Is car best for European travel?

Question

Three 50-something Aussie women in Germany for 1 week then off into other countries for 9 days. Is it easy to get around by left-hand drive car? Best countries to drive in? Best places to stay on a tight budget? Oh, we are not all that fit either!!

Answer 1

If you plan on traveling more than 500 KM each day, buy a train pass. Our trains are pretty good and with a pass likely cheaper than renting a car.
If you plan on traveling short distances the comfort of a car might be better, as you will have lots of time to stop and look around.
You might even combine it, having a car in Germany and taking the train for the longer distances later on.
Most if not all trains in Europe are smoke free now, and real comfy. (I am afraid they are much better than most I used in OZ, though I liked it there.)
Western Europe is all good roads, many multi-lane highways, and many scenic countryroads.
If you are used to drive cities and mountains, driving on the right side of the road will not be a problem (I am told by people who often drive abroad,) and having a left-hand drive car will make it easier, as you sit in the right position for seeing when overtaking.
If you are not used to busy traffic, rethink the car plan.
If you are on a real tight budget but travel by car, how about buying a small tent and camping?
Otherwise, hostels are mostly nice and do cost less than most hotels.
If you are planning to travel in July or August, book ahead, whatever accommodation you use.
The rest of the year, go to the tourist office before Noon, and ask them to help you (sometimes you have to pay them, but in those cases they have a list with lodgings for you to contact yourself.)
But however you travel, you are going to enjoy it. Have fun together!

Answer 2

i am american and lived in europe 3 years...i find the car better then the train. u can see more, stop when u want, avoid the crowds and smoking, take pics. we traveled from denmark to italy and i loved the car. its not bad at all. as for left hand driving we all drive on the same side of the road as in the US except in britain. and for staying place i suggest bed and breakfast when u find them cause they are much cheaper and other then that just a decent hotel since u wont be much in the room. most countries are fine to drive in u just have to watch the tight spaces and crazy drivers in france and italy....they just don't look for other cars. but we were fine.

Answer 3

I think driving in "left hand" cars is very easy, but I am American!

Trains in Europe are most efficient for getting around!

As for where to stay... it depends on where you are going. I prefer the Marriott no matter where I go, but it that won't work for a tight budget.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but take the train, it is better than driving!

Answer 4

I would recommend train instead of a car. If you plan on travelling for ca. two weeks, you'll be dead-tired from driving alone (and won't be in any shape to really appreciate the places you're visiting). Also, in a case of a tehnical problem with your car (if it's not a rental, but even if it is), you'll have a problem. Trains in Europe are very reliable, safe, comfortable and not too expensive.

Sorry for not really being able to suggest anything related to places & countries. It really depends on what you want to see (history, art, beaches&swimming, nature, something else...?)

Answer 5

Depends - what other countries? For three women together a car might make sense, but for one week? What do you plan to see? How do I understand the fitness thing? Can you walk a mile over flat land or not?

Answer 6

there is not any longer something incorrect with utilising a euro automobile in yet another place, yet whilst that's someplace the place left hand force is the commonplace you have some lane placment to get used to. different than that there is not any reason to no longer force them anyplace you want.