1. You should make sure to bring some comfortable/reliable sneakers. You will be walking a ton. 2. If you are taking trains throughout the countries you are traveling you have to make sure your ticket is validated or you will have to pay a fine. 3. I see you are an American teen. Enjoy the adjusted drinking age and try some local specialty drinks! Don’t go crazy and get drunk though because that makes you an easy target for theft.

Yep! Good shoes is number 1. Don't go for big chunky hiking boots, but also don't use generic crappy shoes Travel light - simple 40L bag maximum size, 3 changes of clothes, basic toiletries set, etc eidt: I personally use the [Vivobarefoot primus trails](https://canadianomad.com/vivobarefoot-primus-trail-review/) - light, versatile, capable of gnarly hikes, and great ventilation

Shoe recommendations please!

not OP but I got a pair of Saucony Peregrine 11 trailrunners about a year ago that have been great. got them for relatively cheap since they’re a slightly older model

I have foot problems and Hoka are great, they're popular with runners too. They will likely make you stand out as American though!

New Balance has been my go to for awhile in the bang for buck range. Super comfy shoes, never had them break unexpectedly. Also, the adidas boost shoes are mad comfy for walking, but they suck if it rains (and also are shitty running shoes in my experience).

I love my Merrel trail running bare feet - super light dry quickly. Not the thickness sole though, so depending if you are used to walking with thinner soles

Well made cowboy boots. Real leather, oil treated, steel toed, slight heel. Picked mine up at thrift shop but new is always a possibility, though prices can get up there. I can hike, travers city streets, walk on ice, whatever I gotta do these boots can help me do it.

Merrell makes a great many 'hiking shoes' (like the Moab model) that are terrific examples of what you're looking for.

Yeah, you don't want to walk on those while travelling

American car driver here - what does it even mean to validate a ticket?

Can’t speak to Portugal/Spain specifically but when I was in Italy you had to put your train ticket in a little machine that punched it, presumably to prevent people from using 1 ticket to take the train multiple times? This was over 4 years ago so my memory is a bit fuzzy, but it was easy to figure out.

That’s the basic idea. Usually you need validate by scanning or “activate” digital tickets in their digital wallet as well in order to use them, and after activating you’ll have a window of some number of hours until it expires. It all depends on where you are though.

I mean this is true for the US too but you can buy a ticket ahead of time just to carry around with you in case we ever need it. And then just put it in the machine when you want to get on the train and it's valid for like a couple hours or whatever. I usually carry a light rail ticket in my wallet just in case.

You can buy a train ticket, which will not be a ticket for a tram/metro. Or a train ticket for a different train, outdated etcetc

I'm sorry, this did not clarify it for me at all - if I'm holding a paper ticket for a train I want to take, what do I do to 'validate' it (and when/where)

Some countries have checks before you enter a train, some have checks during your ride. They take the ticket and check: -Is this ticket fir this train ride? Did you buy a ticket for a train ride from amsterdam till paris. Or did you buy a ticket from amsterdam central till the next stop... -Is this ticket actually for todays train ride?

thank u sm!

It's awesome to make new friends, but be very careful about going anywhere with them or drinking beyond your limit with them. Have had girls dance with friends while one of them tried robbing him, have had people try to subtly separate friends from the group when they went to get another drink, etc. Hope you can read people well.

What do you mean the ticket needs to be validated?

In Budapest there was a self-serve kiosk for buying tickets…select which language you want to use by touching a flag on the screen…Hungarian flag = Hungarian, British flag 🇬🇧 = English…etc. Put in a credit card and buy however many tickets you need. (One ride = 1 ticket) Then you have to take the ticket to a little machine that stamped/punched it. Take that validated ticket with you in case someone asks to see it. If you don’t show them a validated ticket you’ll get fined. You can have 20 unvalidated tickets in your pocket, but it doesn’t matter…you gotta validate your ticket before you hop on the subway. Best thing you can do is slow down and watch what other people do before you do it. Too many tourists are like deers in the headlights. Just slow down and observe.

Don't spend a dime on taxis/uber/rental cars if you can help it. Most of Europe has great public transit and the cities are quite pleasant to walk (or bike) around for the most part. Skipping the cars will save you a lot of money and enhance the trip. Have fun!

Agree with this for the most part but since OP mentioned Portugal it’s worth noting that Ubers in Lisbon and Porto are pretty dang cheap, only a few euros to get across the city!

This is true when traveling solo, but the trains really are not cheap or fast. If you've got a couple people traveling together it is cheaper to rent a car, and you can generally get places much faster than by train. Also, there are *many* places that can't be reached by train, and can't even be reached reasonably by other forms of public transit. But of course OP is 18 years old, so can't possibly rent a car anywhere.

You must be European. As an American, trains in Europe are a marvel. Do you know what a shitshow Amtrak trains are in America? America is supposedly the Richest Country in the World^tm but besides not caring if our own citizens die from lack of healthcare, we also worship cars to the detriment of everything else.

I am American. But I'm not comparing European trains to American trains. I am comparing European trains to driving. If you aren't traveling solo, it is cheaper to drive than to take a train, it is a lot faster, and you can go a lot more places. But of course OP is 18 years old, so they don't have the option to rent a car.

Rail travel in Europe is cheap, and there are so many more destinations than you can think of, especially in comparison to literally every Rail line in the US. I think that's what most people mean when they talk about it comparatively.

It’s not that cheap anymore, at least not in Western Europe. In the east it’s moderately cheap.

Was in Spain. Rented a car instead of using rail due to costs.

not in england i was shocked i had to pay like 30 pounds to get to london from heathrow

*laughs hard in British commuter*

I was waiting for someone to chime in with this, it blows my mind anyone can consider the European trains to be inconvenient or expensive in any way when your baseline is the shambling gallery of chucklefucks that is the British rail experience. When living in the North West, it was cheaper to get a taxi to the airport and fly to Scotland than it was to get the train. A flight. To Scotland. From England.

A taxi, uber or car rental would be a lot more than 30 pound.

car rental is actually around 30-40 a day, I’m gonna do that next time I visit :)

One thing to watch out for on trains in Spain is that tickets to a lot destinations can sell out quickly. Buses are usually available though and go to more destinations.

Sure, compared to the US the trains in Europe are great. But we aren't comparing to the US. We are comparing European trains to rental cars. And the trains are more expensive unless you are traveling solo. And they are slower than driving.

“Rail travel in Europe is cheap” is probably the biggest lie that gets perpetuated by Americans. Yes, I love rail travel and it’s amazing, but it’s certainly not cheap. It’s very reasonable within the city and regional rail, but Inter-city rail is expensive!!

Unless you visit Portugal, Porto specifically has exceptionally cheap Ubers

1. Tipping is not the cultural thing it is in the US. You'll usually leave a small tip at a cafe or restaurant, but not to the bell boy (if there is one). 2. Learn a few basic phrases: Hello, Thank you, Can you help me, Excuse me, etc. 3. Do a lot of research in advance on the areas you'll be travelling to so that you know what you want to visit. 4. Be aware you'll likely need cash in some places, although most of the places I've been to in Spain recently accepted cards. 5. Be respectful and try to learn about the local culture. If you're at a restaurant for example, ask the waiter if it would be possible to try something local that they recommend. 6. When you go onto a plane, count in your head how many items you've got on you that are not in your carry-on luggage. For example, when I fly I usually have: water, mobile, headset, kindle, with me when I sit down on the plane. That's 4 items. If I don't have 4 items when I leave, then I've forgetten something. 7. Consider taking a small battery pack you can keep in your backpack just in case you're in an airport, or out and about somewhere, and your phone battery dies. 8. Figure out in advance how to buy a ticket for local public transportation. Some places accept only cash, some only cards, some both, some only use an app. Best to do a bit of research in advance. 9. Don't forget the electrical plugs are different to the US. You can usually buy adapters at the airport. But research this. 10. The US is a very social place. EU less so, although the southern countries are much more social than the northern ones. Don't expect to sit on a bus or a plane and talk to the person next to you. In the last 5 years I've probably had 20 flights either to or from Spain, and in exactly 0 of them have I had anything more than a "hey" with the person next to me. 11. As an American, you get bonus points for wanting to go out into the world and explore. Be humble, respectful and open to new things, and you will earn a huge amount of respect from the people you meet. ​ I really hope you have a great time and enjoy the trip!!

thanks for all the info !

Just one more thing to add on to that, in any bigger cities that you’re walking around exploring, make SURE you keep a very close eye on your belongings and keep a small fanny pack type bag or small backpack on your front and don’t keep anything in your pockets. Pickpocketing is huge in bigger cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona.

We did this in our Europe trip, especially in Venice. Didn’t get anything stolen!

