Travelers' Guide to European Customs and Manners

I took my first trip to Europe on business (with free time) and thought that this book was very helpful especially for Poland and the Czech Republic. The tips on public transportation and basic language phrases in each country I found to be particularly valuable. Being able to say please and thank you in Dutch or Polish, for example, go along ways in any country in order to get around or to make a new friend.

I found this book at a friends and had a hard time putting it down. It is well-organized, by country, and provides a lot of useful (if somewhat outdated) information. As an American living in Germany, I was particular interested in the Germany section as well as those countries I know something more about. I found the German business information very close to the mark. Some of the other customs were outdated, but it also depends on where you are in the country, the age group of the people you are meeting, and your relationship to them. A very fascinating look at Europeans and their customs and manners; excellent introduction for Americans thinking of traveling to or living in Europe.