Post Updated: April 2024. The weather in Europe is beginning to hot up, and I’m guessing that some of you might be thinking about holidays overseas and maybe taking off for a lovely Mediterranean summer?
If not, why not? My new moto is #Yolo – You Only Live Once!
With the nip in the air in Australia beginning to bite, now’s the time when my thoughts turn to the old countries and northern hemisphere climates with long, dusky evenings, strawberries and cream, Pimms, lovely tapas, long walks, ancient architecture and a whole medley of memories yet to be made.
If you are lucky enough to be going travelling, I’d love to know where you’re going. I’m nosey like that. But I guess you knew that anyway 😉
I was reminiscing about our Luxury Barge Trip in France on La Panache, and on La Bella Vita in Italy, then our cycling holiday in Puglia, Italy, and our whistle-stop tour of  Europe with Expat Explore – and thinking just how wonderful it all was.
I was also thinking about what to pack, and the wonderful places we visited, and thought that writing down some of the things I learnt on that trip might be useful for you.
These are my  5 quick tips for travelling in Europe – tips which are not always obvious, but which might help you have an amazing time.
We love travelling, but after being pick-pocketed on the Paris metro a few years ago, we’ve become super careful.
Don’t become a scam or pick-pocket statistic on your next holiday. Check out my tips for a safe and happy holiday.
1. Safety First Tips
- Watch out for scams – don’t ‘look at the baby,’ if you’re asked to, and don’t let a stranger divert your attention and engage you in conversation while you are being discreetly robbed of your valuables.
- If public transport is crowded then hang on to your bag. Put it in front of you and cover the zipper or the opening with your hands.
- Travel with a crossbody bag of some description, preferably one with a strong shoulder strap.
- Don’t ever put your mobile phone in your back pocket.
- Only change money with authorised dealers, banks are best.
- If you are using ATM’s cover the keyboard when you punch in your pin. Try and have your partner or a friend act as a shield around you as well.
- Don’t take all your credit cards and cash out of the hotel at once. Leave things in a safety deposit box if you can.
Be very aware of pick pockets in crowded places – Paris metro was our downfall.
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2. Comfortable Pit Stops
Choose destinations with ample seating: After hitting the big 5-0, comfort is key! Opt for destinations where you can find plenty of cozy cafes, park benches, or even luxurious lounges to take those well-deserved rest breaks. Who said sightseeing couldn’t involve a comfy chair and a good book?
Prioritize destinations with smooth sidewalks: Forget hiking up steep mountains or navigating cobblestone streets like you’re auditioning for a circus act. Opt for destinations with smooth, walker-friendly sidewalks where you can stroll at a leisurely pace and still have enough energy left for an ice cream pit stop.
3. Book Early Seats
The “Early Bird Special”: Gone are the days of partying until dawn. Enjoy your inner early bird and enjoy the perks of beating the crowds and snagging those coveted early bird specials at restaurants. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time for a post-dinner nap!
4. Be a History Buff
Seek out destinations with captivating history: At this age, you’ve got stories for days, so why not explore destinations with fascinating histories? Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, touring historic landmarks, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a centuries-old town square, you’ll feel right at home among the tales of yesteryear.
5. Senior Discounts
Don’t forget the “Senior Discounts”: Ah, the sweet sound of savings! Take advantage of those senior discounts and perks wherever you go. Whether it’s discounted museum tickets, reduced train fares, or even freebies like extra dessert at dinner (hey, you never know!), being over 50 definitely has its perks, so milk them for all they’re worth!
Insider Travel Tips (from our previous vacations)
If you’re visiting a popular tourist destination favoured by cruise liners, just remember that cruise ships dock in the mornings and generally leave late afternoon. Some places like Venice can become really crowded in the day.
When the cruise ship passengers have departed, you’re likely to have the place almost to yourself. Think around 4pm onwards. Book early for Venice attractions if you’re travelling in season.
When you’re in a beautiful city try and get high – Eek! I don’t mean on chemical substances – but I do mean height-wise – because the views will be worth it. For example; Get high for the best views of Berlin. Get thee to the top of the Eiffel Tower, or better still Montparnasse Tower (for great views of the Eiffel Tower).
