Traveling in Europe?

Question

I’ll be traveling in October to France, Switzerland and Germany. Any tips on plane and train travel in Europe? Easyjet or Eurorail?

Answer 1

Eurorail is the way to go. Easy to use, see a lot more, and you can always find great discounts! If you are under 26, you can get an "under 26" pass, which gives great discounts at many Hostels as well as your train rides.

Answer 2

I did Europe entirely on my own when I was twenty. I look back as an older adult, now, and I think MY God! What was my mother thinking that whole time!? I wrote to my parents frecuently, but never called, that would have taken too much time, and this was WAY before internet, so, I wonder how much my mom worried about me. I think of all the things I did where I might have gotten into real danger, had certain situations occured slightly differently, and yet, I was lucky, and a bit savvy, and managed not to get into any trouble (no stranger-danger too much to handle, etc.) and I had the time of my life! I think travelling with a good friend or your cousin sounds terrific!!! How old are you? Are you both mature enough to handle things if they DO get a little rough? can you avoid sticky situations, or get out of them if you get into them? I would say, if you are under twenty, you should be extremely mature to go alone, or wait a couple of years for that. Whatever you do, don't do the one night in every city thing. Concentrate on a couple of cities if your time is too short to do everything well. It is important to really get a feel for each city/country you are in, and not to just be able to say you were in each major city. Be sure to build in some down time, nature and such. And be flexible. I found my down time was planned just a week too late, and I wound up blowing one major city, because I was already burnt out. After spending a few days in the mountains, I was much refreshed, and started with a new spirit. (for me, it was about two and a half, maybe three weeks of really intense city/museum stuff that ruined the fourth week). What you should watch out for is, first, be aware of any terrorist activity, and try to avoid places that look iffy...I was in Belfast the day one of the hunger strikers had died, and there were riots. I managed to get out pretty quickly, but had I stayed in the Youth Hostel, would have been pretty sticky. Watch out for pickpockets, they can ruin your trip. Keep more than one source of money, two or more credit cards are a good idea, just try to get the kind that don't charge too much for the exchange. They run from 1 - 3%. The actual exchange rate is the best using a card. ATM cards should have 4-digit PINs. 5-digit ones don't work in a lot of European machines. They, too, are a great way to avoid carrying too much cash, and traveller's checques aren't accepted much anymore. Men. be aware of strange men. Don't go anywhere you're not sure about with some strange native. you just never know. Stay in public places. and use taxis at night. Just, generally use good common sense. get your youth hostel card, and if you are a student, an international student ID card, and a train pass (research the options, there are several, so you can decide which is best for you), before you leave the US. And have fun! if you decide to do it the backpack way.

Answer 3

Just travelled all of Europe with all types of transport. If you book in advance.. easyjet offer good deals and is suited to those who are on trip that is planned out.. meaning if you want to stay in some places longer then others you cant really as you have scheduled flight. I loved eurorail.. it comfy and reasonably priced, you can come and go and you like, suits the more flexible traveller that can afford to extra travel time within their travel arrangements. What ever you decide you will have a wicked time!! Have fun!

Answer 4

If you are american you can buy a prepaid eurail pass that is good for three countries. This passes cannot be sold to europe nationals. They are for tourists. These passes are priced based on how many days you will want to travel.

Here are the different options. These prices are bases on 2nd class pricing. That is the youth price. In order to qualify for the youth price you have to be 25 years old or younger. If you are older you are 1st class and the prices are higher.
EuRail Selectpass 3 Countries 2nd class
10 days in 2 months flexi youth $375
8 days in 2 months flexi youth $325
6 days in 2 months flexi youth $275
5 days in 2 months flexi youth $249

I would not consider taking Ryan Air or EAsy Jet, just because you will see so much more on the ground than in the air. And when you take those discount carriers thaey are usually not using the larger airports that are easily accessable. They are usually using airports that are outside of the city that you will have to take a taxi to. And that can get expensive. And they have a lot of restrictions on baggage. They allow a lot less than the normal airlines. Like only one bag, sometimes there is a fee, and the weight of the bag is a lot less weight than the normal airlines allow. But flying may save you some time. I would just suggest taking overnight trains for all of your long distances.

Answer 5

There are passes and discount cards that you can purchace. Sometmies a card will cost you 20 euro but save you 20 percent for a whole month on certain train trave. Try ryanair.com for air travel through europe. Its smaller airports, but you can't beat the prices. I live in Germany and a lot of people here speak atleast some English. Its true for most big cities. You should however get a book on each language and work on your basics. People are much happier to help you if you try speaking to them in their language first. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Answer 6

If you are a student you may purchase a rail pass very very cheap, at almost all rail stations in the country's you mention.At the same place ask for a youth hostel list, there are many all over Europe.You will meet many kids travelling the circuit,and make many life long friends along the way.I personally have met groups of teenagers who meet up with each other year after year.and then keep in touch by e-mail or letters.Eurorail is your best bet. Happy Trails.................Karen

Answer 7

I would go with eurorail and take the night trains, that way you can save yourself nights in a hotel and not waste any of the days traveling

Answer 8

When you visit Europe, do not forget to visit Palma de Mallorca, the connection with germany is very good. I found a very confortable hotel with jacuzzy, minibar, satellite TV air conditioning, safe, and flat screen TV for 100 plus tax two people. The type of people that go there are usually young people, is small, but very center located [e-mail]. Please, when you go, tell me how it went

Answer 9

Yes indeed,,,

I used easyjet,,and loved it.... to get to the winter olympics this year.......book ahead of time.. saves you money....

I did the train travel also.....a year ago... its nice also.....i went 1st class,,,if you have to go overnight.....2nd,,, if it is just a day long trip......

Have fun.........

Answer 10

when i was in europe i traveled mainley by train. since it was the cheapest. but cheapest doesnt come with confort and safety. if you travel at night, be carefull. on trains they steal your stuff when your asleep or even attack you. be carefull wherever you go and be alert. always travel with someone.