How to Tip Across Europe

Tipping in Europe is difficult to figure out because most countries have different customs and even if you have the general rule figured out, it's usually still different depending on if you are ordering at a bar or sitting at a table. We generally try to stay away from any establishment that looks like a tip is needed. We've been servers and bar tenders before and appreciate tips and the hard work that goes into earning them, but it is hard for us to part with our money
when traveling and trying to save every penny possible.

Under-tipping and over-tipping can both be considered offensive depending on what country you are in. The main rule to stick with when in doubt is never tip for bar/counter service, and add about 10 percent for a sit-down restaurant. Servers in Europe make a paycheck and tips are considered a small "bonus" — to reward great service, or to simply round the total bill to a convenient number. In most countries, 5 to 10 percent is adequate and 15 or 20 percent is unheard of.

How to Navigate Internet Cafe's and European Keyboards

Let us be blunt. We definitely do not recommend bringing a laptop along on your backpacking trip. They’re heavy, take up space, are easy to break while jumping on and off trains, need to be charged every two hours and are very easy for someone to walk off with, not to mention you have to find a “wi-fi hotspot” to use it.

That being said, this is 2010 and everyone pretty much owns a laptop and with Macbook Air™ which weighs three pounds and is less than an inch thick or the entire line of HP, Toshiba, Acer and Sony Mini books that cost less than $400, it can be very tempting to bring your Twitter, Facebook, video chatting and photo storage along for the ride.

The Role Weather Plays

When should I travel? I have summer free and plenty of time... but it's peak season so places will be crowded and hostels full, not to mention it will be hot and sweaty. Christmas break is nice because places won't be crowded... but will every place be open in the off-season? Spring break and Thanksgiving sound good... but might be too short for a visit overseas. So when do I travel? Not to mention - what will the temperature be like where I want to go at that time of year?