Families with kids: rental car or train in Lake Como, Wengen, and Munich?
Jan 24th, 2015, 10:24 AM
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Families with kids: rental car or train in Lake Como, Wengen, and Munich?
Taking a poll: is it easier to rent a car or take the trains when traveling as a family?
Family of 4 including 2 kids (9 and 11) with lots of luggage, traveling in July to Lake Como, Wengen, Switzerland, and Munich.
Can't use a car once we get to car-free Wengen...would have to leave it in Lauterbrunnen. But could use it to get to Brienz and Grindelwald. Would be easier with kids and luggage, but costly to rent in Milan, and return in Munich. Plus gas, parking, navigating the windy road from Italy to Switzerland, figuring out road signs, toll booth change, and getting an international license. The bonus is going at our own pace, not stressing about trains and tickets, and having plenty of room for luggage.
The trains seem more direct, probably less expensive, and allow us to look at the scenery rather than worry about the road. But it stresses me out just thinking about navigating the train system. Will we all be able to sit together? What if we miss a train? What if we get on the wrong train? What if our suitcases are too big and there is no place to store the luggage? How to get to the train station at Como from Tremezzo? How to get to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich? I've read about checking your bags at the airline gate and having them delivered to the train station, but you can't pick them up until after 6:00, and we would need our bags earlier than that. Plus, I worry that they will end up at the wrong station.
Opinions?
Family of 4 including 2 kids (9 and 11) with lots of luggage, traveling in July to Lake Como, Wengen, Switzerland, and Munich.
Can't use a car once we get to car-free Wengen...would have to leave it in Lauterbrunnen. But could use it to get to Brienz and Grindelwald. Would be easier with kids and luggage, but costly to rent in Milan, and return in Munich. Plus gas, parking, navigating the windy road from Italy to Switzerland, figuring out road signs, toll booth change, and getting an international license. The bonus is going at our own pace, not stressing about trains and tickets, and having plenty of room for luggage.
The trains seem more direct, probably less expensive, and allow us to look at the scenery rather than worry about the road. But it stresses me out just thinking about navigating the train system. Will we all be able to sit together? What if we miss a train? What if we get on the wrong train? What if our suitcases are too big and there is no place to store the luggage? How to get to the train station at Como from Tremezzo? How to get to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich? I've read about checking your bags at the airline gate and having them delivered to the train station, but you can't pick them up until after 6:00, and we would need our bags earlier than that. Plus, I worry that they will end up at the wrong station.
Opinions?
Jan 24th, 2015, 10:34 AM
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If you can start and end in Munich with the car it may make sense. And, with kids and a car. I would stay in Grindelwald and not Wengen. I would hate to drag kids that age with luggage on and off trains, but that is just me.
Jan 24th, 2015, 10:42 AM
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Flying into Milan and out of Munich. Have already got the hotel in Wengen- we prefer the quiet of Wengen. I have the same concerns about dragging the kids on and off trains, but in the mountains we have no choice.
Jan 24th, 2015, 11:09 AM
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We travelled extensively in Switzerland with three kids, ages 5, 7 and 10 two summers ago (and also last summer through London, Paris and Belgium). Its so easy. For your locations, only Italy requires reservations. As such, in Switzerland and Germany you don't have to worry about reservations. In Swtizerland we had a pass which meant that we could hop on whatever train we wished. If we missed one, we just grabbed the next.
I'm not sure why you need so much luggage. We travelled for over three weeks last summer and had four carryons for five of us. One was inside a 23in suitcase which became our bag for souvenirs but at our most heavy laden, we had four carryons and one 23in suitcase. The 23in was a pain on the trains but we didn't have a problem storing it. It had to be at the end of the carriage though and couldn't go in an overhead area. I'd prefer to be able to watch it.
I'm not sure why you need so much luggage. We travelled for over three weeks last summer and had four carryons for five of us. One was inside a 23in suitcase which became our bag for souvenirs but at our most heavy laden, we had four carryons and one 23in suitcase. The 23in was a pain on the trains but we didn't have a problem storing it. It had to be at the end of the carriage though and couldn't go in an overhead area. I'd prefer to be able to watch it.
Jan 24th, 2015, 11:20 AM
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How about getting a car transfer from Malpnsa to Lago di Como, and then using public trans to Lugano, and renting a car there or hopping on trains?
I am puzzled that you need reservations for the Italian trains (if you decide to you use them) but also wondering why all the stress about luggage. Will you be renting an apartment in Wengen? Even if you aren't. the mountain air is so dry around there, you can hand wash 3 days of underwear and it will dry on the balcony by noon. You really only need to pack for a long weekend. Your kids and each of you should be able to get by with carryon backpacks or rollers and one computer to stay in touch unless you have special needs.
