What things to know before going to Europe?

I think the most important thing is to realize you'll be visiting seperate countries with a seperate language and identity. Each country will have it's own things to know. Austria for example, in big cities it's often not worth it to pay for breakfast in your hotel, you're often better off sitting down at any of the local bakeries/coffeee shops. France is a bad country to be a vegetarian but a great place to eat if you avoid places with a multilingual menu and can be bothered to walk a 100 meters away from the tourist areas. Germany.. good trains and public transport, bland food, excellent beer. Like in the UK watch out for skinheads especially in groups.

Check out ahead of time the places you most likely want to go to in each country. Google for all kinds of info incl hotels, hostels, where to eat, what to see, what it costs, hrs of operation, etc. Know a little of their history and culture it makes for better relations at times. You don't say if you will take trains or fly while there but you can chk on schedules as well. Take one or two small Travel Language books to help out. All the big cities and most of even the small ones have people who speak English so it's easy to get info. Behave friendly and courteous do not be rude or judgmental about how they may talk about the US. Try to avoid politics and religion. Europe is generally much safer than the US at night but it still is better to always be with others and be alert. Sometimes in Austria it can be amusing if you say they speak German. Many older Austrians will insist they speak Austrian. Don't take closeup photos of people without asking their permission. . . .

As strange as this sounds but if you are from idia try to act like a tourist (so people will identify you as a tourist) Because usally Indians are viewed as just 3rd worlders wo escaped their home country (and are not especially wanted here) to "steal" one of "our" "lower" jobs" (because you wont get the high ones because of this fact if you are not a real genius). So in generall (don´t know for the UK because that place was really multi cultural and i have been white so i don´t know how locals react to none whites). But as said usually India = 3rd world here. So people will not be interessted in you because they will assu8me that you are just an other 3rd worlder from india, An "we" locals usually don´t interact with people like this,

Did you remember to bring your passport? Did you get all the necessary shots? Know if you made hotel reservations? Got some travellers checks in your baggage in case your wallet and Visa card are stolen?