Eurail Travel Questions & Suggestions
Mar 24th, 2013, 11:40 PM
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Eurail Travel Questions & Suggestions
I am looking for advice, suggestions, and warnings regarding a travel by train vacation in Europe.
My wife and I (seniors) are going on our first trip to Europe. I have a U.S. citizenship and do not require a Schengen Visa, she is not a U.S. citizen and does require one. We have that taken care of.
Our intended length of stay is from 19 May to 19 June (approx. 30 days) & (7) countries would be visited.
We will arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 19 May 2013 via KLM Airlines (start).
Order of countries we will visit:
Netherlands - Belgium - France (via Paris) - Switzerland - Lichtenstein - Austria (via Vienna) - Italy (via Venice & Rome)
We will depart from Rome, Italy (KLM flight) on 19 June 2013 via KLM Airlines (finish).
We are planning to make this trip by “Eurail” using their “1st Class Saver Global Pass”. Global Pass covers all the countries we intend to visit.
We would like to travel at our leisure by getting off the train in several locations along the route. It would be nice to have the option of saying, “this place is nice, let’s stay for a couple of days” or “we’ve seen enough, let’s move on to the next location”.
“This is where I am looking for advice and suggestions”.
What pass (out of this list) or (other suggestions) would be the most cost effective but still offer the freedom of disembarking and re-boarding at our leisure?
Maybe the list below is not the best way to go. I’m open to suggestions.
10 days within 2 months @ €568 (per person) $740.14 (as of 25 March 2013)
15 days within 2 months @ €745 (per person) $970.64
15 days + 2 free travel days in a row @ €482 (per person) $627.94
21 days + 3 free travel days in a row @ €622 (per person) $810.34
1 month + 5 free travel days in a row @ €765 (per person) $996.65
I am totally lost on the last one where they state: “1 month + 5 free travel days in a row @ €765 (per person)” I get the “1 month” & the “5 free days” part, but “travel days in a row” is what I don’t understand unless it means that once you use the 1st. free day, the next “2 free days need to be used consecutively? But why is this important if I have a pass? Duh! – cut me some slack, I did mention that I am a senior!
"Also"
Looking at these rates (per person) in American dollars may not be the most economical way to route this trip. Ouch, They are pricey.
Possibly buying the minimum cost ticket packets and purchasing additional tickets as needed, while there, would be more cost effective. Low cost air fare mixed with the rail travel may also be another option and be more cost effective. What do you think?
I would really appreciate any advice, like from those that have “been there – done that” The question would be - which packet to use so that it would be adequate for our plans but not overkill so that there would not be a large unused portion at the end of our journey?
Recommendations for lodging (how to call ahead and reserve), good restaurants, and other tips, etc. in the countries mentioned would also be appreciated.
As I mentioned, we are planning to leave on May 19, 2013, so any quick advice would be really appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
My wife and I (seniors) are going on our first trip to Europe. I have a U.S. citizenship and do not require a Schengen Visa, she is not a U.S. citizen and does require one. We have that taken care of.
Our intended length of stay is from 19 May to 19 June (approx. 30 days) & (7) countries would be visited.
We will arrive in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 19 May 2013 via KLM Airlines (start).
Order of countries we will visit:
Netherlands - Belgium - France (via Paris) - Switzerland - Lichtenstein - Austria (via Vienna) - Italy (via Venice & Rome)
We will depart from Rome, Italy (KLM flight) on 19 June 2013 via KLM Airlines (finish).
We are planning to make this trip by “Eurail” using their “1st Class Saver Global Pass”. Global Pass covers all the countries we intend to visit.
We would like to travel at our leisure by getting off the train in several locations along the route. It would be nice to have the option of saying, “this place is nice, let’s stay for a couple of days” or “we’ve seen enough, let’s move on to the next location”.
“This is where I am looking for advice and suggestions”.
What pass (out of this list) or (other suggestions) would be the most cost effective but still offer the freedom of disembarking and re-boarding at our leisure?
Maybe the list below is not the best way to go. I’m open to suggestions.
