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A New Euro Trip
By Pamela A. Keene
Connect with the local culture and chiropractors.
Why travel to Europe like a tourist when you can see the continent from the view of a resident? As a chiropractor, you hold the keys to having a travel adventure that delves deeper into a country’s culture and people, just by connecting with fellow practitioners around the world.
The European Chiropractor’s Union has more than 5,000 members in 15 countries.
“Why not look up chiropractors in the countries you visit and drop in to their offices?” says David Chapman-Smith, secretary-general of the World Federation of Chiropractors. “They’re your colleagues and it’s important for the profession to remain unified and consistent around the world. The ideal thing is to connect with that country’s association to reach out to its members before you travel.”
Taking the plunge, finding your way
The most popular European travel destinations continue to be Italy, France, Greece and England. Capital cities attract the bulk of tourists, and major airlines fly into Rome, Paris, Athens and London, but be adventurous and pick a secondary city to begin your journey. Plan to operate from a home base your first time out, selecting one city and planning to stay there for the bulk of your trip.
“Smaller cities are more manageable and easier to explore,” says Pam Walker, travel consultant with Explorations: a Travel Agency LTD, located in Atlanta, Ga., just north of Atlanta.“You can become familiar with the city and have a good sense of direction for all the sights. The hotel concierge or front desk can be an invaluable resource.
“And, if you’re willing to be adventurous, you can actually make a few local friends during your stay by eating breakfast at the same pastry shop a couple of days or going to the same bar for a light drink before dinner,” she says.
The locals, no matter what country, are prepared for tourists. After all, most countries count tourism as their leading industry, and tourism strictly managed to ensure that visitors are accommodated and safe. Tour guides must be credentialed, and taxis are regulated. Many restaurants have bi-lingual menus and wait staff that speak English.
“Tour books, purchased and studied at home, can give you a good idea for a rough itinerary, but don’t be locked in by arm-chair planning,” she says. “When you travel, be ready for the unexpected. You may find a sidewalk café not listed in a tour book, or a local shop-keeper who may tell you about his favorite restaurant. Be open to a new adventure.”
Becoming a “native” for a week or a year
The best of all possible worlds is to connect with someone who currently lives in the country you’re visiting. Before you leave, ask friends for suggestions about where to eat, where to shop and what attractions are “must see.”
Check with your chiropractic college alumni group to see if there are graduates now living overseas in the cities you plan to visit. Your bond as chiropractors can go far in helping get you first-class treatment off the beaten path, and many are happy to welcome fellow practitioners and serve as informal tour guides.
“The World Chiropractic Federation has members all over the world,” says Chapman-Smith. “Many countries have an abundance of chiropractors because the profession in such places as Italy, Spain and Portugal does not yet have a licensing program.”?He recommends that younger chiropractors right out of school seek opportunities for associate positions in overseas clinics as a way to hone their skills and see foreign countries at the same time.
“There are opportunities for associateships, especially for American chiropractors who are bi-lingual.” he says. “Especially if you speak Spanish, you have many choices, but to practice overseas, you need a good command of the language. It’s hard to treat patients if you don’t understand the language and communicate well.” Some graduates spend one to three years living overseas before returning to the United States to set up their own practice.
Also, some chiropractors take sabbaticals for the chance to work and travel abroad. “Others consider retirement from a practice in North America to re-establish themselves in Europe,” Chapman-Smith says. “There are many ways to enjoy travel.”
If you’ve taken time to study the language before your trip, doors will open for you. Speak to people in stores or restaurants, try out your foreign language skills. Chances are, they will appreciate your attempts and quickly compliment you—no matter how poor your grammar or accent—then tell you they speak English and would like to practice on you.
“As you travel in a city or town, leave the main streets if you feel that the area is safe,” Walker says. “For instance, in Florence, there’s a wonderful open-air market two blocks off the main street that connects the famous Duomo Cathedral with the Piazza della Signoria, the city’s main plaza, filled with statuary and sidewalk cafes.”
If you visit the Medici Chapel in the other direction to enjoy the exquisite marble inset floors and works of Michelangelo, another open-air market filled with leather goods and fresh foods awaits. Within just a block, there’s an international food market filled with cheeses, wines, fruits and vegetables, plus several casual restaurants for a quick plate of pasta or a calzone.
“Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or suggestions for places to visit,” Walker says. “As long as you stay in a populated area, you should be safe.”
New destinations
Northern Europe and Eastern Europe offer still relatively unexplored destinations. Dubrovnik, Croatia, nestled on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea across from Italy, has recently begun promoting itself to tourists, either by land or sea. Cruise ships regularly stop there for a day so that passengers can experience its old-world charm, complete with fresh markets filled with local products, and narrow streets leading to open plazas where folk dancers and artists share their native culture.
Tallinn, Estonia, is another relatively new tourist destination. Located on the Baltic Sea, it’s on the itinerary of cruise lines, plus it offers access by land. The old town streets are paved with cobblestone; little shops and restaurants are tucked along alleys and near parks.
The Greek Islands are connected by many cruise lines, or you can stay in Athens or nearby Piraeus, the country’s port city, and take a day trip to the nearby islands. Visit temple ruins or enjoy a moussaka lunch overlooking the sea.
Taking the first step
Perhaps the hardest part about taking a trip to Europe is selecting your destination. Summer is the high season. Airfare and hotels will be more expensive, and attractions will be more crowded. Be prepared for long lines as well.
Remember that there are hundreds of cities and towns to explore and many ways to do so. From land-based one-city tours to multi-destination ocean cruises between countries or along rivers and canals, getting a taste of Europe is like trying to eat just one potato chip.
Start out by querying friends who’ve been abroad, talking with travel agents and surfing the Internet. Don’t let price be your only determining factor, and realize that no matter who you talk with, you’re probably going to get a different story about which destination is best.
“The possibilities are limitless, either as a tourist or to practice overseas,” Chapman-Smith says. “Use your resources—other chiropractors and associations abroad—to reach out. You’ll be surprised by what you can experience.”
Reach Out to Other DCs
If you’re planning an international trip and would like to connect with local chiropractors, try contacting the World Federation of Chiropractic for help. The organization can be reached at wfc.org or 1 (416) 484-9978.
©2006 Today's Chiropractic