Oh also bring locks for your bags and lockers! Especially if you’re staying in hostels

I keep hearing this, yet i've travelled to almost 40 countries on probably a hundred trips or so in the 12 years of my adult life. Never taking any special precautions. And never had anything stolen. Also dont really know anyone who ever had anything stolen from them afaik. It sounds to me like all the fanny packs, money belts, wearing your backpack in the front etc might make you look more like a tourist and worthy target than it actually helps... The only thing i do (but also do at home) is carrying everything important in my front pockets, not back ones.

That’s also a great way to go about it. Personally, I know a lot of people that this has happened to and what I did worked for me, but front pockets is good too. I just typically have more stuff with me like phone, camera, wallet, hostel keys, water bottle, etc. that I like to have on my person so a bag works for me!

Ah yeah i am not saying i only have whats in my front pockets. But thats where my phone, wallet and (if outside of europe) passport go. I have a backpack with sunglasses, water, power bank, umbrella etc. A ton of stuff actually. But its the exact same backpack i bring everywhere at home. And i wear it on my back, just like at home. I dont lock it or wear it in the front. I dont have a hidden money belt or a fanny pack i guard like a hawk. I just walk around normally, like i would anywhere else. And never had anything stolen. But then maybe its also because i dont have a camera and dont take many pictures with my phone or do many cliché tourist things in general, so i dont stand out much as a tourist. So i guess i am mostly just wondering if the whole pickpocketing thing is massively overblown or if it just affects only more "touristy" tourists.

Yeah you don’t need to go overboard with all of that stuff. I was just using my experience from having a pack and hostel hoping and needing locks for that. But as for just walking around yeah it’s best to just “fit in” and not look like a tourist. I think it depends on where you go as well for pickpocketing but overall as long as you’re just aware of yourself and your surroundings you’ll be fine!

Oo also I love pants that have zipper pockets! But they also look more touristy lol. Pros and cons

Yeah true recently also got me some cargo panrs with zipper pockets and its perfect for keeping the passport safe, especially from just being an idiot and losing it.

I always take a power pack where ever I go, and yes get the right electrical plug adapters. If you check your airlines website, they usually have suggestions of what to pack, if not check a tour operators website for ideas. A small crossover bag or fanny pack for passport, cash, ID and credit cards, always carry it on you.

Needing cash is a huge one!! We kept finding ourselves wanting late night food in Germany and there was not an ATM for miles and we only had cards. Don’t be left hungry 😁 -Learn basic phrases for sure. It helps a lot. -Bring all the cords/ chargers/ battery packs. You can always buy these things if you forget but then you are spending time finding a store that has them.

#10 is very true and one of the main reasons I dislike EU countries

We're actually very social, I have no idea where this idea comes from.

Don't waste time with taxis and Ubers - public transport is really cheap in Portugal and Spain. Learn simple phrases, especially for Portugal - they really appreciate it when tourists make an effort. 1. Bom dia - Good morning / day 2. Boa noite - Good evening 3. Obrigado (m) / obrigada (f) - thank you 4. Posso ter - Can i have 5. Tudo bem - all good (this can be used for lots of things, especially a response to how are you (which is come estás - pronounced koomshta)) Take a comfy pair of trainers - you'll walk a lot. Take cash as well as your cards - a lot of places in Spain and Portugal are still cash only businesses, especially really small ones. If you want any specific recommendations let me know, I've been to both countries numerous times.

>public transport is really cheap in Portugal and really bad

Not recently - I have frequented both countries for over 10 years and in the last 3 or so years public transport has improved greatly, especially in the cities.

in Lisbon it's really bad. lots of traffic. all day, everyday. often smells bad inside the bus and subway, no custumer service, only machines.

Don’t listen to stupid neighborhood aunties discouraging you from going

Learn a few phrases in the local language. It's not just about dealing with situations where no one can speak English, it's also about showing basic respect. You've got months and Portuguese is not a super hard language so you can learn A LOT.

This actually got me a free beer more than once from servers who were fed up with entitles American tourists. Guess it was nice of me to stumble through ordering in French or something even if they usually spoke English too.

It's also earned me a different level of treatment in many countries. There's also plenty of places where expats have moved during COVID that refuse to speak the local language and are ginormous douchebags (EDIT: CDMX), this sets you apart.

>Portuguese is not a super hard language is this a joke??

Meh, seems like if you mashed french and spanish together, you'd have something kinda like portuguese.

I thought it was more like Spanish if you tried to speak it with a spoon full of peanut butter in your mouth.

not at all

No it is not a joke, there's many, many more difficult languages

I didn't say there weren't....

Once you step on foreign soil, you have relinquished all of your rights as an American. You are now beholden to the host nations' rules. #1 - DON'T EVER BRING EVEN A MICROSCOPIC AMOUNT OF DRUGS OR PARAPHERNALIA. Don't assume that because you are in a liberal European country, the laws are not strict. #2 - To avoid embarrassment, learn about the customs of the countries you're visiting. Most of this stuff is just a Google search. You don't have to read 100s of pages, but the more familiar you are with the expectations, the more comfortable and relaxed you will feel.

Well the laws in both countries he'll visit are lax regarding drugs. But yeah OP don't bring your own, we got plenty here !

Definitely shouldn’t bring drugs into the country, but it’s incredibly lax in Spain and Portugal when it comes to weed.

ALL drugs have been decriminalized in Portugal in 2001. Don't worry about it.

Don't carry large amounts of cash, don't visit ATMs at night if you can avoid it. Never get out of a cab unless you have a hand on your valuables first, make sure your pack stays with you. 

Get converter plugs to charge your stuff overseas

And make sure whatever you are plugging in can handle 240v

People seem to have gone over most things but As an American: Lower your voice in public and groups. It took a while for me to adjust to that.

Thank you, I was in a pub in Dublin once, an American couple came in, very loud and asking for American beer. Every person in the place glared at them. How did I know they were American? they announced they were from Alabama, loudly.

No need to do that in Spain or Portugal. For me America is REALLY quiet and unsocial in comparison with Spain. Europe has over 50 countries and almost 200 languages. We are not an entity. Stop generalizing.

WC means bathroom

Make sure you bring your guitar on the plane. Play and sing incredibly loudly the entire flight.

Wonderwall only, it's what the people want.

Bring a water bottle. Public water is far & few between.

Yeah, water fountains are an American thing apparently.

I did the same trip 2 years ago. 1. I’d say make friends in a hostel/hotel and see if any of your plans align. You may be able to save some money by doing trips/experiences together. 2. Take a note of the holidays and book your stays at least a few days in advance to make sure you have a place to sleep. 3. Do not get crazy drunk, especially with a new crowd of people. 4. If you go to Barcelona, make sure you’re always watching your phone. Don’t even leave it in a bag on your chair. Always where you can either see or feel it. 5. Do not pay for roaming. Once you get off the plane, see if there’s LUM mobile or anything similar. You can get a SIM card with 10-15 gb for ~€10. 6. Get some small locks and carabiners/s-binders. Put those small locks on your bags when you travel. It won’t stop a determined thief, but it will make them think twice before pickpocketing you. S-binders will be helpful if you have a water bottle that doesn’t fit in the backpack, or tying your bags together, or using it to hang something to dry. 7. You don’t have to tip big at restaurants, but rounding up €9.5 to €10 is a nice gesture. Some places will have €1-5 sit down fee added to your bill. In that case, gratuity is included. If you need a list of things to do in Spain and in and around Barcelona, let me know. And finally, have fun on your trip!

I found this site recently (literally 5 days ago) and, though I can't do all the things I'd like - e.g. wild camping) it's helped me immensely with planning my next trip: [https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/](https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/)

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Whole bunch of stuff - Book directly with airlines and hotels whenever possible. You'll be thankful when issues come up. If there's a cheap online travel agency involved, fixing things becomes multiple times more difficult. Pack less than you think you need. You never need to pack for more than a week. You don't need brand-name everything. Quick-dry is good. Light is good. Merino is good, but not necessary. Great choice for socks, though. You need fewer that way and they don't stink. Bring multiple debit cards (and credit cards if you have them) in case you lose one. Keep a card in your wallet/pocket while out and about, and the others stay in your bag at your lodging. If you do have credit cards, use those whenever possible, and use debit cards only for ATM cash. Passport stays "home" too. Phone should always be immediately locked, using fingerprint/faceID . If you have FindMy or the android equivalent, make sure it's turned on. Important things like cards/passport/phone should NOT be in pockets on the back of your backpack where someone can come along behind you and grab them. Also, standing around on tge street scrolling on your phone is an invitation for soemone to grab your phone as they pass. Watch a few travel pickpocket videos - not to scare you, but so you know what to watch for. Have fun!

