Getting around Europe

Anyone traveled around Europe? In the past I just did everything through Delta, and each time someone there would say either take the train, or try RyanAir, et al, but their description always seemed like a hassle or took too long, or whatever. It's personal travel without a set plan, and last minute fares get steep sometimes, so I thought I'd try something else if that happens again. Anyone done it?

 

Eurorail is the way to go. See the country side and relax. Why waste time in an airport. Ryanair can be a pain in the arse, cancelling flights.
Ya could rent a bike.

 

yep!

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/eurail-passes-do-the-numbers-add-up/

 

+1

You could get a Euro pass which will make things cheaper. Just get it before you show up.

 

Yep, did this and went from Paris down to Capri and everything in between. Had zero plans and would get off the train when I found an interesting little town and then catch the next train to wherever.

 

Plus a billion. The only caveat about trains is to make sure they run when you need them to and that there aren't any planned strikes or outages. Use Bahn.de for train schedules and buy the ticket at the stations, unless you're in Germany, then buy them online.

 

Depending on where you're going, car rental isn't bad either.... I was skeptical too, but it was really a lot easier than I thought.

Was on a trip for work and rented a car to get from Zurich to Strasbourg, Fance... Just like driving on the interstate.. GPS in any language you need it (GPS even warned when coming up on those European traffic cameras), and border crossing was simple. Flexible for making it to those places that aren't walking distance from the train stop.

 

Both of my kids backpacked around Europe (separately) two years ago. They used kayak.com for airfares and fast bookings, eurailpass for trains. Since wireless is available easily in cafes, etc., there is no problem getting online and connected.

 

Here's your ticket...
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/eurail-global-pass/index.html
Stuff to know...
http://www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/eurail-global-pass/pass-faq.html

 

3 years ago I did 3 week trip. Rented car in Germany which was $750 for 3 weeks with unlimited milage (peugeot 207). Made circle from Germany to Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Swiss and back to Germany.
This summer 8 of us went there and rented minivan for 2 weeks (~$1000). Did not cruise through other countries, just up/down the Croatian cost.

 

Yeah Eurorail for sure, just honeymooned in Switzerland and rode through Italy too, mountain train.

Get them online while you are still in the states, huge discounts for that. We ordered ours online 2for1 deal, and got it delivered in 2 days.

 

That right there sounds like my kinda vacation!!

 

Take the train... I travled around Europe for two months. The train might take a while, but the people you met and the experiences it worth it.

 

http://www.seat61.com is an awesome site for train info in europe

caught trains from london to saigon/ho chi minh, it was super helpful, and get your belarus visa before the border.

 

Eurail is good if you're traveling every few days, beyond that I didn't find it cost effective. Planning a month or so ahead for each flight and being flexible on dates (and possibly destinations) makes the budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Aer Lingus et al very attractive. They will absolutely F you on baggage however; make sure you read the fine print and buy it ahead of time if you need carry-ons.

 

Where and when in Europe are wanting to go? That makes a difference in my opinion. For ease of travel anywhere and everywhere definately Europass. But, I'll remember riding/driving through Europe much more then falling asleep on the train.

 

.... My Vote goes to doing it by Car ...... we just got back from a month in Europe .... we did BSB at Silverstone followed by some travelling in Europe ... Brugges, Brussels, Germany, Luxembourg, Paris... including the WSB at Magny-Cours and then a Ferry back to England and worked our way up the Coast for BSB at Brands Hatch.

Distances are surprisingly short if you are used to North American standards.

If you want to see the Countryside you stay off the main Highways .... if you want to get somewhere quicker you just pay the Toll and use them ....

We did approx 2500 Miles during the Month...

Steve

 

Train in Holland, Belgum, Germany, or Spain. Amazing service and comfort. I would imagine France as well.

Italy, er, not so much. Or better yet, forget about details like timing and schedules. I don't think those words translate to Italian

Airports are fine as long as they close to the city. Places like Munich and Amsterdamn are far from, about an hour's train ride. Their TSAs officers are FAR less stricter than ours, so security lines move faster.

If u can rent a bike in Spain or Germany, I'd highly recommend it. Take advantage of the super low Euro!!!!!