Stop Dreaming About Europe, GO!!

 

 

Introduction:
I am a beginning traveler to Europe. So, I am no expert. I am just telling you what I have learned. This information I have gathered through research & personal experiences both good & bad.
It is general information & may or may not apply to all countries or to you. Since, we all have different lives & lifestyles, you will have to do your own planning & on the countries you plan to visit. Before we start I would like to inform you of three things:

1. You will have to spend a little extra before your first trip. It depends on if/what items a friend or relative will loan you. Passport everyone will have to get (Even infants) passport fee. First time passport fee $110 + $25.00 Execution fee = $135.00 total for 16yrs up, under 16 $80 + 25= $105.00 total. I would apply at least 3-4 months in advanced. Just in case of any unexpected issues.

2.If you do not have internet access go to your local library. Research is a must. Unless, you have a group that has a preset strict itinerary. It is still a good idea to be a little ahead of the game.

<>3. A large part of Europe are not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, so to speak. If you are in a
wheel chair, please check ahead & get confirmation of access. Especially with hotels,

transportation & sites over 1 story. Some train stations have stairs only to get to the platform.

"You only get out what you Put in to a trip! You can sit in a room or lay on a beach or in a hotel room & read a book in New Orleans, the Caribbean or Rio & have a boring time. Or You can and live! and explore!! Well, OK, 1 or 2 days to inclination yourself to stressfreeness and to purge yourself of stress is OK.

  This is out of place .Because the site templates will not allow it in the correct section on Airlines & airports: 
Airport procedures for A beginner  You will enter the airport building. Go to your airlines counter. Put a credit card or frequent flier's card in the kiosk. Follow the instructions on the screen. It should print out your boarding pass. If you have problems ask the people at the counter to help. Including printer out of paper. If you have checked luggage give it to the people at the counter. TAKE NOTE of your Gate &/or terminal  (Letter {is your concourse} & number), flight number & time of departure & first boarding time. The time on your itinerary & flight time on your boarding pass is the time the plane takes off.  (If it is on time) It starts boarding 20-15minutes before that time. They will put the white  coded airport stickers on them.
Then you will head towards & through security. Have a photo ID & boarding pass with you. You will need to run jackets, shoes, purses, carry on baggage, cell phones, laptops & PDAs & pocket contents through the detectors. They have plastic baskets to put them in. Collect your belongings & proceed to your gate.

 Check the time. If you have time to get a something to eat or drink, or a magazine, etc. you can. Look for your Concourse (letter) then gate number. There will be signs above in the hall ways directing you to your concourse. you may have to take a tram or crawler to your concourse & gate. You will see gate letter & numbers numerically (C11, C12 or odd & even across from each other) & bench seating around them. Be at the gate 30 minutes before the flight takes off. If you have a large carry on the ticket taker may put a yellow tag on it. The ticket taker will give the word to board. If you carry on is too large for the plane's overhead compartment you will need to get a yellow tag on it. a baggage handler will put it in the cargo section. When you land. (a.) on a small plane wait for it at the bottom of the stairs with the others. (b.) If your plane is connected to a hallway type. You can pick it up at the bend. There is a metal disk & carpet is cut in a circle. Other will probably be waiting too.
 
To get back on track ; Ticket taker takes the pass & gives you the stub. You will fow the others on to the plane. Find your seat & put any carry on in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Put on your seat belt. cinch it. The flight attendant will give you instructions on fastening & unfastening your seat belt, oxygen mask (in an emergency) & such. There is a pamplet in the seat flap in front of you on how to fasten & unfasten your seat belt. It also gives you instructions on exiting the plane in an emergency. You can use your phone or electronic device. until you are told to turn them off. Which is a pretty short time. So, make it quick. Ok, look above you head you will find an air vent & light. If you want air, turn the ring/knob, to allow the vent to open, if it is not already open. It can also be rotated a bit. There is a light button for reading in low light. AND your off!!! The captain or flight attendant will announce when you can turn on your electronic devices (laptops, MP3 players, (except phones) . Then one of them will tell you to turn them off when it is time to land.

 Upon landing wait in line get your stuff out of the overhead compartment. Disembark from the plane go to the place to pick up your large carry on baggage, if you have any (see:above). (A.) If this is a stop over proceed to your next gate. Your luggage should be loaded by the baggage handlers on your next flight. Again if you have time there are places to eat & drink in your concourse. Be at your next gate 30 min be fore your next flight. (B.)If it is your final destination. you will proceed to the baggage claim area. Check screens there either on th wall or above the carousel to see which carousel your baggage is on it will have your airline & flight number.

If your baggage does not appear on the carousel, you need to contact your air carrier &/or baggage security. Sometimes your baggage beats you there & it is waiting  for you at their booth (very lucky). If it is lost. You may need to fill out a form. The baggage, when found, will be sent to your home or hotel.
Have a GOOD flight!