So, you’ve read every page of your guide book, you’ve scoured instagram and looked at every picture, you’ve been through every post on those facebook destination forums and you’ve noted every restaurant pick from all those tik toks- you’ve pre-booked every experience and you’ve got it all written down in a perfectly color coded timeline. you are ready to go!!! There is just one aspect of your upcoming travels that you may not have considered… that would be the realities of day to day life in “real” Europe.
Poverty and immigration: are modern social concerns just like they are in every other corner of the world. Poor immigrant neighborhoods exist everywhere and you will see them as you move from place to place. One example of this is the urban sprawl found in Naples. Lots of immigration happens from the northern African coast into southern Italy and Italy is working hard to find ways to support this but the reality is that not only are there new immigrants to assist but generational poverty is a huge issue as well. Seeing this on your trip may not be at the top of your list but it can be a good reminder to do your best to support local businesses that are part of homegrown communities rather than large chains that cater to foreign investors.
Pick pockets: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again! One of the effects of poverty anywhere is the presence of pickpocket rings! These professional pick pockets constitute the largest crime category against tourism in the world and, by far, Europe. Three ways to avoid pickpockets are:
- Look any potential pickpocketer in the eye. Let them know that you see them. Pickpocketing is a silent crime. They want to be long gone before you even notice.
- Book low traffic times. Visit the Trevi fountain early in the morning for the least amount of people and the best pictures. Grab those 10 am opening time reservations that ensure you are not just wading through a sea of people at a place like the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
- Don’t use a special travel bag. Backpacks and nylon crossbody bags are the first targets for pickpocketers as they know you must be carrying a lot of gear. Instead, simply use an inconspicuous everyday bag that zips and that’s easy for you to use.
Graffiti: It’s hard to imagine that anyone would look at something from long ago and think that defacing it is a good option. But just like in our country taggers are busy getting their work out into the European market place and its an eyesore there just like it is here. It’s just so hard to understand why someone doesn’t value something that people come thousands of miles to see. It makes me wonder how to instill civic pride in younger generations.
Traffic: Let’s talk about getting from one place to another. European traffic is a reality that every visitor should be prepared for. These old world city centers that we strive to visit simply were never designed for cars and trucks and big tour buses. That said, there are a couple of ways to avoid getting stuck in the traffic jams that build up throughout your travel day.
- string together sites in a walkable route
- use public transport that includes the train out of town
- consider booking a hotel within the city center that you are visiting so you don’t have to spend time getting to those highlights every day.
Strikes: Sometimes those traffic jams can be even worse when a transportation strike is called. This happens mostly in Italy. Train or airport workers can schedule a strike with the government and the system can shut down for the day. So, what should you do if you find yourself stranded in a particular location?
- First, don’t stress! Start by securing additional accommodations for the evening. This is why you have that travel insurance!
- Next, relax! Take in a no obligations day, circle back to things you loved or wished you had more time for. Take a nap, visit a park, book a last minute cooking class. There’s TONS to do until those trains and planes are back up and running!
Antiquity: you may feel a bit disappointed by the crumbling facades of some buildings. Certain streets, perhaps where your hotel is located, may not have that love at first site charm that you were expecting but take a breath and recognize that you may need to simply walk through the door. Often, Europeans are masters at refitting interiors in old buildings and using space well. Often, you will find a welcoming space and perhaps, if you are lucky, a secret rooftop with some spectacular view! In short, don’t judge a book by its cover. We find this to be particularly true in Athens, Rome, and other points along the Mediterranean.
Scaffolding: If there is one industry we would love to invest in, it would be scaffolding! It seems that no matter where you are in Europe, there is always at least one marquee venue that is under repair and reconditioning! It simply comes with the territory of living with old buildings. Walk into any trip with the expectation that at least one thing is going to be covered up and under renovation. Famously, that monument has been the Notre Dame in Paris as of late but we’ve seen scaffolding up around projects everywhere from Krakow’s old castle, Wawel Hill, to Munich, and all points in between and around. In fact, scaffolding can sometimes be the story you are seeking out. For example, in Pisa, the scaffolding installed at the CampoSanto next to the tower has been in use since World War II! The restoration of the ancient frescoes has been a project that has been active for over 75 years!