Cheap Train Travel

Mark Hammond asked:




Thinking about going backpacking in Europe alone, with your sweetie, or a buddy? Instead of just grabbing your backpack and hopping on the first plane out to a random European country, it’s worth your while to plan a little bit ahead and figure out what you need in order to have a successful, hassle-free, and exciting European backpacking trip.

Pick a Destination

Some people choose to go into Europe blindly without a plan or destination in mind, but it’s best if you have an idea of where you’d like to go backpacking. Some stick to Western Europe, some to Eastern Europe, some traverse the entire continent on a rail pass, and others explore one or two countries more intimately. Your destination(s) will also determine your budget, gear, and other factors.

Budget

Make sure to plan an overall budget for your backpacking trip. Your budget will include your flight, your gear (all the stuff you need to buy before you go), and your “living expenses” by the day, which will include food, accommodations, and activities. Around $40 USD is fairly realistic, but this will vary from country to country and even city to city. Do some research to find out how much it will cost you in the countries/cities you wish to visit. Find out the exchange rate as well, and keep a journal of your expenses.

Get your Gear

Think you can go backpacking in Europe with nothing but the shirt on your back? Think again. There are a few fundamental elements you’ll need to take with you on your backpacking trip. First and foremost, a durable, high-quality, side-loader backpack that fits you is a must. You’ll also need several travel shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking), a money belt (with your money), all your necessary travel documents, a European guidebook and phrasebook, a journal, a camera, a water bottle, camping gear (if applicable), and more (neck pillow, basic clothing, a few toiletries).

Accommodations & Transportation

Hostels are the accommodations of choice for backpackers in Europe. Try to make arrangements (at least some) ahead of time. This way you’ll be able to find the best deals and you’ll have a spot reserved for you.

Look for cheap flights to Europe (search online or go through your travel agent)-student travel agencies and student airfare finders are great places to start. Get a rail pass when you’re in Europe, especially if your backpacking adventure takes you through several countries. Subways make a great option, too.

Learn Lingo

Although much of Europe speaks English as a second (or third or fourth or fifth) language, it’s helpful for you to learn a few key phrases in the languages of the countries you’ll be visiting.

Alen Lew asked:




Europe is a great place to visit for business or leisure with its great places, many things to do, and of course the availability of the railway service that allows you to do all this things and made the continent into t little playground for you. When traveling via rail in Europe, some of the helpful tips might be helpful for the safety of your journey.

Start learning the 24-hour clock. It is important for you to know that European timetable is using the 24-hour or some called it as the military time. Thus, they never use the A.M. or P.M. thing but instead use 13 hours for 1 pm, 14 hours for 2 pm, and so on.

In order for you to catch the train and be on your destination on time, you had rather go online and know the train schedules. You can get the schedules of train all around Europe at the German railway’s website.

With the confusions or with the ample time needed to understanding the big yellow departure schedules posted at stations ay bring, it is an advantage that you will take the chance to grab the free timetable available at train stations.

Taking the second-class travel at a price higher than 50 percent higher than the first class will give you the same comfort and speed as the first class, and you will get the chance to meet more locals at the second-class travel.

It is important that you know which station you catch the right train and where to get off. Keep in mind that European cities have numerous train stations. If you will notice, Paris has six, Brussels has three, and Switzerland’s Interlaken has two. Keep in mind further that train, subway, or bus connects all of these cities’ stations in general.

In order for you to have a good night sleep for an overnight train ride, make sure you have the couchette with you. You can reserve one from a local travel agency, at the station, or at the train conductor if available.

Jasons Born asked:




A holiday trip to Europe is fun and full of zest.

Planning is the initial part of holiday. It is always essential and rewarding collating information concerning holiday destinations and accessories that you would carry in the trip. Books are reliable source of information. Europe Travel Planning guide books available in stores enrich you with details and helps in navigating places. You can decide on where to spend the holidays and in which season. Countries of Europe are well known for festivals, so try to arrange your trip in such dates. Routes to reach places, find places to stay and eat, tourist spots, shopping centres etc. are specified in a well guide book in a better way. For sighting seeing a map proves to be the best guide. Whether you want to explore sites by riding bicycle, walking, boating or ride train across Europe, you can get the provisions as mentioned in travel guide books. Knowing the lifestyle and culture of the region helps you to understand the taste and tradition in a better way. Learning the dialects of locality helps you to gather more knowledge about the region.

