Introduction
I’ve always had a fascination with Europe. When I was younger, my favorite book was A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and it took place in London. In high school, my favorite movie was Elizabeth: The Golden Age—however unrealistic it may be—and the setting for those scenes were all filmed in the UK. And now that we’re adults, I’ve dreamed about moving to Europe for years. But when you’re trying to live like a tourist but not spend money like a tourist (which is expensive), it can be hard to figure out how to make travel work financially or logistically.
I think the best way to experience Europe as an American is actually through its people and culture rather than simply being a visitor yourself. You don’t necessarily have to live there for months at time like some Americans do; instead, try living like a local here are some tips on how you can do just that!
Stay In A Hostel
While hostels may seem like the last place to find peace, quiet and comfort, they can actually be some of the best places for travelers to stay.
Hostels are perfect for those who want to save money on accommodations while still being able to experience local culture. They’re also ideal for solo travelers because they allow you to meet other people from around the world–and those new friends will help make your trip even more memorable!
Cook Yourself A Meal
Cooking is a great way to save money and learn about the local cuisine. If you’re not much of a cook, this might sound like an intimidating idea–but don’t worry! You can always invite friends over to help out and make it more fun.
You can find inspiration from the internet, cookbooks and youtube videos (or even just take a look at what some of your European neighbors are making).
Get Out Early And Skip The Gym
You can get up early and go for a walk, find a public park to sit in and read your book or just soak up the sun. Or you could go for a swim in the sea, run on the beach or even bike ride! If it’s not too hot then visit a museum or art gallery–there are many of these throughout Europe that offer free entry if you’re European (and some non-European countries also have this policy).
See The Houses Of Parliament At Sunset
You can’t miss Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, but the Houses of Parliament are a bit more hidden. The building itself is beautiful, and if you have time to wait until sunset it becomes even more magical as the sun sets behind it. It’s also an excellent place to people watch while enjoying some snacks from one of the nearby food trucks or restaurants.
The official name for this area is “Westminster,” but most Londoners just refer to it as “the village.” There are plenty of shops here if you need last minute souvenirs before leaving London!
Be Transparent With Your Partner
Being transparent with your partner can be a challenge, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to grow together and live better lives. In order for you both to be as open as possible, try these tips:
- Be honest about your feelings–even if they are uncomfortable or unfamiliar. This helps communication between partners because it allows them to understand each other better and feel more connected in general.
- Don’t overdo it! Some people may not appreciate too much transparency from their significant other; this can actually have the opposite effect than intended on some people who find that too much honesty makes them feel uncomfortable or even unsafe around their partners (or vice versa).
Take A Day Trip To The Beach
One of the best things about living in Europe is the ability to enjoy the beach, even when it’s cold outside. Unlike in America, where only private beaches are open to the public, European beaches are free and open for anyone who wants to go swimming or tanning. If you live near a beach that isn’t too far from your house or apartment (and most Europeans do), then there’s no reason not to spend some time at it every once in awhile!
There are also many more opportunities for water sports than back home: surfing lessons on the coast of Spain; windsurfing lessons off Italy’s Amalfi Coast; kiteboarding lessons off Croatia…the list goes on!
Go Camping In The UK For A Weekend
Now is the perfect time to try out camping in the UK. The weather is nice, and you can find plenty of campsites across the country.
- Find A Good Campsite
There are many websites that will help you find a good campsite in England, Wales or Scotland (or Northern Ireland). Just type “camping” into Google, and then choose one from the results that looks appealing to you! You can also ask friends who have gone camping before which sites they recommend–they might have some insider knowledge about hidden gems that aren’t listed online yet!
- Find A Good Spot To Camp
Once you’ve found your campsite, it’s time for fun activities like setting up tents and cooking food over an open fire! Make sure not only that there isn’t any poison ivy around but also take note of where other campers are located so as not disturb them while enjoying nature together 🙂
Make Friends With Locals, But Don’t Date Them
When you’re in a new country, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of meeting new people and exploring the city. But if you want to live like a European, remember that dating locals is not always the best idea.
First of all: don’t date your coworkers. You may be tempted by their charm and good looks, but once things get serious (and they probably will), there’s no telling how long either of you will actually stay in that country! If at all possible, try not to date anyone who lives where you do–you never know when they might decide to move back home or even leave altogether.
If you really want to experience Europe, try and live like a local.
Live like a local.
The best way to experience Europe is to live like one; get out of your comfort zone and try new things. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture, pick up an extra language or two, try some local cuisine and learn about the history of your host country. Don’t be afraid to go beyond what’s comfortable for you–you’ll be surprised at how much more there is out there!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of things to do in Europe. It’s been a pleasure to compile it, and we hope that you’ll be able to use these tips as inspiration when planning your trip.
More Stories
10 Incredible Benefits of an Exotic European Lifestyle
The Louvre – A Walk Through 5000 Years of Art History
Walk In The Footsteps Of History Across Europe