Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at lonelyplanet.com/bookings/index.do.
All countries require travellers to have a valid passport, preferably with at least six months between the time of departure and the passport’s expiry date.
EU travellers from countries that issue national identity cards are increasingly using these to travel within the EU, although it’s impossible to use these as the sole travel documents outside the EU.
Some countries require certain nationalities to buy a visa allowing entry between certain dates. Specifically, Belarus and Russia require all nationalities to obtain visas, while Australian and New Zealand travellers also need visas to enter Moldova and Ukraine. Turkey requires Australian, Canadian, South African, UK and US passport holders to buy a visa on arrival. Other nationalities may have additional requirements.
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-induced climate change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per per person than most cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO2) and particles also contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer ‘carbon calculators’ that allow people to estimate the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to offset the impact of the greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world. Lonely Planet offsets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
To save money, it’s best to travel off-season. This means, if possible, avoid mid-June to early September, Easter, Christmas and school holidays.
Regardless of your ultimate destination, it’s sometimes better to pick a recognised transport ‘hub’ as your initial port of entry, where high traffic volumes help keep prices down. The busiest, and therefore most obvious, airports are London, Frankfurt, Paris and Rome. Sometimes tickets to Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, İstanbul, Madrid and Vienna are worth checking out.
Long-haul airfares to Eastern Europe are rarely a bargain; you’re usually better flying to a Western European hub and taking an onward budget-airline flight or train. The main hubs in Eastern Europe are Budapest, Moscow, Prague and Warsaw.
Most of the aforementioned gateway cities are also well serviced by low-cost carriers that fly to other parts of Europe.
It’s possible to reach Europe by various different train routes from Asia. Most common is the Trans-Siberian Railway, connecting Moscow to Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia and China.
It is also possible to reach Moscow from several Central Asian states and İstanbul from Iran and Jordan. See www.seat61.com for more information about these adventurous routes.
There are numerous ferry routes between Europe and Africa, including links from Spain to Morocco, Italy and Malta to Tunisia, France to Morocco and France to Tunisia. Check out www.traghettiweb.it for comprehensive information on all Mediterranean ferries. Ferries are often filled to capacity in summer, so book well in advance if you’re taking a vehicle across.
Passenger freighters (typically carrying up to 12 passengers) aren’t nearly as competitively priced as airlines. Journeys also take a long time. However, if you have your heart set on a transatlantic journey, TravLtips Cruise and Freighter (www.travltips.com) has information on freighter cruises.
In most European countries, the train is the best option for internal transport. Check the websites of national rail systems as they often offer fare specials and national passes that are significantly cheaper than point-to-point tickets.
In recent years low-cost carriers have revolutionised European transport. Most budget airlines have a similar pricing system – namely that ticket prices rise with the number of seats sold on each flight, so book as early as possible to get a decent fare.
Some low-cost carriers – Ryanair being the prime example – fly to smaller, less convenient airports on the outskirts of their destination city, or even to the airports of nearby cities, so check the exact location of the departure and arrival airports before you book.
Departure and other taxes (including booking fees, checked-baggage fees and other surcharges) soon add up and are included in the final price by the end of the online booking process – usually a lot more than you were hoping to pay – but with careful choosing and advance booking you can get excellent deals.
Various travel agencies and airlines offer air passes, such as SAS's Visit Scandinavia/Nordic Air Pass (www.flysas.com). Check with your travel agent for current promotions.
It is easy to hire bikes throughout most of Europe. Many Western European train stations have bike-rental counters. It is sometimes possible to return the bike at a different outlet so you don’t have to retrace your route. Hostels are another good place to find cheap bike hire.
There are plenty of places to buy bikes in Europe, but you’ll need a specialist bicycle shop for a bike capable of withstanding a European trip. Cycling is very popular in the Netherlands and Germany, and those countries are good places to pick up a well-equipped touring bicycle.
European prices are quite high (certainly higher than in North America), however non-European residents should be able to claim back value-added tax (VAT) on the purchase.
Several different ferry companies compete on the main ferry routes, resulting in a comprehensive but complicated service. The same ferry company can have a host of different prices for the same route, depending on the time of day or year, validity of the ticket and length of your vehicle. Vehicle tickets usually include the driver and often up to five passengers free of charge.
It’s worth booking ahead where possible as there may be special reductions on off-peak crossings and advance-purchase tickets. On English Channel routes, apart from one-day or short-term excursion returns, there is little price advantage in buying a return ticket versus two singles.
Rail-pass holders are entitled to discounts or free travel on some lines. Food on ferries is often expensive (and lousy), so it is worth bringing your own. Also be aware that if you take your vehicle on board, you are usually denied access to it during the voyage.
Lake and river ferry services operate in many countries, Austria and Switzerland being just two. Some of these are very scenic.
Often cheaper than trains, sometimes substantially so, long-distance buses also tend to be slower and less comfortable. However in Portugal, Greece and Turkey, buses are often a better option than trains.
Europe’s biggest organisation of international buses operates under the name Eurolines (www.eurolines.com), comprised of various national companies.
