When i turn 18 I am going to go to Europe with a friend, what should I expect?

Question

We are particularly interested in Ireland/Scottland/United Kingdom as we both have family history there.

what is the legal drinking age?

How do the prices compare with Americas?

How clean are public places?

Anything in particular we should see?

How do other people react to americans there?

It will be over the summer, what is the weather generally like?

Are there any websites that contain this type of information?

any other details are welcome since i dont evan know where to begin looking!!!!

thanks!

Answer 1

Wow, thats a lot of questions, I will try to break some of them down.

Traveling is one of the greatest gifts to give yourself. It will change your life for ever.  However, keep this in mind.

The only way to travel with friends, family, whomever is FLEXIBILITY!!

Have a plan, make lists if you have to,  but don't over plan.  

Take lots of break to sit and people watch- that way you can catch your breath, re-charge, and also truly witness the culture.  

You will be fine as far as drinking age -Just be careful not to drink so much you don't know how to find your hotel. It leaves you vulnerable and in a dangerous situation. (that goes for anywhere- U.S. included)

Pick-pocketers are all over Europe- so wear a moneybelt and keep it underneath your clothes.

The dollar is not strong so you will be paying out more money to buy less things over there.  

If you need to bring home souveniers, scarfs sold at markets or street vendors are the way to go - cheap and always fit in a suitcase.

Be proud to be an American - just don't be a loud one.   :)

There is always one drunk ****** in a bar that will taunt you for being an American.  Don't pay attention to it, just remember, he/she is just a drunk ******.  

Great Britain is a fabulous place to start a Euro-trip if you have never been over. English is the primary language and the people are generally friendly.

To know where to go - I am a fan of the Lonely Planet travel books or Rick Steves's travel books.

Have fun, and remember - don't overplan and be flexible as to where the day takes you.

Answer 2

wow u r soo lucky.  I use to live in Germany and it was the most eye-opening experience of my life.  U can travel for real cheap to Spain, Amsterdam, yes AMSTERDAM!, Italy, France...  

The people r cool and for the most part seem to love Americans.  The drinking and smoking age in Germany was 16 when i was there.  Europeans r much looser with things like this.  When u say "s*x", people don't gasp or be quiet.  Americans tend to be so uptight about these subjects.  

Prices can vary depending on where u go.  Nothing seemed a lot cheaper than the states.  Sometimes more expensive.  For example if u r trying to buy something shipped from the states like my brand of Newport cigs, it may be hard to find and more expensive than u remember.  If the locals know ur American, (and they probably will) they may try to upsell u so just know to keep ur negotiating skills sharp.  

Public restrooms, they may easily charge u to use unlike the states which is free.  

I've never been to Ireland and that area but do AS MUCH AS U CAN!  

Do u toke?  If yes, u will not believe the quality.  It's like rediscovering a whole new hobby.  They even roll different over there.

Summer can get hot and a lot of Europeans don't seem to know what deodorant is or just don't use it.  So beware the buses on a hot day.

Answer 3

"what is the legal drinking age?"

Varies by country, usually mid-teens, but if you are 18 you will have no problem anywhere in Europe IIRC.

"How do the prices compare with Americas?"

In general, most of Western Europe is slightly more expensive than the US, and that is compounded right now by the dollar's weakness compared to the euro and British pound.  But there is a whole range of prices of restaurants, hotels, bars, clothing stores, etc., and there are plenty of inexpensive options even in seemingly expensive cities like London and Paris.

"How clean are public places?"

Mostly very clean except in Italy.

"How do other people react to americans there?"

If you are friendly towards Europeans, 99% of them will be friendly towards you as an individual, regardless of what they think of the US government or US policies.  It's important to be open-minded and not treat people like stereotypes - don't expect French people to be snobs, etc.

"It will be over the summer, what is the weather generally like?"

Most countries will be hot and dry, with Italy and Spain especially hot.  When it is particularly hot,  you may want to do a lot of your outdoor sightseeing early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and spend the middle of the day in a shaded cafe or inside a museum.

"Anything in particular we should see?"

London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh, the Swiss Alps, the Greek Islands, the Scottish Highlands, the French wine country, Aix-en-Provence, Siena, Salzburg, Brugge, Granada, York, Rothenburg, the Cinque Terre, the Loire Valley chateaux, the Ludwig Castles.

"Are there any websites that contain this type of information?"

The websites of guidebook companies have a lot of good information - try Lonely Planet, Time Out, Fodors, and Frommers' websites.