Maximizing European Travel?
Question by Ian: Maximizing European Travel?
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!!!
Best answer:
Answer by fBass
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!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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.
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.
http://www.germanwings.com
http://www.ryanair.com
http://www.easyjet.com
http://www.skyeurope.com
http://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!
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!!