To enjoy the tour is the foremost concern. So, it is advised to carry least personal belongings such as compact digital cameras, maps, i-pods, cell phone etc. The sophisticated camera helps you to take clear and far distanced snaps, and so never leave it behind because it makes luggage bulky.

To enjoy and make your holidays memorable try to avoid conflicts.

It is always exciting and adventurous to add day trips to your vacation then taking packing up your stuff and stay overnight. One should not ignore the expenses as well. You should consider the money matter while booking tickets and purchasing accessories. If you save more money, you can purchase more commodities.

In contrary to books, online gives you a better coverage of information and also is economical. So, you can make your Europe trip memorable and convenient by Europe Travel Planning in a rational manner.

Theo Alleyne asked:


Overall: Great travels deals are available

Given that there was a significant reduction in travel over the last twelve months; leisure travel operators are slashing prices to attract customers.  Bundled travel deals are still the best because they offer additional discounted airfare and/or hotel stays. Expect an increasing number of hotels, rental car companies and tour operators to offer discounts on their base rates.  A few week ago, I asked several vendors at a travel fair about their current rates, most indicated that they had rolled back prices to 2006/2007 rates.  This should be welcomed news for budget travelers who can find a cornucopia of deals at this time.

 Also; consumers can find good travel deals for air travel. While rates have not declined to the Fall 2001 bonanza levels, if you book well in advance or on special days (savvy travel agents know about special days), you can get a really good price. In fact, London, Paris and Dublin have become more affordable, with British Airways and Air France offering great deals. Toronto and Montreal Canadian are excellent options for week-end getaways close to home.

All Inclusive Resorts: Mexico on Sale

Mexico is on sale for the remainder of this year.  In order to compete with the significant reduced prices of the resorts in Cancun, Cozumel and Iztapa, Sandals and SuperClubs are offering 30-65% off specials.  Not to be outdone, GoGo Worldwide Vacations is offering special pricing on their Worldwide Collection which includes China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan & South Korea to its existing destinations: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Island, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Bali. Collette Vacations is offering free air travel to Europe, China or the Canadian Rockies. Apple Vacations is offering saving up to 70% on fall deals. It is important to note that consumer interested in GoGo Worldwide Vacations and Apple Vacations should contact a travel agent.

Cruises: Always a great deal

Cruising is, and will remain the best travel deal for the remainder of the year. Whether you are a budget, premium or luxury traveler, there is a cruise for you at an affordable price. Pick the destination you have always dreamed about: Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, or South America – is within your grasp. As always, flexibility about your desired itinerary, and dates, will help you save. Cruises are available at a rate of $65 per person per day or less. So get out there! You deserve a cruise. It’s good for you, it’s affordable and you’ve earned it.

Rail: Focus on Canada and Europe

Rail Vacations offers unique travel experiences, with breathtaking views, great interaction with locals and a rich learning environment.  Here are the highlights of three rail vacations:

Rail Europe

Rail Europe consists of ten high speed trains. They are Eurostar, Thalys, TGV, Eurostar Italia, Lyria, AVE, Inter-City Express (ICE), Cisalpino, Artesia, and Talgo.

Eurostar- Travels through the Chunnel and connects you to major cities in under two and a half hours.  For example, you can travel from:

London to Brussels in 1 hour 51 minutes London to Lille in 1 hour 20 minutes London to Disneyland Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes

Thalys - The Thalys train provides direct links to 17 cities including Paris, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany in over 50 round-trips a day. It can even take you from Paris to Brussels in less than ninety minutes.

The TGV – The TGV is your choice when traveling to France, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium.

Lyria – Gives you a spectacular view from the rolling French countryside to the majestic Swiss Alps.

Artesia - This high-speed train takes you from the best of France to the best of Italy by day or night, via connecting city pairs of Paris and Rome, Dijon and Milan, Chambrey and Florence and 13 others.

Talgo - Talgo passes through brilliant coastal landscapes moving you from one port city to another in stress-free comfort, such as Montpellier, Narbonne and Perpignan in France, and Barcelona, Alicante, Cartegena, and Valencia in Spain.

