When you decide to embark on a trip like ours, deciding on the best transportation can be tricky. Our choice to long term rent a car was a pretty quick decision because we both decided we wanted the freedom to choose when and where we go, instead of being weighed down by tickets and timetables and carrying luggage around. Also paying for gas seemed cheaper to us than buying train or plane tickets as well as hotel rooms. But I know a lot of people that travel Europe who prefer to do it via train because it gives them a chance to relax. Some people choose planes because they are the quickest, and can be cheapest, way to get around Europe. It all depends on your preference for what kind of trip you want.
If flying is something you enjoy and choose to go that route, we have already published a helpful guide to cheap European airlines in a post that can be found here. Flying from city to city or country to country in Europe can be the fastest and cheapest option a lot of times. If you aren’t in a hurry, I suggest looking at the airlines calendars for cheapest flights of the month, and use that to plan your trip. Our problem that we have encountered with planes is that we frequently miss the flight because of small mistakes like parking, being late, or not checking in on time. Most of the flights aren’t refundable and if you miss a flight, your entire schedule can be affected.
Trains can be also very fun experience if you don’t mind being stuck on one for many hours. Trains can be a good idea if you want to stick to the ground and see the countryside, without leaving the relaxing comfort of your chair or couch or bed. The food can possibly be pricey or not great, so I would suggest stocking up at a grocery store before a long haul. I find trains to be a fun trip all on its own, if you do as well I suggest these European rail companies.
RailEurope
GoEuro
For the UK, NationalRail
For Youth/Student discounts, EuRail
If you decide to rent a car and drive like we did, gas prices can very country to country, plan to spend almost half of your expenses on gas. We liked the idea of a car because we could leave all of our luggage in the car and not drag it around all the time. We also liked the idea of camping whenever we wanted and going wherever we wanted. We used AutoEurope and decided they had the best long term prices and benefits. When it comes to finding places to park your car for free or overnight, I suggest the app/website Park4Night or Parkopedia, but also use your best judgement, if you get somewhere and you don’t feel comfortable, leave.
For driving, buses, planes, trains, or ferries Rome2Rio is an amazing website. You plug in where you want to go to and from, and it shows so many different routes and prices for every transportation option. You’ll receive a list of cheapest airplanes, bus routes, train options, or something that incorporates all of them together!
Feel free to contact me for any questions or if you wish for more information.
Good luck and stay safe!
– Allie
July 10th 2018
Allison's Adventures 