10 days within 2 months @ €568 (per person) $740.14 (as of 25 March 2013)
15 days within 2 months @ €745 (per person) $970.64
15 days + 2 free travel days in a row @ €482 (per person) $627.94
21 days + 3 free travel days in a row @ €622 (per person) $810.34
1 month + 5 free travel days in a row @ €765 (per person) $996.65
I am totally lost on the last one where they state: “1 month + 5 free travel days in a row @ €765 (per person)” I get the “1 month” & the “5 free days” part, but “travel days in a row” is what I don’t understand unless it means that once you use the 1st. free day, the next “2 free days need to be used consecutively? But why is this important if I have a pass? Duh! – cut me some slack, I did mention that I am a senior!
"Also"
Looking at these rates (per person) in American dollars may not be the most economical way to route this trip. Ouch, They are pricey.
Possibly buying the minimum cost ticket packets and purchasing additional tickets as needed, while there, would be more cost effective. Low cost air fare mixed with the rail travel may also be another option and be more cost effective. What do you think?
I would really appreciate any advice, like from those that have “been there – done that” The question would be - which packet to use so that it would be adequate for our plans but not overkill so that there would not be a large unused portion at the end of our journey?
Recommendations for lodging (how to call ahead and reserve), good restaurants, and other tips, etc. in the countries mentioned would also be appreciated.
As I mentioned, we are planning to leave on May 19, 2013, so any quick advice would be really appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Mar 25th, 2013, 12:16 AM
#2
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Your starting point for both the rail pass and booking lodging is to determine what towns/cities you will visit. That will determine how many train travel days you will have.
Sometimes the rail pass is not a good deal because you can book point-to-point tickets at a discount if you do so in advance, usually about 3 months before traveling (although you don't have that much time now).
The fast trains usually require seat reservations which is sometimes a problem in France as there are limited seat reservations allotted to rail pass holders.
I believe Switzerland has its own rail pass and trains are cheap in Italy; you might want to look at the pricing for these countries.
For travel during mid May to mid June you should book ahead as it's high travel season and many places will already be booked, especially budget lodging. You may have to pay more than you expect if you wait until the last minute to find a hotel. It's also advisable to book ahead so as not to spend your time looking for lodging rather than sightseeing, sipping wine in a cafe or just wandering around enjoying the scenery.
I understand your desire for flexibility but you're covering seven countries in 30 days which is 4 days per country. Not a lot of time for flexibility and not what I call a leisurely schedule.
Major cities such as Paris, Vienna, and Rome require several days to see the sights so your 4 days in France would be in Paris, 4 days in Austria in Vienna. Your 4 days in Italy would be split between Venice and Rome but you need travel time to go between the 2 of them so that would be most of a day of your 4 days in Italy. You need to account for time to get/from to the train station on either end (approximately 30 minutes each) plus train travel time then there's packing and unpacking. That gives you about 1.5 days in each Venice and Rome.
I would rethink your plan as to the number of countries or at least plan on which location(s) you want to visit in each country.
Lodging is usually booked on the internet and I would do this before you leave home, especially with your tight schedule. Your hotel can make restaurant reservations for you or if you see a restaurant as you walk around during the day just stop in and book for that night.
Good luck!
Sometimes the rail pass is not a good deal because you can book point-to-point tickets at a discount if you do so in advance, usually about 3 months before traveling (although you don't have that much time now).
The fast trains usually require seat reservations which is sometimes a problem in France as there are limited seat reservations allotted to rail pass holders.
I believe Switzerland has its own rail pass and trains are cheap in Italy; you might want to look at the pricing for these countries.
For travel during mid May to mid June you should book ahead as it's high travel season and many places will already be booked, especially budget lodging. You may have to pay more than you expect if you wait until the last minute to find a hotel. It's also advisable to book ahead so as not to spend your time looking for lodging rather than sightseeing, sipping wine in a cafe or just wandering around enjoying the scenery.
I understand your desire for flexibility but you're covering seven countries in 30 days which is 4 days per country. Not a lot of time for flexibility and not what I call a leisurely schedule.
Major cities such as Paris, Vienna, and Rome require several days to see the sights so your 4 days in France would be in Paris, 4 days in Austria in Vienna. Your 4 days in Italy would be split between Venice and Rome but you need travel time to go between the 2 of them so that would be most of a day of your 4 days in Italy. You need to account for time to get/from to the train station on either end (approximately 30 minutes each) plus train travel time then there's packing and unpacking. That gives you about 1.5 days in each Venice and Rome.