Canada Rail Vacations   

Canadian Rockies vacation gives you the most beautiful destinations in Western Canada. These Canadian railway holidays getaways can be from three nights and four days to eleven nights and twelve days.  Your choice for the short railway holidays includes, Vancouver to Banff, Vancouver to Jasper, Vancouver to Calgary, and Whistler to Jasper. On the longer trips you can combine the Inside Passage with the majestic Canadian Rockies and the Rocky Mountaineer, via Ferry, Motor coach, Rail and Helicopter.

MIKE SELVON asked:




People who love to travel the world and enjoy discovering interesting, amazing, fun-filled and intriguing sites are often drawn to the attractions in Europe. With such a vast array of tourist attractions and diverse destinations, which are all in fairly close proximity, Europe is undoubtedly a great place to take a vacation.

Whether the traveler wants to enjoy a wonderfully romantic vacation, an engaging and activity-filled family vacation, or just a leisurely, quiet and relaxing getaway, European destinations should be on high on the list potential travel spots. With an array of attractions in every European country, there is going to be something that appeals to everyone, since there is a multitude of things to see and to do. There are many, very valid reasons why a European vacation consistently stands out as a favorite of world travelers, since it includes some of the best travel destinations in the world.

There is an amazing amount of history that one can see in diverse attractions in towns and cities all across Europe. For the traveler who is enthralled with ancient history, the venerable ruins and museums of both Greece and Rome are sites that simply must not be missed and which are always a strong draw.

In addition, Rome also holds an enormous amount of religious significance for countless people. Rome not only houses several beautiful and noteworthy Christian cathedrals, it is also the portal to the Vatican and Vatican city, which is actually a tiny country in and of itself.

There are also fabulous historical attractions in other cities and countries of Europe as well. The formidable medieval castles and spectacular cathedrals that can be found throughout Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many other countries are fascinating for travelers to explore, as most tours of castles and cathedrals are more like fabulous art history and art museum excursions.

These medieval attractions in all parts of Europe also provide the visitors with unique insights into the lives of the people who lived in the middle ages. Walking through the courtyards, halls, and sanctuaries that were built through the hard work, craftsmanship, and devotion of the people of the time provides a connection to those responsible for the creation of these spectacular monuments that are still enjoyed and marveled at today.

Ireland is host to some amazing insights into their rich and ancient culture. The emerald isle has many peaceful local attractions throughout the serene and charming towns and the beautiful coastlines and landscapes of the island, as well as many splendid cathedrals and chapels from antiquity to explore.

The countries of Germany, Poland and France provide sobering and meaningful tourist attractions, as they are a connection to the two world wars and the cold war which held so many people of Europe in control for so many decades. The history museum sites in those countries help visitors understand the tragedies of war and the triumph of freedom and democracy.

On a less somber note, the countries of Italy, Spain and Greece each have a multitude of beaches that are sun drenched most of the year and are the perfect place for a couple that is looking for a bit of romance and a respite from the more hectic attractions in the cities. There are countless resorts on every section of the Mediterranean shore that will welcome and pamper the weary travelers.

Puripong Koomsin asked:




The distinct prestige and popularity that Germany enjoys as a prime destination for vacationers makes it a distinctly friendly country to enjoy relatively hassle-free in-country travel options. Traveling through Germany’s breathtaking country sides, unique cityscapes, and along its inspiring coast lines in a memorable experience that vacationers enjoy as much as the other facets of their visit to the country. Travel options vary widely from train to automobile, to boat. Each of these modes of transport offers its own, unique aspects that will prove convenient and enjoyable.

Relax and Travel by Train to Enjoy Germany’s Beauty

The European rail system is renowned world wide as one of the most reliable, efficient, affordable, and all-around convenient ways to travel. Germany is certainly considered to be the Crown of Europe in the way that it has made its own rails a large draw for passengers both that are both local and visitors to this exquisite country.

Rail travel can range from no-frills packages that cater to the budget-minded traveler to the prestigious and luxurious offerings that cater to visitors that wish to indulge and pamper themselves in well-appointed settings and a one-of-a-kind experience.

Travel options and tickets for traveling through Germany by train are conveniently available at train stations in each city.

