18 year olds going to Europe for 10-12 days
Jan 4th, 2016, 01:55 PM
#22
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"I just double-checked the Eurail website to see when I can begin to start making reservations. I have to wait until it is 3 months before the reservation."
I wonder which "EURAIL" site you checked. RailEurope? RE and other middlemen don't offer bargain fares.
If you are looking to purchase point-to-point tickets - just one option - then it's best to check the individual country websites for good fares.
Let's say you are in Berlin and want to travel to Paris. Check the DB (Germany) website 91 days out, and you'll likely find fares under $75. Raileurope will be selling tickets for the same train for about $200.
91 days out - not the vague "3 months" - is when tickets first go on sale at DB. Don't delay until 90 or 89 days before if you want the best prices; bargain tickets sell quickly.
Here's the DB page with the info you need:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/pr...-spezial.shtml
But a Rail Pass might be better for you. Because you're starting in Austria, a definite consideration for you should be the German Rail Pass, which can get you cheaply from SALZBURG Austria to places all over Germany AND to places in BELGIUM, CROATIA, ITALY, FRANCE and DENMARK.
Check the German Rail Pass route map on P. 2 of the flyer:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/mdb/bahni...flyer_2015.pdf
German Rail Pass info: http://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/pr...railpass.shtml
A 5-day German Rail flexipass in the twin version would cost only €329 total for two (bought directly from DB) and would cover 5 major journeys over your 10-12 day stay. The 7-day twin goes for €408.
I wonder which "EURAIL" site you checked. RailEurope? RE and other middlemen don't offer bargain fares.
If you are looking to purchase point-to-point tickets - just one option - then it's best to check the individual country websites for good fares.
Let's say you are in Berlin and want to travel to Paris. Check the DB (Germany) website 91 days out, and you'll likely find fares under $75. Raileurope will be selling tickets for the same train for about $200.
91 days out - not the vague "3 months" - is when tickets first go on sale at DB. Don't delay until 90 or 89 days before if you want the best prices; bargain tickets sell quickly.
Here's the DB page with the info you need:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/pr...-spezial.shtml
But a Rail Pass might be better for you. Because you're starting in Austria, a definite consideration for you should be the German Rail Pass, which can get you cheaply from SALZBURG Austria to places all over Germany AND to places in BELGIUM, CROATIA, ITALY, FRANCE and DENMARK.
Check the German Rail Pass route map on P. 2 of the flyer:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/mdb/bahni...flyer_2015.pdf
German Rail Pass info: http://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/pr...railpass.shtml
A 5-day German Rail flexipass in the twin version would cost only €329 total for two (bought directly from DB) and would cover 5 major journeys over your 10-12 day stay. The 7-day twin goes for €408.
Jan 4th, 2016, 01:58 PM
#23
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I didn't forget about your railpasses - but I apparently forgot forgot to preface the above post with the idea that you MIGHT actually consider a refund on the Eurailpasses you have in hand (depending on their value) since the other options might be CONSIDERABLY cheaper.
Jan 4th, 2016, 02:43 PM
#24
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More information on the passes--we have 15 day first class Eurail global passes. They can be found on the website below.
http://www.eurail.com/eurail-passes/global-pass
http://www.eurail.com/eurail-passes/global-pass
Jan 4th, 2016, 03:31 PM
#25
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Don't know if it is 15 day continuous or 15 days over two month period. The two month pass was over $800.00. I doubt if you would spend that much in travel in a couple of weeks, but depends on your itinerary.
Do check all transportation costs of your planned itinerary and compare with value and benefit of your pass. Then you can decide how to use or not use it, trade it for a different pass, save it for later or get a refund.
Do check all transportation costs of your planned itinerary and compare with value and benefit of your pass. Then you can decide how to use or not use it, trade it for a different pass, save it for later or get a refund.
Jan 4th, 2016, 04:41 PM
#27
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It's likely a 15-day flexipass if they have 7 days with their dads and then 10-12 days afterward.
It depends on the trips you take with your dads and on your own of course, but it sounds like overkill. Will you actually be using trains for 15 major train trips over a 17-19-day trip? That $833 x 2 passes = $1666 x .85 (assuming a 15% return fee) means you'd have $1416 in hand after a refund.
"Honestly why do people keep talking about the Eurail pass?"
That was my first thought, Lois, but I got curious, and tegan414 was curious enough to provide the link to his pass. And as it turns out the pass is a pricey one. "....not looking to save the money..." You must be his mom if you know that. My guess is that any hosteler will find a good use for extra cash.
Definitely consider the alternatives. A 5-day youth selectpass for Switzerland and Austria with the dads is probably overkill too, but it sells for $530 total for two youths from Raileurope. The $1416 refund will cover that AND leave you two with nearly $900 to cover your own transport expenses. I'm guessing you'll need much less than that for 10-12 days together.
