Getting Around (3 of 4) The strength of the European Union has made it easier and easier to travel between the countries of Europe. Also, as Eastern European nations develop too, the entire continent, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mountains, is becoming more and more accessible to travelers. Getting around Europe has its share of difficulties too, but this newsletter should help remedy them. When figuring out how you'll travel around the Continent, keep this in mind: Depending on budget and schedule, either fly, or take the train or bus when traveling long distances (moving, say, between countries and major cities). Or, in the case of island-hopping or water-crossing (e.g., Ireland-France), you'll need to sort out a ferry or boat. In the city, either walk or use public transport. European cities are known for their compactness and walkability, and what better way to see a place? The cities are also known for the difficulty of driving and parking in town. Save your rental car money until you're ready to explore the surrounding region and countryside. Rail and bus transportation also is less reliable and more restrictive outside of cities, whereas renting a car lets you travel at your own pace, to wherever you want to go. If you want to leave a bit more to chance and serendipity, just hoof it, hitch, or bicycle around. What do you need to do it? Just some initiative, and probably some of these resources and tips: European Railpasses Bus Travel Car Rentals Boats & Ferries Other Ways to Get Around What's Next? European Railpasses Eurail Travel Guide The classic way to see Europe. More options, countries and flexibility also keep another classic, the European Railpass, one of the best ways to get everywhere you want to go – and to enjoy the sights and scenery in-between. This is our preferred way to travel Europe, and we freely admit our love of the rail. Train travel, in our opinion, has many advantages over other types of transport: Especially for large distances, it's usually faster than bus or car. When you arrive in town, you arrive in town. Train stations are located in city centres, unlike airports, so are close to hostels, pubs, sights, restaurants, public transportation – you name it. You interact with both locals and travelers, so you can meet people. Don't have to worry about traffic. More comfortable than planes and buses – especially buses (not as cramped, can walk around, snack carts, buffet cars, and toilets that don't stink up the whole place). Look at towns, at the countryside; the train allows you to comfortably sit back and enjoy the view. Compared to other types of travel, railpasses provide amazing flexibility for your route and cost-effectiveness for your budget. For shorter trips, the train is probably the best way to 'blitz' all the places on your travel plan. Sound good? We thought so. We also have the means for you to put together and purchase your European Railpass. If the UK is in your plans too, you can purchase your BritRail pass as well. Examples of Railpasses and packages include: Eurailpass. The classic, the original, the 17-country behemoth pass that covers Western Europe from Spain to Sweden. More on Eurailpass » Single Country Passes. For the traveler who wants to focus on one particular country or region. Choose from one of the many individual country passes that are available. More on Single Country Passes » Eurostar. The first true international train. It connects Paris, London and Brussels, with a travel time of less than 3 hours. Purchase a Eurailpass and receive great Eurostar discounts (the Eurostar itself isn't free with any pass, but it's still an awesome way to move betweeen Britain and mainland Europe). You can also purchase Eurostar tickets online. More on Eurostar » Regional Passes. Want to focus on a particular region? No worries: you can buy regional passes for areas such as the Balkans, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Benelux and Great Britain. More on Regional Passes » Don't forget that each pass has different options. If you're under 26 or over 60, for example, you qualify for discounted passes on most railpass types. Going with another person or a group? Check out options like the Eurail Saver Flexipass, where going in numbers saves you money. Check our Eurail Travel Guide for info on passes and how to pick the best pass, even point-to-point tickets and reservations, for your trip. Your guide to Europe railpasses » Back to top Bus Travel Hop on and off with BusAbout Of course the trouble with trains is that, rail pass or not, they just might not fit what you need for your trip. "Coaches" (what inter-city or inter-country buses are called in Europe) also come in cheaper than trains, so if you'd rather spend less of your money on transportation, consider buying bus passes. The best time to use the bus is when you're in a large city and need to get around cheaply. Most major cities have bus and other public transportation systems, and are great for getting you around town. If you'd like to explore Europe by coach, and still do things at your pace, we recommend BusAbout. Not so much a coach service, BusAbout is a "hop on, hop off" service designed for independent travelers. Their bus passes and packages can get you to pretty much any point in Western and Southern Europe. More on BusAbout coach travel » Back to top Car Rentals Compare Rates & Rent Cars Online See the sights at your pace, or go to the out-of-the-way places that the trains and buses just don't hit. Explore the countryside. Stop for hikes. Stop for picnics. Stop for the sake of stopping. Pick up hitchhikers, and meet new people. Renting a car gives you more control over what you do and the pace at which you do it. It's also a great way to explore the areas outside the cities, where public transportation might not go. We put together Cheap Car Rental Links to help you compare the major online bookers and find the best deal on the rental you need. Check it out to reserve your rental car, and happy driving! Check Rates & Reserve » Looking for long-term rental? Short-term auto leases save you money If you'd like to rent a car for at least 2 weeks, the cost adds up pretty quick with standard rental programs. There is one program out there though, that gives great rates on Peugeot rentals for 17 days to 6 months. Called a "short-term auto lease" (so you can talk the talk), here's what you get: Minimum rental days 17 Maximum rental days 6 months Vehicle is brand new Over 50 models to chose from Fully insured to include CDW and theft 24/7 roadside assistance No insurance deductable Minimum age to drive 18 Interested? Drive on over this way to check out rates and hit the road » Back to top Boats & Ferries If your budget is really tight, you can always swim the English Channel... but there are easier (and warmer) ways to navigate the waters of Europe. From UK to mainland, or from mainland to the many, many islands scattered from Galway Bay to the North Sea to the Mediterranean, water travel will probably be necessary. Instead of waxing on for ages about it though, we've found an exhaustive collection of links and resources for Europe Ferry Transporation, with both general services, and country-by-country listings. International Ferries also has comprehensive country-sorted listings. Note: Many Europe railpasses also include discounts on certain ferry routes. Back to top Other Ways to Get Around Now, all these standard ways to get around are all well and fine – but they're still on the beaten track. For those who really want to taste some adventure, to meet more people, to truly taste the freedom of throwing oneself to the whimsical winds of travel... or if you just want to get around town without spending much, well, here are some other ways to do it. Walking, Hiking, Rambling & Ambling Sometimes it seems a lost art, especially if all you do with your feet is push brake and gas pedals. In European cities, towns and countryside, however, by foot is the way to go. It puts you completely on the level with locals, and lets you experience places close-up. Outside of town, too, you should lace up the ol' hiking boots. Find hiking trails or, if you're in Britain, walk the pastoral paths with the Brits in their laidback way of hiking: the ramble. Besides, as fun as cities are, getting out in nature and more rural areas is a way to make the trip more well-rounded. Walking is even good for traveling city-to-city (such as Scotland's West Highland Way Walk, which runs from Glasgow to Fort William), or even country-to-country. If you want to get around in the most simple way possible, there's no way better than one foot at a time. Back to top Hitchhiking Why hitch? Because hitchhiking is one of the most liberating experiences a person can have. You take a leap of faith – and when your faith is rewarded, the feeling is incredible. Just think: a random stranger has invited you into their domain to share their company and enjoy a journey together. Freedom is a big factor. Hitching gives you the freedom to head in any direction, at any time, and you're not confined to a schedule. Granted, there is no guarantee you'll get a ride right away – but you will get a ride eventually. Hitchhiking is a great way to save money. Bus and train tickets can be expensive, and a free ride is welcome when you're on a budget. If your ride offers to drive you all day, it's polite to offer to buy drinks and refreshments. Adventure plays a big part in a memorable travel experience, but adventure only really begins where the plans stop. Hitchhiking forces you, from the first moment, to let go of the bank and go with the stream, so to speak. After riding all day with many different drivers, enjoying their own different energies and opinions, you can step back and say, "Man, that was an awesome day!" Here are a few tips we would offer for hitching in Europe. Try to look clean. You improve your chances when you make the driver feel safe. Wear bright clothes, and smile at cars as they pass. Don't slouch, but stand up straight and look as though you have a good attitude. Wearing shorts is a good idea – it's psychological, as people don't expect violent criminals to wear shorts. Having a backpack is also an advantage. The driver can immediately tell you're a traveler. Having no luggage seems strange. Making a cardboard sign can often help. Pick a place you want to reach by the end of the day, write clearly using a black marker pen, and try using the local term for "thank you", or a little humor. When choosing a place to stand, try the entrance to the highway. A busy on-ramp will do, but you are missing the through traffic. If you can, walk down the highway a bit and find a straight section. Drivers need at least 50 yards to see you and 50 yards to slow down. Corners are not good. Also consider the stopping area at the side of the road: the wider the better. Occasionally you will want to decline a ride. Don't feel bad. Kindly thank the driver and say you'll wait for another car. Never get into a car if you feel uncomfortable. It's also good to avoid rides of 2-30 miles if you are traveling long distances. Ask the driver where they plan to drop you off. If you plan to continue your journey, avoid getting dropped off in town – it can take hours to get back to the highway. Pick the driver's brains a bit before settling on a drop point. Be a good guest. When riding, never smoke, touch the radio, fall asleep or ask for money. You are a guest, and behaving badly will screw things up for the next hitchhiker. Lastly, let go of time in your mind. This mode of transport is a free-flowing medium. It doesn't fit into a box. The more you relax and believe you'll get a ride, the quicker you will. Back to top Cycling No gas costs, no rental fees, no traffic jams, no train wrecks, no delayed flights – just you, your heartrate, and your bicycle. Of course, you'll have to haul the weight of all your gear, and weather gives no clemency to cyclists, but hey, if it's adventure you want, then cycling around Europe is definitely a way to get it. Back to top What's Next? "Well," you might be saying, "that's cool. But what's next?" The other Europe Travel Newsletters will tell you: GETTING THERE BY AIR The first newsletter details specials, airlines and other aspects of air travel to Europe. ACCOMMODATION, from booking to how it may differ from what you're used to. OTHER RESOURCES: we'll just leave this one a surprise. Thanks for reading the Europe Travel Newsletter. However you want to travel Europe, we hope this helps you have an even more smashing time. Cheers and see you on the Continent, Chris, Nick, Anthony and Sean BootsnAll Travel Network Back to top