Rental Cars Available in Germany for Visitors

Enjoy the freedom and privacy of traversing the countryside and exploring Germany’s unique and beautiful cities from your own rental car. Foreign-licensed drivers can rent a wide range of automobiles hassle-free in Germany.

A trip to Germany for many is not complete without taking a drive down the world-famous German Autobahn. Though the Autobahn boasts stretches of road that are free of speed limits, it is remarkably safe and free from accidents due to its unique design and distinct German courtesy for its fellow travelers. Slower-moving vehicles stay right at all times, allowing the faster-moving left lane to be left clear for passing. Typically, once the vacationer gets the taste of the courteous and efficient nature of German driving, they will appreciate the friendly nature of Germans even more.

Take a Boat Trip through Germany’s Scenic Rivers

Travel by boat is often a secret left to German visitors that are “in the know.” This unique method of traversing Germany affords the traveler an exclusive experience that can be much more relaxing and enjoyable than traditional methods of reaching German destinations.

Several companies offer one-way and round-trip treks through German water ways that never fail to enthrall passengers and enhance their overall German vacationing experience. Availability can vary by season, but the vacationer “in the know” will not pass up this journey in the German springtime.

Traveling through the German countryside and through its city streets augments the experience of experiencing German culture and scenery for the vacationer. While in Germany, don’t hesitate to enjoy the varying means of taking in Germany’s sites that are available. Each of the methods described above offers its own enjoyable and fulfilling criteria for enhancing your German vacation and ensuring that it will be a positive memory that lasts a lifetime.

Jasons Born asked:




Europe has so much so beautiful and hot tourist destinations in it that it has always been the centre of attraction for tourists of different places. The natural sights, man-made monuments, historical places, museums, theatres, traditional customs and lifestyle of this second largest continent is loved by all. So, would you not like having a trip to this splendid place? For keeping everything within your budget you can even choose to opt for the cheap Europe vacation.

Arranging all your plans for the holiday tour before the time would be good for you if you want to save money. While you buy holiday packages then also you will have to go through all other packages that are available. In that case, you should try your hands on the online booking options. You can cut the expenses down by booking flights, accommodation and other required things in subsidized price. There are certain offers in hotel and flight booking according to which, if you make the booking in advance then discounts are being provided. So, don’t miss such chances.

In the selection of the hotels you can notice one thing that those that provides bed and breakfast, charges higher than those providing bed only. So, go through all the accommodation offers in the place of your choice and then book the one that is reasonable. However, you would have to be capable of selecting the right accommodation based on the place where it is located. If you are on tour to Paris and the window of your hotel room provides you the view of the Eiffel Tower then that is absolutely perfect. In that case you can bear a bit also.

Also you can avoid taking tourist guides by deciding to roam the city by your own. That is nothing tough and the maps will help you in that. Also by not traveling through taxi you can choose to travel through the local train services. That too is a great fun to see the beauty of Europe and its natural places. Thus, cheap Europe vacation is quite easy to be afforded if you know how to go for it.

Jason born asked:




Navigating through a continent is quite a difficult thing to do. Especially of your planning your trip to Europe, the second largest continent then you may face some problems as there are so many places to see. In such a case, to make your travel completely successful Europe route planner is a must to carry with you. With the route planner it would now be easier for you to plan your trip as per your wish! You can easily locate places that interest you and plan your trip accordingly as per your preference. You can easily get all the required information through this route planner that simplifies all your troubles.

A route planner contains all the important information that is important for you. You can find road maps, information about the local transportation, medium of communication, restaurants, places, hotels and many other important things. One can find information on popular tourist places and spots that enjoy huge rush. There are various places that can be visited like Rome, Paris, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland and many other places.

All the places that the tourists are usually interested in can be covered through the Europe route planner. The trip can be planned out within your budgetary limits and according to your time preference. As per your time and dates you can plan out the trip you just have to prioritize places beforehand. This will help you in enjoying your trip without facing hassles or messing up things at your end.

The tourists can get hold of Europe route planner even online. Yes! Getting a route planner is conveniently possible through online medium; you don’t have to visit the market to get one for yourself. But before actually entailing the services it is very important to go through all the terms and conditions and check the reliability. Considering these things one can easily avoid commotion and stress while being on holidays.

