Traveling to Europe/Asia?

Question

Tell me everything I need to know about oversea's travel, currency transfers, Visas, etc. from the US to Europe or Asia!!!

Answer 1

I can only speak about traveling to Europe. A visa is not required for American citizens traveling to Europe as long as you stay less than 90 days. That means entering from USA directly into Europe. If you go via some other place a visa might be needed depending on which country. Best way is to take a very small amount of dollars to exchange at the airport for immediate needs and just use a debit or credit card for cash withdrawals whenever you need any. Best exchange rate that way and more convenient and safer than going with a pile of cash. Forget travelers checks, they're done. Pack light. That means one bag you can easily manage yourself preferably with wheels. I know alot of young backpackers think its cool and fun, but I watch them struggle under the weight of those massive packs. Small bag with wheels. You can do laundry in any city or town for cheap. In addition a small daypack is handy for getting around while regular bag is at hotel or hostel. Eurail passes are also not the best deal. Each country has great deals for travel in country especially if you are under 26. Take a good guidebook and read it. Each place comes alive when you have some basic info or history ahead. Most info offices are very helpful and friendly to tourists. They can get you hotels or hostels when you arrive in each place. If you are alone or just want a little buzz in English, look for the nearest Irish bar. Most towns of any size have one and usually there are lots of expats willing and able to chat, have fun or offer advice. Finally my best piece of advice is to forget trying to see every place you ever wanted to as if you're never going to get there again. Most Americans make this mistake and spend all their time getting from one place to another without really "seeing" at all. I recommend choosing somewhere and staying abit to soak up the atmosphere and try to meet some people who may invite you home for dinner or something like that. Go to the same place for coffee everyday and you will make fast friends with the staff. Or a small shop or whatever. It will leave you with lasting impressions and maybe some new friends. Do not imagine you can see a city in one or two days. Even if you "do" lots of attractions, they will feel kinda empty without really experiencing the place more fully. My list of cool places depends on your age and inclinations, but you can't go wrong with just about any place you can name for all the reasons above. Be willing, learn a few local phrases to be polite and make it an adventure even when things go awry. Have fun!

Answer 2

taormina gives you a perfect answer.
Just one word of warning, before you travel, check with your bank and credit card company what cash withdrawal will cost you, as specially credit card can get high surcharges, as high as 10% with a minimum.
There are debit cards that allow you to get cash in every country for token money or free, so ask if your bank charges more.

And do plan to go the those places you have always wanted to see.
(If Europe is London and Paris for you, your Europe trip will not be complete without them.)

Western Europe is most expensive, eastern Europe is cheaper, Asia is cheaper again, as a rule but there are exceptions so buy a good guidebook.
I like the Lonely Planet series, they are available for almost the whole world but have been big for Asia for a long time now.