I am puzzled that you need reservations for the Italian trains (if you decide to you use them) but also wondering why all the stress about luggage. Will you be renting an apartment in Wengen? Even if you aren't. the mountain air is so dry around there, you can hand wash 3 days of underwear and it will dry on the balcony by noon. You really only need to pack for a long weekend. Your kids and each of you should be able to get by with carryon backpacks or rollers and one computer to stay in touch unless you have special needs.
Jan 24th, 2015, 12:50 PM
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When I checked a couple months ago, there was a 735.00 EUR
drop fee taking a car from Italy to Germany. Austria to Germany was about 250. Maybe you can do better, but that cost would determine it for me.
One way car rentals within Germany only seem to be the last in Europe with no drop fee.
drop fee taking a car from Italy to Germany. Austria to Germany was about 250. Maybe you can do better, but that cost would determine it for me.
One way car rentals within Germany only seem to be the last in Europe with no drop fee.
Jan 24th, 2015, 12:51 PM
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I guess I'm not very skilled at packing lightly! I'm thinking of swimsuits, sandals and slightly dressy clothes in Como, and hiking boots, rain coats, long pants and jackets in the Swiss Alps. Plus iPads, laptops, etc. I can't imagine how to get all that in a 23 inch high suitcase. But I'll have to figure it out because it sounds like trains are the way to go, with the exception of a car transport from the Milan airport to Tremezzo. Then Ferries on the lake and maybe a taxi to Lugano train station?
Any good suggestions for car service from Milan to Tremezzo?
What is the biggest size suitcase
we could fit on the Swiss trains? I'm thinking we will have 3 suitcases plus carry-ons.
Casper- did you have trouble finding 4 seats together on the trains without reservations?
Sandra- no we won't have an apartment in Wengen. We'll be at the Schoenegg hotel. There is a laundromat in Wengen from what I've heard. Guess I need to plan on an afternoon of laundry one day!
Any good suggestions for car service from Milan to Tremezzo?
What is the biggest size suitcase
we could fit on the Swiss trains? I'm thinking we will have 3 suitcases plus carry-ons.
Casper- did you have trouble finding 4 seats together on the trains without reservations?
Sandra- no we won't have an apartment in Wengen. We'll be at the Schoenegg hotel. There is a laundromat in Wengen from what I've heard. Guess I need to plan on an afternoon of laundry one day!
Jan 24th, 2015, 01:12 PM
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You could read this
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...ar-rental.html
Taking a car from Germany to Italy is tricky insurance-wise. Your credit card CDW coverage doesn't extend to Italy.
With 3 kids we are planning to train it in Italy and up to Munich and then rent a car for the day to get to Neuschwanstein later this year.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...ar-rental.html
Taking a car from Germany to Italy is tricky insurance-wise. Your credit card CDW coverage doesn't extend to Italy.
With 3 kids we are planning to train it in Italy and up to Munich and then rent a car for the day to get to Neuschwanstein later this year.
Jan 24th, 2015, 01:12 PM
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For possible answers to many of your train questions check out these very informative sources: www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com.
If you go first-class the trip with luggage and kids will be MUCH more relaxed - discounted tickets exist in first-class too if you want to tie yourself into a specific train on a specific date and won't need to change nor refund. You are not traveling enough on trains to look at any Eurailpass - but if you travel on trains in Switzerland a Swiss Pass could be good - covers trains in full to Wengen and Lauterbrunnemn and Girndelwald plus all your other trains in Switzerland
and your kids travel free on any Swiss transport with the free Familuy Pass that you can request with the pass (or at any train station in SwitZerland - free if under 16 traveling with a parent (and only with a parent, not grandna or grandpas or auntie May) - even on things where the Swiss Pass only gives a discount kids still go free.
You will not want a car in the Jungfrau Region - even to go to places like Brienz - take a boat there on Lake Brienz - kids will love the boat ride - Swiss Pass will take you from the German border to the Italian border.
And I would stay in one base in the Berner Oberland because trains like those - often fairly crowded are no fun with too much luggage.
If you go first-class the trip with luggage and kids will be MUCH more relaxed - discounted tickets exist in first-class too if you want to tie yourself into a specific train on a specific date and won't need to change nor refund. You are not traveling enough on trains to look at any Eurailpass - but if you travel on trains in Switzerland a Swiss Pass could be good - covers trains in full to Wengen and Lauterbrunnemn and Girndelwald plus all your other trains in Switzerland
and your kids travel free on any Swiss transport with the free Familuy Pass that you can request with the pass (or at any train station in SwitZerland - free if under 16 traveling with a parent (and only with a parent, not grandna or grandpas or auntie May) - even on things where the Swiss Pass only gives a discount kids still go free.
