Going to Europe - All my questions thread, more questions

I would definitely get a credit card for a backup.. It always seems there is a need for it. I have gotten stuck even domestically because I have depended on my debit card. Got stuck once in Mexico because the hotel would not use a debit card. A car rental once in Texas that wouldn't use it. I feel like I had to have it when I was in Europe but I don't remember what the circumstances were.

Edited to add buy a converter before you leave for all your electronics.  Much easier and cheaper.. you can find on Amazon.

Have them mail the wine.

Every hotel we have stayed in (Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia, etc.) has had a hair dryer in the room.

I wear tennis shoes every day for walking.

You can look up general temperatures for each place on the Internet.

You can buy Universal Converters on Amazon. I have 2 and they have USB ports for charging phones/tablets/etc.

We use our debit cards to get local currency from bank-owned ATMs. Our travel directors advise us not to use just any ATM on the street. We don't take very much American cash. We use our CC for most purchases. I advise getting one.

I just went to Italy last July, one of the girls I travelled with only had a debit card and it did NOT WORK at all. My dd and I had credit cards and had NO problem, it was really nice bc ours did the translation of euros for dollars and no extra charge, but the euro basically was the same as the dollar too.

We also for some reason could not get euros before the trip, so we went to the atm at the airport. you should NOT have to use the converter option (its hard to explain) but basically we were charged an extra $30 and honestly should not have done that option. but we didn't know any better.

You do not need converters for your phone chargers. As someone said, get a credit card with no international fee. You get the best rate and you won’t get charged exchange fees. If the transaction ask if you want to pay in euros or $$$ always go for the local currency as the other choice charges a fee. When I travel I wear sneakers unless I have an occasion that I need to dress up for. I think a medium warmth jacket should be fine if you can layer it over a hoodie. There is a limit on ow much wine you can import duty free.

As with so many other things, there is no 'Europe' when it comes to cash v card - each country has different customs eg: In Sweden, almost no one carries cash and many stores don't take it; in Germany, cash is still very popular, though it has become more common to use cards since Covid. You may also need cash at places like local markets, and some places here have a minimum amount to use a card, usually €5 or €10. It is probably best to get cash when you are here, and only a smallish amount (maybe €100, in small notes if the ATM lets you choose). As someone else has said, Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, but they are also a very high card usage country.
Hairdryer - I have a German dryer and I still don't bother to take it when I travel. Hotels and Air BnBs we've stayed in have all had them.
Phones - I travel everywhere with a multi USB charging block. Mne has adapters for US, EU, UK and Au plugs and 4 USB slots, so I can charge my phone, iPad, apple watch and kindle at the same time. I bought it a few years ago on Amazon and it wasn't very expensive.

Clothing - layers are your friend. March/April is very changeable weather and the past few years it seems to have become more variable. I have known it to snow at Easter, but last week we had 15°C (60°F). Bring a rain jacket/poncho or an umbrella, as rain is always a possibility.

Wineries we have visited have been able to ship wine home for us, but we have often found it to be very expensive, even within Europe.

My daughter brought back a bottle of wine.. she packed it in her suitcase in the middle layered up, it arrived in one piece, phew. There are also special packaging you can buy. You can check into that.

You NEED a credit card. I would never use a debit card overseas. You get crap exchange rates and if your card is stolen you are out of luck. We always travel with 2 different cards just in case something happens to one of the them. Get a Capital One card or Citibank card, neither of those have foreign transaction fees. Get money exchanged at your bank before you leave. You would need to do it at least 2 weeks out to make sure they can get the money to you in time.

Whenever I travel, I just wear my hair up so I don't have to deal with hair dryers etc. You really shouldn't take yours. Even with a converter, you will probably damage your hair dryer. We had an instance in Greece this past summer where I plugged my heating pad into the socket with the adapter and it blew it right away. As for buying one over there, they don't have the same types of stores so you can't just pop into a Target and buy a new one. We were in Greece for 1 week before we came across a beauty supply store. You need to find a power converter (I think that is what they are called).  They are different than the plug converters.  They will adapt the current.

For everything else like phones, tablets etc., just buy adapters off Amazon. They are super cheap.

Wear whatever makes you seriously comfortable. You will be walking a lot. When we go, I don't worry about looking fashionable. I bring lots of layers and plan on wearing everything at least twice before I wash them. We always stay in apartments that have laundry facilities so we always have clean clothes. I also use the Motherlode backpack from Ebags and between that and packing cubes, I can pack 2 weeks worth of clothes and only have to carry the backpack.