I would rethink your plan as to the number of countries or at least plan on which location(s) you want to visit in each country.
Lodging is usually booked on the internet and I would do this before you leave home, especially with your tight schedule. Your hotel can make restaurant reservations for you or if you see a restaurant as you walk around during the day just stop in and book for that night.
Good luck!
Mar 25th, 2013, 05:15 AM
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Thank you very much for your sound advice. I hadn't looked at it from your perspective but your perspective does make more sense. My original plan was to go directly to France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. The route from Austria to Italy passed right by Venice and who could pass up Venice. The Amsterdam came about because KLM goes there and the train ride to Paris seemed like a good idea for scenery. With the train passing through Belgium, hey why not stop there - never been to Belgium. But alas, you are correct, these side trips can be contagious and you might find yourself telling people about seeing Europe through a train window. So thanks for bringing me back to my original plan, I know I won't be sorry. P.S. - I've got to leave Venice in, it's on the way, and how long can a Gondola ride take. Ha, Ha
Mar 25th, 2013, 05:44 AM
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Absolutely see Venice and do take a gondola ride but on a small canal. You feel enveloped by the buildings and won't believe how quiet it is. It's like being in another era.
I do know how things can get away from you when travel planning. Best to have fewer places but more memories of those places.
I do know how things can get away from you when travel planning. Best to have fewer places but more memories of those places.
Mar 25th, 2013, 06:25 AM
#5
The pass doesn't include supplement charges (usually there is a few for travel between countries) or seat reservations (mandatory on all the faster trains in Italy). You would have to add these costs to see if a pass is of any value.
For example, the Thalys train between Belgium/Netherlands and Paris would cost you a supplement fee of about $63 in addition to your pass. Often you can buy tickets from each countries train company online in advance cheaper than a supplement.
In Italy, the seat fee with a pass is 10€ ($13). You can find discount tickets on Trenitalia for 9€ (includes the seat).
Here's a list of supplement charges.
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/pdfs/reservations.pdf
Once you decide on your itinerary, you can see if a pass is economical.
It's usually cheaper to fly between Paris (orly airport as it's closest into the city) and Venice on Easy Jet.
http://www.easyjet.com/en
Another option would be the overnight train, Thello (not included in a pass).
I would drop Lichtenstein and seriously look at how many places you have listed in only 30 days. 7 countries in 30 days is only 4 days per country and doesn't account for all that travel. Do you really think you can see a country in 4 days? You need at least 3-5 days for each major city.
For example, the Thalys train between Belgium/Netherlands and Paris would cost you a supplement fee of about $63 in addition to your pass. Often you can buy tickets from each countries train company online in advance cheaper than a supplement.
In Italy, the seat fee with a pass is 10€ ($13). You can find discount tickets on Trenitalia for 9€ (includes the seat).
Here's a list of supplement charges.
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/pdfs/reservations.pdf
Once you decide on your itinerary, you can see if a pass is economical.
It's usually cheaper to fly between Paris (orly airport as it's closest into the city) and Venice on Easy Jet.
http://www.easyjet.com/en
Another option would be the overnight train, Thello (not included in a pass).
I would drop Lichtenstein and seriously look at how many places you have listed in only 30 days. 7 countries in 30 days is only 4 days per country and doesn't account for all that travel. Do you really think you can see a country in 4 days? You need at least 3-5 days for each major city.
Mar 25th, 2013, 06:41 AM
#6
Before you decide to buy a rail pass read this:
http://www.seat61.com/Railpass-and-E...0pay-as-you-go
That site has a great deal of useful info on train ravel in Europe - don't just read the page I linked. Glad to hear you're cutting back on destinations.
http://www.seat61.com/Railpass-and-E...0pay-as-you-go
That site has a great deal of useful info on train ravel in Europe - don't just read the page I linked. Glad to hear you're cutting back on destinations.
Mar 25th, 2013, 06:44 AM
#7
>>>Recommendations for lodging (how to call ahead and reserve), good restaurants, and other tips, etc. in the countries mentioned would also be appreciated.<<<
You can't ask this when you don't even know where you are going. No one can suggest somewhere to stay in entire countries.