You will not want a car in the Jungfrau Region - even to go to places like Brienz - take a boat there on Lake Brienz - kids will love the boat ride - Swiss Pass will take you from the German border to the Italian border.
And I would stay in one base in the Berner Oberland because trains like those - often fairly crowded are no fun with too much luggage.
Jan 24th, 2015, 02:01 PM
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We e travelling enough that summer that we had a first class Swiss Pass. I wanted it because I was doing a lot of daytrips with the kids on my own. We also wanted to be able to automatically be on the top of the boats (first class only) without upgrading for that journey. We never had a problem getting seats together. Actually, we were most often the only ones in the first class cars. This summer we may just get a second class. It depends on the price as there's no 30d pass anymore so we'll need two passes. Even if we couldn't sit together, I would be completely comfortable with all of us being in the same car. The cars aren't large. You can easily see others. Then as people get off, move so that you're closer together.
As for packing, figure out how long you'll need to be without a washing machine. For us last summer it was 10d. So, for each of us, I had 10d worth of clothing. That was 10 tops, 12 undies, 4 shorts and one pair of pants besides the ones worn on the plane. We had two pairs of shoes each. For me, sneakers and sandals. We learned the other summer that the kids didn't wear sandals they preferred sneakers so they had an extra pair each just in case. They wore one, packed the other. Hubbie had to have work clothing as he was working in England and Belgium. We had to accommodate for that. We were able to fit ALL of that into four carry on size suitcases. You can do it. You won't need three 23in PLUS carry on. For carryon we had two small backpacks. You'll want one for in the mountains so it will come in handy. You can also put snacks etc in it for the train rides. You don't need hiking boots (at least in my experience). We hiked in sneakers (runners). You do want a fleece each plus a water repellant coat. We each have North Face jackets that are great for rain or wind and can double with the fleece in the mountains. We wore them on the plane.
Any other questions, just ask. I can also give you a few ideas as to places that will hold your family of 4 if you need a few ideas.
As for packing, figure out how long you'll need to be without a washing machine. For us last summer it was 10d. So, for each of us, I had 10d worth of clothing. That was 10 tops, 12 undies, 4 shorts and one pair of pants besides the ones worn on the plane. We had two pairs of shoes each. For me, sneakers and sandals. We learned the other summer that the kids didn't wear sandals they preferred sneakers so they had an extra pair each just in case. They wore one, packed the other. Hubbie had to have work clothing as he was working in England and Belgium. We had to accommodate for that. We were able to fit ALL of that into four carry on size suitcases. You can do it. You won't need three 23in PLUS carry on. For carryon we had two small backpacks. You'll want one for in the mountains so it will come in handy. You can also put snacks etc in it for the train rides. You don't need hiking boots (at least in my experience). We hiked in sneakers (runners). You do want a fleece each plus a water repellant coat. We each have North Face jackets that are great for rain or wind and can double with the fleece in the mountains. We wore them on the plane.
Any other questions, just ask. I can also give you a few ideas as to places that will hold your family of 4 if you need a few ideas.
Jan 24th, 2015, 02:38 PM
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Your hotel in Wengen apparently does laundry:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUse...ECK_RATES_CONT
You could ask your hotel in Tremezzo to arrange a transfer, although there may be cheaper options.
I don't think you need rain coats in July, and if you bother with long pants, do the kids have nylon athletic pants? Good enough. You don't need fancy clothes for the Tremezzo. Just be clean.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUse...ECK_RATES_CONT
You could ask your hotel in Tremezzo to arrange a transfer, although there may be cheaper options.
I don't think you need rain coats in July, and if you bother with long pants, do the kids have nylon athletic pants? Good enough. You don't need fancy clothes for the Tremezzo. Just be clean.
Jan 24th, 2015, 03:52 PM
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We have done many road trips in europe - more than 20 in many different countries. We really enjoy the opportunity to stop wherever and whenever we want - and not have to be tied to train stations and schedules or try to pack everything we own in a gym bag.
Train is a great idea for those that want to travel that way. But for those who value this freedom and have a significant amount of luggage I think it makes sense. But you just ed to make up your mind that it costs more than train - and that a drop-off fee is part of the price.
Caveat: We try never to drive more than 4 hours per day so that we have the opportunity to spend the middle of the day enjoying a nice meal and exploring a charming town. Also, we switch off driving so that we both get a chance to enjoy the scenery (remember there are tons of stopping places to stop and enjoy the view.
