Traveling through Europe is definitely an exciting experience. To ensure a smooth and enjoyably safe tour, here are some tips for your Europe vacation.

1) Documents.

* All of the people in Europe, including tourists, are obliged to own documentation for personal identification.

* Since the increasing number of terrorists that try to enter Europe, the checkpoints on all borders have been strictly controlled. All tourists, depending on which country in Europe they intend to visit, should always have their passport and visa wherever they go.

* When you are unable to surrender your valid visa or passport when authorities ask for it, you would be deported or even jailed.

2) Languages. There are 320 mixed spoken languages used in Europe today.

* Out of the 320, the most used and important are the Baltic, Celtic, Romance, Germanic and Slavonic languages.

* Majority of the people in European countries speak multiple languages besides their mother tongue. English is used daily for politics and business.

* Learn to speak the native tongue for important questions and courtesy you would need in your tour.

3) Electricity.

* Majority of the European countries make use of 230 volts that operate in 50 Hertz.

* Prevent plugging a device intended for 60 Hertz into a 50 Hertz outlet.

4) Cars and driving.

* To be able to drive a car in all the countries in Europe, you should be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

* It is illegal for a driver not to wear a seatbelt. This is also applicable to everyone inside the car.

* Majority of the countries in mainland Europe have right-hand traffic. Left-hand traffic is used only in Ireland, Cyprus, Malt and the islands of England.

* The insurance of all cars is obligatory. If your car has been pulled over, the insurance certificate is always asked for.

5) Planning your necessities is important. This includes transportation, food, and hotel accommodations.

* Food in Europe may come expensive. But if you plan ahead and check your travel guide, you could always search for a reasonably priced meal around your area. There are hundreds of local markets and groceries for your food supply.

* If you are planning to take the train, call the station for a reservation.

* Always arrive at least 30 minutes before the train schedule to ensure that you will not miss the train if ever you get lost on the way to the European station.

6) What to pack.

* When packing for your trip to Europe, you should pack light. You can always buy what you need or forgot. You can find anything from clothes to toiletries. It is not big deal if you forget something or not.

* Don’t pack more than you can carry around by yourself. You don’t want to have to wait for a porter or taxi to be able to go where you want to go.

7) Tips for safety.

* Remember that there are all kinds of people everywhere you go. Thieves look for visitors to foreign lands and they prey on them. Keep your money and credit cards on you. Keep them hidden away in a money belt or a wallet hidden on you somewhere besides the normal spots like a pocket or purse.

* Keep you hotel room doors locked at all times.

8) How to tip.

* Customs are different in all countries. When you are in restaurants, make sure that you check your bill to see if you have a service charge included. If there is a service charge added to your bill, you will then not have to add to it. If there is no service fee, a general rule is to add 10 to 15 percent of the bill for the tip.

Traveling in a foreign European country should not be a hassle. Plan ahead. Know the native tongue and have the best time of your life.