Hi, I'm Rick Steves back in Europe...this time with a focus on practical travel tips! In this three-part special edition, we travel my favorite 2,000-mile loop through Europe, splicing in all the essential skills to help you travel on your own-smooth and smart.
The point of this special is that you can learn from my 30 years of experience and have a better trip. How well you're able to enjoy the delights of Europe depends upon how well you plan and how skillfully you travel. And there's a lot to enjoy check this website. From the monuments of Rome to a Turkish bath in Istanbul, from the markets of Naples to new friends in Spain, and from the scalps of the Alps to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, you'll want to get the most out of every mile, minute and dollar you spend in Europe. In this three-part travels-skills special we start in the Netherlands, venture through Germany, dip into Italy, sweep through Switzerland and France before finishing in England. In this first episode we start in Amsterdam, cruise the Rhine, visit Rothenburg and end in Munich. Our main tips in this show: settling in upon arrival and transportation-exploring Europe by train and by car. We landed at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. To get to Europe, Americans need only a passport, plane ticket and money. Airports here are well designed and user-friendly. Notice how easy it is for English-speakers to step right over that language barrier. Here in Amsterdam-like most of Europe-everything's in two languages: Dutch for the locals and English for everyone else. And there's an information desk ready and waiting. But even in the Netherlands where everyone seems to speak English...it's polite to learn and use a few key local words. To get your cash, ATMs are the way to go. They provide local currency at the best rates- quick, easy and in English. But each ATM transaction comes with a fee. Minimize these fees by comparing card policies before you leave home and by taking fewer and bigger withdrawals in Europe. It's just like withdrawing cash at home-you just need your four-digit PIN. But, before you leave, let your bank know you'll be overseas so there's no hang-up in using your card over here. My hotel's in the city center. Getting downtown from European airports on public transportation is easy. You've got options. If you're packing heavy, really tired, or with a small group, a taxi can be the best value. When I'm on my own and packing light, public transit-trains and buses-can be the best choice-and it's far cheaper. Buses are clearly marked. These days, you'll buy tickets and lots of other things using machines.
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