W Europe Travel
- Cheaper Train Travel in Europe
- Saving on Summer Holiday Hotels
- Driving on Vacation in Europe
- Visit Medieval Castles in Germany
- European Low-Cost Airline Charges
- Cheap Cruise Vacations in Europe
- Tourism Boom in Cheap Germany
- Open Border Travel in Europe
- Top High-Speed Railways in Europe
- Transportation to UEFA Euro 2008
Cheaper Train Travel in Europe
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Great savings are available on European railways, especially for small groups traveling together on slower local trains or by using rail passes on longer, one-way trips.
Europe’s high-speed trains such as the French TGV and German ICE trains can compete with planes over shorter distances. However, ticket prices on these trains are often far from cheap – especially if one-way trips are taken. Fortunately, for leisure travelers, special discounts are available to those willing to work through the myriad of restrictions and limitations that accompany the best discounts. Savings are generally big enough to make it more than worth the effort of finding the best deals.
The best savings are generally offered on national railways only. Railteam, which increased the cooperation between high-speed train operators in Western Europe, has promised a website by 2009 that will make international bookings with discounts possible on-line but this will still only be for the expensive high-speed trains.
All European countries have their individual savings options but the basic ones usually involve buying an annual rail card that gives discounts of 25 or 50 percent on all long-distance train travel. These rail cards are very good deals for local residents as well as foreigners frequently traveling to the respective countries. Some rail cards extend the savings to neighboring countries too. Further savings are available for return journeys, children, youths, students, families, and groups.
Both Germany and Austria gives excellent discounts to small groups traveling together on slower, local trains only. Discount passes are also available for travel in specific regions.
Savings and discount fares are often not available on one-way tickets. For long-distance, one-way travel, a rail pass generally offers the best value. Internationally, the Eurail Pass is the best known but also fairly expensive. Cheaper alternative options are the InterRail pass and country-specific passes such as the German Rail and Swiss Pass.
The best savings are generally offered on national railways only. Railteam, which increased the cooperation between high-speed train operators in Western Europe, has promised a website by 2009 that will make international bookings with discounts possible on-line but this will still only be for the expensive high-speed trains.
All European countries have their individual savings options but the basic ones usually involve buying an annual rail card that gives discounts of 25 or 50 percent on all long-distance train travel. These rail cards are very good deals for local residents as well as foreigners frequently traveling to the respective countries. Some rail cards extend the savings to neighboring countries too. Further savings are available for return journeys, children, youths, students, families, and groups.
Both Germany and Austria gives excellent discounts to small groups traveling together on slower, local trains only. Discount passes are also available for travel in specific regions.
Savings and discount fares are often not available on one-way tickets. For long-distance, one-way travel, a rail pass generally offers the best value. Internationally, the Eurail Pass is the best known but also fairly expensive. Cheaper alternative options are the InterRail pass and country-specific passes such as the German Rail and Swiss Pass.
Saving on Summer Holiday Hotels
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Many European cities have good deals and cheap hotel and apartment prices during summer months when most domestic travelers head to the beach and countryside.
For the budget conscious traveler, European cities can be a very good deal during summer months when hotel prices in some cities drop to mid-winter levels. Getting a three-for-the-price-of-two-nights deal is not particularly difficult in many cities. City hotels that mostly aim at business travelers may lower prices even mid-week to attract leisure travelers in the absence of their usual well-heeled clientele.
Not all hotels in all cities participate in such deals so I usually find it worth the effort of using a few different online reservation services to compare what deals are available in a specific city. It often pays too to check rates over a longer period than the actually planned hotel stay. If my traveling dates are flexible, I can rework my plans if hotel prices suddenly drop or increase due to a festival or trade show in a particular city.
I frequently recommend staying in smaller towns as a way to save money but during summer, the reverse is often true. Trains are usually available to take travelers fast from European cities to countryside sights. It is easy to take day trips from Dresden to Moritzburg or to the lovely nature of Saxon Switzerland, or from Salzburg in Austria to the picturesque town of Hallstatt.
Not all hotels in all cities participate in such deals so I usually find it worth the effort of using a few different online reservation services to compare what deals are available in a specific city. It often pays too to check rates over a longer period than the actually planned hotel stay. If my traveling dates are flexible, I can rework my plans if hotel prices suddenly drop or increase due to a festival or trade show in a particular city.
I frequently recommend staying in smaller towns as a way to save money but during summer, the reverse is often true. Trains are usually available to take travelers fast from European cities to countryside sights. It is easy to take day trips from Dresden to Moritzburg or to the lovely nature of Saxon Switzerland, or from Salzburg in Austria to the picturesque town of Hallstatt.