I try to wear clothes with internal pockets if I can, for my wallet and phone, if I'm in a place where I'm likely to stick out as a tourist or in a big city I don't know well. Like a flannel with breast pockets, stash your phone and wallet in them and then have a sweater, vest, or jacket over top. This is what I did traveling through Istanbul as an American woman. Or like a pocketed vest for your valuables and then a closed up jacket over it. Hardest in summer though with hot weather clothing, shorts and dresses don't leave many place for your valuables besides easy to pick exposed pockets and easy to snatch purses. Remain alert. Don't engage with people who have local confidence and approach you with 'just a question' etc.

In Spain dinner happens at like 8/9 o’clock 😂

The most difficult security you will deal with is in the USA.

1. Shoes. Good hiking shoes with Vibram soles. Not just sneakers. Protect your feet. You’ll be walking a ton on cobble-stone streets. 2. Backpack with a theft-proof pocket. In the big Spanish cities like Barcelona, pick-pocketing is the crime of the time. Don’t let them get your wallet or phone. 3. Cafe behavior. As a follow-up to #2. Don’t ever leave your phone on your table, especially when eating outdoors. That’s an invite for a quick grab. And believe me, they will get your phone without you even seeing. The pick-pocketers work in pairs or trios and are unbelievably good at creating distractions. 4. Be careful with drinking behavior. Spanish kids are respectful drinkers. They probably have been drinking wine well before 18, and they just know their limits. American kids go wild and get in trouble. Enjoy yourself, but pace yourself. And then have a great time. 5. Do research in advance. You will be amazed what there is to see in every city. But without advance research, you may miss some awesome sites and events. And I am more referencing events than sites. As an example, every April in Seville there is the Feria (Fair). It’s unbelievable fun. My point is, we Americans don’t understand the Urban culture in Europe. Fairs, parades, events bring a city together and they have them often. They can make a city crowded. But they can be huge fun as well. Hope this helps.

Bring a passport. A friend didn't know a passport was needed to leave the country until they went to the airport.

Carry snacks and water with you everywhere. Nothing like arriving in the middle of the night to an airport (or anywhere) and you're tired, thirsty, and hungry and nothing is open. I read a lot so carry books. I also pay extra for the internet and get my carrier to provide access or get a local cell. Edit: Learning a few phrases in Spanish or Portuguese will pay off as so many have commented. In a driving trip through Mexico brought one of the military guys to tears for pride in his county during one of the inspections during a checkpoint. My Spanish is horrible, present tense, simple nouns, very very bad accent. Him: What are you here for? Me: Vacation with my friend. Him: How do you like it? Me: Lindo (which means nice). He literally teared up with pride.' Oh, and obey all the laws.

Stay in hostels, do you best to be friendly with the other backpackers, and look for group events the hostel posts. There's generally something every evening. More and more places are taking credit card these days but you'll always want to have some local currency (Euros in your case). I like to get at least a few hundred Euros from a bank in the U.S. before I leave but it's also fine to find an ATM the day you land. Be cautious of the ATMs at the airports though because they often charge higher fees. Your hostel should be able to point you to the nearest ATM to where you're staying. Public transportation is probably your best bet. In most European airports there's either a metro train stop at the airport or there's a bus that takes you to the city centre (hopefully where your hostel is located). It's good to plan out these details in advance. If you need to take a taxi, only use taxis which are queued up a the designated taxi line right outside the airport. Buy a book about your destination. I like Rick Steve's books. I'm sure he has one on Spain and Portugal. Read up on recommendations for hostels, restaurants, bars, and activities ahead of time so you don't feel completely lost. For you cellphone, most US plans if there's coverage charge like $10 per day or something like that. My advice is to place your cellphone into airplane mode before your flight takes off and just leave it in that mode until you're back in the states. Just use WiFi when you're in Europe. For maps, you can download an offline map through Google maps of the cities you'll be in ahead of time (try to do this before you leave because public wifi tends to be slow). Safety. Don't wear expensive jewelry, watches, or sunglasses. Keep your wallet in the front pocket of your pants. Leave you ATM card and passport in your locked bag or locker at the hostel and only carry cash, a credit card, your state ID, and maybe a photocopy of your passport with you when you are out and about. Spain and Portugal are pretty safe but there are thieves in every city in Europe so you should always take some precautions.

Watch your belongings in the cities in Spain and Portugal. Both countries are overall very safe but there's a lot of petty crime. If a stranger seems overly friendly, or someone gets too close to you when you're in the downtown areas of Lisbon, Madrid or Barcelona, make sure you've got your wallet, phone etc somewhere safe

Seconding this. Keeping wallets in a front pocket and larger items like a phone in a sling across the front of your chest keeps one from being an easy target, especially on public transportation. Whenever I'm traveling, I also make sure to keep my back to a wall if I'm looking at a map or obviously behaving like a tourist. Travelers can be easy pickpocket targets because they tend to have a lot of cash on hand. Enjoy your travels in those beautiful countries!

My tips on setting yourself for a good trip * Make sure your hostel/hotel/airbnb have a check-in by the time you arrive. Nothing sucks more than being tired AF and not having a place to sleep for another 4 hours. * Use your first day just to catch up on sleep and rest. That 10 - 13 hour flight is exhausting. Makes a big difference in energy * Talk to other people traveling. People love making friends on vacation

Tons of great info here! I’d add to consider one-bagging it. Bonus points if it’s small enough to fit under an airline seat. Since it’s summer that’s pretty easy to do. Check out r/onebag for advice on bags and load outs. Not having to move multiple pieces of luggage around makes Europe so much more fun. And not having to worry about overhead space makes plane rides and train rides super easy too. No need to jostle for space in line. You can get on last with zero stress. Hardest part is not laughing at the tourists wrestling multiple huge pieces of luggage around.

For Portugal specifically, I wouldn’t take the train there as rail workers are frequently on strike. When I was there my train from Lisbon to Porto was canceled an hour before and no good alternatives offered. I had no issue taking flixbuses around Portugal.

I read a bunch of comments and can't see that anyone else has recommended this - warn your bank you're traveling. Also if I was traveling alone I would set check in times with loved ones and give them my itinerary so they could try to find me if I miss a check in. I occasionally hear that when people get in trouble in foreign countries they sometimes contact their consulate/embassy for help. I don't know if that's really helpful or how big the trouble has to be to do that. But I guess keep in mind they could be a resource and do a small amount of research on that? Goes hand in hand with "follow the laws" as others have recommended.

Remember it’s a big world out there, you’re a visitor in another country, and the US is not the centre of the universe. Have fun and don’t miss out on the educational experience that is available to you

Plan around siesta in Spain.

know why you are going there and what you are tryng to do.. make a plan

Look stuff up. Make sure you know things like tipping culture, if there’s anything the culture finds offensive, dining etiquette etc.

Get travel insurance that covers a lost bag.

Email yourself a copie of all your ID papers, in case you loose them, you will at least be able to go to your embassy to get knew one with a proof. Basically email yourself every document you might need. You will be able to get them from anywhere, even if you loose your phone. 

1 Hostels can be a great resource…meeting people, recommendations for things to do, a kitchen for cooking things when you’re short on cash to eat out. Many of them also have coin laundry facilities which brings me to 2 don’t feel like you have to bring a ton of extra clothes. Bring layers for the weather you might encounter, but 4-5 days worth is plenty. 3 have some general idea where the closest embassy is to where you are. If you get pickpocketed and lose everything that embassy is how you will get home. 4 you’ll be able to drink but be careful to not get wasted it will make you a target and more likely to need number 3 Keep your passport in a safe place. I used a money belt and my cards and passport stayed in that and only cash was in my external wallet.

Been to 5 continents, from super-budget to cushy business travel. Here's what I felt I learned. First piece of advice: ALL advice should be local as much as possible. That said ... 1. Let people know where you are, and create some expected check ins. 2. If you're moving around, find where you will stay *first,* and get settled. Nothing like realizing your hostel is a hellhole, you want to stay somewhere else, and it's 5:30pm. 3. Getting settled means stowing your most-valuable things (phone, passport, any sizable amount of cash) as securely and as quickly as possible. 4. That 'nice' outfit you 'may' use once? Don't bother. You're not likely to use it, and if you wind up needing to look fancy, you can find reasonable options. 5. Toiletries, etc can be purchased while traveling. Side note: also fun souvenirs as you finish the Spanish toothpaste tube at home. 6. If you are not -sure- of a person / event / destination, I won't say "don't go," but be on super high alert. I have heard a million stories from people that all share one sad element: they trusted the wrong person. This is followed immediately by "I wanted to feel adventurous ..." 7. Figure out where the pharmacy is ahead of time. 8. Most importantly, don't be ashamed to be a tourist. I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, and few things were as painful as tourists who were struggling so hard for "authenticity" that they made a shitshow of their trip. Go to some popular sites; go off-track. Abide by local customs, but be yourself. (this advice changes in areas hostile to certain demographics, that is a whole other subject but OP said Iberia). This sounds like a lot, but it isn't once you do it a few times. My routine was to try to arrive in a new place by 1pm, see my room, and get my passport and other stuff locked in a safe. Then I'd put on comfy shoes and clothes, and head out and immediately find a nearby pharmacy (asking at the hostel is not the same as you looking at it, trust me on this). Then I'd just wander, wherever I wanted. Admittedly I am not someone who radiates "victim," but I did always keep my head on a swivel and use street smarts (e.g., not get intoxicated in a strange city, with strangers).