Domestic buses provide a viable alternative to trains in most countries. Again, they are usually slightly cheaper and somewhat slower. Buses are generally best for short hops, such as getting around cities and reaching remote villages, and they are often the only option in mountainous regions.
Reservations are rarely necessary. On many city buses you usually buy your ticket in advance from a kiosk or machine and validate it on entering the bus.
Travelling with your own vehicle gives flexibility and is the best way to reach remote places. However, the independence does sometimes isolate you from local life. Also, cars can be a target for theft and are often impractical in city centres, where traffic jams, parking problems and getting thoroughly lost can make it well worth ditching your vehicle and using public transport.
Fuel prices can vary enormously (though fuel is always more expensive than in North America or Australia).
Only unleaded petrol is availablein Europe. Diesel is usually cheaper, though the difference is marginal in Britain, Ireland and Switzerland.
Ireland’s Automobile Association maintains a webpage of European fuel prices at www.theaa.ie/AA/Motoring-Advice/Petrol-Prices.aspx.
Europe is made for motorcycle touring, with quality winding roads, stunning scenery and an active motorcycling scene. Just make sure your wet-weather motorcycling gear is up to scratch.
Rider and passenger crash helmets are compulsory everywhere in Europe.
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain require that motorcyclists use headlights during the day; in other countries it is recommended.
On ferries, motorcyclists rarely have to book ahead as they can generally be squeezed on board.
Take note of the local custom about parking motorcycles on pavements (sidewalks). Though this is illegal in some countries, the police often turn a blind eye provided the vehicle doesn’t obstruct pedestrians.
Always carry proof of ownership of your vehicle (Vehicle Registration Document for British-registered cars). An EU driving licence is acceptable for those driving through Europe. If you have any other type of licence, you should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your motoring organisation. Check what type of licence is required in your destination prior to departure.
Third-party motor insurance is compulsory. Most UK policies automatically provide this for EU countries. Get your insurer to issue a Green Card (which may cost extra), an internationally recognised proof of insurance, and check that it lists every country you intend to visit. You’ll need this in the event of an accident outside the country where the vehicle is insured.
Also ask your insurer for a European Accident Statement form, which can simplify things if worst comes to worst. Never sign statements that you can’t read or understand – insist on a translation and sign that only if it’s acceptable.
For non-EU countries, check the requirements with your insurer. Travellers from the UK can obtain additional advice and information from the Association of British Insurers (www.abi.org.uk).
Take out a European motoring assistance policy. Non-Europeans might find it cheaper to arrange international coverage with their national motoring organisation before leaving home. Ask your motoring organisation for details about the free services offered by affiliated organisations around Europe.
Every vehicle that travels across an international border should display a sticker indicating its country of registration. A warning triangle, to be used in the event of breakdown, is compulsory almost everywhere.
Some recommended accessories include a first-aid kit (compulsory in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Greece), a spare bulb kit (compulsory in Spain), a reflective jacket for every person in the car (compulsory in France, Italy and Spain) and a fire extinguisher (compulsory in Greece and Turkey).
Residents of the UK should contact the RAC (www.rac.co.uk) or the AA (www.theaa.co.uk) for more information. Residents of the US, contact AAA (www.aaa.com).
Buying a car and then selling it at the end of your European travels may work out to be a better deal than renting one, although this isn't guaranteed and you'll need to do your sums carefully.
The purchase of vehicles in some European countries is illegal for non-nationals or non-EU residents. Britain is probably the best place to buy as second-hand prices are good there. Bear in mind that British cars have steering wheels on the right-hand side. If you wish to have left-hand drive and can afford to buy a new car, prices are generally reasonable in Greece, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
Paperwork can be tricky wherever you buy, and many countries have compulsory roadworthiness checks on older vehicles.
Renting a car is ideal for people who will need cars for 16 days or less. Anything longer, it’s better to lease.
Big international rental firms will give you reliable service and good vehicles. National or local firms can often undercut the big companies by up to 40%.
Usually you will have the option of returning the car to a different outlet at the end of the rental period, but there's normally a charge for this and it can be very steep if it's a long way from your point of origin.
Book early for the lowest rates and make sure you compare rates in different cities. Taxes range from 15% to 20% and surcharges apply if rented from an airport.
If you rent a car in the EU you might not be able to take it outside the EU, and if you rent the car outside the EU, you will only be able to drive within the EU for eight days. Ask at the rental agencies for other such regulations.
Make sure you understand what is included in the price (unlimited or paid kilometres, tax, injury insurance, collision damage waiver etc) and what your liabilities are. We recommend taking the collision damage waiver, though you can probably skip the injury insurance if you and your passengers have decent travel insurance.
The minimum rental age is usually 21 years and sometimes 25. You’ll need a credit card and to have held your licence for at least a year.
Motorcycle and moped rental is common in some countries, such as Italy, Spain, Greece and southern France.
Conditions and types of roads vary across Europe. The fastest routes are generally four- or six-lane highways known locally as motorways, autoroutes, autostrade, autobahnen, etc. These tend to skirt cities and plough through the countryside in straight lines, often avoiding the most scenic bits.