- Sleeping in the city allow travelers to hike in the countryside during the day but enjoy the cultural attractions or bar scene of the cities at night.
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
High fuel, gas, and diesel prices make driving in Europe more expensive than ever. Surprisingly, “cheap” Switzerland and Luxembourg are good countries for filling up.
During the past decade, traveling in Western Europe has generally become easier, faster, and cheaper. Low-cost airlines made flying cheaper while international cooperation in the form of Railteam allowed high-speed trains to travel out of France and Germany into neighboring countries.
However, driving remains by far Europeans favorite way of travel when on vacation. Although there are no more highway queues at Europe’s open borders, gas prices are hitting drivers directly in the pocket.
Despite the good gas mileage most European cars achieve, higher gas prices certainly are putting a damper on driving. Prices vary widely between European countries due to different tax regimes and in this respect, the times certainly are a-changing. Two years ago, I made sure my car was filled to the brim before crossing from Germany into Switzerland – even the surcharge of the autobahn gas station was small in comparison to the then price of diesel in Switzerland.
Currently, the high-octane fuel that most new cars in Europe require is around €1.20 (US $1.86) per liter (or US $7.04 per gallon) in Switzerland. In Austria and Luxembourg, it is minimally more expensive but in France expect to pay around 25c per liter more, in Germany and Belgium around 35c more, and in the Netherlands up to 50c per liter more.
However, driving remains by far Europeans favorite way of travel when on vacation. Although there are no more highway queues at Europe’s open borders, gas prices are hitting drivers directly in the pocket.
Despite the good gas mileage most European cars achieve, higher gas prices certainly are putting a damper on driving. Prices vary widely between European countries due to different tax regimes and in this respect, the times certainly are a-changing. Two years ago, I made sure my car was filled to the brim before crossing from Germany into Switzerland – even the surcharge of the autobahn gas station was small in comparison to the then price of diesel in Switzerland.
Currently, the high-octane fuel that most new cars in Europe require is around €1.20 (US $1.86) per liter (or US $7.04 per gallon) in Switzerland. In Austria and Luxembourg, it is minimally more expensive but in France expect to pay around 25c per liter more, in Germany and Belgium around 35c more, and in the Netherlands up to 50c per liter more.
- Driving or renting a diesel? Avoid filling up in Germany where diesel recently broke the €1.50 per liter mark. In Switzerland diesel is around 10c per liter cheaper, while Luxembourg has the cheapest diesel at €1.30.
Visit Medieval Castles in Germany
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Romantic medieval castles and fortress ruins including Burg Eltz, Wartburg, and Schloss Neuschwanstein are amongst the most popular sightseeing destinations in Germany.
It is estimated that through the centuries around 20,000 castles were built in Germany. Although the majority is now in ruins, or completely disappeared from the landscape, literally hundreds in varying states of repair can still be visited. Castles are amongst the most popular tourist sights in Germany.
Castle can be translated into German as Burg or Schloss. Burg is generally used for fortresses built during the Middle Ages while Schloss is used for buildings erected from the Renaissance onwards. However, the distinction is not always clear as many a Schloss was built on medieval foundations. A Schloss is often more palace than castle and better translated by the French château.
German castles range from ruins to modern reconstructions. Castles were particularly in fashion during the late Middle Ages. Castles were frequently destructed during wars – many castles in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed Middle Rhine area were destroyed by the French during the War of Palatinate Succession.
Other castles fell into disrepair after the Middle Ages as the upkeep was expensive and the nobility increasingly preferred more comfortable palaces in cities. Many castles in Germany were rebuilt during the nineteenth century as incorrect, romantic notions of what medieval castles were supposed to have look like.
Great medieval castles in Germany open to visitors include:
Castle can be translated into German as Burg or Schloss. Burg is generally used for fortresses built during the Middle Ages while Schloss is used for buildings erected from the Renaissance onwards. However, the distinction is not always clear as many a Schloss was built on medieval foundations. A Schloss is often more palace than castle and better translated by the French château.
German castles range from ruins to modern reconstructions. Castles were particularly in fashion during the late Middle Ages. Castles were frequently destructed during wars – many castles in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed Middle Rhine area were destroyed by the French during the War of Palatinate Succession.
Other castles fell into disrepair after the Middle Ages as the upkeep was expensive and the nobility increasingly preferred more comfortable palaces in cities. Many castles in Germany were rebuilt during the nineteenth century as incorrect, romantic notions of what medieval castles were supposed to have look like.
