Euro tips: know before you go

If you're going to Europe on one of the many class trips offered by the Foreign Language Department, you'll tour some of the most beautiful countries in the world with a huge group of friends. If it's your first time to Europe, there are a couple rules you should try to remember. Even in English-speaking countries, there are many different cultures and customs, and respecting them will make your trip much easier (and maybe even save you from a bar fight or two!)

Big group, loud Americans When Americans travel with big groups, they tend to walk in a long line, including everyone in conversation and eye's-view. In the pubs, sure, sing along to the drinking songs with the rest of them. But in cute bistros, or on small, cobblestone sidewalks, watch the density and the decibel. Try not to be the loudest group in the restaurant, or the longest group trampling over other pedestrians. It's not only more respectful, but also safer-thieves can spot a big group of American's pretty quickly.

I'm German-Irish-Italian, on my Mother's side… If you're spending your spring break in Dublin… try to resist telling your new pub-buddy Patty O'Shea that your family is mostly Irish and that potatoes are totally your favorite food. Unless you can sing the Irish national anthem, don't bother trying to convince Patty that St. Patrick's Day has always been your favorite holiday. You're American, and, in the end, trying to convince him that your mother's great-great-grandmother is enough to link your nationalities, you could really end up offending him. Same for the "Italian-Americans" who swear they're mother makes picture-perfect lasagna. Almost all Americans came from somewhere else but unless you still have relatives in a foreign country, spare the Ellis Island legend for another time.

Check, s'il vous plait Customs for tipping waiters, bartenders and cab drivers vary from country to country. In general, it is not customary to tip as much in Europe as it is in America. In Europe, service industry employees do not secure their wages from tips, like in America, and they may even be required to give all tips to the manager. Tipping 20 percent can offend a proud European bartender, especially in smaller cities. Ten percent is considered very generous, so start there. Also-if you're with a big group, in Europe it's not customary to ask for "separate checks." If you ask your waiter to bring 15 separate checks for 15 American Express or Master Cards he might not just grumble about it-he might hike your bill up a ton. Pay together, and settle the individual tabs later.

Do you have American cheese? This is a good rule of thumb for any foreign country: Don't fight the food. It's going to be different no matter what you order. Making the mistake of always ordering what you recognize… pizza, hamburger, chicken… could leave you disappointed. A hamburger in Spain simply won't taste like a Big Mac. Try something different instead, because without having an American version to compare it to you give yourself a chance at liking it!

Size Matters Portions in Europe are smaller. Hotel rooms are smaller, showers are smaller, the streets are smaller-it's something to get used to if you've never experienced it. Keep that in mind when you're packing. If you're going to Europe for a week you probably don't need four pair of jeans and all your "going out" shirts. Coordinate your outfits before you go, so you don't have a bunch of random items and so that you can select two matching pairs of shoes. Don't skim on brining a back-up raincoat or a good pair of walking shoes, but try to cut out the excess. Trampling around Europe's tiny sidewalks with a 100-lb. suitcase isn't fun for anyone, and trying to make it fit in a tiny hotel room is murder. If, like me, you eat at least three bowls of cereal for breakfast, pack some cereal bars. Portions are simply not that big in Europe.

Be safe! Watch your stuff, and watch for pickpockets. Travel in groups, and make sure you know the name of your hotel and what street it's on. If you're forgetful, keep one of their business cards in your wallet. Make a copy of your passport before you go, in case it gets lost. Don't keep it in the same bag as your passport. This will help the American Embassy secure you a new one and get you home on time. If you don't speak the language, try to print out a couple key sayings before you go-especially "I'm lost" and "Where's the bathroom?" Try not to carry too much cash, instead use your bankcard (but let your bank know you're traveling, or when they see charges from Germany, they might lock you out of your account thinking your card was stolen).