Before your trip
PICKPOCKETS – Although the Czech Republic continues to be one of the dozen safest countries in the world, it does have its pickpockets. Just as the proverb about driving says, “when your eyes leave the road, you are looking for trouble,” when tourists aren't aware of what is happening around them, they are also looking for trouble. When photographing picturesque sights and focusing on your camera angle, don't ignore the “angle” of people close by. Even though on vacation, don't leave common sense at home. Remember “target theory” that successful animals have used on the plains of Africa for countless years; ie., don't stand out. Also avoid being “bumped” in crowded tourist situations (ie., locals call Prague's tram #22, favored by tourists, the “Pickpocket Express”). Even small towns such as Cesky Krumlov are not immune to pickpockets, especially at its famous, crowd intensive photo ops. Before your trip, read such websites as http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/theft.htm and http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/298scam.htm to learn the tricks of the trade. Wear a money belt under your clothes (see http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneybelt.htm).
SHOES - Cesky Krumlov, like many towns in Europe, has cobblestone streets in historic areas so wear shoes with good ankle support. The polished stone or wood floors of cathedrals, palaces, etc. similarly provide minimal grip for smooth soles so also wear shoes with a good tread. Consider testing your "travel shoes" at home on a wet/slippery bathroom or kitchen floor to make sure they are satisfactory. To decrease the chance of blisters, be sure the shoes are "broken in" before your trip. Most people will walk more during a trip to Europe than they usually walk at home; your legs and knees will thank you in Europe if you take gradually longer walks several times a week during the month before your trip.
Although most of your time walking through cities in Europe will be spent looking at the architecture of the buildings, be sure to include the sidewalks in your field of vision. Decades ago the main sidewalk hazards in Europe were stepping into unmarked holes in the sidewalk and dog droppings. Now that cities are shifting to such things as red bricks and black stones on streets and sidewalks to make their city look more elegant, there can be a problem not recognizing the changing height of sidewalk curbs and tram islands in the middle of streets. Tourists occupied watching bicycles that might have the right of way, confusing tram routes, and scooters/taxis/buses may not be paying attention to the ground as they cross the street with crowds of other people. (In some cities certain trams always have the right of way unless they are flashing their lights to signal they are stopped to sell tickets, etc.). Using shoes with good ankle support can often prevent a twisted ankle if one trips on the tram tracks or "misses" a curb. Women going to events where high heels are worn should do what many locals do, ie., carry the high heeled shoes then change into them when at the "event". You do not want to ruin a special evening by having your high heels stuck in a tram track or between cobblestones. When the temperature is near freezing, also look for black ice (not "black" in color but transparent) when walking/driving across bridges where air circulation above and below the pavement lowers the temperature faster than on nearby sidewalks and streets.
MONEY MATTERS – Almost always you will get the best currency exchange rates at an ATM or bank. Before you obtain a card, ask several credit card companies what fees they charge for using someone else's ATM machine and what their foreign currency exchange fees are; there can be significant differences among credit cards. After you obtain a credit card and before your trip, inform the card company what countries you plan to visit so your card will not be blocked for “unusual charges.” Take both a MC and a VISA card on your trip since some European ATM machines accept one type of card but not the other. Airports usually have ATM machines in the baggage claim area or in the Arrivals Hall just outside of baggage claim. Downtown it is safer to use ATMs outside of a bank building or in a main post office building. If you use an ATM on a public street, make sure the area is well lit, there are no suspicious devices attached to the machine to “read” it as you insert your card, and you can shield your pin number from other people and cameras. In European ATM machines you will need a pin number with four numbers (no letters). You will need your passport if you use a bank to get a cash advance with your credit card. If you are tempted to use currency exchange offices because of allegedly “favorable rates” posted on their window, always ask exactly how much currency you will leave their office with if you exchange “X” amount of currency. Be aware of extra “fees” and the fine print that says that the “favorable” exchange rates are ONLY available if the transaction involves thousands of dollars, etc.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES – Remember that adapters do not change voltage; adapters only change the shape of the plug. Unlike countries such as the United States and Canada where 110 voltage current is used, Europeans use 220/240 volts. Unless your shaver and hair dryer automatically change the voltage or have a switch for you to change the voltage before you use it in Europe (remember to change the appliance's voltage again as you return home), bring a converter with you to avoid damaging the appliance. You will also need to bring a “two cylindrical prong” European type adapter that will fit into the recessed electrical outlets. Each time you use an appliance, remember to remove the adapter; it is easy to forget the adapter if you leave it in an electrical outlet between uses. Many converters also have a low voltage setting for shavers, radios, and CD players and a higher voltage setting for hair dryers and irons. If you bring a laptop, a special type of converter called a transformer is required to handle the computer's electronic circuitry and to allow for continuous use over a long period of time. If your overseas computer connection will be to a phone jack, bring a 220/240 volt surge protector to prevent high digital phone currents from damaging your laptop. Also use a converter/transformer that is rated at least 50% higher than the appliance you intend to use. For example, a 500 Watt (watts = volts multiplied by amperes) appliance should be used with a converter/transformer of at least 750 Watts. Remember the sequence: electrical outlet, then adapter, then converter/transformer as needed, then appliance.
PACKING, COMMUNICATING, SAFETY, ETC. – Before your trip, visit such sites as http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tips_menu.htm for detailed travel tips about a wide range of topics. Benefit from the experiences of those who have made the same journey.