7 Things Not to Do When Traveling in Europe: A Complete Guide

Europe is a dream destination for many travellers, and why not? It is full of history and rich in culture. Walking on those cobblestone streets, eating street food, and visiting those ancient castles is such a wholesome experience.  
 
The transportation system is top-notch, and it is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Throughout the year, there are millions of tourists who come here to enjoy the beauty of Europe.  
 
Many of those tourists prefer to book Gatwick Airport Cheap Parking. If you are the one who is planning your next trip to Europe and wants to make it hassle-free, then here are some things that you should avoid in Europe. 

1- Never Expect Everyone to Speak English

This is a very common perception for many tourists who live outside of Europe. They assume that everyone in Europe can speak English fluently, but it is not a fact at all. Since there are different countries in Europe, like France, the widely spoken language is French; similarly, in Germany, the German language is common. 
 
Apart from that, there are thousands of different languages spoken across Europe, and if you are landing in a non-English-speaking country and expecting them to speak English, then it is sort of disrespectful.  
 
The good news is that you don’t need to be fluent in any languages like German, French, or Italian. All you need to do is learn some basic phrases to greet people. Believe me, a small effort will show that you care about their culture, and it can lead to a better travel experience.  

2- Drinking in Public 

Drinking laws vary across Europe, with it being fine to drink in public in countries like Germany and Austria. While it is strictly prohibited in France and Poland. So, it is highly recommended not to drink in public areas, as it is prohibited in many countries. It is also useful to learn the local laws before performing such activities in any country.

3- Don’t Overpack your itinerary

Let’s not forget, while it's tempting, especially if it's your first trip to Europe. You will check the map and try to travel to as many famous cities as possible, but then you eventually get stuck between the buses and trains. You will take pictures of the famous but fail to catch the vibes. So, during your first visit, don’t jump to visit all the cities; rather, take time and visit a few cities, as it will help you to get things done and truly enjoy your time.  

4- Do not Litter 

Littering seems a small act, but in Europe, it is taken very seriously. If you have travelled a lot in different European countries, the one thing you see is that they are super clean.  
 
Which means there are strict rules and regulations on it. In some countries like Germany, Norway are known for having very well-structured waste disposal systems.  
 
So, look for a bin; it is best if you keep a bag for temporary storage until you find a proper place to dispose of it. It is good if you use a reusable water bottle.

5- Don’t Take Photos Where You Shouldn’t 

It's a very common phenomenon nowadays where no trip is complete without taking some astonishing photos. I mean, it's a fact that we are always looking to capture the beautiful moments. But wait a minute, in Europe, not every place is meant to be photographed.  
 
For instance, in Churches and Mosques, many people gather to pray. If you are a visitor and come in and start taking pictures, it can surely feel intrusive to others. The same goes for the museums; many museums don’t allow photography. It is in your best interest you look for the signs and ask a staff member about it. 

6- Don’t Forget your Power Adapter 

It's one of the most common travel mistakes, but it can be easily avoided. European electrical outlets are not the same as those you find in the US. If you try to plug your device into a European socket without a proper adapter, then it can damage your device. 
 
It is best if you carry a small multiple-charge USB port so that all of your devices are charged whenever they need.

7- Don’t use the Bicycle Lane 

In many European countries, there are dedicated lanes for bicycle riders as cycling is one of the major modes of transportation there. Walking in the bicycle lane can be dangerous, as the bicycle moves so fast as if you are walking in its lane. You can get hit or cause an accident.  
 
In some places, walking in the bike lane can result in a fine. So keep your eyes on these lanes and don’t even try to walk in those lanes.

Conclusion 

A Trip to Europe is a dream for many travellers, but it is in our interest to follow the guidelines. As we always list down activities to do, we also make ourselves familiar with the activities that we need to avoid.  
 
Throughout the articles, we have discussed various things to avoid, like drinking in public, never expecting everyone to speak English in Europe, and many more. 
 
All those things are essential to avoid; if you do so, then you not only have a good time there but you also earn more respect from the locals.