Tips for traveling solo to Europe ?!?

US citizens do not need a visa to visit France or Italy as a tourist and you should NOT apply for a visa: http://www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Services/Visa-and-Health/ You need a passport, and the passport is valid for travel the day you get it. It takes six to eight weeks to get the passport unless you pay to expedite the application, so don't wait. You apply at the post office: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html Unless the extra $30 would be important then get a passport card in addition to the regular passport: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html The cards are only valid for crossing land/sea borders within North America, but they make great daily ID when traveling abroad. That lets you keep your regular passport (and US driving license) safely tucked away. The cards also don’t show your home address (like a driving license or state ID card does), making it much less likely someone could steal your identity while you are traveling. You need a round trip airline ticket, and have a copy of your itinerary on you at passport control (Immigration) when you get to Europe: www.aa.com www.delta.com www.united.com You should get about 100 Euros in cash before leaving home. Get it in 10 Euro notes. Leave the rest of your money in your bank account and use your debit card to get cash from ATMs as needed. Call your bank and let them know you will be using the card in Europe. Ask if they have a partner bank in Europe so you can use their ATMs for a reduced fee. In any event, only use ATMs which belong to a real bank. Check with your health insurance to find out if it covers you outside the USA and pays for medical evacuation to home (should that be necessary). If yes then take proof of coverage with you. If no or not sure then get trip medical insurance, which is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents. Having travel medical insurance is a requirement to enter some countries (ex. Lithuania & Slovakia). Even if it's not, PLEASE do not skimp on this as an otherwise-silly accident could turn into a crisis if you don't have medical insurance. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html Don't take anything that requires a voltage converter. Most electronics made any time recently work on any voltage and all you need is a plug adapter for continental Europe. Look on the power supply or device: If it says something like “Input 100v-240v” it works on any voltage. Adapters are sold at electronics stores and luggage shops (or the luggage section at a large department store). Electrical devices like hair dryers and curling irons tend to not work properly, even with a converter. Borrow or buy electrical appliances after arrival, and they are sold everywhere. Call your USA cellular provider and set up your phone so it works in Europe. Using it there will be expensive but having the option can be important. Use Magic Jack or Skype to call the USA. They both require a decent Internet connection but calling the USA is either free or very cheap. There is no passport control or Customs when leaving the USA. You just go to the gate for your flight. The airline will check to ensure you have a valid passport and can enter the destination country, but it isn't an Immigration check. On arrival in Europe the Immigration Officer may ask you: What is the purpose of your trip? (tourism) How long will you stay? (has to match your airline itinerary) Where will you stay? (you need the hotel information) If you are asked how you will support yourself during the visit then show the cash, credit/debit cards, airline itinerary, hotel reservation, and proof of medical insurance. Finally, Immigration Officers everywhere have the authority to deny entry to anyone they think might be "trouble", a burden on society, or who might violate the terms of their stay (ex. by illegally working). Don’t look like “trouble”. Dress comfortably but reasonably nicely for the trans-Atlantic flight and the equivalent of a polo shirt & khaki trousers is fine. Also remember Paris can be quite cold & rainy during the spring, so be prepared for that. I hope you have a good trip!

have you not seen the movie "Taken" ?