I wouldn;t be so concerned about problems with trains unless you have kids that tend to be wanderers - or not follow directions exactly and immediately. Some kids tend to not focus that well and with trains the kids need to go with the program, deal with their luggage and move quickly on and off the trains. Some kids are good at this and others - not so much!
Train is a great idea for those that want to travel that way. But for those who value this freedom and have a significant amount of luggage I think it makes sense. But you just ed to make up your mind that it costs more than train - and that a drop-off fee is part of the price.
Caveat: We try never to drive more than 4 hours per day so that we have the opportunity to spend the middle of the day enjoying a nice meal and exploring a charming town. Also, we switch off driving so that we both get a chance to enjoy the scenery (remember there are tons of stopping places to stop and enjoy the view.
I wouldn;t be so concerned about problems with trains unless you have kids that tend to be wanderers - or not follow directions exactly and immediately. Some kids tend to not focus that well and with trains the kids need to go with the program, deal with their luggage and move quickly on and off the trains. Some kids are good at this and others - not so much!
Jan 24th, 2015, 04:17 PM
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Most kids I know would prefer to take the trains, especially if that is a bit unusual for them. I know my kids loathe being in a car for any extended time. Trains in Europe are very easy.
With regard to luggage, if you absolutely have to take heaps of luggage (which, like others, I advise against) you are much better off with two small bags in the place of one large one. Large, heavy bags are a real pain to manhandle around. If you can take a daypack and rolling bag which you can easily pick up and carry so much the better. And the kids are responsible for their own luggage - works best in my experience (including packing it up at the end of each stay, carrying it, watching out for it, etc).
With regard to luggage, if you absolutely have to take heaps of luggage (which, like others, I advise against) you are much better off with two small bags in the place of one large one. Large, heavy bags are a real pain to manhandle around. If you can take a daypack and rolling bag which you can easily pick up and carry so much the better. And the kids are responsible for their own luggage - works best in my experience (including packing it up at the end of each stay, carrying it, watching out for it, etc).
Jan 24th, 2015, 06:29 PM
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I have stayed in Wengen , with my 11 yr old.
First.. knock down the luggage.. Wengen is not all flat and my 11 yr old struggled a bit rolling her small bag.. she did ok,, but hotel was uphill and it did poop her out.
Secondly.. we hiked and we did not need hiking boots.. for most family hiking they are simply not needed.. exception if you adults are planning on some real hiking.. but with kids.. no.. ( and I have hiked around Zermatt too) . Good running shoes are fine.Trails will be mostly dry .. and are well worn.. its not like hiking wild in the Rockies. We literally ran into a white haired granny lady with a cane ( no,, not a walking /hiking stick,, a cane ) coming down from the hut on the Matterhorn.. we were going up.. it was like 9 am too.. she says she gets up and does it every day! Swiss are tough, lol
I really think the luggage issue needs to be rethought... you are going to look back and realize that after the fact.. but meanwhile exhaustion and cranky kids wanting help with their luggage , and you with your hands full enough is my prediction.
As
First.. knock down the luggage.. Wengen is not all flat and my 11 yr old struggled a bit rolling her small bag.. she did ok,, but hotel was uphill and it did poop her out.
Secondly.. we hiked and we did not need hiking boots.. for most family hiking they are simply not needed.. exception if you adults are planning on some real hiking.. but with kids.. no.. ( and I have hiked around Zermatt too) . Good running shoes are fine.Trails will be mostly dry .. and are well worn.. its not like hiking wild in the Rockies. We literally ran into a white haired granny lady with a cane ( no,, not a walking /hiking stick,, a cane ) coming down from the hut on the Matterhorn.. we were going up.. it was like 9 am too.. she says she gets up and does it every day! Swiss are tough, lol
I really think the luggage issue needs to be rethought... you are going to look back and realize that after the fact.. but meanwhile exhaustion and cranky kids wanting help with their luggage , and you with your hands full enough is my prediction.
As
Jan 24th, 2015, 08:48 PM
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Thanks to all of you for your great advice- Tom, PalenQ, Casper, Sandra, NyTraveler, Dreamon, and Justine. Looks like I'll try for a 1st class Swiss pass, car service in Lake Como, and train in Bavaria. And pack light! I'll leave the boots at home and plan on doing some laundry.
Any thoughts on Swiss Pass vs. regional Berner Oberland pass?
And any recommendations on a car service from Milan to Lake Como?
Any thoughts on Swiss Pass vs. regional Berner Oberland pass?
And any recommendations on a car service from Milan to Lake Como?
