Maximizing European Travel?

Question

I am planning a two week holiday to Europe at the end of the year with the goal of spending New Year's Eve in London. I am trying to figure out an itinerary that includes stops in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Rome/Venice. Specifically, I am looking for info on rail passes to each city, is it feasible to visit all of the above, and what are the places to look for fairly reasonable hotel accomodations. Does anyone have any idea where to start? Thanks for your help!!!

Answer 1

Here's the most important piece of European travel advice you'll ever hear:

DO NOT buy the Eurail pass.

Eurail travel has become much more expensive over the years, it does not include Great Britain, and you have to pay for seat reservations and the reservation prices vary greatly from country to country (regardless of what is says on your pass).

The new cheap way to travel is with low budget air.
Here are some sites that can help you find a direct flight. I would do it for you, but I don't know when you want to travel.

www.germanwings.com
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com
www.skyeurope.com
www.hlx.com

You can find some really good deals here depending on when you want to fly. The middle of the week (Tues/Wed/Thurs) are usually cheapest.

As for hotel accommodations, you're better off using private accommodations. It's much cheaper, and you can get an amazing apartment with a balcony/AC/fridge etc., for 20-40 Euros per night.

Check out this accomodations site, once you know where you're gonna be: http://www.expatriates.com/

As for the cities you're going to, I've been to London, Paris, and both Rome/Venice. London is the most expensive city in Europe, so if you go there, you must realize this. So save up some money before u go there. Rome and Venice are a must-see, but hotels will kill you. Private accomodation is vital. Paris is not as expensive as these cities, and is a good place to go.

My recommendations for Europe though, are Barcelona, Prague, and any island in Croatia.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

The guy who made justifiable criticisms of EURail is half right....

Those airlines are very cheap, if you book in advance (21 days) they are often only 40 USD (all tax)...

On the other hand...those airline are strict about the weight of the luggage you can carry (15 kilos I think) and you must pay to get to Stansted Airport in London as well as pay to get from the, usually secondary airport in the destination - this makes each hop about 100 dollars. But, there are limits, they use only a few hubs - German wings only does to and from Berlin and Hamburg I think...all flights through Ryan air go through Stansted I think...so you might have to buy two flights - and they won't insure you get on the second one....

The trains are reliable, comfortable, and fun. If you start in London, buy one plane ticket to Venice. Then also buy a rail pass to do the continent - you will save on hotels if you take the night trains....

Many of the cheapest hotels are not listed online....In venice, I found 70 euro for a double, not bad. A'dam is about 80 for a double....

Another tip, use your debit card and not the money changers to save on fees and get the best exchange rates....

have fun!!

Answer 3

I can tell you right now that anywhere in Italy from the rest of those cities won't happen...at least not in two weeks. I would cut Italy out of the itenarary(sp?) and just plan to go back to visit. Otherwise you'll spend most of your holiday on a train instead of really getting to enjoy yourself.
...but the rest of that is totally "do" able. Maybe substitute French wine country, or Northern England instead.

Answer 4

confident virtually each and every place has night trains. you need to be careful in particular components yet you're able to do this... this is going to save on the hostel costs. i could purchase a lock to your bag and a bike lock for the door... Dont take lots valuables. particular trains are infamous for thefts. I went on some night trains from Budapest to Belgrade and became advised by ability of the Conductor that if i fell asleep that i could get robbed. I took the curton off the compartment window tied one end to the guard on the door and the different to the baggage rack so as that no one might desire to open the door. apparently, that night I wakened and the curtain became torn very almost to the component the place the door became opened. apparently somebody tried to interrupt in (and intensely almost did). The curtain worked large till a Serbian Police guy have been given annoyed and all started screaming at me. yet i could advise this in case you will be able to desire to till somebody tells you you cant. greater powerful than the curtain could be to get a protracted bicycle lock or chain to fasten the compartment door so it cant be opened. this can be the only time i could sleep on the night prepare. I even have heard some thoughts approximately people who use a particular gas to put in the compartment that nocks you chilly, then they scouse borrow all your stuff. (I hear this occurs in Poland and different jap international locations) yet i became on between the main threatening prepare lines in Europe and did no longer have a concern (even on the earlier whilst i could no longer use the curtain). on the earlier i became too afraid to attempt to fasten the cabin and to pass to sleep, so I stayed up all night. i spotted adult males strolling backward and forward looking interior the direction of the cubicles for individuals who have been snoozing. So beneficial you're able to do it, yet be careful in case you have a pal take turns snoozing and constantly have one individual stay wakeful. (it is what i opt to advise). purely dont make acquaintances with human beings on the prepare to computer screen your stuff (because of the fact generally they are the only that are attempting to rob you). ideally be very careful yet you're able to do it. i do no longer opt to scare you with the gas concern or something. I even have been to very almost each and every eu u . s . a .. I truthfully think of that maximum are safer than any large city interior the U. S. (even Serbia). Be clever and conscious and you'd be wonderful. solid success and happy travels. in case you have any questions you may e mail me

Answer 5

take eurorail pass:

http://www.eurorailways.com/products/trains_passes/multi_countries/index.htm

for hotels there are hundred of site from budget to luxury hotels in each countries..

should you pick the countries first (which countries are you prioritized) because i believe travelling non-stop for 2 weeks is quite exhausting, you might end up taking a break in one place then continue your trip..

bon voyage!