Take the Cable Car in Dubrovnik to the top of Mount Srdj for fabulous views of the old city (Check out the best places to stay in Dubrovnik here) ask where to find the best lookouts in places like Budapest (one of the most photographic cities in the world).
Go to Buda Castle for a great view of Chain Bridge and Parliament buildings, climb the stairs to the top of the Astronomical Clock tower, while in Prague, and in Venice get the lift up to the top of the Campanile di San Marco
Always travel with a guide book. Often I’ve decided to follow my nose with just a local map and regretted it.
An inexpensive handbag sized guide in English from a tourist shop will tell you much more. Otherwise good old Lonely Planet, Fodors or Rough Guides for instance really do help you get a better feel for a place, what to see and do, and its history.
Don’t just rely on taxis. Travelling on public transport is often cheap and easy. Do beware of pick pockets. But have fun and speak to the locals.
Security – don’t take all your stuff out of the hotel at once. Leave things in a safety deposit box if you can. Be very aware of pick pockets in crowded places – Paris metro was our downfall.
So come on, spill the beans if you will – are you going anywhere nice anytime soon? Got any tips?
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You are right – these are great tips and not always obvious. We have just returned from Sth Africa which was fantastic.
Been loving your posts about South Africa – our old stomping ground 🙂
All good tips Jo, thanks. We try to live by them too… and not only in Europe.
Thanks Gyspsy Nesters – yep worldwide usefulness 🙂
Smart tips and I already do all of them! We’re heading to Portugal and the first thing we’re going to do in Lisbon is get high!
Enjoy getting high in Lisbon! Cue for a movie perhaps?
We leave for our annual visit to France next month. We normally go to visit family in Paris and Theoule-sur-Mer but this summer we will bypass Paris and just spend time in the South. Since we are in an apartment, I travel as light as possible. One thing that I do is that I never travel with good jewelry. I bring cheap-o hoop earrings from the dime store. From far away they look just as good as the real deal. I also bring one or two inexpensive watches. I refuse to stress over a good watch and if I lose one or leave one behind it is no big deal. I also travel with journals and pens. During any downtime (usually after beach or pool time and before aperitif time), I write about the day’s events. It’s a great memory. I have to start selecting which of my clothes I’ll be bringing too.
PS. My blog is about life as a 60+ with fashion and beauty and travels to France included! https://atypical60.com/2016/05/03/how-to-wear-shorts-when-you-are-over-50-or-60/
Oh enjoy France Catherine! How lovely. And thanks for your great tips 🙂
Great tips and I totally get it about getting “high”. Best place for views in Budapest is at Fisherman’s Bastion, in my opinion. It’s almost too much to take in, it’s so beautiful! Just got back from Venice and consider myself lucky not to have been in the middle of any cruise crowds.
Thanks for that tip Catherine. We were only there for a day but I’ll put Fisherman’s Bastion on my list if we go back. We’d like to. It is such a beautiful city.
I agree with all of those except I no longer tend to carry a physical guide book beyond the hotel but I’ve been known to tear out pages for where I’m going that day! Also, before I go I look to see if Rick Steves has one of his free narrated walking tours you can download ahead of time and listen to on your phone without needing wi-fi. Those can be great!
I love the idea of tearing out pages from guide books to save on weight Kay! Great tip too about Rick Steves free narrated walking tours – what a super idea. Thank you!
Great list! One more tip: Stay away from restaurants with tourist menus and hucksters outside the front door!
Totally agree Irene! Thanks for sharing.
Great advice, especially #1. I rented an apartment in Santorini for a week a few years ago and I couldn’t believe the difference once the cruise passengers left. (I’m sure the locals were especially happy too). And getting view of a city like Paris is so worth the trek or climb.
Absolutely Janice!
Agree with all! I also found buying day or several-day passes to be well worth it in cities with so much to give…lie expensive Oslo or Stockholm!
That’s a great idea, Carol 🙂