I would never travel without the security of at least one credit card.

THIS.  I know it has been said many times this already, but.....THIS.

I carry debit cards from two different bank accounts and at least one credit card, usually two. 

Twice now in New Orleans, I have had cards I used in the area compromised there, and stopped by the bank. Once a DC, once a CC.   Always have another card in case of fraud or a stop being put on your card because you are traveling.

Also, yes, most of the time credit card is preferred, although in Kenya, the hotel would only take debit.  It is just a good practice to have both available.

We lived in Belgium for the past 3 years and traveled all over Europe. Prepare, but once you get there just let it happen. Some preparations will have been very useful, others will have been a waste of time. Just know that Europe has almost everything that the US has and that anything can be bought for the right price.

Adapters vs Transformers
Reread what others are saying about adapter vs converter vs transformer. Traditionally, "converter" isn't really used as it's confusing. So use adapter vs transformer. An adapter is just another plug that goes on the plug end of the cord like this. They are about $1-2. A transformer is what takes the 220v (European power) and steps it down to 110v (US) like this one. They are over $100 and the size of a shoe box and very heavy. Don't travel with that!

I've had mixed luck with the multi-country adapters and found that they jammed easily. If you go that route, don't cheap out on it. You will need a different adapter for France, Italy, and Switzerland. France uses C and E, Italy uses C, F & L plugs, and Switzerland uses C and J. They all use 220v power.

I had an adapter like this that I used a lot, but it's rather large to travel with one for France, another for Italy, and another for Switzerland. Some hotels do provide them and you can ask about them. They are also sold in almost every tourist shop that I've seen.

Dual Voltage
Most modern devices are dual voltage. To check, look on the device or the plug. There will be an area that says the UL rating, the voltage, the Hz, etc. If it's dual voltage it will say 110v/220v. Don't worry about the Hz--that 's more important for the heating element and the time keeping element in clocks or ovens. You may get lucky and find that everything is already dual voltage. If it is, you just need adapter plugs. If it's not, leave it home.

Hair Dryer
For a hair dryer, Amazon sells both dual voltage and 220v hair dryers. I would bring one over vs buying one there because you will likely need a beauty store to buy one and those aren't that common in the hotel or touristy areas. However, they are quite common in shopping areas. Hotels will also supply them and some AirBnbs.

Wine
Each person can bring back 2 bottles. We have them box it up with padding (they will sell it in a box or make up a box with cardboard.) We've never broken a bottle this way. You can also buy wine at the duty free shop at the airport and it doesn't go into your luggage allowance. Expect to pay more there. Also, know what kinds of wine are sold in the US--many, many wines are sold here as well.

We've also used bags like this or this. The first isn't as protective against breakage, but traps the liquid. The second kind is more protective and what I had, but it isn't absorbent. It was provided by the place where I bought the wine.

Phones
For your phone, look at the brick and not the phone it self--most are dual voltage and you can just use an adapter to plug it in. Apple devices are all dual voltage. Or you can order a "brick" that is dual voltage (I'm not sure about android phones) The brick is the square part of the charger that plugs into the wall.

Google Fi is a good way to call back to the States if needed. You can also call via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. What you need to check out is how you get data. You can buy a "carte prepayer" at a phone store. It's a SIM card with minutes that you load. Most newer phones have digital versions of SIM cards. IIRC, it's about 15 euros per Gb. It's incredibly handy to use Google maps when you are just walking around. You will need your phone unlocked to use another SIM card, which needs to be done with your phone company before you leave if it isn't already done.

Money
You 100% should have a credit card and set up the ability to pay with just your phone. (You will need data for that.) That way you won't be digging in your purse/wallet and it is kept safely tucked away. It will also help you if you get pick pocketed and need to cancel your cards--the bank can reissue you a card on the spot and you can continue to pay with your phone with the new card. But you need to set this up before you leave the States. You should carry a card separate from your DH with different numbers. That way, if one card is stolen, the other can still be used. Make sure it's a travel card and you aren't charged conversion fees to convert euros to dollars.

Sometimes you will be asked if you want to pay in dollars or euros. You always want to pay in the local currency and have YOUR US bank do the exchange rates.

