Here are a few other miscellaneous tips!
- In Amsterdam, we had to use a chip and pin card (with an actual pin) or coins if you wanted to buy a train ticket from the machine. No worries! You can buy a train ticket from a human at the ticket window, and they are super helpful!
- In many countries you have to pay to use the toilet, oh and they call it a toilet not bathroom. When you stop at Auto Grills (rest stops), you will have to pay to use the toilet (usually less than 1 euro) but you will get a ticket that will give you an amount off any purchase. Bathrooms that require payment are infinitely cleaner than those that do not.
- On the bus, Daniela would go over key phrases that we would need in the coming country. Don't worry about sounding ridiculous trying to speak a new language, the people you talk to will appreciate your effort and likely be willing to speak English with you.
- Watch out for bikes in Amsterdam! They are literally everywhere and have the right away.
- Check out the Rick Steves' book for good restaurants. We definitely didn't utilize this resource enough until we hit Switzerland.