5 WAYS TO WANDER: 🥐France’s magic word?

2 May, 2025 | Welcome to 5 Ways to Wander! 🌍✨

A friend recently got me coffee beans from Slovenia, and I was instantly taken back to the country. Yes, Slovenia has REALLY good coffee – even for a noob like me. That’s where this week’s inspiration began. ☕

Here’s 1 travel tip, destination, cultural nugget, quote and Q to get you thinking…

#1 This Week’s Travel Hack:

💳 Pay in local currency, not your home currency. When you’re at a card terminal and it asks, “Pay in EUR or USD?”, always pick EUR (or whatever the local currency is).

Choosing Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) – where you can pay in your own currency – is a classic rookie Europe travel mistake. You end up getting a horrible exchange rate + hidden fees.

E.g. that €50 meal might cost you $53 in EUR but $58 in USD via DCC. Always pick local currency for the best deal!

[You Might Like: 20+ Common Tourist Scams in Europe]

---

#2 Destination of the Week:

🇸🇮 Bled, Slovenia. I always say Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and Bled is the perfect example of why. Its picturesque lake, charming church island, and medieval castle will transport you right into a storybook.

Sitting between lush forests and dramatic mountains, the lake is a perfect spot for a day of boating, hiking, or just soaking up the view. The church on the tiny island is a must-see – you can take a pletna boat there, and legend says ringing the bell brings good luck.

Plus, don’t leave without grabbing a slice of their famous Bled Cream Cake (salivating as I think of it!) 🤤

[You Might Like: Charming Slovenia: Bled + Ljubljana]

---

#3 Cultural Insight:

🇫🇷 The Power of “Bonjour” in France. Before you ask for directions, order your coffee, or step into a store, a simple “Bonjour” goes a long way in France.

Think of it as a kind of social contract – you greet, and then you can ask for what you need.

It’s the first step in showing respect for the local culture, and it’s seen as essential by the French. Failing to say “Bonjour” might make you come across as rude or dismissive, so don’t skip it!

Maybe also throw in a “parlez-vous anglais?” and a smile, and you’ll be an instant hit with the locals. 💪

P.S.: Bonjour means good morning.
✅ “Bonjour” in the morning until late afternoon.
✅ “Bonsoir” in the evening, say after 5 p.m.
✅ “Bonne nuit” – Only when saying good night before bed.

[You Might Like: Is Solo Travel in Paris Safe? Here's the Truth!]

---

#4 Travel Quote to Ponder:

🏞️ “Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.”

― Jamie Lyn Beatty

[You Might Like: The Ultimate Mini-Adventures Bucket List]

---

#5 Question for You:

❔ Is there a place you would visit over and over again?

(Hit reply and tell me; I’d love to hear!)

[You Might Like: Top 10 Romantic Getaways in Europe]

********