You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you "really" need to know when traveling through Europe: Plan your itinerary and maximize your time ; Pack light--and right ; Find good-value hotels and restaurants ; Travel smoothly by train, bus, car, and plane ; Avoid crowds and tourist scams ; Hurdle the language barrier Understand cultural differences and connect with locals ; Save money while enjoying the trip of a lifetime. After more than three decades of exploring Europe, Rick considers this travel skills handbook his life's work. He shares his knowledge, experiences, and discoveries to help you make the most of your trip. With this guidebook, you'll experience the culture like a local, spend less money, and have more fun" -- page 4 of cover.