things i've learned along the way:

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 If you're from the US you're most likely already using Uber.  While it is the transportation of choice in Europe, it's probably not what you are used to. The app is the same, but the regulations are different.  It's common for your ride to cancel on you, even when the app shows they're a minute away.  It's frustrating as hell. I can't tell you how many times it happened to me. It once took over 30 minutes to get a driver to show. The way around this is scheduling a ride in advance, for which you'll pay a reservation fee. Mine were $10 everywhere we went in Europe. If you're on a tight schedule I recommend paying the fee.  If you aren't, scroll your Instagram feed and try not to let it bother you.

 Much of Europe uses the Euro, which is great - your cash can be used in multiple countries.  However, there are many countries that use their own currency. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, Great Britain uses the Pound Sterling, Turkey uses the Turkish Lira, and Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound. There are always foreign currency exchanges at the airports, and most banks will exchange money for you.  I always rely on ATMs. They're everywhere and you can avoid costly exchange fees.  My banks don't charge a fee for the exchange or the ATMs - and I get reimbursed on the ATM vendor's fees. When using an ATM you should choose to decline the foreign exchange fees.  It will still give you your money, but the fees, if any, will be calculated by your bank.

 If you go to Europe in December there WILL be Christmas Markets.  And wow are they amazing.  My favorites were in the Zurich train station (pictured) and in downtown Brussels, but you can find them in just about any neighborhood in any town. These markets are alive with sights and sounds and smells galore. There's something so special about shopping for Christmas gifts this way.  Or my way: one for them, one for me.  Hot chocolate in hand, surrounded by delightful vendors, gorgeous goods, festive music and happy, smiling people at every turn.  If you've never experienced a true Christkindlmarkt you don't know what you're missing.  (And yes, it's worth the trip just to see these wonders in person.)  

Being from the US, I'm used to ordering a sweet tea, coke or a cocktail with my meal.  And I'll ask for a glass of water, too.  I asked for water at a restaurant in Lucerne, Switzerland and a large water bottle (glass, no label) was put on the table.  I wasn't shocked by the no ice thing, I'd been given the heads up about that in Paris.  I was surprised when the check came and there was a $20 charge for the water.  It turns out that unless you specifically ask for tap water, you're going to get bottled water and at a fairly steep price.  If you don't want the pricey bottled water, I recommend googling how to say tap water in the language of the country you're visiting.  And if you want ice, learn that, too.

Frostbite's little sister is no joke. Frostnip is painful and can take weeks to heal.  I got this nip on top of Mt. Titlis in Switzerland. It was -18 degrees, and I was appropriately bundled up, but I couldn't quite get the photos I wanted with my huge gloves on.  And voila, frostnip. Even though I only had them off for a minute or two.  It was painful and ugly and lasted a couple of weeks, but it could've been much worse. Do yourself a huge favor and be more careful than you think necessary.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So keep your hands and ears and all the other parts you value nice and bundled.

If you're not from Europe, you may not have heard of the Schengen Zone or Area of the EU. The Schengen Zone is comprised of 27 European countries that have done away with border control at their mutual borders.  Basically, open borders with a common visa policy.  The Schengen areas have a shared visitors rule: 90 out of 180 days must be outside the zone.  In other words, out of every 6 months, you can only stay in these countries for 90 days collectively.  You have to leave the area for 90 days then you can return.  I'm choosing countries not in the zone for my 90 days of every 6 months, England, Scotland, Ireland, Montenegro, Turkey, Morocco, etc.  Countries outside the zone have different visa requirements, so be sure to read up on those countries in advance.  And you should take these rules seriously as overstaying your time can cause you to be deported which could affect your ability to return.

Also, unless you ask, your passport won't be stamped at border crossings in this zone.