Click Here to get 60% off Rosetta Stone https://partners.rosettastone.com/awaytogether5i9

Yeah I’m married to Greek that talks loud. This doesn’t apply to all Europeans. Italians, Greeks, countries in that region - all loud people. He actually owns a t-shirt that says “I’m not yelling, I’m Greek” 😂

Sometimes it is not just Americans comparing their country to where they visit. My spouse is from Europe - and I get tired of them comparing their country to the US. My question to anyone who travels “if you aren’t comfortable being in a different culture - if you don’t want to try new food or experiences - then why not stay home?”

On walking: When a German asks you if you want to go on a hike... Ask what exactly they have in mind. It could be a light alpine several hours long trip

I have traveled to a number of places in Europe.  One thing that I find to be very satisfying is to pick a couple of the "major" tourist things to do (museums, churches, etc.) and then spend a LOT of time just wandering about the locale (do enough research to avoid the "bad" parts of any city).  There are a couple of reasons.  First, you get the opportunity to truly connect with the local culture, experience things that most tourists don't, and avoid tourist crowds.  Second, you can take your time to truly appreciate what you are seeing.  Whether it is a Monet, Titian, or Caravaggio in a museum, a statue / fountain on a Roman street, or a magnificent church / cathedral, taking a bit of time to learn about it and then allowing yourself the time to truly appreciate it is very rewarding.  Third, (as I told my kids) not cramming in all of the "major" things, you give yourself a reason to come back for another visit.  The benefit of travel is found in the quality of the experience, not quantity.

I agree on learning a little bit of the language, enough to say please, thank you, asking "where is...", and asking "do you speak English" are typically enough to get around.

Probably the most important thing to remember is that European countries are not somehow "less" than the US, they are just different.  Respect those around you, don't expect the overly solicitous sales people or wait staff that you generally experience in the US, and don't speak louder if people don't understand you.  I find that in southern European countries, far fewer people speak English than in the more northern European countries, but it is always nicer if you ask if they speak English than expecting them to speak English.  (It is also showing more respect.)  Europeans tend to stand closer to others than people in the US, they aren't encroaching on your personal space, that is just how their culture works.  

Don't expect the food to be the same as what you find in the US.  Food in Italy is NOT like the Olive Garden.  Wurst in the US is NOT the same as in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.  Even McDonald's may have different offerings and a Big Mac tastes different than in the US.  And try the bread - everywhere you go.  Every region you visit will have different food offerings so don't be shy when trying out various regional specialties.  You will walk many hours while visiting anyplace in Europe, so don't worry about adding pounds.  Walking coupled with a healthier food supply may actually result in a slight weight loss.  Even as a diabetic, I find that I can partake of many things in Europe that I can't eat in the US (everything in moderation, though).

Thank you for the practical advice! Excellent information. My tips include:
1. Don’t bring jeans. There are so many other lightweight fabrics which are comfy, often non-wrinkly, look great, & can be rolled into tiny spaces for packing. Plus, many European accommodations have washers but no dryers (or just a wooden rack) and jeans take forever to dry.
2. Study your maps in advance before going outside your room, so you know where you are going, approximately how far things are from each other and what to notice as landmarks as you get closer to your destination. This way you don’t look like a tourist or waste time or have to stop in the middle of a walkway. Physical maps are best to see the bigger picture than the tiny segment showing on a phone. I bought laminated foldable maps. As I finished with a location, I could leave the map in the B&B or train lobby or bus station or hostel. Another trick was - I photocopied whatever section I needed of a map or its directions, and then discarded the paper when I was done with that.
3. Research beforehand is important combined with being prepared for the unexpected. British-related locations have Bank Holidays; ancient sites undergoing renovation and closed off; works on art may be on loan to exhibits elsewhere in the world; recommended smaller restaurants can be closed due to family emergencies - all these happened to me. ADAPT AND REMAIN FLEXIBLE. Enjoy your backup plans and take be sure to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, which always happen while traveling.  
4. And as the video stressed: quality, comfortable footwear is crucial. Fancy shoes are not important. No one cares about your footwear except your own body. You may see Italian women managing high fashion heels on rocky cobblestones but they are used to it and know the terrain. Plenty of well dressed women in Paris wear a hiking-type of boot with designer outfits. Much of Europe is filled with uneven, stony, cracked walkways rather than the flat pavements common to the US. If you end up with a twisted ankle or sprained foot, your trip will be much less enjoyable, so wear supportive footwear with firm soles and avoid flip flops and flimsy sandals unless you are at the beach. Streets can suddenly go from modern cement to sections that are tricky to navigate; in places like London, modern and medieval buildings/streets can be side by side. In places like Dubrovnik, the marble walkways are polished from centuries of use and be very slippery when wet. So be ready for the more difficult terrain and it will make a difference.
Enjoy your journeys! Courtesy, patience and smiles will go a long way in any circumstance.

