Europe is a fascinating continent, rich in history and beauty. Traveling around Europe is quite often done by airplane due to its swiftness, but what if you are looking to explore the continent without those carbon-churning jets? In this post, we’ll delve into various modes of transport that you can use to travel Europe without airplanes.
1. Train Travel
Europe has an expansive, intricate, and efficient railway network that spans the entire continent. These include high-speed trains such as France’s TGV and Spain’s AVE, making it possible to traverse vast distances in a matter of hours without taking to the skies. The Eurail Pass is a popular option for train travel, providing flexibility for travel in up to 31 countries.
2. Bus Travel
With numerous intercity bus companies operating across Europe, traveling by bus offers a cost-effective option. Companies like FlixBus provide extensive networks across many countries, and oftentimes, overnight journeys can save you some bucks on accommodation.
3. Car Hire
Renting a car provides you with ultimate flexibility. It’s ideal for exploring smaller towns and villages, or for reaching natural attractions located outside major cities. Just keep in mind regional restrictions with some rental companies.
4. Cruising
Sea routes are an often overlooked way to travel Europe, but offer route options along the Mediterranean, North Sea, and Atlantic Ocean coasts. For a leisurely journey, river cruises along waterways like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine offer scenic views and stops in classic European cities.
5. Cycling
If you’re a bit more adventurous, consider cycling. Europe is well known for its cycling-friendly cities, such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, and there are numerous long-distance cycling routes spanning the continent as well.
6. Walking
For short distances, or if you really want to soak up all the sights, sounds, and smells of a city, nothing beats traveling on foot. Many European cities are pedestrian-friendly, with walkable city centers and public transport available when you want a rest.
7. Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking in Europe, although much less common than it used to be, can be an adventurous way to travel. It’s more accepted in some countries over others, so it’s worth doing some research before giving it a shot.
So, there you have it, a wide range of methods for eco-friendly explorations of Europe. By using any combination of these travel methods, you can have a dynamic, engaging and unforgettable journey throughout this diverse continent. Happy traveling!