To prepare for a trip to Europe, one might learn emergency numbers, get travel insurance, and purchase an adapter plug for electronic devices. All European countries have a different number to call in case of an emergency, and it might prove beneficial to memorize or write this number down. Travel insurance is also something that might be necessary for injuries, theft, or a national emergency. While ensuring that foreign electronic devices can be plugged in and saying “please” and “thank you” in a foreign language are likely not as important, they can help ensure a European vacation is a pleasant one.
Most European countries are generally considered safe for travelers, but an accident can happen anywhere to anyone. Preparing for a trip to Europe should include memorizing emergency numbers, or writing them down and keeping them in a wallet or handbag. In most places in Europe, 112 can be dialed to reach an operator that speaks both English and whatever language is spoken in the country the caller is calling from. Additionally, individual countries have different numbers for ambulance, police, and fire services. These numbers are readily available on the Internet, but 112 should probably memorized if all else fails.
Travel insurance is a good thing to have in case of medical emergencies, evacuation of the vacation area, or baggage loss. Like most other types of insurance, travel insurance coverage can vary significantly based on the package. Even a very good plan usually just costs a small percentage of the overall trip to Europe, however.
If a traveler is bringing his or her mobile phone, laptop computer, or other electronic device on a trip to Europe, an adapter plug is usually necessary. The wall sockets in Europe might be different than the wall sockets in the traveler’s home country. In this case, an adapter plug is the only way to plug foreign electronic devices in. Adapter plugs can sometimes be borrowed from a European hotel, or purchased in a hardware or electrical store.
Learning basic phrases in a foreign language for a trip to Europe is generally not necessary. Often, pointing, smiling, and nodding to communicate to get directions or find a bathroom works well enough. For an easier time with communication, however, a traveler can learn phrases like “where is”, “hello”, and basic directions. A language or phrase dictionary is another good addition. Many people in Europe speak English as a second language, so a trip to Europe might even result in a few English conversations.