It's so embarrassing that Americans have to be reminded that walking is a genuine option.
And as a general guideline I would suggest to Americans visiting Europe:
When in a certain situation imagine what you would do back in the US. Then do the opposite and you'll be fine.

I learned a long time ago when traveling in the UK, especially when in small towns and villages to pay attention to not only bank holidays but to half days.  I don’t know how it is now, but in small towns, not only would shops be closed on Sundays & bank holidays, but also the afternoon of the town’s half day. Every Wednesday (some towns it was Thursday) the shops & restaurants would close in the afternoon.  Giving the employees every Sunday and a half day during the week off.  One of the benefits of getting away from the heavily touristed areas, the local customs are more apt to have persisted, like half days.

What Nick said about carry-on sizes. Many people advertise bags as carry-on, but they are not. Be careful! Airlines count wheels and handles. And there’s huge differences among airlines, plus last-minute changes. What was ok last trip, may not be ok now, or on a different plane.
  Also, most aisle seats get less underseat bag space. An inch or so matters.
   I travel carry-on only, and keeping up with the sizes can be a real pain.
  That’s not even considering weight, as many foreign airlines regulate strictly.

My personal hygiene packing tip: get the solid versions of more toiletries. Toothpaste and mouthwash tablets, shampoo/conditioner pucks, shaving cream bars. You don't have to worry about liquid regulations and it's much lighter than carrying around glorified water!

One thing I've leaned, no matter how poor your language skills, if you're hungry enough, you can order food in any language.

I would go further with preparing for walking. Walking a long distance in a short amount of time is one thing. Walking that same long distance spread out over an entire day is a whole different matter. If possible, go to your nearest big city a few times before your trip to see if you can lay the entire day. If there are inclines, that's even better.

I follow about 99% of what you said

Another small useful item to bring: a phone charge "brick" (auxiliary battery).  These can be lifesavers if your phone runs out of charge and there is no place around to plug it in. (Just remember, TSA now forbids these in checked bags; carry them on)

Two hints to help pack less clothing: you are unlikely to go to the same places twice during your trip, so you can wear the same outfits twice & no one will know.
When I went to Italy, our place in Florence had its own washer  & dryer, we did laundry once halfway through the trip, & only had to bring half the clothing we needed.

this is my theory for loud talking is that it is the consequence of a culture that treats extroverts as more valuable people. from what I read americans are often told in school or at home to speak up, to be more assertive, to take up space, to generally be more extroverted and sociable and dominant. this is an overgeneralization but from what I can see it is not really valued in the US to be quiet, or to not be noticed. if you are noticed that gets you ahead and it is considered a skill that is necessary in society to be successful. while in many if not most of european cultures being loud is considered the opposite, sticking out is not good, being noticed is not good. I personally come from a culture that is somewhere in between, we are unfortunatelly louder than northern countries but not as loud as americans. I almost told an american talking on the phone with his mom telling her in detail what he had for dinner to just stop shouting. because no one else in the tram was speaking it was completely quiet and he didn't even notice it. i hate when people from my country talk on the phone in trams but even that is not even close to how loud this guy was. and many people will say "I am in a bus/tram, I will call you later" so there is obviously an awarness of having to not stick out too much even in my culture, and in northern countries like the netherlands or sweden it is completely unacceptable. the difference betwenn being noticed or not being noticed it what shapes culture around talking. this is my theory maybe i am wrong.

Every time I go on any trip, foreign or domestic, I use my trusty vacuum bags in my small carry-on. Usually, I  can fit twice as many clothes. I have about 30, which I rotate and re-use.

Another thing I do is wear a clean white undershirt every day under my shirt, which allows me to wear my shirts more than once before I need to wash them.

Also, I'll wear jeans and shorts two or three times before washing them. I lived abroad for 10 years and noticed that the locals didn't wash their clothes after wearing them once like most Americans.

The truth is that I don't mind winter, and I end up being practically the only tourist for miles. =-D

Safety pins!  They can be used to make your pockets pickpocket resistant.  Also useful for pinning curtains together in your bedroom to prevent the eye searing morning sun from waking you up too early.

The off-season thing is sooo obvious. I travel a lot, but avoid peak tourist season like the plague. Another off-season plus: the locals are happier to see you, and nicer. This applies to much of the US, too.
This summer I’m joining, for several reasons, a small group of friends in peak season. The price differences are mind-boggling!!

An extension cord is a practical item to bring. Many times in Europe, outlets are not near mirrors or desks. You never think you’ll need one until you do. I could have used an extension cord on many occasions in Europe and elsewhere.