Traveling throughout Europe on a Eurail Pass.....
May 2nd, 2005, 03:28 PM
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Traveling throughout Europe on a Eurail Pass.....
Does anyone know if it is cheaper for an 18 year old student who will be traveling throughout Europe to get a Student Eurail Pass in the USA before going to Europe or to wait until he arrives (flying into Stockholm)? Also, will he need a different type of pass which allows for taking overnight trains? Thanks for sharing any experience you may have on this.
May 2nd, 2005, 03:43 PM
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Eurail passes used to be offered for purchase outside Europe only. I'm not sure if that rule still apply.
The same pass allows you to travel on night trains if seating is available. If the train is couchette and sleeper only (as some trains are) then you will have to pay a supplement since there will be no seats. You can buy the couchette/sleeper ticket at the train stations or a travel agent. The couchette is less expensive than the sleeper.
Before you buy a pass, take a look at where you are traveling from/to and how much point to point tickets will cost but don't use the Raileurope site for comparison since they charge more than purchasing individual tickets in Europe.
A train pass is not always the least expensive way to travel, although it allows you the freedom of traveling anytime. If you'll be traveling long distances then it probably will pay off.
The same pass allows you to travel on night trains if seating is available. If the train is couchette and sleeper only (as some trains are) then you will have to pay a supplement since there will be no seats. You can buy the couchette/sleeper ticket at the train stations or a travel agent. The couchette is less expensive than the sleeper.
Before you buy a pass, take a look at where you are traveling from/to and how much point to point tickets will cost but don't use the Raileurope site for comparison since they charge more than purchasing individual tickets in Europe.
A train pass is not always the least expensive way to travel, although it allows you the freedom of traveling anytime. If you'll be traveling long distances then it probably will pay off.
May 2nd, 2005, 05:22 PM
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I have repeatedly spoken out against "rail passes" from RailEurope as way too expensive, and promoting way too much travel - - better trips begin with planning an itinerary, checking what its prices would be - - and abiding by "travel around less; see where you are more".
The website www.railsaver.com will calculate the prices of simple point-to-point tickets (or applicable passes).
Low cost airlines have proliferated like rabbits, offering fares for routes of 200, 500 or even a 1000 miles for as little as a few euro (plus 20 or 30 in taxes).
Additionally, very low cost train fares are often available in France or Italy - - even below those indicated on railsaver.com
If the student plans to sell Fuller brushes, and wants to hit a different city every day, then a "rail pass" will save some money, I guess.
But it ain't no way to "see (some of) Europe". Trying to see more than SOME is a good way to see NONE.
Best wishes,
Rex
The website www.railsaver.com will calculate the prices of simple point-to-point tickets (or applicable passes).
Low cost airlines have proliferated like rabbits, offering fares for routes of 200, 500 or even a 1000 miles for as little as a few euro (plus 20 or 30 in taxes).
Additionally, very low cost train fares are often available in France or Italy - - even below those indicated on railsaver.com
If the student plans to sell Fuller brushes, and wants to hit a different city every day, then a "rail pass" will save some money, I guess.
But it ain't no way to "see (some of) Europe". Trying to see more than SOME is a good way to see NONE.
Best wishes,
Rex
May 2nd, 2005, 06:57 PM
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I have often respectfully disagreed with Rex on this issue and I still will.
A few years ago we went to Europe for three and a half months and did three month Eurail passes. We visited Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy.
Rex would have hated our trip. It was the best trip we've ever done, and we weren't young at the time. Averaging one week per country (obviously not trying to do it all) was not too much as far as we were concerned. Of course some countries were considerably longer than a week -- others shorter (Hungary was just four days in Budapest, four nights in Prague only for the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg was only three days, for example -- nearly three weeks in Norway though). We learned several countries we probably won't ever go back to, and several where we got a taste and knew we'd return.
There is no way we could have traveled that without the passes.
We don't all enjoy traveling the same way -- Rex can travel the way he wants. I'll travel the way I like, thank you.
Unless your 18 year old is only going for a week or two and only plans to visit a country or two, the rail pass is likely a good idea. It also means he won't be standing in lines an hour or more per day in busy train stations trying to buy train tickets almost daily. Also, many city transportation systems will be included as well as some boats, and other bonuses.
A few years ago we went to Europe for three and a half months and did three month Eurail passes. We visited Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy.
Rex would have hated our trip. It was the best trip we've ever done, and we weren't young at the time. Averaging one week per country (obviously not trying to do it all) was not too much as far as we were concerned. Of course some countries were considerably longer than a week -- others shorter (Hungary was just four days in Budapest, four nights in Prague only for the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg was only three days, for example -- nearly three weeks in Norway though). We learned several countries we probably won't ever go back to, and several where we got a taste and knew we'd return.