>>>We would like to travel at our leisure by getting off the train in several locations along the route. It would be nice to have the option of saying, “this place is nice, let’s stay for a couple of days” or “we’ve seen enough, let’s move on to the next location”.<<<
While that is a nice idea (out of season, in rural areas with a car), in season you will find many places already booked. Do you want to arrive in a city where you don't speak the language, don't know the layout and spend your time looking for somewhere to stay? Are you willing to pay walk up prices? Would you really show up in a US city such as New York or Chicago (Paris/Rome, etc. are major cities)and then look for a place to sleep?
I arrived Rome a few years ago without reservations (traveling companion thought it would be fun). It was terrible, prices were high and we ended up changing hotels after the first night. I had been to Rome multiple times so knew the area, but it's best to see some reviews of places you want to stay. We also did this in Tuscany. Never again.
You can't ask this when you don't even know where you are going. No one can suggest somewhere to stay in entire countries.
>>>We would like to travel at our leisure by getting off the train in several locations along the route. It would be nice to have the option of saying, “this place is nice, let’s stay for a couple of days” or “we’ve seen enough, let’s move on to the next location”.<<<
While that is a nice idea (out of season, in rural areas with a car), in season you will find many places already booked. Do you want to arrive in a city where you don't speak the language, don't know the layout and spend your time looking for somewhere to stay? Are you willing to pay walk up prices? Would you really show up in a US city such as New York or Chicago (Paris/Rome, etc. are major cities)and then look for a place to sleep?
I arrived Rome a few years ago without reservations (traveling companion thought it would be fun). It was terrible, prices were high and we ended up changing hotels after the first night. I had been to Rome multiple times so knew the area, but it's best to see some reviews of places you want to stay. We also did this in Tuscany. Never again.
Mar 25th, 2013, 04:55 PM
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Thanks all for your outstanding advice. At this point in time,regarding lodging, I haven't had the opportunity to delve into what country we will be in on a given date, let alone which city we would be in mainly because I've been overwhelmed with the decisions to make on the Eurail pass thing. First it was which packet to buy, now it's do I really need to buy a packet? or just buy the passes and choosing the best train to take from there. It becomes a cart before the egg thing.
My understanding was that school gets out in mid-June. If this is true, then we would be wrapping up our vacation about that time. This would remove one element out of the picture involving over booked "everything".
Your absolutely right about booking lodging in advance, I've been down that horror road before and it can be a nightmare.
I big Mahalo to all (lived in Hawaii for nine years)
My understanding was that school gets out in mid-June. If this is true, then we would be wrapping up our vacation about that time. This would remove one element out of the picture involving over booked "everything".
Your absolutely right about booking lodging in advance, I've been down that horror road before and it can be a nightmare.
I big Mahalo to all (lived in Hawaii for nine years)
Mar 25th, 2013, 05:10 PM
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<<Recommendations for lodging (how to call ahead and reserve), good restaurants, and other tips, etc. in the countries mentioned would also be appreciated>>
How can anyone give suggestions for lodging, restaurants, and other tips for entire countries? You need to nail down a precise itinerary before anyone can do that.
How can anyone give suggestions for lodging, restaurants, and other tips for entire countries? You need to nail down a precise itinerary before anyone can do that.
Mar 25th, 2013, 05:19 PM
#11
>>My understanding was that school gets out in mid-June. If this is true, then we would be wrapping up our vacation about that time. This would remove one element out of the picture involving over booked "everything".<<
In Europe schools generally let out later- in July. But other countries -- like many parts of the US it can be as early as late May. May/June is THE prime time for visiting many of your destinations.
My perception is - you looked at some rail passes and saw you could travel <i>everywhere</i> for the same $$$. But you didn't take into account how much time all those train trips eat up. If you go to just 3 cities in Italy, Paris, A'dam, Brussels, Bruges, Vienna, Lichtenstein, and a couple of places in Switzerland . . . sitting on trains/trudging through stations will eat up 7+ days (25%) of your trip
In Europe schools generally let out later- in July. But other countries -- like many parts of the US it can be as early as late May. May/June is THE prime time for visiting many of your destinations.
My perception is - you looked at some rail passes and saw you could travel <i>everywhere</i> for the same $$$. But you didn't take into account how much time all those train trips eat up. If you go to just 3 cities in Italy, Paris, A'dam, Brussels, Bruges, Vienna, Lichtenstein, and a couple of places in Switzerland . . . sitting on trains/trudging through stations will eat up 7+ days (25%) of your trip
