Clothing in churches and monasteries
Many places ask visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Bring a light scarf or wrap.
Local guide
Local guide
Many awkward moments on a trip come not from the place being unfamiliar but from not knowing simple customs: how to dress when visiting a church, whether you can photograph people, how to behave in a national park. This section covers everyday traveller etiquette, safety tips and what to do if something goes wrong.
In an unfamiliar place, one simple rule works best: watch how the locals behave, and ask if you are not sure.
How this section works: it gathers the rules and customs every traveller encounters, along with simple steps to take if things go wrong. We do not recommend specific businesses or services.
Traveller etiquette
Small habits that make a trip noticeably easier.
Photographing people
Ask permission before taking a close-up photo of someone. In museums and churches, photography rules are set by the administration.
Nature
In protected areas, stay on the trails, do not light fires outside designated areas and take your litter with you.
Money
Carry some cash and keep a second card separate from your main one. In small villages and on islands, cards are not accepted everywhere.
Language
Learn a few words: "hello", "thank you", "sorry". Save an offline dictionary, as there is not always a signal.
Quiet and opening times
Life in small towns and villages moves at its own pace: shops and museums may close earlier, and there is sometimes a midday break.
Safety
Four things worth doing before you leave.
The number 112
The single emergency number in EU countries and in Russia is 112. Save it in your phone and make sure you can give the address of where you are staying.
Official advice
Before and during your trip, check the official travel safety advice. Do not plan trips to places it advises against visiting.
Documents
Keep copies of your documents separate from the originals, both on paper and on your phone. Keep the originals somewhere safe.
Staying in touch
Keep your phone charged, bring a power bank and let people close to you know where you are and when you plan to be back.
If something goes wrong
- If there is a threat to life or health, call 112 immediately
- If you lose your documents, get a report from the police and contact your country's consulate
- If you lose your card, block it immediately through your bank's app or helpline
- If a flight or ferry is cancelled, keep confirmations and receipts and ask the carrier about your options
- If you get lost on a trail, stop, go back to the last waymark and do not leave the route in the dark
- If you fall ill, contact your insurer on the number in your policy before going to a clinic, if the situation allows
Related sections
- Trip planning
How to plan an independent trip step by step, with common mistakes, alternatives and a checklist.
- Transport
Train, bus, ferry, plane and car: when each works best and what to keep in mind on the way.
- Travellers' questions
Answers to common questions before a trip, on the road and about flights. Plus the article catalogue.
Sources
- Official travel safety advice
- Encyclopaedic and local history sources
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Entry rules, timetables, prices and carrier terms change, so check them with official sources before you travel.