Great medieval castles in Germany open to visitors include:
- Burg Eltz near Koblenz – possible the most romantic castle in Germany.
- The Wartburg in Eisenach – described as the most German of all castles.
- Schloss Neuschwanstein – the medieval-look, nineteenth-century castle built by Bavarian King Ludwig that probably inspired Disney.
European Low-Cost Airline Charges
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Cheap tickets are often available on low-cost airlines when flying in Europe but irritating, often unavoidable fees and charges add to the costs of the cheapest flights.
As the dollar continues to weaken, foreign travelers are increasingly advised to take the cheapest flight available to Europe and then explore the continent by using European low-cost airlines.
However, non-European travelers should note that low-cost airlines are quite imaginative at adding charges for services often taken for granted on flights in other parts of the world. The following charges by Irish low-cost airline Ryanair are fairly typical for the industry:
On shorter routes, high-speed trains are not necessarily cheaper but do cut out the hassle of using airports. Moreover, you buy your ticket and may drag for free onto the train whatever you can carry.
However, non-European travelers should note that low-cost airlines are quite imaginative at adding charges for services often taken for granted on flights in other parts of the world. The following charges by Irish low-cost airline Ryanair are fairly typical for the industry:
- €10 per checked bag of only 15 kg if booked online – deciding or being forced to check-in a bag at the airport will cost you €20 for the first bag
- €20 each for a similarly light second or third bag
- €5 for checking-in at the airport – free online check-in with free priority boarding is not available to non-European Union residents
- €5 for priority boarding
- €4 for paying with a credit card – it is best to have cash at hand because having to use that credit card again at the airport means another €4 charge!
- Tax refunds are available on missed flights but you can forget about getting back any airline charges.
On shorter routes, high-speed trains are not necessarily cheaper but do cut out the hassle of using airports. Moreover, you buy your ticket and may drag for free onto the train whatever you can carry.
Cheap Cruise Vacations in Europe
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Cruise vacations on the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, as well as rivers (Rhine, Elbe, and Danube) are a cheap way for American and European tourists to explore Europe.
Cruising has long been popular with American travelers especially to the Caribbean Islands and Alaska. Although cruises have been available in the Mediterranean and to a lesser extend the Baltic Sea, European cruises have mostly been a very minor part of the cruising calendar of American-focused cruise lines.
However, cruising in Europe is increasingly popular with both European and American travelers. This is at least partly due to dollar weakness and exchange rate uncertainty. Cruises have the advantage that most costs are included upfront and much of the extras can be calculated in advance.
Many independent travelers scoff at the idea of cruising as a vacation to explore destinations. However, for travelers with limited time and the desire for an all-inclusive package, cruises offer a viable alternative to traditional bus tours. Cruise prices, especially with early-booking discounts can be very price competitive and there is generally no reason to worry about the standard of the hotel or the quality of food on offer. Unpacking once has its appeal too.
Royal Caribbean reckons that around 15% of Americans have tried a cruise while the figure for Europeans is only 3%. Many American-based cruise lines have increased their presence in Europe – both to capture the dollar-paying as well as European market.
It seems Europeans are also appreciating the luxury and endless attractions available on the new mega-boats to the cheaper European lines with often cramped cabins and average food. On some “American” boats, Europeans will be in the majority this year to lend an authentic European air to these cruises.
However, cruising in Europe is increasingly popular with both European and American travelers. This is at least partly due to dollar weakness and exchange rate uncertainty. Cruises have the advantage that most costs are included upfront and much of the extras can be calculated in advance.
Many independent travelers scoff at the idea of cruising as a vacation to explore destinations. However, for travelers with limited time and the desire for an all-inclusive package, cruises offer a viable alternative to traditional bus tours. Cruise prices, especially with early-booking discounts can be very price competitive and there is generally no reason to worry about the standard of the hotel or the quality of food on offer. Unpacking once has its appeal too.
Royal Caribbean reckons that around 15% of Americans have tried a cruise while the figure for Europeans is only 3%. Many American-based cruise lines have increased their presence in Europe – both to capture the dollar-paying as well as European market.
It seems Europeans are also appreciating the luxury and endless attractions available on the new mega-boats to the cheaper European lines with often cramped cabins and average food. On some “American” boats, Europeans will be in the majority this year to lend an authentic European air to these cruises.
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
The number of overnight guests in Germany continues to increase with traveling to cheap sights and cities, including Berlin, Munich, and Dresden, particularly popular.