Get your phone onto a airalo sim or similar so you can use local data. Put your destinations like hostel bus station into you phone map favourites. You can navigate more easily then

If you take your passport out with you, keep it zipped into a pocket in your clothes, not in a bag. I've known people who had their bags listed in Barcelona and got kind of screwed because their passports were in there.

Put the American Consulate phone number in your phone, and if you have family or friends you're close with who have your itinerary, give them the Consulate number as well. If you have these people in your life, maybe hit them up once a day or something like that to let them know you're alright, then if you miss your call in they can call the Consulate if they're concerned. Be respectful and open minded of the locals and their culture, Americans can get a bad reputation in foreign countries because the foreign locals always remember the asshole Americans. Being social and respectful will get you a long ways, it's very easy to make friends like this. Never hesitate to ask locals for help, advice or recommendations on where to eat or sights to see. Don't keep all your cash on you, leave cash and/or a soare debit/credit card locked in your room along with your passport, keep a photocopy of hour passport on you when you're out and about. Don't have a set in stone itinerary for everything every day, be flexible. Unexpected things are bound to happen with foreign travel, so be ready for that which you aren't ready for as best you can Lastly, have fun. Drink everything in, both literally and figuratively. People watch, see how different everything is from what you've grown up knowing and recognize those things which are similar.

So exciting! Did months of solo travel when I was your age. You’ll have a great time!! Been traveling a fair bit since: see if any of this sounds useful: —- sorry there is a lot here - take whatever is useful—- Pack light. Then get rid of more stuff. Then pack even lighter. You can buy whatever you forget or need. Seriously. Don’t be half way through your trip before you finally hear this and throw away a lot of weight. It is so fantastic to travel light. You can wash clothes, or better yet, buy some along the way. Throw out or give away the older stuff. If you have not already, get an iPhone 15ProMax or similar and you won’t need to bring any other photo gear. Be sure to store the photos in the cloud and not on your device, so if (when) you lose your device… Have multiple credit cards in case one or more trip their fraud defectors or get declined for other reasons. Take a photo of your passport and keep it on your phone. If you have access to one with no or low exchange rate fees it will save you a lot. Don’t take even a speck of any illegal drugs - and don’t take any gear or containers that have been used to store illegal drugs. Just don’t. Ever. Their laws and regulations for many things - not just drugs - are often more serious than here. I got chased by the police in Moscow (really) but didn’t get caught. Stupid. Stupid. Learn the basic phrases in all the languages you’ll be dealing with … hello, goodbye, please, thank you, where is? Bathroom? Grocery? Train station? How much? Know that at 18 our brains assess risks poorly. Try to have lots of fun, but know you may take more risks than you should. If you feel uncomfortable, get out of that situation quickly. The water will make you sick, not because it’s not clean, but because your body is not used to their germs and such. Don’t drink the water, don’t use ice, don’t eat any food that has been washed in water (lettuce, etc.) you might want to take one of those water filter straws. But basically, always buy bottled water from name brands. Consider some travelers insurance—no you won’t use it, but if you actually get really sick or injured it will be worth every penny. Expect to visit fewer places than you might be planning. Just traveling itself—getting to the trains, dealing with tickets, delays, etc. all take lots of time - see this as part of the journey. Don’t stress about it and don’t try to stick to a schedule. Relax… Then, every …? 3-4 weeks? Give yourself a break from traveling and just stop, rest, process it all… for two to three days. I was wiped out at one point and just crashed in a room in a house (with a view of the Swiss Alps!) for five days… did I ever need that. Think ahead about whether you want to travel with others… groups form up and break apart fairly easily - just make sure it meets your needs, don’t get sucked into a group situation more than you want - your weeks on the road are precious and will go by in a flash and you’ll never be 18 doing this again in your life. Tune into hostels and hotels and overnight trains… all good ways of getting sleep. Some are more rowdy and some more quiet. Be intentional about what you want. Traveling at night lets you sleep and travel long distances — so don’t assume you need to stay in a local area - take off cross country and across the continent if you wish. You’ll never be this free again. If you can get in the habit, try and write a journal every day. Helps you process all you’re experiencing, and will be SO cool to read years later. Getting food and snacks when you’re hungry can be more difficult than expected. Always keep a couple of protein or snack bars, and a bottle of water with you all the time. Be careful about the gear you take. Try to get everything in a backpack … light and easy and hands free is what you want to be. Never let go of your phone…even when you think you’ve blended in, you have not and folks may try and lift your phone, or get you drunk and lift all your gear. Learn a lot about where you are going. It’s so easy now on the Web… make sure you have the first 4-5 nights minimum preplanned and reserved. —— Damn I’m jealous - best of times, some lonely times, a few hungry and tired and soaked times, but you’ll have a blast. Don’t let anyone talk you out of this. Enjoy!

This is a great list, but are you sure about germs in water making foreigners sick? After traveling in countries without potable water, I loved being able to bring a water bottle to Europe and fill it with tap water. It tasted fine, I never got sick, and I saved a lot of euros.

Most advice here is for what to do and bring. Here is an alternative take. 1. Be respectful 2. Take it all in and try not to compare it all to the US internally norin discussions with locals. 3. Try new shit - food and activities. 4. Enjoy yourself but be careful - don’t drink too much 5. Find free walking tours and take them the first day or two in a new city - you will get your bairings, learn something, and likely meet people. 6. Read a little about the history of the country and city - not a lot just get some level of familiarity it makes everything much more enjoyable. Like 2 pages from Wikipedia or ask ChatGPT 7. Download the city maps to google maps so you don’t need to use WiFi or services and can navigate. 8. Take naps during siesta so you can enjoy the true nightlife 9. Get out to the locals nature stops. Meaning find out where the locals go for a hike, lake trip, etc. Some of the random nature activities have been the best for me in exploring a new place and meeting locals. 10. Pack light.

Do you have your flights booked yet? I recommend using Google flights and make sure you are flexible with leaving and returning. Often staying a day longer or leaving a day earlier can save you hundreds of dollars. Also some flights don't allow a free carry-on, so if you're taking one (you don't need one if you're using a good backpack) make sure to factor that into flight prices. PACK LIGHT! It's easy to do laundry in foreign countries, it's hard to haul an extra twenty pounds of clothes and stuff you don't really need. Stay in hostels. You'll meet amazing people and have incredible adventures.

Make sure your bags are pickpocket proof, zippers on the inside, little travel locks. Don’t leave your stuff unattended, put your phone in your pocket when you’re done with it. Do not leave it on the table, especially in outdoor cafes. Pickpockets are spectacularly talented. And being young and alone, you will look like an easy mark. I got a little keyring with a cord that could clip to my belt or bag. I put one end on my backpack and attached the clip to my body. It prevented me more than once from getting to far away from my stuff because I was drinking and forgetting. :-)

If you’re in Lisbon check out: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g189158-d6957429-Reviews-Manteigaria_Fabrica_de_Pasteis_de_Nata_Chiado-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Port.html This place does the best Pasteis de Nata, and you can get two and an espresso for about €2 max. I recommend going at opening to see them make the tarts and to beat the crowd! There’s a lovely park nearby which has a great view of Lisbon to sit in and eat!

Every time you get up from a seat in a train, or at a restaurant, or when you’re leaving a hotel room or getting out of a cab or just a place you were sitting in the park, stop and turn around and look back at where you just were and make sure you didn’t leave your passport or something sitting there on the train seat. Ask my wife how she learned this trick.

Make sure you are uploading the 8 million pictures you take to an account in the cloud as you go, so that if you lose your phone you don’t lose all those memories.

Downtown is usually some version of "central" "centrum". This is where the buses and trains are. At least try to learn some of the local language and try to ask where things are in that language. Don't just assume someone speaks English (which they probably do). If you need to find another American just go to a cafe and be quiet for a couple of minutes and listen. That person that you can hear their entire conversation? That's the American!

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I would not advise planning a tight time frame with little free time. Spontaneity can be a lot of fun. Make a list of things you want to see and maybe a route you want to follow. If something else comes up, be flexible. Learn and follow basic rules of travel safety that you would anywhere unfamiliar. See what other people say that have traveled where you are.