Graeme Lanham asked:




The Eurostar train is a travel experience. It whisks you in supreme comfort and near silence from the heart of Paris to the heart of London in a shade over two and a half hours. In November 2007, it will be even faster. Read on to discover the pleasures of 21st century European rail travel.

Following lunch at a little bistro in Paris and a leisurely stroll along the Seine, we arrived at Gare Du Nord for the late afternoon train to London. It is advisable to arrive an hour before departure, even though check in time is usually only 10 minutes. The check in and departure lounge are on the first floor, and once through customs, you take your boarding pass and all luggage, to the train. If your carriage is at the front of the 400 metre train, you may need to take a trolley.

Exactly on time, and without announcement or clamour, Eurostar glides slowly out of its Gare Du Nord platform and gently gathers speed for its 495 km journey north to London. The train soon reaches its maximum 300km/hour as the flat French countryside and Charles de Gaulle airport flash by. Strangely, there is no real perception of speed. More a feeling of serenity, quietness and isolation from the outside world. Vehicles on the high speed motorway alongside the line appear to be almost motionless.

We asked the conductor whether Eurostar is more popular than the airlines. “The key reason why people choose Eurostar over the airlines is that it is quicker city centre to city centre even though flight time is around 50 minutes. The big problem with airlines is check in time, traveling time between the airport and the city and waiting at the carousel for your luggage,” he said.

He was too courteous to mention weather delays for airlines and that Eurostar carries more passengers between Paris and London than all airlines combined. Overall airline traveling time from city centre to city centre is close to 4 hours.

Approaching Lille, it was time for an early dinner. “Would madame and monsieur care for an aperitif?” We certainly would thank you. Outside, the sun is still illuminating a mid spring afternoon as the flat countryside of northern France flashes by. The menus arrive. For our main course we chose chicken ****** in herb salad. It was fresh and delicious, complemented particularly well with a “fresh, crisp, dry” chardonnay.

The young woman at the next table has no time for the views. She’s working on a business report to present to a meeting when she returns to London. She took time off from her laptop to enjoy the meal and coffee. We engaged her in polite conversation and discovered that she makes the London to Paris round trip twice a month. “It is convenient and easy,” she said. “I have 2 solid hours each way to go through business plans and within 10 minutes of arrival at Gare Du Nord, I am in my client’s office. I also don’t have to worry about meals.”

We are impressed with the quality and speed of the service as we approach Calais and the 50 km Channel Tunnel. Farmhouses are silhouetted in the late afternoon sun as our wine is replenished and apricot tartlet arrives. Instant blackness heralds our 20 minute ride under the English Channel.

The high speed run continues well into England and then the train slows. Time to appreciate the hedgerows, tiny villages and pretty rolling countryside of south east England. The head chef points out the infrastructure for the new high speed line north of the Thames as he pours our second cup of coffee. “In November 2007, we will have a new London terminal at St Pancras”, he said. “It will be 300 km/hour all the way and our journey time will be reduced to 2 hours 15 minutes.”

I asked him how the catering staff will handle the reduced times. “That will be our biggest challenge, we will just have to speed up things,” he replied, with a look of resignation.

Our business friend overheard this conversation and as we approached London in the gathering dusk, summed up the dilemma of the catering staff. “They’ll be busier than a one legged tap dancer”. she laughed.

I wish them luck!

Leaving the train at Waterloo, we reflected on the journey. My wife was impressed with how easy, seamless and quick it was. I appreciated the courtesy and efficiency of the catering staff and how the train appeared to waft along in near silence without any real impression of speed. The spacious reclining seats provided a high degree of comfort. Above all, we loved the hassle free convenience. Within minutes of arriving at Waterloo, we were on a tube train heading for our accommodation in Bayswater.

It was no surprise to discover that Eurostar has won the title of “World’s leading rail service” for the last 8 years at the annual World Travel Awards.

Booking is essential on Eurostar and to save money, purchase your ticket before you leave for Europe. A number of ticket options are available for first and second class passengers. Visit the links below for the fare structure most suitable to your needs. Premium first class tickets include a complimentary meal served at your table. A buffet service is provided for other passengers.