What's the easiest (and/or cheapest) way to travel through Europe?

Question

A buddy of mine and I are looking to go through Europe later this year. Our plan was to go London (coming from Canada) and make our down to Cyprus where my buddy has some family, and then back up to London (prefer to take a different route back). What's the easiest way to do this? Are there any trains or buses or anything? Oh, we're planning on making this trip 2-3 weeks long. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have done this same trip about a year ago only mine was the opposite way round. I started from Kyrenia, Cyprus and took a boat ride to Tasucu, Turkey. From there I travelled to Adana, Turkey by bus, followed by another bus ride to Izmir, Turkey. I stayed there for about 3 days then moved on to Ankara, Turkey by Train. Then took another bus to Istanbul, Turkey. I stayed here for a week and enjoyed the beautifull Bogaz. Next I decided to take a train ride travelling through Bulgaria crossing the Danube through to Romania then a dazziling journey on to Budapest, Hungary. I didn't stay in Hungary for long before I made up my mind to head on yet another train ride to magnificent Amsterdam, Holland. The train ride to Amsterdam was very interesting and easy on the eyes. I met an ex assasin on the train from Hamburg, Germany to Amsterdam, Holland who claimed to have worked for the CIA anyway that is a whole different story. Travelling through Germany was a treat as the train runs along the twirly river Rhine. Finally arrived in Amsterdam, Holland where I stayed for around 10 days I think(memory probs :)).
From there I took a ferry ride followed by a train into Padington Station, London, England. After all this I ended up taking a plane back to my homeland Cyprus.

This is the rough route I took on my travel through Europe( I left out a couple of stops like Slazburg, Austria) Total time of travel was around 3 weeks +/- 3 days. Total cost of travel was around 3000 british pounds +/- 300 british pounds. I stayed in OK hotels and ate good meals as I love my food.

I believe strongly you can spend a lot less money if planned as I travelled tottaly on impulse and gut desicions. I tottaly recomend doing this to anyone that likes to have fun in their life. Thank you for reading. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Answer 2

Since ur trip isnt that long,perhaps its better u2 fly? U can always pick a stop before Cyprus,then take a train / bus from there all the way to Cyprus.Then u can cover "more" area even b4 arrivin in Cyprus.U can try to find flights that are rather cheap if u book ahead of time.Prices can increase as u draw near to ure departure date.If u cud book 3-8weeks ahead, u cud get amazingly cheap flights.Just need to check wot towns interests u,especially around Cyprus..coz if u pick destinations that are too far,u might lose time & may not cover all the places that u wanna go.So pick the countries / towns/cities that sparks ur interest,book ur flights/accomodation etc least u have everythin planned and all set to go.Have a safe trip!

Answer 3

Travel by train is the way to go in Europe. You can buy a rail pass (Eurail) for a specific amount of days within that amount of time. But, for instance, if you buy a seven day pass that doesn't mean it will expire after seven days...it means you could travel on any seven random days within say, a month. It's also important to note that overnight sleeper car trainrides will cost you two days on your rail pass. If you are a student you can get discounted rail pass!

May I also recommend staying in youth hostels. You'll save a lot of money, see parts of the city you my not normally see, and meet lots of cool people.

And my favorite guidebook for travel in Europe was Lonely Planet: Europe on a Shoestring.

Answer 4

I have a little travel blog that has some info on traveling through Europe. I think it will help you out. Just look for the post about getting around Europe. Have fun!

http://besttravelsearch.blogspot.com/

Answer 5

The best way is the Eurail pass

http://www.eurail.com/

How to travel by train through Europe
http://www.raileurope.com/
Traveling from Britain
http://www.railpass.com/
http://www.europeanrailguide.com/railpasses/eurailpass.html

Answer 6

Hitchhiking with backpacks and camping is also possible, that's really an interesting experience, it doesn't cost you anything in general. It's safe, however, not really comfortable in some occasions.

Answer 7

BY TRAİN