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Originally Posted by Pilgrim21784
While its a nice idea, its totally impractical (IMO) to find one book for Europe generally. Its actually hard to find one thats a good overview for a single country, which again - is not really all that useful as there are just too many differing attractions to be practical to list in hard copy.
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I agree that there is no single one-size-fits-all book, although I think the Rick Steve's books do a great job of giving solid basic info on historical and cultural attractions as well as other places of interest and restaurants/hotels without overloading. I really like the "Pocket" versions with the maps.
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Pre-trip targeted research on particular interest topics (art, architecture, cultural fairs, etc., etc.) would be my suggestion for that most certainly desirable information. We have a rather large collection of regional and city specific travel guides at home which we use as well as current Internet research to compile "interest lists" for specific areas. We then send an email with the list(s) to our travel email account (highly recommend that your traveler set-up a separate email account for that purpose) to access while traveling.
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One thing I'd suggest is to not over plan. Leave 30% of one's time on a trip to Europe to be able to just explore with no particular itinerary.
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She can also use public Internet access in country to explore particular areas.
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This can be expensive if you don't have your own device to connect to Wi-Fi.
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Re: Gifts (having no idea of the budget range you want to deal with, whether this is a 1st time traveler or one who already has the suggestions below, feel free to ignore)
1) A quality day purse is very handy. Make sure it has RFID and slash protection. She does not want to carry her valuables in a backpack. A less expensive alternative is a set of RFID protective sleeves for passport and credit cards.
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RFID is only needed if you've got cards with chips or your passport isn't new. I've got nothing that uses an RFID that I travel with. I also think "slash protection" is over rated. Use it for items with no real value (tissues, an umbrella, aspirins, water bottle, etc.) and keep your passport, credit cards, cash, etc. in a waist pack under your clothes.
I use a cross-body bag by Kipling. Small enough to be considered a "purse" and allowed into the museums but large enough to hold everything I need for a day.
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2) A nice money belt and/or neck carrier (under clothing is best) for passport, CCs and cash is always useful.
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We've looked at both numerous times and always determine that the money belt/waist wallet is safer. A neck pouch can be grabbed and slashed just like a shoulder bag. They are a little warm in hot months, but virtually impossible for someone to get their hands onto as they are worn under the clothes and a potential robber would need to partially undress you to get to them. Keep a few bills/coins in a pocket to make small purchases without having to dig into the waist pouch.
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3) If a cellphone is on the program, either buy an appropriate chip if required (I'm not up on whether the latest US Smart phones are EU compatible) or consider covering the cost of a temporary/throw away European phone.
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If you have an iPhone from ATT it came with an international SIM. If you have an account in good standing with Versizon, they will ship you the card for your iPhone for free. Early Droids are not compatible with other systems. I can't speak for other phones. The beauty of the iPhone is that it can be used for talk and Internet as well as text. I am on Verizon and got the international SIM for my iPhone and had them turn on international service while I was gone. I used the Internet/email judiciously when no connected to wi-fi but called home daily. Total charges were about $100 for three weeks this past summer.
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4) A nice weatherproof, crushable hat is indispensable.
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Crushable, yes. Weatherproof, not needed. Instead get a very compact umbrella to carry if it looks like there might be rain.
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5) A quality rain poncho is always handy. The "el cheapos" will fail apart after minimal use.
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Disagree. Ponchos are hot and clumsy. A compact umbrella is a better choice.
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6) Quality, all weather trekking shoes/boots are a must have item. If you go that route, plan on a minimum month pre-trip break-in period.
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Unless they are planning on doing a lot of hiking in rural areas, there are other options. I'd suggest closed toed for places like the Roman Forum, Pompeii, the Acropolis, etc., but open-toed walking sandals are fine for urban walking. I like Merrill for closed-toed but well vented walking shoes and Clark's for comfortable sandals.
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7) Appropriate electrical plug(s) (usually with transformer) for the particular EU area is needed for cellphone/IPAD/laptop, etc. for recharging. Extra batteries and memory chips for her camera are also useful.
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There are many places that sell transformer/converters that will handle all varieties of European outlets. You only need one. Most cameras have rechargeable batteries, charge them overnight as needed. I agree on the memory chips, I suggest taking one in the camera and one spare and leaving the rest in the safe at the hotel. Number them with a Sharpie and use in order so you don't get them mixed up.
One thing I'd suggest is an aluminum water bottle. They are lightweight and pretty much unbreakable and the tap water in most of Europe is very agreeable and safe to drink. It will save a small fortune on bottled water, not to mention be more environmentally friendly. I'd also suggest some "Charmin To-Go" which is a small roll of TP in a plastic shell. I came across a couple of public toilets without TP in Europe and it was handy.
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