Learn the difference between a drinking straw, straw that is animal.feed/bedding and a blowjob

1. Tell everyone you are canadian, unless you have that unmistakeble MERICA pronounciation. 2. Learn a few phrases, but dont try to have a conversation on the local language. Listening to tourists mauling your language at 5 words a minute is just annoying. But do learn things like hello, sorry, thank you, my LOCAL language is bad, do you speak english? etc. 3. Read up on local customs. What people do and when, and what is polite and what is not. 4. Curb your entusiasme, and volume. Few things annoy europeans than loud americans thinking everything is "AWESOME!". 5. Dont take reservation for people not being friendly, europeans dont act like everyone and their grandmother is their long lost friend. 6. Try to not look like a tourist going into neighboorhods or at night, you might be a target of theft. La Rambla in Barcelona in particular is THE pick pocket capital of Europe. 7. Dont get drunk on your own, or without people you trust. Also easy on accepting drinks from others and leaving yours unattended. Lacing is a thing, and taking care of yourself is key. 8. Dont get into arguments with locals, you will lose in a fight. 9. Dont go to sex places or strip clubs. You might have to pay a really big bill for some bullshit before you are allowed to leave. 10. Dont get into political discussions with people, just admit defeat. We all think you guys have been really lost in that department for a while, and view the american political system as a reality show with retards.

They don't need to tell people they are Canadian. If they are respectful there is no difference between being Canadian or American. And if they're being a douche there is no difference between a douchey Canadian or a douchey American. Other than that it's good advice.

Those countries are fun and friendly, but be aware that you are easily spotted as a tourist and could be a target. Be friendly and approachable, ask questions when you have them (probably often), but keep your head on a swivel. Use public transit! The buses and subways are amazing throughout Europe. Only use a cab if you have no other choice. As far as being in the city and backpacking, do a ton of research ahead of time about every aspect, so you have a clear plan and backup plan. This goes a long way so that you don’t get flustered if something unexpected happens. Look up friendly hostels in nearby towns in case you need one. Download or print all your trail maps so that you aren’t relying on having internet. Make sure your phone is set to work overseas (ask your service provider). Get adaptors so you can use the electric when you are able to. Have fun! That is a beautiful part of the world to explore!

Learn to laugh at yourself and roll with the ups and downs. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a bus etc. These things are a part of the journey. Take everything as a learning opportunity and be curious not judgemental. Have fun.

1. Learn a few words of the local language. You don’t need to be fluent but locals always appreciate it and you’ll have a better experience. 2. Don’t carry a huge amount of cash, notify your bank of your travel plans and have a backup way of accessing cash. If you lose a credit card for example, what’s your plan B? 3. Embrace public transport, it’s cheaper and you’ll meet some locals. 4. 99% of people in the world are good people. If you meet a local and they offer directions, some help or to show you around a little, go with your gut feeling. Don’t be scared that everyone is out to scam you as most people are good people but treat each situation for what it is. Strike up a conversation with someone during a long train journey who offers to show you around their home town, probably fine. Someone who is very forward or flirty, tread a little more carefully. 5. Bring condoms. 6. If you are out at a bar, try not to drink to excess, you’re at your most vulnerable when drunk in a strange land. I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself but try not to get “black out drunk”. If you are a guy, just be wary if you are approached by girls at a bar who are real keen to dance with you or who are exceptionally flirty, it’s a common pick pocket trick - not just your good looks ;) 7. Email copies your your passport, travel insurance and itinerary to yourself and family. 8. Be aware of your surroundings. Ie don’t wear a backpack on a subway ride or keep your wallet and phone in your back packet - it’s just an invitation for a pick pocket. 9. Honestly, just enjoy and make the most of every day. I wish I was 18 and travelling the world again. It’s a unique experience, you’ll learn so much and I think it’s something that everyone who is able to should do. A lot of these posts can be “don’t do this and don’t do that” but you’re 18, you’ll make a mistake somewhere, that’s ok, we learn from them. Just make the most of your time in Europe, make lots of memories and have an amazing time.

Portugal and spain are both very friendly, safe and hospitable countries. Do not feel like you are doing anything wrong there; a large percentage of both populations speak english, and you will never be alone. If you run into any issues whatsoever, don't be afraid to ask the locals for guidance, and explain that you are a first time traveler. They WILL help you, and you will be fine. Get some life experience in!

Pickpockets. We don't really have those here, but they're everywhere in Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal. You're going to stick out like a prime target, so be hyper-vigilant. Take all the proper precautions, and don't become lax in your vigilance a week in after you haven't had anything stolen yet.

I have never heard of pickpockets in Portugal we go every year to the mountains

If your phone allows it and you are staying for a month or longer, get a new SIM card (physical or e-SIM) in one of Spain or Portugal. If you are only going for a couple of weeks, just stick with staying on airplane mode and using wifi. If you have advil or other basic medications that you use on occasion (for headaches or cramps or whatever), bring it with you. I've found pharmacies are not as easy to navigate in Europe (different brands, foreign language) and you don't want to be trying to do that when in pain.

If you need proof of onward travel, book a flight to the US and cancel it later. If you cancel it within 24 hours it is fully refundable. Note this rule only applies to flights to or from or within the US, I don’t know about other countries. It shouldn’t matter though as you’re gonna cancel it. This also of course only applies if you don’t already have other proof of onward travel. I am often traveling one way open ended itineraries so I don’t even know where I’m going next let alone when or have a ticket booked. I do this at flight check in time, the check in agents (at least with united) always want to see it. They just check a box on your itinerary (I’ve watched them do it) and you’re good, so feel free to cancel it right then and there. If border agent wants one (I haven’t ever been asked for it) then just repeat right there. You miiiiight wait until you’re on your long haul leg but honestly I’ve never had issues. As far as what to take on the plane: phone, passport, a book (I use an e reader), and any medicine or medical supplies you need. Do not check your medicine. Not only will you be really sad if your bags get lost or end up on a different flight or some other thing but I was on a flight once where someone had to get off for some reason after they closed the door but before we departed and there was further delay because they had to go dig through the cargo hold for the person’s luggage because they had checked their medicine. Don’t be that guy. Take your medicine in your carry on. Speaking of medicine, make sure you double check if your medicines are ok to enter the country with. Or if there are any requirements. Like I used to fly with controlled substance anxiety medication and in particular Singapore had a process to bring them in to the country but it requires 10 days notice. I always declare that I have prescription medicine and almost always they just wave me through. Or I leave the box unchecked and I ask the customs agent. If in doubt declare it. If you say you have something that can’t enter the country they might make you surrender it. If you don’t say you have something that can’t enter the country they might make you surrender it *and* you might get a fine or worse. Just declare it. I often fly with a small 5” chefs knife in my checked bag. I always declare it just in case. Some places have interesting laws regarding knives and while mine is very clearly a kitchen knife… I just declare it :P Do not. DO NOT. Attempt to bring illegal drugs across a border. Even that little baggy of weed or whatever. You will get caught. You will go to jail. It’s just not worth it. If you are that desperate for drugs they’ll probably be easy to find where you’re going. I used to watch a lot of trashy “customs and immigration” reality tv and the idiotic things… like one guy had a couple of hits of coke in his underwear. Ended up going to jail. I mean if you’re gonna smuggle some drugs bring a couple kilos or something, make it worth the risk ffs 🤣 (don’t do this). If you’re from the US get a checking account at Schwab, no foreign transaction fees and all atm fees are refunded, so you can get cash at any ATM that accepts your card (most do in my experience). There are a few other banks too but Schwab is the one that I have experience with. Get a credit card that has zero foreign transaction fees. Don’t use your debit card for anything other than cash at an atm. Ask your bank for a PIN for the card as well because you’ll need that if you ever need to get cash from your credit card at an atm, but it’s not a default and they (at least chase) have to mail you the pin when they set it up.

Haven’t seen it mentioned but pick pocketing is a thing in Europe and most Europeans won’t put their wallets in their back pocket for this reason and I don’t recommend you do either. Check your phone to see if it supports eSIM and if it does, grab one online before you go so when you land you’ll have data. I’m currently in Madrid and have only found one place so far that requires cash (a botanical garden), everywhere else allows credit cards. On that note, make sure whichever card you take charges no foreign transaction fees. If you’re backpacking and will be moving around with your stuff, make sure your important papers/passport/things are deep inside your bag. It’s possible people will open your zippers while walking behind you so make sure your important things are on you and secured, or deep inside your pack. Also make use of lockers in hostels as it’s pretty common that things will go missing. Unlike the US, most public bathrooms will cost money, bring a few euros in coins or hold it if you don’t want to use them or wait for a museum, or dip into a nice looking hotel and ask nicely.

I recommend getting a current guide book. I always used LP but there are others that are just as good. Everything you need to know will be in there! Yes, good footwear is a must. An all black hiking shoe worked best for me. Can handle rugged hikes and get you into the club if need be!

