I'm traveling to Amsterdam in July. My first time out of the US. Any tips for a virgin traveller?

Answer 1

Depart with some Euro so you don't have to worry about that first thing when you land. You can get it at the airport with a horrid exchange rate.

For the flight...

Pack only a small carry on bag. If they allow carry on again... I'm not sure on that.

Take out any body piercings and put them in a zip-lock bag before going through security.

Allow 3-4 hours of extra time at the airport before leaving. Keep your passport and other important documents on your body in a safe place. Like an internal pocket in a jacket.

Bring things to do, it's a long flight.

Don't get drunk on the flight, you'll need your senses when you land. It's a whole new world out there.

When you get off the plane observe your surroundings. Make yourself familier with the sign for the bathrooms and things of that nature.

Be wary of the alcohol and other such... entertainments... because you're not in Kansas anymore. Stick to beer, and go slow. Frat boys have been known to pass out before 9pm after 2 beers. Everything is going to be more potent. Don't take any pills no matter how friendly the locals seem.

Hide everything of value, specially when partaking in the local festivities. Watch out for pick pockets. Don't make yourself blatantly American.

If the lights on the street suddenly turn red... procede with caution and keep an open mind. Or turn around and go back the way you came.

Only take marked Taxis. Keep the address of the place you're staying written down in your pocket. If you can't pronounce it, then you can just hand it to the cab driver to read.

Answer 2

Pack light. 44 lbs is the ultimate maximum you should carry.

A 40 liter backpack or small 15-20 inch trolley plus a small day pack will hold all you need. If you take a trunk big enough to carry everything but the kitchen sink, don't be surprised if you get adressed in English at the first sight.

For some reason US-travellers have the dumb habit of taking along more for a 5 day vacation than their European forefathers who emigrated to the US ever owned. Trouble is, European lockers aren't suited to these big US-American suitcases and bags.

Have fun in Amsterdam!

Hope you remember the trip afterwards. :-D

Answer 3

don't smoke too much pot - there are still a lot of things to do and see in this super beautiful city.
And mind the bicycles, they are worse than cars. And read your guides during the flight. And yes, do not even think of carrying drugs back home; travelers arriving from Amsterdam tend to have a "special" treatment from the authorities (at least in Germany and in Greece). And yes, try to be normal and not very "tourist" (ok, this is hard, because we all get excited or silly in totally new surroundings, but in general try to follow the locals).

Answer 4

Smoke lots of weed in Amsterdam ande enjoy the rest of your trip. I heard that its awesome out there. Im not a big traveler so I really dont have any travelling advice but I would go there if I could.

Answer 5

Yes, don't look so American over there.

Try not to get caught doing anything illegal.

Make sure your clothes don't smell like pot on your trip back. Also, make sure you don't bring any or else you'll get in trouble big time if they find it.

Answer 6

Bring a jacket, and carry a backpack to put all ur stuff in! ;) have fun!!!!

Answer 7

Be careful ! ! !