Traveling to Europe is different

Everyone knows you need a passport. You can't just hop a plane and go. Generally speaking you don't need visas within the Eurozone and even for some of the neighboring countries, but we checked all the countries we planned to visit. 

Planes within Europe are smaller and have a smaller luggage size and weight allowance. Check your airlines – all of them! Then adjust your baggage accordingly. Don't forget to check the weight limits too.

If you are renting a car you may need an International Drivers License. You can get that from AAA. You don't have to be a member, but if you aren't you pay a little bit more. Plan ahead if you will be crossing borders with a rental vehicle. Sometimes special advance authorization and paperwork is required. (We needed that for Serbia.)

People no longer use traveler's checks in Europe – just use an ATM and your debit card.

Credit cards are another story. Much of Europe has gone to PIN and Chip credit cards – especially in the UK, Ireland and France. I won't bore you with all the details, but if you are interested you can read more at CreditCard.com
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/american-travelers-guide-emv-chip-cards-1271.php

Also Flyer Talk maintains a list of banks and credit unions issuing PIN & Chip cards and PIN & Signature cards: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ani-u3tGk5hedGRvcE1ELVg5UmlGZk01SHZvTUMxdUE#gid=0

And then there is power,110 volt in the US and 220 volts in Europe. If you are taking electronic equipment, check each item. Most will work at either voltage. But hair dryers and electric razors are another story. You may have to buy a converter, new gadgets or do without.

Once the power problem is solved, you have to worry about plugs. Ireland and the UK use a three pronged monster; the EU a simple two prong; but the exception is Switzerland which has it's own special plug. UG!

More on plugs and electronics next...