Some highways incur tolls, which are often quite hefty (especially in Italy, France and Spain), but there will always be an alternative route. Motorways and other primary routes are generally in good condition.
Road surfaces on minor routes are unreliable in some countries (eg Greece, Albania, Romania, Ireland, Russia and Ukraine), although normally they will be more than adequate.
Except in Britain and Ireland, you should drive on the right. Vehicles brought to the continent from any of these locales should have their headlights adjusted to avoid blinding oncoming traffic (a simple solution on older headlight lenses is to cover up a triangular section of the lens with tape). Priority is often given to traffic approaching from the right in countries that drive on the right-hand side.
Speed limits vary from country to country. You may be surprised at the apparent disregard for traffic regulations in some places (particularly in Italy and Greece), but as a visitor it is always best to be cautious. Many driving infringements are subject to an on-the-spot fine. Always ask for a receipt.
European drink-driving laws are particularly strict. The blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit when driving is usually between 0.05% and 0.08%, but in certain areas (such as Gibraltar, Bulgaria and Belarus) it can be zero.
Hitching is never entirely safe and we cannot recommend it. Travellers who decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk. It will be safer if they travel in pairs and let someone know where they plan to go.
A man and woman travelling together is probably the best combination. A woman hitching on her own is taking a larger than normal risk.
Don’t try to hitch from city centres; take public transport to the suburban exit routes.
Hitching is usually illegal on highways – stand on the slip roads or approach drivers at petrol stations and truck stops.
Look presentable and cheerful, and make a cardboard sign indicating your intended destination in the local language.
Never hitch where drivers can’t stop in good time or without causing an obstruction.
In parts of Eastern Europe including Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, traditional hitchhiking is rarely practised. Instead, anyone with a car can be a taxi and it’s quite usual to see locals stick their hands out (palm down) on the street, looking to hitch a lift. The difference with hitching here, however, is that you pay for the privilege. You will need to speak the local language (or at least know the numbers) to discuss your destination and negotiate a price.
European towns and cities have excellent local-transport systems, often encompassing trams as well as buses and metro/subway/underground-rail networks.
Most travellers will find areas of interest in European cities can be easily traversed by foot or bicycle. In Greece and Italy, travellers sometimes rent mopeds and motorcycles for scooting around a city or island.
Taxis in Europe are metered and rates are usually high. There might also be supplements for things such as luggage, time of day, location of pick-up and extra passengers.
Good bus, rail and underground-railway networks often render taxis unnecessary, but if you need one in a hurry, they can be found idling near train stations or outside big hotels. Lower fares make taxis more viable in some countries such as Spain, Greece, Portugal and Turkey.
Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) links London’s St Pancras International station, via the Channel Tunnel, with Paris’ Gare du Nord (2¼ hours, up to 25 a day) and Brussels’ international terminal (one hour 50 minutes, up to 12 a day). Some trains also stop at Lille and Calais in France. From early 2017, direct Eurostar trains will also link Amsterdam Centraal Station with London St Pancras, with stops at Schiphol airport and Rotterdam Centraal Station (and Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium); the Amsterdam–London journey time will be around four hours.
The train stations at St Pancras International, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam are much more central than the cities’ airports. So, overall, the journey takes as little time as the equivalent flight, with less hassle.
Eurostar in London also sells tickets onwards to some Continental destinations. Holders of Eurail and InterRail passes are offered discounts on some Eurostar services; check when booking.
Within Europe, express trains are identified by the symbols ‘EC’ (EuroCity) or ‘IC’ (InterCity). The French TGV, Spanish AVE and German ICE trains are even faster, reaching up to 300km/h. Supplementary fares can apply on fast trains (which you often have to pay when travelling on a rail pass), and it is a good idea (sometimes obligatory) to reserve seats at peak times and on certain lines. The same applies for branded express trains, such as the Thalys (between Paris and Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam and Cologne), and the Eurostar Italia (between Rome and Naples, Florence, Milan and Venice).
If you don’t have a seat reservation, you can still obtain a seat that doesn’t have a reservation ticket attached to it. Check which destination a seat is reserved for – you might be able to sit in it until the person boards the train.
There are usually two types of sleeping accommodation: dozing off upright in your seat or stretching out in a sleeper. Again, reservations are advisable, as sleeping options are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Couchette bunks are comfortable enough, if lacking in privacy. There are four per compartment in 1st class, six in 2nd class.
Sleepers are the most comfortable option, offering beds for one or two passengers in 1st class, or two or three passengers in 2nd class. Charges vary depending upon the journey, but they are significantly more costly than couchettes.
In the former Soviet Union, the most common options are either 2nd-class kupeyny compartments (usually referred to as kupe) – which have four bunks – or the cheaper platskartny, which are open-plan compartments with reserved bunks.
The cheapest option – not usually available on overnight trains – are the very basic bench seats in obshchiy (zahalney in Ukrainian) class.
Sensible security measures include always keeping your bags in sight (especially at stations), chaining them to the luggage rack, locking compartment doors overnight and sleeping in compartments with other people. However, horror stories are very rare.