The Top 5 Ways to Travel Around Europe
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Posted February 6, 2023
Visiting Europe should be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list, as the continent is home to some of the most charming and exciting places in the world.
Between bustling cities such as London, Paris, and Milan, or small towns such as Colmar, Bruges, and Albarracin, you will never get tired of exploring Europe and all its wonders.
There are so many delicious cuisines to eat, charming locations to visit and photograph, and friendly people to meet. The question that may be on your mind is whether you should travel through Europe by trains, planes, cars, cruise lines, or another method.
Below is our rundown of the top five ways to travel around Europe in 2023 and beyond.
1. Buses
The beauty of traveling around Europe is that you do not necessarily have to spend a lot of money to have an outstanding vacation. Europe is one of those continents that you can easily get around by bus. Whether starting in England, France, Germany, or Spain, you can easily travel to other countries and parts of the continent via bus.
Most travelers will agree that buses are the most affordable way of getting around Europe. The only downside to buses is that you have to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic. European roads can get busy, especially if you are traveling in peak tourist season, which means that a trip that may be shorter by another method of transportation would take hours on a bus.
2. Trains
If you want to explore Europe at a comfortable pace, wish to see the sights and sounds as you travel, but want to get to your destination at a reliable time, traveling by train is an outstanding option. Train tickets are relatively affordable in Europe, especially if you buy them in advance.
Traveling by train is a comfortable and luxurious way to travel. Most train journeys go through picturesque countryside and small towns, allowing you to get a closer glimpse at life around Europe.
3. Cruise Ships
If you are hoping to elevate your vacation and turn it into the experience of a lifetime, traveling by a cruise ship may be right up your alley. Cruise ships are a great way to get around Europe, as many major cities have water borders.
People assume that if they travel by cruise, they will not have enough time to see various cities. They think such a trip would only involve seeing port cities, but that is not the case. Most cruises will partner with train and bus companies, ensuring you can see more of Europe than just areas accessible by water.
The added benefit of traveling by cruise is that you can often take day trips to major cities, head back to the ship at the end of the day, and stay there. You are paying for the cruise journey, but you may not have to pay for any hotel stays throughout your trip.
4. Rent a Car
Those who desire independence and freedom above all else when they are traveling should rent a car when they arrive in Europe. If you are traveling from the United States, ensure you have all the relevant information about driver’s licenses and whether you can legally rent and drive a car in the various countries you visit.
Even though renting a car is a significant responsibility, you will have a tremendous time on your journey. If you are traveling with a group, everyone going in the same car will save a lot of money on train or bus tickets. You also have the freedom to choose precisely where you are going, when you set off, and the route you take for each trip.
5. Hitchhike
The most adventurous and frugal of tourists can still have a great time in Europe, even if they do not choose any of the above methods of travel. If you want to create a unique experience you will never forget, you can even hitchhike your way around Europe.
When you arrive in one major city, you can get around fairly easily by walking, renting a bike, or even taking public transit if you are heading to the other end of the city. Traveling between cities may require you to hitchhike, ask around to see if anyone you meet is traveling to that city, or put up your information on online forums to get a ride from someone.
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