Some Traveling Tips!

Since I spent last weekend home (Metz) and the two weeks before that traveling a lot I want to put it all together into some useful information!

Saving Money Tips: 
1. Hostels are cheap
            Look for; Location (middle of city or near train station is great)
                            Ratings; 85% and up are pretty promising
                            Includes; Wifi (especially when you don't have a phone, emergencies happen)
                                            Kitchen, but including breakfast is great!
                                                         (+)shop at a grocery store for quick fixes, saves time and money
                                            Linens/Towels; just know to bring them or not!
2. Transportation;
            Trains; are very expensive without any discounts
                        Eurail; depending on package, costs a lot, but can save a lot if....
                               The Limited Day choices;
                                               -Day trips or Multiple Trains through out the day
                                               -only use for trips that cost more than Each Trip is Worth
                                                     ex) Eurail 10 Day=$500; use on trips > 50
                                               -Plan Ahead so it pays for most expensive trips
                                Unlimited
                                                -most expensive
                                                -Still costs a little money to reserve the ticket (same for limited)
                                                -Might be cheaper to get a limited day one, (undetermined as of yet)
                                                -Night trains cost much more to reserve
                                                         (+)Saves a lot of time, and night at a hostel!
                                                         (-)Not for picky sleepers, and bring ear plugs/music - it helps
                         Youth Pass (12-25): students have residency in their country of study, and can get this.
                                              -France is good: 60% discounts
                                              -Spain is only about 20%
                                              -Other countries?
             Planes- are very cheap and the best alternative to longer train rides without discounts!
             Bus/Metro vs. Taxi: Use public transport over the later whenever possible.
                                         
Odds and Ends
1. Research 
             -Basic Vocabulary of location; pack dictionary/word list
             -Directions European streets are not known for good street signs. (Worse than Kingston)
                                 At least have addresses, taxis are expensive for one person, but helpful
             -Culture & Current events 
                                 Varies... ex) For girls, looking guys in the eye and smiling while talking is suggestive.
                                               ex) In France tips are included at restaurants
                                               ex) Protests are currently occurring in Spain, luckily not violent.
             -Itinerary best to know what/where you want to go before you get there and only have one day to do it all!
2. ENJOY EVERY BIT OF IT. That's all the tips I have for now :)
3.  Do something Unique everywhere you go! otherwise traveling just becomes the same.