There are few things as memorable as an iconic summer vacation. While you may have already heard boasts of Santorini and the likes of hire a boat in Ibiza and other major budget busters, there are a few other summer destinations that few have heard of.
Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you that Europe is unlike any other place on Earth. The birthplace of Western culture and civilization, the continent is a diverse collection of cultures that share common histories and exciting new challenges. Whether it’s the architecture, the culture, the mix of Old World charm and modernization, the food, or the ease of getting around, Europe provides travelers with an experience that they’re unlikely to get anywhere else in the world.
It’s no wonder that traveling through Europe is especially popular with tourists. Previously on the blog,
we discussed ‘Top Tips to Plan a Multi-Destination Trip’If you’re the holder of a Schengen visa, you can visit 26 out of 44 European countries, which makes a multi-destination trip even easier. Today, we’ll talk about how to do just that. Here are a few of the most common ways to get around Europe.
Bus
While traveling by bus might take longer than other methods, it also happens to be one of the cheapest options to getting around in Europe. If you don’t mind spending a little more time on the road, then buses are a great way to see the local landscape.
According to Lonely Planetthey’re an especially popular option for travelers going through Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. Travelers should look into getting a Eurolines Pass, which allows visits to 49 cities across Europe.
Airplane
Airplanes are a bit of a pricier option, but they’re the fastest if you’re planning on crossing large distances. Budget airlines like RyanAir and Easyjet operate in routes across all over Europe, so getting a good deal on a ticket isn’t too difficult. If you aren’t afraid of the price tag and want to plan your own route,
‘Wheels Up May be the New Amazon for Business Aviation’ by Aviation JobNetclaims that spontaneous personal and business air travel is possible through the innovative company. Wheels Up has over 80 charter aircraft operating throughout the continent, which will certainly make for a unique experience.
Train
Popularized by movies like Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise (1995), trains are perhaps the most well-known method of getting around Europe. Train travel is faster than bus travel, and unlike planes has the added perk of no check-in procedures. Trains are also more flexible in terms of meals (you can bring your own), and there’s nothing more romantic than watching the European countryside flash by your train window. If you’re unsure how to start,
travel blog The Man in Seat 61 has put together a starter pack on taking trains through EuropeTravelers can also make use of the Eurail pass, which could be cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Car
While not especially popular, car travel stands out from the other options because of the flexibility. Rather than following a strict schedule, you decide where to go, when to stop, and what to see. Renting a car in Europe might be pricey, but this method allows you to get up close and personal with the landscape, and also provides the most chances for wandering off the beaten path. If you don’t want to pay for a rental,
BlaBlaCar is a rideshare service that crosses several European cities.While not as flexible as an individual rental, it is much cheaper, and might be a happy middle for travelers who are looking to save.