The German National Tourist Board’s comprehensive statistics makes for interesting reading. In the first place, it confirms that tourism in Germany is booming with huge increases in both domestic and foreign travelers.
More interesting to me is that tourists’ behavior is surprisingly rational. Whether by luck or through rational thought, foreigners travel to places in Germany that offer the best value for money.
Between 1993 and 2007, the annual number of overnight stays in Germany increased by 50 million. In Berlin, the overall increase was 248% an in Dresden an incredible 380%. For travelers, Munich (München) remains the most expensive city in Germany but with 4.5 million annual travelers, Munich is only second to Berlin’s 6.6 million overnight guests.
It is predicted that overnight guests in Germany will increase from 361 million in 2007 to 400 million in 2015. Now is a good time to visit Germany while prices stay sane and queues at cheaply priced tourist attractions short.
More interesting to me is that tourists’ behavior is surprisingly rational. Whether by luck or through rational thought, foreigners travel to places in Germany that offer the best value for money.
- More than half of foreign visitors to Germany sleep in the major cities. A good choice – although hotels in smaller towns and the countryside can be even cheaper, hotels in German cities are often bargains. Hotels in Berlin are generally half the price of similar hotels in Paris or London.
- The busiest months for foreign visitors to Germany are July and August – not a bad choice as German tourists generally head abroad during these months and the tourist premium in German holiday areas is much lower than in other West European countries. During these months, hotel prices in German cities such as Dresden and Leipzig can be as low as in mid-winter. Four nights for the price of three or even three-for-two are not hard to find.
Between 1993 and 2007, the annual number of overnight stays in Germany increased by 50 million. In Berlin, the overall increase was 248% an in Dresden an incredible 380%. For travelers, Munich (München) remains the most expensive city in Germany but with 4.5 million annual travelers, Munich is only second to Berlin’s 6.6 million overnight guests.
It is predicted that overnight guests in Germany will increase from 361 million in 2007 to 400 million in 2015. Now is a good time to visit Germany while prices stay sane and queues at cheaply priced tourist attractions short.
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
The Schengen Agreement allows for open borders free of immigration checks when traveling between most Western and Central European countries (UK and Ireland excluded).
Since March 1995, when the Schengen Agreement came into force, millions of travelers have been able to cross borders in Europe without the need to slow down at customs and immigration. Cumbersome and time-consuming border controls have been eliminated making traveling between different European countries as simple as going from say one US state to another.
Originally, only five countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) signed the agreement but presently virtually all Western and Central European countries participate in this open border scheme. Notable exceptions are the United Kingdom and Ireland; for travelers, Switzerland is will join November 2008.
Border crossings in Western Europe have generally not been a problem when traveling by train. Immigration officials would get onto the train at the last stop in a country and check passports while the train continued to the first stop in the next country. Individual passports were often not checked or stamped – although I cannot recall ever having crossed the Swiss-French border by train without French immigration officials dragging some unfortunate soul off for further investigation.
Europe’s open borders are best appreciated when traveling by car. On weekends and during holidays, long queues no longer form on either side of the border. The only question is – should you slow down or not simply because the traffic signs still call for a major reduction in speed.
Although the border posts are open, the immigration buildings are still in place, if usually unmanned. The Schengen Agreement allows countries to impose border controls again for short periods and many countries do during major events.
Originally, only five countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) signed the agreement but presently virtually all Western and Central European countries participate in this open border scheme. Notable exceptions are the United Kingdom and Ireland; for travelers, Switzerland is will join November 2008.
Border crossings in Western Europe have generally not been a problem when traveling by train. Immigration officials would get onto the train at the last stop in a country and check passports while the train continued to the first stop in the next country. Individual passports were often not checked or stamped – although I cannot recall ever having crossed the Swiss-French border by train without French immigration officials dragging some unfortunate soul off for further investigation.
Europe’s open borders are best appreciated when traveling by car. On weekends and during holidays, long queues no longer form on either side of the border. The only question is – should you slow down or not simply because the traffic signs still call for a major reduction in speed.
Although the border posts are open, the immigration buildings are still in place, if usually unmanned. The Schengen Agreement allows countries to impose border controls again for short periods and many countries do during major events.
- Germany will probably reinstate border controls between Bavaria and Austria during the UEFA Euro 2008 football tournament in June 2008 – a good enough reason to travel by train.
Top High-Speed Railways in Europe
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Europe’s high-speed trains (TGV, ICE, and Eurostar) are increasingly crossing national borders to allow for fast railway travel between major European cities.