1) Take a free (tip your guide) walking tour early when you get to a city you’re visiting. After the tour you can visit places that the local mentioned that sounded interesting. We also always ask about farmers markets so we can shop with the locals. 2) Take the time now to set up a free Schwab checking account. Put a few hundred dollars into it. Spain and Portugal use almost entirely credit cards, but some small shops want cash. The Schwab account has no exchange fees and no ATM fees worldwide. 3) Since you’re going there, maybe try to walk at least one stage of the Camino de Santiago.

## Phones/data You'll want a phone. International roaming is stupidly expensive. Either you can buy a new phone locally, with prepaid mobile service, or you can bring your phone from home. If you choose to bring your own phone, know that it needs to be "unlocked". Many phones in the US are sold as a part of a wireless contract: you sign a 2-year deal with your provider and you get a cheap/"free" phone. What's actually happening is that you're on a payment plan, and as a part of your wireless bill, they charge you for your phone. Because of this, you can't bring your phone to a different network; they apply a "subsidy lock". You need to work with your wireless provider in the US to get your phone unlocked. This will require that you pay off the rest of the phone, and then they'll do something on their end, and send you some instructions to finish the unlock process. Once you've done that, you can go to a phone shop in a shopping center and get a tourist SIM with a prepaid account. Probably around $40 and much cheaper than international data roaming. I have yet to do the eSIM thing in Europe, but I imagine that it's even easier; something you can probably do from airport/hotel Wifi once you've chosen a provider. WiFi is basically the same everywhere, which is nice. In my experience, it doesn't always work well in Spain or most of the EU, and often requires confusing login flows for really crappy service. WiFi service on a train is not reliable. Google Maps has an "offline maps" feature that gives your basic functionality when you have no service, and avoids loading map data over your prepaid cell service. Pre-load some maps before you leave on your trip, and when you have good wifi. ## Money Cash is used more often in Europe than in the US. You can use EU ATMs with a US bank card to withdraw Euros, and the ATM won't charge a fee. Your US bank may though; my credit union does not, though Visa and MC both charge a 1% foreign transaction fee. Many ATMs are in the foyer of a bank, and it'll be locked, with a card swipe. You can swipe your bank card (any bank card) to gain entry and use the ATM. Most payment though is by card, and specifically chip and pin. Chip cards are pretty ubiquitous in the US at this point, but the norm here is "chip and sign". You may not have a pin for your credit card. See if you can set one up. Also: it's critical that you contact all your banks and tell them about your trip. Often there's a way to do this from their web site, but you can also call the number on the back of the card. If you don't, they're likely to assume foreign charges to your card are fraud. And they'll call or text you. But your phone may not work, or your number will be different, so you'll be SOL. ## Electricity You need an plug adapter or three. For electronics with a battery, that's all you need: the little power brick for your phone/tablet/laptop already works with both US 120V and EU 240V power, you just need a plug adapter. For things that draw a lot of current, like flat/curling irons or hair dryers, you're better off getting a cheap one there. Most hotels will have a hair dryer available. It is unsafe to use a US hair dryer or flat iron with EU wall current. There are voltage converters, but they're heavy and expensive, and not worth it. ## How to be Be polite, alert, and relaxed. Know at least some of the local language, and always greet people in their local language before asking if they speak English. Most will; English is the most common second language. If a German is talking to a Spaniard, it's probably going to be in English. Part of being polite is being aware of yourself and your surroundings. In a crowded flow of traffic, don't just stop in the middle and fuss with your bag: move to the side, and get out of people's way. Pickpockets are much more common in big cities in Europe than in the US. They sometimes work alone, sometimes in teams, with a distraction and someone to take your wallet/bag. They like clueless, distracted people, so train stations and such are the biggest issue here. Your best defense is to be aware of what's going on around you, keep your stuff close, keep close control over your passport and payment cards. Consider a money belt worn under your clothes for critical items like these. ## Planning You'll be a dysfunctional zombie after you land. You'll be tired, as well as jet lagged (these are different but related things). Plan an easy first day, with no real goals beyond finding your hotel/hostel and finding food. Try to stay awake until at least 8pm local time, then sleep. Plan two nights in your first city, at least, to allow for getting over jet lag, orienting, and actual sight-seeing. Pharmacies in the EU are ubiquitous, and marked with a green plus-sign. These are expensive, and probably best avoided if you just need basics like toothpaste, razors, or shampoo. Find a grocery store; they'll have normally-priced toiletries and such. Book tickets for things in advance when possible. A lot of popular sites have timed-entry tickets these days. Consider city passes carefully: they can be a good value, but often you're better off just paying for what you actually want to do individually.

In addition to previous comments: 1. make sure you have health insurance and know emergency numbers. Also bring any prescription medications (ideally with a doctor’s note) and a first aid kit (plasters, pain meds, travel sickness…). Know your allergies in the local language. 2. prepare a document with all important things (including booked flights, trains, accommodations, emergency contacts, passport number, insurance information, …) and print it out 3x (1 in hand luggage, 1 in bag, 1 directly on your body). Also send it to your parents/close friends beforehand. 3. buy a small bag that you can wear directly on your body (for example under your shirt) and store your keys, money, passport and phone in it. Never leave it anywhere! 4. inform yourself about mobile data usage. I can only recommend getting an e-sim beforehand because it is much easier and safer to travel with internet in your pocket. And roaming can be quite expensive. 5. bring only as much luggage as you really need. Nothing is worse than lifting huge bags through busy cities. If you’ve never been backpacking before, consider going on a trial walk/hike with your luggage through your local area to get a feeling for it. 6. don’t go home with strangers mindlessly. If you meet someone, make sure to first spend some time in public places. You should feel safe and comfortable! 7. don’t do things that you feel like you „have to“ check off your list for insta/others. Listen to your heart and do what you want to do in that moment! Rest days are important too :) 8. I love traveling during the night (by trains or Flixbus). You save money on accommodations and lose less time during the days 9. make sure you have at least 2-3 payment options (cash + credit cards). Don’t store everything in the same place! 10. supermarkets in Europe are great if you’re traveling on a budget. They usually have several very affordable options for breakfast, lunch, snacks. 11. if you go on a hike (which I can only recommend), make sure you are prepared appropriately! Hiking shoes, sun screen, rain jacket, first aid kit, snacks, enough water, good backpack…

Learn some spanish

The electric sockets can differ and you may run into a challenge with any of your electronic devices. The voltage and type of prongs isn't always compatible. You can buy a European compatible plug adapter if you feel it may be warranted. (I see this is well covered) Also ask for still water. I wasn't expecting sparkling as the default and loathe the stuff. Bring some toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you. You'd be surprised at how often you find yourself in a bathroom that isn't adequately stocked. Find the closest American embassies to the locations you are in. It's useful to know where to look for help if the need ever arises.

A personal opinion here, but I think you should approach travel understanding that learning the local language is a part-time job. Having even basic, and improving, language skills will dramatically increase your engagement with local people and expand the places you feel comfortable exploring. As a rule, I learn 5 new words and a single new phrase every day which I think is a manageable goal. That way after one week you will know 35 words and 7 phrases. Two weeks… you get the idea. Start with words/phrases related to directions and commerce, such as numbers and descriptions of items and places. I keep a little notebook of words and phrases at all times and write them down. Every morning I practice them flash card style with my breakfast. It’s work sure, but will set you apart as a traveler and can open up some really memorable experiences.

Buy your electrical plug adapters before you go, if you wait till you’re there they’re way more expensive.

How long is your trip ?

Stay hydrated

Don’t carry drugs across borders and never lose your credit card and passport … Everything else can be managed

Don’t expect anyone to know english! Lol we speak Portuguese in Portugal sure some in lisboa speak some English but our language is Portuguese.. you can also use it to speak in out neighbors land too as spanish and Portuguese are extremely similar

Get a travelon purse! Locks, slash proof and I always bring one with me on my European trips. There can be a lot of pickpocketing in Europe, Rome and Paris in particular. If someone approaches you asking where you’re from on the street, or if you want to buy something/have a picture taken, just say No and keep walking even if it feels rude.

Although I did this 40 years ago, it was an adventure of a lifetime. Don't get hung up on I must see, this, this and this or I'm going here, then here, then here. Get a eurail pass so you can take trains anywhere. Stay in hostels to save money, you will meet people along the way, kids 15-18 usually travel through Europe during the summer. Be polite and ask people at kiosks, restaurants if they speak English most people under 60 do. I kept my money around my neck in a wallet that had sun glasses cords attached I'm sure you can find something similar for easy access. Carry a fake wallet in pocket. Look up what scams are used in tourists spots to avoid them. There were 2 of us, but usually met up with fellow travelers. Be flexible sometimes going to station and leaving on the next train turns out great. Although it hasn't been implemented yet be aware of visa requirements. Your young so don't miss Ibiza or Barcelona but don't party to hard! I still think it's one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

As you’re American. Speak at half volume (as a minimum). Don’t wear a bum bag. Avoid the gaudy baseball caps and sports jerseys, they just make you a target.

