Independent travel in Europe – Seven Secrets for Success by Karen Bryan

One: Do not try to see and do too much.

You may end up actually seeing very little. I think it
is better to see more of fewer countries/regions and see them properly.
You may not want to stay in one location for your whole trip. However
if you choose carefully it may be possible to do several day trips from
one central location. If you do decide to tour, consider spending at
least two nights in some of your destinations. It can be quite tiring
being on the move every day, packing and unpacking.

Two: Decide on mode of transport.

Driving will give you more flexibility but can be
daunting at times and is not recommended if you mainly wish to visit
cities. You may decide to take your own car if you live in Europe. If
you fly you can hire a car. Beware of extra charges for additional
drivers, insurance excesses, airport charges, out of hours charges etc.
I always book a hire car through a UK company, with no excess.

If you use a budget airline try to only book direct
flights. If you book a two leg journey, the budget airlines will not
assist you, as they only operate a point to point service. Public
transport is pretty good in most of Europe. There are also several
budget airlines you can use between countries e.g. Ryanair and Easyjet.

Three: Be aware of security of possessions.

Use a money belt, hotel safe etc. Do not have all your
money/cards in one purse or wallet. If you lose it you are in trouble.
This happened to me when I was in Milan: I was travelling alone and was
left penniless. My credit card company did transfer funds to me but it
took 24 hours! I had to borrow 10 euros from the hotel receptionist.
Make sure you have travel insurance and if there is an incident get a
written report from the local police station, to enable you to make a
claim. Four: Try to learn at least a few words of the language.

This will be greatly appreciated. My French is what you
might describe as school girl (that was 25 years ago) but I do try when
in France. Often I receive the reply in English but at least I tried. I
always apologise if I cannot speak the language. I don’t assume that
the person I am talking to should speak English, I ask in their
language if they speak English. As I do have a Scottish accent, I try
to speak more slowly and clearly than usual, certainly not raising my
voice.

Five: Don’t be too structured.

You should allow some time just to wander around, enjoy
a leisurely lunch. You do have to plan an itinerary, or you can just
waste a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to be written in stone! Allow
yourself the opportunity to be spontaneous.

Six: Don’t just stick to tourist traps.

Try to visit some authentic local restaurants, markets,
villages, etc. where you will meet local people, rather than just other
tourists. Surely part of the reason for going abroad it to experience
at least a little of the local flavour, not just spend all your time
with other tourists.

Seven: Book your accommodation in advance.

This may mean that you miss out on a charming
establishment you come across in your travels, (you could always stay
there on your other trip). However it will mean that you don’t waste
precious time going from hotel to hotel trying to find a room, having
to arrive early enough at your next destination to look for
accommodation. I am not even convinced that you save money by last
minute searches.

Karen Bryan is an independent travel consultant and
writer, specialising in less well known destinations in Europe. Her
websites are: www.europealacarte.co.uk,
www.europe-culture-activity-tours.com/