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If you wanna travel to Europe or any were else
in the world you should go to this site for some
travel tips you need to know!
in the world you should go to this site for some
travel tips you need to know!
| BEFORE YOU LEAVE CHECK TWICE YOUR SUITCASE |
European Travel Tips By Kent St. John GoNOMAD TRAVEL EDITOR A European adventure is many travelers’ first overseas adventure. The chance to explore so many different cultures and world-class sites within easy reach of one another greatly justifies that choice. However, with that choice comes higher prices, and bigger crowds, and planning is necessary. Here are some tips that will help you visit Europe more cheaply and with fewer tourist headaches. CROSSING THE POND CHEAPLY Peak summer season travel means peak airline ticket prices. If possible, try to schedule your European trip to the shoulder or off-season. Departing in May or September can save big dollars on airfare. If you are traveling during the summer, look at alternative ticketing. The goal is to cut between 20%- 30% off the regular airline fares. This is the time to check out consolidators, discounters, and charter tickets. Some of my favorites European ticket websites are Tiss.com and europeantravel.com. The city you fly into can be a big factor in finding a low cost ticket. Try the larger cities — also favorite consolidator destinations -- such as: London Frankfurt Paris Amsterdam POINT TO POINT Europe’s small size and well-developed transportation make it easy for even short-term visitors to get around vast distances. A lot depends on the time you plan to spend in each location. For example, if you are staying in one city for a period, do not buy a daily metro or tram ticket: buy a 2, 3 or 7-day pass. Train travel in Europe is one of the best ways to get around. But no matter if you are using a Eurail pass or taking a single train trip, there are some things about train travel in Europe you ought to know. Many cities in Europe have more than one station; for example Paris has six mainline stations. Make sure you know what station serves your destination. European trains run on military time -- the twenty-four hour clock. Try to become familiar with the times. Reservations may cost a few dollars more, but can be well worth the cost, especially during holidays. Making an outbound reservation when arriving to a city is also a good idea. Reservations are also needed for couchettes (sleeping bunks). Most night trains leave in the evening and arrange to arrive the next morning, regardless of the distance. Most high-speed trains will require a reservation and -- even with a train pass -- an added fee. Sometimes trains are split up and going to different destinations. Make sure you are on the right car. This is especially common during night travel. GOING MY WAY All through Europe there are services that hook up travelers with drivers. This is a great way to meet some of the locals and see the countryside. Inquire about ride-sharing services at tourist offices and hostels. Ride-sharing services numbers: Paris- Allostop 42-26-0066 Amsterdam -- International Lift Center 020-622-4342 Vienna -- Mitzfahrzentrale 0222-587-4225 Zurich -- Mitzfahrzentrale 261-6893 Many cities have branch offices. NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP One of the biggest joys of traveling Europe is the variety of accommodations. There are however some basic rules that can help you make the right choice, be it hostel, pension, or a charming two star hotel. Always ask to see the room you will be renting. The owners or staff may not show you the cheapest room first unless you ask. If it isn’t right, work your way up. Always ask the total cost, with tax and any extras like breakfast. Take a moment and monitor fellow guest if possible. This is a great way to judge a property. Asking a guest about their stay will also speak volumes. In many places in Europe there is a discount if you stay more than three nights. Ask. Railroad station locales often have the largest concentration of hotels, though they may be noisy. In many cities, the later you arrive the least likely you will find that perfect room. Try to arrive early. If all else fails, go to the local tourist office. Tourism Offices not only have access to hotels you might not know about, but they can also find you a room in an otherwise sold-out property or city. You may spend a little extra for the convenience of having them do the legwork, but it will give you more time to actually enjoy the city. As in all travel, your attitude will make the difference between a good trip and a great trip. There is nowhere else quite like Europe; where a bad day can turn so dramatically into a great night. If your room isn’t that great… remember that nearby are great art, food, wine, and experiences. |
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Who Qualifies for these Savings? Most of the youth or student discounts require you be under the age of 24-26 years at the time of travel. Many companies will want verification that you are the "correct" age for their product. A number of these travel bargains require that you are a full time student or educator and don't care what age you are. You will probably need to provide verification of your student or teacher/faculty status such as a student ID and/or a letter from your college registrar's office stating your full-time student status. Give yourself plenty of time to gather the information/documents they may require. It is well worth it to spend time reading the fine print! Parents will be happy to discover that their children under 12 years are generally half price on many types of transportation and their teens qualify for youth prices. It is a good idea for students of any age to bring the school ID to Europe. This can get you discounts on some sight admission tickets. The majority of these bargains need to be purchased before you leave home such as air and rail passes as well as hostel and discount cards. There are some transportation deals only available in Europe. Air Travel Bargains --Price-line.com Price-line.com Air Specials --Council Travel's Airfares 800-226-8624 --International Student Discount card ISE Offers Students Air Fare Savings and Protection 800-255-8000 --SFI - Student Flights, Inc offers low fares on commercial Air lines --Air-Tech Stand-by Passes = cheap Flexible Travel US mainland to Europe & to Hawaii --TWA Student Pak for Domestic flights + Europe Certificate Bonus 800-221-2000 --Airhitch's EuropebyAir Passes --StudentUniverse.com Hot Deals for Air Travel 800-272-9676 --LTU International Offers Discounts to Germany 800 888-0200 --Aer Lingusí EuroGreensaver Pass 800-IRISH AIR --Students Save 25% with British Midland's Airpass 800-788-0555 --Students Save on European Travel with KLMís EuroNavigator --Specials on Iberia When Visiting Spain --Air France Youth Fare 800-237-2747 --Specials on Iberia When Visiting Spain --Lufthansa Youth Fares 800-399-5838 --Lauda Airís Students Corner Train & Railpass Deals --Youth Eurail Passes -- 17 countries --Youth Europass -- 5+ countries --New -- Eurail Selectpass - select 3 countries out of 17 --Save on BritRail --Bonuses with Rail Passes --Cross the Chunnel with Eurostar Youth Fares & Open Voucher --Other Youth Rail Deals The above passes are for multiple country travel. A few of the following are for multiple countries and some are for single countries. Benelux Junior Tourrail Pass Balkan Junior Flexipass Eurail, Selectpass, Europass Britrail Classic Youthpass BritRail Flexipass Youth Brit Young Person's Railcard in UK only Ireland Local Rail &/or Bus deals France Youthpass German Youthpass Holland Junior Rail Pass Scanrail Youth Pass Bus - Motor Coach Discounts --Eurolines Pass Provides Discount European Bus Travel --National Express Student and Youth Coach cards --Local Rail &/or Bus deals in Ireland for Students Budget Accommodations --Hostel International Membership Cards --Hostels of Europe HOE Premier Hostel Discount Card --Hostelling International: Cheap Housing and Discounts --Camping --SERVOS free home stays Money Saving Cards --International Student Identity Card (ISIC) --London Pass: Get Around London For Less . . Other helpful information for the Europe bound Youth Plan your Europe trip Trip Costs for BackPackers Sample Day by Day Itineraries Trip Planning Service Research Country by Country Off the Tourist Map Destinations Festivals & Events add spice Solo Travel or with Partners Back Packing Tips Staying Healthy and SAFE Transportation Tips Europe Train Tips Timetables Links for Rail Chunnel - Bus - Ferry Train Rail MAPS Choose Your Railpass How Your Railpass Works Rail Pass Specials Free Kids up to age 12 on Thalys Getting Around Europe's Cities Sleeping Tips Hostel Tips & Finds Readers Hostel Tips Discount Hostels SERVAS--Free Home Stays Camping Budget Lodgings - great for 2 or more people |
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