It depends on the trips you take with your dads and on your own of course, but it sounds like overkill. Will you actually be using trains for 15 major train trips over a 17-19-day trip? That $833 x 2 passes = $1666 x .85 (assuming a 15% return fee) means you'd have $1416 in hand after a refund.
"Honestly why do people keep talking about the Eurail pass?"
That was my first thought, Lois, but I got curious, and tegan414 was curious enough to provide the link to his pass. And as it turns out the pass is a pricey one. "....not looking to save the money..." You must be his mom if you know that. My guess is that any hosteler will find a good use for extra cash.
Definitely consider the alternatives. A 5-day youth selectpass for Switzerland and Austria with the dads is probably overkill too, but it sells for $530 total for two youths from Raileurope. The $1416 refund will cover that AND leave you two with nearly $900 to cover your own transport expenses. I'm guessing you'll need much less than that for 10-12 days together.
Jan 4th, 2016, 05:12 PM
#28
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maybe I am reading this wrong but the boys have time with the dads and I assume the dads have that part accounted for...could be renting a car who knows...and the pass etc. if for the time they are going on their own. I don't read too much into staying in hostels in terms of his finances as kids this age enjoy the experience....but maybe the traveler can reply and indicate if all the calculations are important.
Jan 4th, 2016, 05:38 PM
#29
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Fussgaenger, exactly.
It was really kind of you to take time to do the math. I am glad you did.
My sincere intentions were to give the kid more money for his trip if it worked out that he didn't need the expensive pass. He may actually need it. I doubt it, but I don't know for sure.
If I seemed to be accidently discarding a sizable chunk of money, even if it were free, I would super appreciate someone pointing it out to me so I could make an informed decision about whether I could actually use it as given, or if I was throwing it away when I could have used it for something fun.
Passes used to be such a good deal, people automatically think they are always good for young people. Of course, they can be, but it is not so straightforward anymore.
Fussgaenger, you gave lots of other good info, and I hope you will jump in with advice for me if you ever think I need it, even if I am not asking for it. With a new experience, we don't always know what to ask.
It was really kind of you to take time to do the math. I am glad you did.
My sincere intentions were to give the kid more money for his trip if it worked out that he didn't need the expensive pass. He may actually need it. I doubt it, but I don't know for sure.
If I seemed to be accidently discarding a sizable chunk of money, even if it were free, I would super appreciate someone pointing it out to me so I could make an informed decision about whether I could actually use it as given, or if I was throwing it away when I could have used it for something fun.
Passes used to be such a good deal, people automatically think they are always good for young people. Of course, they can be, but it is not so straightforward anymore.
Fussgaenger, you gave lots of other good info, and I hope you will jump in with advice for me if you ever think I need it, even if I am not asking for it. With a new experience, we don't always know what to ask.
Jan 5th, 2016, 09:27 AM
#31
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tegan...you may get some suggestions over at Lonely Planet forum The Thorn Tree...I suggest that because most posters here are your Dad's age ++ and young people your age might enjoy different things...Lonely Planet is visited by many people looking for ideas just like you and you may get some.
By the way great Christmas present....sounds like a fun adventure!!
By the way great Christmas present....sounds like a fun adventure!!
Jan 5th, 2016, 12:06 PM
#32
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For lots of good info on the rail system - reservations, etc check these informative sites: www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.comand www.ricksteves.com. Except in Italy in the other countries you can hop any train anytime =- no reservations required and you can always board - seats will turn up if full at the next stops - I assume you have a 2nd class Youthpass for those under 26 - you can easily make train reservations once there by just taking your pass up to the ticket window and paying a few euros - if trains are mobbed do that as you go along.
Jan 5th, 2016, 02:38 PM
#34
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Very true, a lot of older people on this forum. Actually, I am not as old as your Dad - I am as old as your Grandparents. That means collectively much experience to draw from, so don't discount advice from oldsters just because their travel style may be different, though there is a lot of variety even among them.
OTOH, it is a great idea to seek suggestions, advice and travel tips from other travel forums, especially other young people who may share your interests and travel style. Even I do that, and have added some less traveled places, restaurants and events to my itineraries because of things some young person wrote about. A very young person turned me on to going to some of the big festivals, like Fasnacht in Basel. They assured me it was nothing like Octoberfest and they were right! Just last last week, I called a young friend about a place to stay because she always manages to get great places dirt cheap.
If you have any friends your own age who have already done some independent travel, get together with them. I bet they would love to share their experiences.
Have fun planning this and a great trip.