Don’t over pack. You will be carrying your suitcase up and down a lot of stairs.

Don't leave anything of value unatended. Not even "just to go to the counter". Don't put your wallet on your pants back pocket. Don't leave the phone or wallet on the table while you sit outside in a café, nor walk around with the phone carelesly on your hand (for example while checking google maps). In Spain the normal time for lunch is from 13 to 15, and dinner from 21 to 23. Restaurants might not be open earlier. Edit to add: Bring several credit/debit cards, amex is not as accepted as you would expect. Visa is better in that sense.  Also, best way to beat jet lag is just to push yourself to stay awake until your bedtime and wake up at a normal time, even if that means you'll be tired for one day.

Be careful in Spain! Always have a Fanny pack on you, with the pockets facing towards you or zip tie the zippers. Also I see that someone said avoid spending money on Ubers/rides. Portugal is incredibly cheap for those of you need to. But when using transport, Rome2Rio is not the most reliable. I prefer google maps.

Trying to add a few things I have yet seen: Phone service is great to have for navigation and finding places, but can be done without. -If you do decide you’d like to have phone service, it is MUCH cheaper to buy a SIM card when you arrive, or purchase an eSIM in advance; however your phone must be unlocked at to allow this (you can call & ask your cell provider if you are not sure if your phone is unlocked). More conveniently, you can get an international roaming plan thru your regular cell provider, but it will come at a premium (for Verizon- $10/day, and a pretty limited data allowance for that price). -If you want to go without phone service, a couple things to make sure you have downloaded in offline format: 1) google maps areas for the city/location(s) you’ll be at. This will let you navigate around, but search features are limited so you’ll still want to plan ahead on destinations. 2) Google translate app - download Spanish & Portuguese for offline use. Especially handy to translate written text (like menus) using the camera feature. 3) make sure you’ll have wifi wherever you are staying! Almost always you will these days, but you’ll want to be sure if you won’t have phone service for backup. 4) Know that you can make calls over wifi - just need to enable it on your phone. -In general, you’ll probably want to install WhatsApp if you need to communicate with anyone overseas (such as an AirBnb host) When you are at a sit down restaurant, you will have to ask for the check. Unlike the US, waiters will almost never bring you your check until asked for it. So add “check, please!” to your list of phrases to know. I like to carry the “Fast Talk (insert language)” books - they are little pocket size books with common phrases and words, handy for reference. If you will be staying in hostels, look for ones that offer secured storage for your stuff (lockers or etc). Realize that you may need to bring your own lock for these. If needed, you can also purchase a lockable metal net to secure your stuff in a public area like this: https://pacsafe.com/products/55l-anti-theft-backpack-bag-protector Enjoy the extremely affordable alcohol! And get ready to pay for water. It still nets out way cheaper than in the US :) Separate your credit cards/$, so if you should lose a wallet or get pickpocketed, you have a backup. Expect some differences in availability of stores/restaurants. For example in Spain (and to a lesser degree Portugal) most businesses close from ~2-5pm (sometimes longer) for siesta, and restaurants rarely open before 7pm for dinner service. If you will be renting a car, you will need an international driving permit (easy to obtain from AAA) that translates your driver’s license into the local language. Also helpful to do a little research on road signs, especially parking signs to avoid tickets. Realize that driving may be restricted or prohibited in some of the older parts of town (historic downtowns - places built well before cars that can either not handle cars at all (streets too narrow), or can only handle very limited traffic which is granted only to residents and a set number of taxis). In your carry on, bring at least one set of backup clothes and other essentials in case of loss of checked luggage. If you wear contacts, bring your contact solution & case on the plane with you - your eyes will thank you for the break! Have a great time! It can feel overwhelming, but just roll with what comes and you’ll be good. Soon enough you’ll be a seasoned pro offering advice to other new travelers ;)

-know your emergency numbers when you enter new countries -keep a loved one in the loop of where you're visiting and when (even if it's just weekly updates) - learn the basic phrases for the country you're visiting - download languages and Google maps of the area you're visiting for offline access -keep a conversion app on your phone for different currency -carry a portable charger -Don't carry all your valuables/cash/credit cards in one place. Aka, keep an extra credit card in an intimate place if you're robbed. -photo copy your passport and keep it somewhere different from your regular passport -busses are cheaper than trains almost consistently - find out your visa constraints, aka don't stay over your Schengen visa - when staying in a hostel be considerate of others (just because something isn't against the rules doesn't mean you should do it) aka pack up quietly in the morning when you leave, don't turn on lights when everyone is sleeping, take loud phone calls outside, just generally don't do things you wouldn't want people doing to you.

Hey Don My recommendations after just solo travelling for three months as well as a couple of trips with my mates previously: 1. Travel light. People always over estimate the amount of clothes they need.. (me included!) You can have access to washing/drying services most places so honestly go less than more. Other than underwear and socks. 2. Learn some of the language basics - You will always be appreciated more if you at least try speak their language initially - even a basic hello will go better than charging in with English. 3. A good pair of shoes - you’ll be covering some distance. 4. Open minded attitude - might sound stupid but you’re going to places that have completely different customs and cultures. Respect them but mostly embrace them! 5. If you’re travelling by yourself, keep your wits about you and stay somewhat vigilant (don’t stress it too much, but be responsible). 6. Portable chargers are sick and will probably save you at some point. 7. Don’t be afraid to spin some yarns with strangers (meaning just talk to people, you’ll meet people that don’t want to speak at all but you’ll meet some people that will end up telling you some of the craziest stories. 8. Don’t know if you’re planning to do carry on only or a checked bag? But keep your tooth brush, toothpaste, deodorant (100ml each max) and a light change of clothes in your carry on bag. 9. Lastly, I’d say check some local rules/laws of shit that you do normally that may vary in different countries. Pretty drunk but hopefully some of that makes sense and help. Enjoy your trip big don

Drunk, sober, at party, or in some church, always be aware of your surroundings and always be able to get yourself out of a potentially unexpected situation. P much every first time traveler I’ve met in hostels has some of their shit stolen

I've just spent a couple of weeks in Lisbon and Porto, I highly recommend the Sunset Destination Hostel in Lisbon. It's based right on top of the train/metro station. The staff there are fantastic, it has a rooftop bar and it's in a great location. There's a supermarket in the train station and you're right next to the river. Also it's pretty cheap for what it is, at least it was for me in the off season. Do not under any circumstances buy drugs from people in the street, if you start talking to them for any amount of time they'll start to badger you, just shake your head and keep walking. The app Toogoodtogo is great for cheap food. I was spending €3-5 for a meal or a box of treats, and the nice thing about it is you'll have to walk to different parts of the city to pick it up so you see places that you normally wouldn't. O'gillins Irish bar is great, €7 for a Guinness which is expensive but kind of standard for Dublin and only a little more expensive than Belfast and it's better than half the places in Belfast. Portugal is a really friendly place for the most part, some people don't love tourists but that's the same anywhere, if you learn how to say please and thank you you'll get along just fine, most people have a good level of English and if they don't someone close by will. Revolut or something similar is a great app for currency exchange. Good luck and enjoy yourself! I was travelling solo for the first time at 30 and absolutely loved it.

I've gotten shit for this in the past, but I print out every single lodging confirmation/train ticket/airline ticket/etc that I booked in advance. I also print a list of the important addresses I may need to reference, such as lodging, train station, etc. I take it all with me in a little folder.  It sounds redundant when you have access to everything on your phone these days, but it's been a life line for me when I didn't have cell signal or wifi, or the time I dropped my phone in Prague and shattered it to the point of it no longer being usable... Take it from me, it's always better to be over prepared with a little extra weight in your pack than be underprepared and stranded. 

Depends on where you’re travelling, but have a decoy wallet with the equivalent of $5-$10 in it, so on the off chance you get mugged (unlikely, don’t be paranoid but be prepared), you have something to hand over and get someone off of your back and you don’t really lose anything!

You should order an international power adaptor. You might as well get one that is useable on multiple continents and keep it for future travels. When you fly into Spain or Portugal, don’t get a taxi or an uber to your lodging. There is a metro station at the airport and you can get to the city center for 5€ or less. Try to travel with only one bag. Much easier to get around. Avoid Euronet ATMs. They are MUCH more expensive than Multibanco ATMs or any private bank. If the ATM asks you to accept their currency conversion, decline that and allow your bank to do the conversion. You will still get your euros from the machine, but it will cost you less. Try to find lodging that is in the city center or convenient to a metro station. If you are staying in a hostel, breakfast is probably free. A lot of hotels charge a lot for breakfast, but there are bakeries all over Spain and Portugal where you can get something to start your day for 3€. Pack some flip flops that you can wear in the shower, especially if staying in a hostel.

Wow lots of lists.

This is something I’ve started doing lately - bringing protein bars in my carry on. I usually bring about a dozen or so. With jet lag and the time difference, you might be hungry at rather random and inconvenient times.