Most of the major cities will accept credit cards, but you still want cash. If you have a little coin purse, that's worth taking. One and two euro coins are popular and used a lot. The markets are really good in Europe and there are minimum amounts to use a CC. You also need coins for the bathroom. Just pay it--the time spent to save 70 cents or a euro isn't worth looking for a free toilet!

I like to arrive in country with some euros (it sounds like you are going to Paris first?) You can order them from the bank or get cash from the ATM anywhere in the city.

Clothes/Shoes/Weather
There are a million threads on the Peas about comfortable shoes. Order a few and try them out in the house. Do this today! You don't want new shoes on your trip. They need to be broken in. If I suspect rain, I always bring 2 pairs so that I can let a pair dry out if they get wet.

I wear a water resistant rain coat and layer a sweater and/or scarf under if if I think it will be cold. Bring a hat with a brim or buy a french rain hat. Even if your rain coat has a hood, they can restrict your view and water still drips in your face. Scarves are VERY popular in Europe and if it's cold, you will see them. They are also sold everywhere and make a good souvenir.

Paris will likely be quite mild in late April. They trees will be in bloom, as will be the flowers. It will be beautiful! Normandy will be windy and colder--layer up there. I had a pair of those magic gloves (the kind that you get from Target for about $4) and would slip those on if it was a cold day. I've been to the Normandy beaches in January and July and it was still a little cool in July. (Be sure to see Mulberry harbor at Arromanches at low tide and go into the museum there. It's being remodeled and added on to, but there's an old diorama that is a great example of what the harbor looked like and the film is really good too.)

Gifts
Books and sweets are good gifts for the kids, although most American candy can now be bought overseas. Ranch sauce/flavors are relatively hard to find and can be popular. Mexican seasoning and foods seem to be nonexistent, even if they call them tacos! What were the favorite foods that your student liked when they were here? Don't bring US chocolate--even if it's good chocolate, Europeans won't like it on principal!

For hair dryer www.amazon.com/BaByliss-BABNT053T-Titanium-Travel-Dryer/dp/B0041QZOF0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3KOPT1EOKBLEC&keywords=babyliss+travel+dual+voltage&qid=1677613140&sprefix=babylis+travel+dual+voltage%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFMRlVROUk1RjM3MEUmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0ODcwNjVVSE0yTE1TOFRESEYmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDkzMzUzMzNWRUg3QTFDMUFYMksmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

You will still need an adapter but this hair dryer has dual voltage. I love mine though it's a different model of this brand.

We also have the Verizon International $10 a day plan. In 4 trips to Europe, we've only needed it a few days at most. We keep in touch with DS back home through What's App which is wonderful. We keep our phones on airplane mode and use the hotel's WIFI when needed.

I get your feeling about credit cards. We also live with only debit cards. But when we travel we get a credit card just for travel-it's important and safer. Two is even better.  When we return we go right to the bank, pay it off and cancel the card. BTW, travel insurance is important too. 

When going to Europe I love preparing by reading and doing my planning with Rick Steves travel guides. He is wonderful when it comes to practical matters and helping me get around by public transportation (trains) since I don't like driving in Europe to see what sights I want to see. His only drawback is sometimes he is skips certain cities so I balance his books with a Frommer's guide. I check them out from my local library and when it gets close to the trip I buy my own copies. Everything I need to know about the country I'm going to is in a Rick Steves guide-the weather, how to handle my phone, money, everything. Also I join a group on Facebook like travel to Germany that is informative and fun to read-good place to get ideas. 

I went to Germany 5 years ago and am planning a trip for DH and myself to Germany for next May 2024. Last time I brought an older Iphone and following the instructions in my Rick Steves guide I took it to a store when I got to Munich and bought a sim card. The folks at the store opened up my phone, put the sim card in and closed it back up. You can do it yourself by using an opened paperclip. Newer phones can use esim cards. This is a much more economical way instead of paying your phone's international rate. Beware you will have to have a new sim card for each country. 

It's a good idea to dress in layers. And to bring a waterproof layer in the Spring. Also really comfortable shoes that are not brand new. I've worn Dansko clogs for years and I really like them. I made the mistake of getting a new pair right before I left. After a couple of days of sightseeing I got a blister-my own dumb fault. I knew better. Good thing I'd packed a well worn in pair of hiking boots in my suitcase. Those babies felt so much better on my feet. 

To charge my phone and camera I use a converter I buy from Amazon or one of the online travel stores. 

I can't help you with hair dryer advise since I don't use one-I'm sorry about that. 

Have an amazing trip!