For almost three decades, the French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) has brought the countryside into day and weekend trip reach from Paris. In Germany, sleek white Inter-City-Express (ICE) trains provide fast services between all major German cities.
These fast trains now also operate on international routes. French TGV-based trains are crossing the borders into Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland while the German ICE trains can be seen in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. More recently, TGV trains have made it into Germany (Cologne and Stuttgart) while ICE trains go to Paris.
Eurostar trains go from London to Paris and Brussels and could actually operate on the full TGV network. Persistent rumors that German Railways want to send ICE trains through the Chunnel all the way to London are constantly being denied. A pity, as competition will almost certainly bring prices down.
Just because you are seated inside an ICE or TGV train does not mean the train is actually going at high speed. Trains can slow down significantly on older tracks especially once outside Germany or France.
More than once, on the four-hour ICE journeys between Frankfurt am Main and Amsterdam, I have experienced going flat out at 300 km/h (186 mph) between Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) and Cologne (Köln) just to have the train slow down and outrun by shorter commuter trains once inside the Netherlands.
Fortunately, tracks are constantly being upgraded throughout Europe to speed up journeys. Railteam reckons that business travelers prefer trains to planes if the rail journey is less than four hours while leisure travelers will ride the rails for six hours before low-cost airlines are seen as an alternative. Those numbers sound about right to me.
These fast trains now also operate on international routes. French TGV-based trains are crossing the borders into Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland while the German ICE trains can be seen in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. More recently, TGV trains have made it into Germany (Cologne and Stuttgart) while ICE trains go to Paris.
Eurostar trains go from London to Paris and Brussels and could actually operate on the full TGV network. Persistent rumors that German Railways want to send ICE trains through the Chunnel all the way to London are constantly being denied. A pity, as competition will almost certainly bring prices down.
Just because you are seated inside an ICE or TGV train does not mean the train is actually going at high speed. Trains can slow down significantly on older tracks especially once outside Germany or France.
More than once, on the four-hour ICE journeys between Frankfurt am Main and Amsterdam, I have experienced going flat out at 300 km/h (186 mph) between Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) and Cologne (Köln) just to have the train slow down and outrun by shorter commuter trains once inside the Netherlands.
Fortunately, tracks are constantly being upgraded throughout Europe to speed up journeys. Railteam reckons that business travelers prefer trains to planes if the rail journey is less than four hours while leisure travelers will ride the rails for six hours before low-cost airlines are seen as an alternative. Those numbers sound about right to me.
Transportation to UEFA Euro 2008
Posted by
Henk Bekker
Henk Bekker
Train and bus fares are included in tickets to the UEFA Euro 2008 European Football Championship in Switzerland and Austria. Further transport deals await in June only.
Getting to UEFA Euro 2008 football championship matches in June 2008 will be easy. Match tickets also serve as public transportation passes in both Switzerland and Austria on match day and on the return route up to noon the following day.
I prefer public transportation when going to major events including sports matches, special festivals, and shows. That way I don’t have to deal with unfamiliar roads, or even worse, find familiar shortcuts blocked off for the day. Furthermore, the walk from the train station to the stadium is usually shorter (and not through the mud!) than the trek from the special overpriced parking lots.
For the UEFA Euro 2008 football championships, special transportation passes, valid only during June 2008, will be sold to entice soccer fans to see more of Switzerland and Austria than just the football stadiums and adjacent bars and restaurants.
The Swiss public transportation system offers several further passes and discount tickets that are valid year round.
I prefer public transportation when going to major events including sports matches, special festivals, and shows. That way I don’t have to deal with unfamiliar roads, or even worse, find familiar shortcuts blocked off for the day. Furthermore, the walk from the train station to the stadium is usually shorter (and not through the mud!) than the trek from the special overpriced parking lots.
For the UEFA Euro 2008 football championships, special transportation passes, valid only during June 2008, will be sold to entice soccer fans to see more of Switzerland and Austria than just the football stadiums and adjacent bars and restaurants.
- The UEFA EURO 2008™ Half-Fare Card (Halbtaxabonnement) gives 50% discount on any rail journey on Swiss and Austrian trains and buses. It cost CHF39/USD39 (CHF59/USD59 if bought in June).
- The UEFA EURO 2008™ General Abonnement allows for unlimited travel on the Swiss transportation network and 50% discount on tickets on Austrian railways. It is CHF299/USD299 in second class and CHF459/USD459 in first class (CHF399/USD399 and CHF599/USD599 respectively if only bought in June).
The Swiss public transportation system offers several further passes and discount tickets that are valid year round.
Pages 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8