Tips for surviving trips: Europe addition.

Terri and I are on a 7 hour bus ride to Venice from Munich. The trip reminded me of my trip across Canada last summer and my list of tips for surviving trips (in an RV). So I decided I'd better make a list of tips for surviving trips through Europe! 

First, and most important thing I want to add to the list is bathrooms. Everywhere we've been in Europe charges from €.50- €1 to use the washroom. I get it, you gotta pay people to clean the bathrooms, and for the paper towers and such. But still, no hot water usually and not really that clean. My tip: Always use the washroom when it's gonna be free ( I know, obvious) if you're in a restaurant or cafe it's usually free, on a train or bus, in a museum, at the place your staying. 

My second tip, food. Serious, food is so much more expensive in the more tourist areas, or on trains/bus terminals so bring a sandwich from somewhere cheaper and pack it or go to the grocery store and make a sandwich/lunch for the day. Way cheaper. Terri and I packed sandwiches and apples for the bus trip today, (salami, with Swiss cheese, arugula and grilled zucchini with garlic, on chabata bread) for about €1.50 a sandwich. For Europe, that's pretty good. Plus cheaper and probably the best sandwich we've had all trip. 

Third tip. Water! Drinking is important, so before you head out, grab a water bottle each. Sometimes Terri and I forgot, and had to buy water (gonna cost anywhere from €1.50-€3.00). If you run out, you can always refill it in a washroom or sometimes there are water fountains safe for drinking in parks and in the city. (Also, once in Munich, I asked a waitress for a glass of water and she said they didn't have a tap. Serious? I just saw you drink out of a large jug of water. You have a tap. If it's a policy to make tourists buy bottled water, just tell me). >:( 

Fourth tip. Always have something to do while on a train, plane or bus. Download some games or puzzles, have a book handy or a journal/blog post to write. You can only look at the scenery for so long before you need a break. 

Fifth tip, write a journal or blog! It helps you remember your trip, plus, keeps your family updated on your travels. This way they don't have to ask everyday what you've been up too! (Even though they still do). 

Sixth tip, take photos. This goes along with number five. More photos you have, more memories you have. But don't forget to stop and look at things with your own eyes, not just through your camera. ;)

That's all I can think of for now! I'll add more soon.