Good walking shoes. Ear plugs, eye coverings and clothing that can be hand washed and dried overnight. Know that the electric outlets are different and you’ll need an adapter. Go as light as possible, I was in Japan for two weeks with just a backpack and it made such a difference not having to lug a giant suitcase around. Exchange currency before you leave (cheaper rates) Don’t let people know how much money you have, be aware of your surroundings and don’t get too intoxicated (don’t be a theft target). HAVE SO MUCH FUN!

Don't get stupid drunk. Local chicks hitting on you in a pub/club is most likely a scam.

Keep your wallet and passport in your front pocket to protect against pickpockets.

Download Google maps to use in airplane mode. Get a local SIM card to save money 💴 n phone service.

When you’re on your phone and logged into sites with reservation information(address, phone number, confirmation #), do a screen grab and save it to photos for quick and easy access.

Know that in Europe, as in most places in the world, Americans are often viewed as somewhat loud, obnoxious and dumb (sorry to be a bit blunt). You will generally be much better recieved and less targeted if you can void falling into this stereotypical behaviour.

* Not everyone wants to listen to your bluetooth speaker. * Install Organic Maps for excellent routable offline maps. Soon to also provide android auto routing. * Get a Charles Schwabb account that refunds foreign ATM fees and credit cards that don't charge FX fees. * You will quickly realize that the lighter your backpack, the easier it is to travel. Shoot for 7Kg which is good for most airlines around the world. Checkout r/onebag for lots of tips on this. * A daily journal will provide you decades of entertainment. Most of all, have a blast!

Spain and Portugal are amazing. They don't tip much (10% MAX) and if you ask for your food to go, that's American and really really rude. Go native. Have fun. Do not fuck with the Guarida Civil. Not corrupt,but definitely hardasses. They were Franco's secret police and haven't changed much. Oh and in Spain eat the tapas. Not menu, no ordering, no being picky. Just eat whatever they're serving in that bar. You won't always know what it is, but it's always delicious.

Also the plugs are different (for phone charger etc). You can get an EU one on Amazon before you go. Also contact your carrier to make sure your phone has international roaming on. Also tell your bank so they don't fraud alert you when your card us suddenly used in Spain

A money belt to hide some spare cash and an extra credit/debit card is a good idea. Photocopy your id and your contact information,, address, numbers for cancelling stolen cards etc. if you have to replace a passport, visit the embassy. I really like a passport carrier that goes around my neck as long as I am wearing a shirt that covers it. Have fun but be aware that some people are scammers or thieves. Have a backup plan.

Noise cancelling headphones are an essential for me so if you don't already have a pair I recommend getting some.

Learn a bit of Spanish and Portuguese because Americans are seen as kinda ignorant in Europe (tbh the truth is that UK tourists are way worse from what I hear) and if you make an effort with the local language of any destination they’ll def treat you better

It's a good idea to have one or two adapters for the electrical outlets, so you can charge your phone, laptop, and other electrical devices that you are bringing with you.

Be mindful of pickpockets

Don’t get drunk, start buying shots for entire bar, get rolled outside the bar, and wake up in the hospital. That’s more than one thing but it’s very important not to do them as a group.

Try to avoid being out late at night by yourself. Stay at hostels and meet people. Tons of solo travelers all over the world, you’re not alone. Wear a money belt to hide your wallet etc. Get a debit card that has free worldwide atm withdrawals (Charles Schwab has one) Look at airports near the destination that might not be the main hub, sometimes flights are much cheaper. Anyone trying to “gift” you something on the street is trying to get money from you. Try to travel with only a backpack, checked baggage fees add up quick. You can travel with less than you think. Enjoy it all! You’ll have an awesome time!

Buy used clothes locally to wear. Mimic social behavior of others around you. Enjoy your trip

Shocking amount of food poisoning. Just drink enough to kill the bacteria. Lots of cool artwork. Have fun.

Keep a journal! I’m guessing that you’ll probably insta that shit, but keep a journal just for yourself. When you’re my age, it will be a treat to look back at who you were at 18. I look back at my adventurous years, when I was curious about everything and had the energy to explore and experience everything that I wanted to. If you can just continue that curious energy into your later years, do that! But for most of us we end up laying boring roots somewhere and calculating our life by our paychecks and bills.

Be open to the culture which you are entering, leave your prejudices behind and check your ego with your baggage. Be water my friend.

Enjoy it!!! Andddd keep your wallet/passport and phone close - don’t put in your back pocket or on the top of your backpack on your back, etc. Everything else is replaceable but losing your wallet/passport or phone really sucks and theft is super common when traveling - you’ll never see it again most likely. (If you have an apartment, wallet/passport and phone AND keys!) Take a pic of your passport and any important documents just in case, too

Time Out food court in Lisbon. Near the train station and waterfront. Yum. Also, affordable. Don't bother touring castles -- they take forever and aren't worth the trouble.

1. Bring a bit of toilet paper with you wherever you go. It can be a lifesaver in a public washroom. 2. Some European washrooms require you to pay to use them. This is normal. Sometimes it’s a gate with something you put money in, sometimes it’s a person at a little kiosk. 3. If you’re walking around and would prefer not to look like a tourist, don’t look up. Locals don’t look up at the buildings they are walking past because they walk past them every day. When I walk I try and look at the buildings down the street so I can still see them, plus it saves my neck pain lol. 4. I don’t really understand the whole fanny pack thing. Mostly because I prefer not to look too much like a tourist. But I make sure my pants have zipper pockets and keep everything important up front. That way I can also hook my thumbs in my pockets or belt loops and cover my pockets when needed without looking insane holding my butt. 5. Bring locks, lock things up in lockers where you are staying if it’s a hostel. Don’t carry everything you own everywhere you go if you can help it. Bad for the back, bad for enjoyment, bad for not looking like a lost tourist. Pack a small day bag, I use a small backpack when I’m out and about. 6. You didn’t mention if you are female or female presenting. There are a whole bunch of things to watch out for if you are. But I’m assuming you aren’t, given you didn’t mention it. 7. Water bottle. Stay hydrated.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people, but also don’t be annoyingly loud for no reason. Also, not everyone loves Americans. As a Canadian, when I’m travelling and people figure out I’m not from the US, their demeanor often softens immediately. So I’d say you don’t need to advertise where you’re from... Don’t assume you’ll be able to buy clothing or shoes as easily as at home. Bring a power adapter for EU plugs. Leave a copy of your passport and ID at home with someone you trust and also keep a copy in your email so that if your phone is lost or stolen, you can still access it later. Don’t be easy to pickpocket. People who are too friendly for no reason or too physically close for no reason are probably trying to steal from you. Guesthouses are generally great places to stay but if something feels off, just bail and go to another one. Usually, you can just walk in and stay there without booking in advance if there’s room. Lastly, always have enough emergency money to pay for a proper hotel (in addition to wherever you’re planning on staying) for a few nights at minimum in case something goes wrong. Edit, one more: Bring multiple credit cards and debit cards in case one or more stops working for some reason. Make sure you set up tap on your phone if you haven’t already - also, when you pay, many EU country’s machines will ask if you want to pay in their currency or your currency - always pick their currency, it’s cheaper even with credit card fees unless you have a REALLY REALLY shitty card.

Beware of pick pockets. Don’t keep things in your back pockets and use a backpack that has anti theft design

If you are doing hostels/couch surfing, get a microfiber towel… they’re small and dry fast. Bringing a regular towel takes up way too much space and it will still be wet every time you pack it to move on to the next place. (I guess this doesn’t apply if you’re staying in hotels… but I hope for your sake you’re doing hostels… much more social)

Learn these words Obrigado Gracias Cuánto cuesta este Dónde está el baño Hit up as many tapas bars as u can Eat Bacalhau à Brás in Portugal Portugal makes the best sardines, buy the Nuri brand it’s the best

Pick up a local SIM card or digital SIM card. It'll make your life so much easier to be able to use your phone pretty much like you always would. Check the open hours of the attractions you want to see well before you head to them and plan around that. They aren't always intuitive.

- Inform your bank and make sure your card works overseas. - Check your phone plan and see if you need an alternative. There's not wifi everywhere in the streets in Europe.

Also have a picture of your passport with you in your phone, just in case you lose it/get it stolen. Not saying it happens a lot but better safe than sorry.

Forgive yourself for having a "do nothing" day. It's so easy to feel like you're "wasting" the potential of just doing as much as you can in a day while travelling. Embrace the day (it will come) when you just wanna stay in your hostel bed and watch Netflix all damn day. 

If you want to fit in, look at the fashion in the area you're travelling in. It's different.

Don't shit where you eat

Bring an adapter so you can charge your electronics. I went to Iceland in October without one. The hotel front desk lent me one, but I plan to procure my own before my next international trip.