OTOH, it is a great idea to seek suggestions, advice and travel tips from other travel forums, especially other young people who may share your interests and travel style. Even I do that, and have added some less traveled places, restaurants and events to my itineraries because of things some young person wrote about. A very young person turned me on to going to some of the big festivals, like Fasnacht in Basel. They assured me it was nothing like Octoberfest and they were right! Just last last week, I called a young friend about a place to stay because she always manages to get great places dirt cheap.
If you have any friends your own age who have already done some independent travel, get together with them. I bet they would love to share their experiences.
Have fun planning this and a great trip.
Jan 6th, 2016, 05:44 AM
#35
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"Does anybody have any more suggestions for places for us to go?"
You're requesting "blind" suggestions - we don't know much about your interests. So I blindly suggested some places I like and that are generally well liked: Nuremberg, Bamberg, Berlin, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Paris... What did you find out about those places that either tugs at you or repels you?
Or give us your vision... As nytraveler asked, "...Alps? Castles? Nightlife? Hiking/biking? Canals? Charming old towns? Majestic cathedrals?????"
You're requesting "blind" suggestions - we don't know much about your interests. So I blindly suggested some places I like and that are generally well liked: Nuremberg, Bamberg, Berlin, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Paris... What did you find out about those places that either tugs at you or repels you?
Or give us your vision... As nytraveler asked, "...Alps? Castles? Nightlife? Hiking/biking? Canals? Charming old towns? Majestic cathedrals?????"
Jan 6th, 2016, 05:50 AM
#36
yes, whatever you do leave your home food and drink at home, now is the chance to drink wine that grows on the same hills a the pigs, beer that is still made as it was 400 years ago (not true but at least the recipe has not changed),
Avoid, fries, burgers, fizzy drinks. Food is to be savoured it is never only a fuel.
Avoid, fries, burgers, fizzy drinks. Food is to be savoured it is never only a fuel.
Jan 6th, 2016, 07:37 AM
#37
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No, they have 15-day 1st Class Global Passes.>
Well at least they can enjoy the perks of first class - when just jumping on any train in most of their countries they can be sure to find empty seats in first class but not always in 2nd class. Yes a Youthpass woould have saved a lot of money and covered all the same trains - just in 2nd class.
I do hope they have Saverpasses for 2 -5 folks traveling together at about 20% less than two solo passes.
But in 10-12 days unless living on the train hard to realize benefit of a pass.
Well at least they can enjoy the perks of first class - when just jumping on any train in most of their countries they can be sure to find empty seats in first class but not always in 2nd class. Yes a Youthpass woould have saved a lot of money and covered all the same trains - just in 2nd class.
I do hope they have Saverpasses for 2 -5 folks traveling together at about 20% less than two solo passes.
But in 10-12 days unless living on the train hard to realize benefit of a pass.
Jan 6th, 2016, 08:39 AM
#38
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Palen the young man has asked for travel help with prospective cities and places to go...made it clear he does not need help evaluating the pass...he received a great gift and I'm sure his dad is very happy with the purchase knowing his son has an easy and comfortable way to move around. No one is asking about saving money.
Jan 6th, 2016, 09:16 AM
#39
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Thanks to everyone suggesting that we get a refund on the train tickets, but we are content with the passes that we currently have, whether we spent a little more than we needed or did not. As for interests, we will be doing some hiking and probably small towns in the Alps with the fathers. My friend and I are still interested in doing some of the same while we are over there by ourselves. We are not as interested in just touring churches and museums, but we would still like to maybe see one or two cool ones. We are particularly interested in places like Amsterdam that also have some nightlife that we would be able to enjoy. I know that Amsterdam is not in the mountains where we could do some hiking, so maybe there are some cities that are similar to Amsterdam that are near the mountains so that we could combine seeing an old, fun city with some hiking in the mountains.
Jan 6th, 2016, 10:12 AM
#40
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so maybe there are some cities that are similar to Amsterdam that are near the mountains so that we could combine seeing an old, fun city with some hiking in the mountains.>
Take a train to Grindelwald, Switzerland (can take overnight train from Amsterdamned to Zurich then about two hours to Grindelwald, one of Europe's primo Alpine resorts and full of young folk doing apres ski and apres hiking in the town's pubs. The Jungfrau Region to many is the absolute highlight of Switzerland:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...HcSSAg0QsAQIGw
Hiking trails for all energies - many well groomed no special shoes needed. Grindelwald's hostels are full of active young folk from around the world.
Take a train to Grindelwald, Switzerland (can take overnight train from Amsterdamned to Zurich then about two hours to Grindelwald, one of Europe's primo Alpine resorts and full of young folk doing apres ski and apres hiking in the town's pubs. The Jungfrau Region to many is the absolute highlight of Switzerland:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...HcSSAg0QsAQIGw
Hiking trails for all energies - many well groomed no special shoes needed. Grindelwald's hostels are full of active young folk from around the world.
