things are under construction or inaccessible and so you might not get the perfect experience. Count your other blessings.

Try new things. Sure, you might find a dish is not your favorite, but how often does one get to try a cultural delicacy made by a local? You might discover you adore something new! You might need Pepto. Be adventurous!

Be gracious and grateful. Sometimes folks have a bad day. Sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes strangers are just plain rude. Give grace and stay grateful. Most folks only dream of traveling internationally. Don't let that one event ruin a great trip.

Use anti-theft bags and stay situationally aware. We had no issues with pickpockets, but our guide shared with us his code phrase should he spot a suspicious situation and needed to give us a heads up. That was reassuring. 

One last story I'll share. After watching the video where Rick mentions wearing clothes multiple times, my sense of propriety balked. Was he serious? Could this be true? Luckily, I work from home most of the week, so I decided to test this theory. And it's TRUE! If you're not sweating all day, you can wear the same top and jeans for over a week! Showers and a change of underthings are all you need. So, trust Rick and pack light!

We also recommend merino wool shirts as they're antimicrobial and antifungal and add just that extra layer of protection when not washing outerwear daily. There are summer and winter weight merino wool shirts. They're an investment, so buy during off-season sales. Jeans and SPF/moisture shedding hiking pants were also perfect. Add a great pair of hiking shoes and you're all set.

Less clothing means less luggage. We each brought a carryon and an antitheft backpack (with toiletries, a noisemaker to sleep by, and other accessories besides clothes) and had plenty of packing space for 3 weeks. 

And lastly, if your doctor will assist, bring a prescription of Z-Pak just in case you catch a case of the cooties and get a sinus infection. OTCs can be found everywhere in Europe, and there are video doc appointments you can easily arrange for, but having a script on hand is helpful. 

If you're still reading this, thank you so much for taking the time to peruse my website. Not being a website designer, this was truly a labor of love and included much trial and error to create. But it's also a testament to how much I hope everyone takes their dream international trip and does so with Rick Steves Europe (ask for Grégoire!). Hope you've enjoyed this scrapbook and found your inspiration to plan your next escape.

"Keep on traveling."