There is no way we could have traveled that without the passes.
We don't all enjoy traveling the same way -- Rex can travel the way he wants. I'll travel the way I like, thank you.
Unless your 18 year old is only going for a week or two and only plans to visit a country or two, the rail pass is likely a good idea. It also means he won't be standing in lines an hour or more per day in busy train stations trying to buy train tickets almost daily. Also, many city transportation systems will be included as well as some boats, and other bonuses.
May 2nd, 2005, 07:23 PM
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I respect your disagreement, Patrick, because it is indeed respectful. And I would have loved your trip. I may never know what a 3.5 month trip is like. Few people will.
I was wrong to assume that the OP is asking about cramming way too many countries into way too few weeks. When we get more info, it may be that assuming that a trip of one (or two) month(s) or more is wrong as well.
A spectrum of opinions is one of the unmatchable features of this forum.
I was wrong to assume that the OP is asking about cramming way too many countries into way too few weeks. When we get more info, it may be that assuming that a trip of one (or two) month(s) or more is wrong as well.
A spectrum of opinions is one of the unmatchable features of this forum.
May 2nd, 2005, 07:44 PM
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How very true, Rex.
I guess when I see "18 year old student" I automatically picture the better part of a summer in Europe.
I missed that at 18, so that's what my partner and I did when we were first retired (for me at 49). I just assumed (and possibly wrongly so) that the original poster here was talking about a lengthy trip.
I guess when I see "18 year old student" I automatically picture the better part of a summer in Europe.
I missed that at 18, so that's what my partner and I did when we were first retired (for me at 49). I just assumed (and possibly wrongly so) that the original poster here was talking about a lengthy trip.
May 2nd, 2005, 08:35 PM
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I've seen more than a few posts on the Eurotrip forum where someone has a 17-country, 21-consecutive-day pass and wants to use it to its fullest. So in that case I agree that the passes can promote less than optimal travel. I also think the economic equation has changed - it might have been the case 10 or 20 years ago that a Eurail pass was the best deal, but that's way less likely today.
May 3rd, 2005, 06:20 AM
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A second recommendation to enter your itinerary at www.railsaver.com and click "only if it saves me money".
There are additional charges for high-speed trains, reserved seats and sleepers.
There are additional charges for high-speed trains, reserved seats and sleepers.
May 6th, 2005, 03:00 PM
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Thanks all. Patrick, you're correct in assuming that this 18 year old (my nephew) will be spending 2 full months traveling around Europe with a college friend.
To the best of my knowledge, they have no set itinerary and are hoping to visit France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. They also plan on sleeping on trains whenever possible.
(Ah, to be 18 and so adventuresome again)
To the best of my knowledge, they have no set itinerary and are hoping to visit France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. They also plan on sleeping on trains whenever possible.
(Ah, to be 18 and so adventuresome again)
May 7th, 2005, 06:16 AM
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So, the merits of doing this are going to be evenly split across a horizon that runs from well-planned fortnight to an entire footloose summer.
And thus, I don't feel too bad about being the curmudgeonly dad in saying I'd be against it (but then everyone has different styles of child rearing, and our children have each had different Europe travel experiences by their early twenties - - and only two of those as whole family).
That said, if I were advising my own siblings who have kids with no prior Europe travel experience - - I'd say help them (or have an adult with some Europe travel experience) plan a good "intro" trip of 10-20 days, and set up a "travel fund" for trips two and three at ages 20 and 22. Add a hundred bucks a month to it for the next 24/48 months. The combination of the THREE trips will be so much better - - in every way - - than one long 8 week trip done now.
And thus, I don't feel too bad about being the curmudgeonly dad in saying I'd be against it (but then everyone has different styles of child rearing, and our children have each had different Europe travel experiences by their early twenties - - and only two of those as whole family).
That said, if I were advising my own siblings who have kids with no prior Europe travel experience - - I'd say help them (or have an adult with some Europe travel experience) plan a good "intro" trip of 10-20 days, and set up a "travel fund" for trips two and three at ages 20 and 22. Add a hundred bucks a month to it for the next 24/48 months. The combination of the THREE trips will be so much better - - in every way - - than one long 8 week trip done now.
May 7th, 2005, 11:52 AM
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I think I will also disagree with Rex on this one. Most people have the oportunity to travel for several months at a time when they are young or when they are retired. Getting married, having children, having a jo
s) all tend to make it difficult to get away for extended periods for most of us in between those life stages. So, if you are 18 and have the money and time I say go for it.
The question of a railpass is a more difficult one as travel in Europe has changed alot over the years and low cost airlines are a very viable option for budget travel within Europe. I used a 2 month Eurail pass when I was a student but there really were no other budget transportation options except the interrail pass at the time. I did like the pass alot as we made up our itinerary as we went along.
Trains were also a good way to travel at the time as there used to be a whole culture of young people from all sorts of countries traveling around Europe in the same manner. Meeting these like minded travelers was one of the high lights of my first trip to Europe and gave us good information about things to do and places to go and see. Also visited some of these new found friends in their respective homes.
Would not recommend too many overnight train rides as they do tend to exhaust you. There are extra charges for the sleepers and couchettes which make the night trains more comfortable but you can just sleep in your seat if you wish. There are also extra charges for reservations for some express trains.
So, whether you use a rail pass or point to point trains and possibly flying depends on what you want to do and where you want to go. If your analyis suggests that your options are close in price I would go for the pass for it's flexability.
s) all tend to make it difficult to get away for extended periods for most of us in between those life stages. So, if you are 18 and have the money and time I say go for it.The question of a railpass is a more difficult one as travel in Europe has changed alot over the years and low cost airlines are a very viable option for budget travel within Europe. I used a 2 month Eurail pass when I was a student but there really were no other budget transportation options except the interrail pass at the time. I did like the pass alot as we made up our itinerary as we went along.
Trains were also a good way to travel at the time as there used to be a whole culture of young people from all sorts of countries traveling around Europe in the same manner. Meeting these like minded travelers was one of the high lights of my first trip to Europe and gave us good information about things to do and places to go and see. Also visited some of these new found friends in their respective homes.
Would not recommend too many overnight train rides as they do tend to exhaust you. There are extra charges for the sleepers and couchettes which make the night trains more comfortable but you can just sleep in your seat if you wish. There are also extra charges for reservations for some express trains.
So, whether you use a rail pass or point to point trains and possibly flying depends on what you want to do and where you want to go. If your analyis suggests that your options are close in price I would go for the pass for it's flexability.
May 7th, 2005, 12:06 PM
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My point is not about taking trips two and three when said student is "older" - - rather about assimilating what one has learned about HOW to travel, and going back for trips two and three for about the same cost - - partly because one will have learned to travel so much smarter.
And have a better idea what is the goal (not that it's all about "goals" - - having fun can be an appropriate goal when you are 18, or any age beyond that). But if you know you want to do this or that, and you show up on the wrong day (it occurs every Tuesday and you arrive in that city on Wednesday) - - then you don't get what you spent that airfare money on.
But I do not expect my message to fall on equally receptive ears in every situation.
And have a better idea what is the goal (not that it's all about "goals" - - having fun can be an appropriate goal when you are 18, or any age beyond that). But if you know you want to do this or that, and you show up on the wrong day (it occurs every Tuesday and you arrive in that city on Wednesday) - - then you don't get what you spent that airfare money on.
But I do not expect my message to fall on equally receptive ears in every situation.
May 8th, 2005, 05:45 AM
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One last question please with regard to my 18 year old nephew touring Europe for 2 months. Wouldn't it be best to get Euro's along the way via an ATM card rather than cashing Traveler's checks??
He doesn't have any credit cards. Thanks again for your thoughts.
He doesn't have any credit cards. Thanks again for your thoughts.
May 8th, 2005, 06:08 AM
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Hi NYG
>Wouldn't it be best to get Euro's along the way via an ATM card rather than cashing Traveler's checks??<
Yes. He should have a few hundred dollars in USD TCs as emergency funds.
>He doesn't have any credit cards.<
This is a case where a prepaid travel card would be useful. He wouldn't have to carry as much cash with him.
>Wouldn't it be best to get Euro's along the way via an ATM card rather than cashing Traveler's checks??<
Yes. He should have a few hundred dollars in USD TCs as emergency funds.
>He doesn't have any credit cards.<
This is a case where a prepaid travel card would be useful. He wouldn't have to carry as much cash with him.
May 8th, 2005, 06:11 AM
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NY, I've found out that you get a better exchange rate using your ATM machine rather than travelers cheques, where you pay a fee just to cash it. However, ATM machines are very limited in some small villages, so your nephew will need to plan ahead with pulling money in major cities or towns.
With regards to the Eurailpass, my only recommendation is to go over his itinerary, then go to www.railsaver.com to compare prices vs. using a railpass. Keep in mind that the rail pass does not cover in full the high speed trains, sleepers etc. * you will need to look at the restrictions *, as your nephew will need to make reservations for some of these ahead of time, specially during high season, and additionally pay a surcharge.
With regards to the Eurailpass, my only recommendation is to go over his itinerary, then go to www.railsaver.com to compare prices vs. using a railpass. Keep in mind that the rail pass does not cover in full the high speed trains, sleepers etc. * you will need to look at the restrictions *, as your nephew will need to make reservations for some of these ahead of time, specially during high season, and additionally pay a surcharge.
