Tips for International Travelers
Planes
Flying on European discount airlines can be surprisingly affordable. However, be sure to factor the (many) fees into the price, says George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog.com. On Ryanair, lose your boarding pass and you’ll pay $20 for a new one.
Trains
For the best fares, book directly through railway websites, not U.S. ticketing agencies, says Thomas Meyers of Eurocheapo.com. Buying your ticket more than two months in advance can save you as much as 60%.
Automobiles
Most European cars are manual, so request an automatic if you need one—and be prepared to pay a premium, says Ellison Poe of Poe Travel. If you’re crossing international borders, read up on each country’s laws. France, for example, requires you to carry warning reflectors.
Language
Learn some helpful phrases or directional words so you can communicate with locals. There are plenty of helpful language learning software that will help you cover the basics. For other professional items such as medical records, legal documents, or other serious business matters, utilizing professional translation services is a prudent choice to prevent severe miscommunication or translation errors.
Related: