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Your first trip to Europe is more than a
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vacation. It's a right of passage. The
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thrill of touching down on a new
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continent surrounded by centuries old
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architecture, different languages, and
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mouthwatering food is unlike anything
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else. But if you want to avoid rookie
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mistakes and get the most out of your
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journey, it pays to know a few secrets
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before you go. Let's start with
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logistics. Don't overpack. Cobblestone
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streets and compact trains are not
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suitcase friendly. A carry-on backpack
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and comfortable shoes will become your
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best friends. Make sure your passport is
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valid for at least 6 months beyond your
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travel dates. And yes, you'll need a
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universal adapter for those quirky
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European outlets. Trains are the
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heartbeat of European travel. Booking in
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advance can save you big, especially on
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high-speed routes like Paris to
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Amsterdam or Rome to Florence. But local
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buses and budget airlines like Ryan Air
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and EasyJet are great, too. Just
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remember to weigh your bags and check it
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online to avoid extra fees. Cash isn't
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king here. Most places accept credit
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cards, but you'll still want a little
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local currency for small cafes, open air
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markets, or tipping in some countries.
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Speaking of tipping, unlike the US, it's
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modest or sometimes not expected at all.
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Always check local customs.
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Each country is its own cultural
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universe. Don't assume everyone speaks
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English. Learn a few phrases, smile
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often, and respect local etiquette. For
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instance, dinner in Spain starts late.
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In Germany, punctuality is gold, and in
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Italy. Never order a cappuccino after
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breakfast. Now for the fun part. Don't
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try to do it all. Choose two or three
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cities and dive in. Walk the
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neighborhoods, explore hidden
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courtyards, and don't be afraid to get
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lost. That's when the magic usually
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Europe is a sensory overload in the best
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way. From the Eiffel Tower to a quiet
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vineyard in Tuskanyany, every moment has
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the potential to become a lifelong
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memory. But only if you plan wisely,
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stay flexible, and open yourself up to
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So, if you could visit just one European
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city on your first trip, where would you
