Despite the vast expanse of Canada getting from point A to point B has never been an issue. If we can we drive, if not we fly. Those two options are pretty standard and inclusive from our prospective, but in many European countries there are numerous other possibilities due to its concentrated scope, pedestrian free city centres, open borders and economical options.
- Automobiles
Renting a car can be expensive but is the best way to see the out of the way places and scenic country side. You can easily travel outside of major cities and really connect with the culture as you search for your B&B or special site. Before you leave Canada however be sure to arrange for an international driver’s license (available through your local CAA office). There is a small fee but no test. Secondly download the map of the country you plan to visit on your GPS and take that with you. Not every rental car has a built in GPS, it may be in a foreign language and difficult to navigate, or the rental company may charge an additional fee to use one of theirs. Also you will have to pay the additional fee for insurance as your own policy does not cover you outside of Canada and the continental USA.
- Trains
The romanticism of train travel is not lost in the 21st century. It is a faster way around then driving, and a lot less stress. Unless you book a scenic tour you will mostly be seeing country side and a so fast you can’t blink view of small towns. It is economical however and with multi day passes may be the most economical way to travel between countries in Europe. Try an overnight trip for the more distant destinations. We use a central booking site, Eurail, which will quote prices in Canadian dollars for single trips and passes. Check them out at https://www.eurail.com/en.
- Planes
The biggest benefit of this type of travel is the economy of saving time. For distances that are too far for a scenic train ride consider flights on the smaller European airlines such as Ryanair. These smaller airlines may travel to more distant airports outside of city centres but there is always ways to get from there to your final destination. You can weave together numerous cities using these smaller airlines and increase the scope of your visit at the same time.
- Taxi
Nothing will get you to your final destination faster than a taxi, but the directness will cost more. In some cities, like Athens, a taxi can double as a private tour with a price that is negotiable.
As part of your planning process you should research the average fares in that area, including if they have set fares to or from the airport or cruise port. Also find out if taxis can be hailed from the street, if you need to find a taxi stand, or if they only reply to calls, and be sure to ask for a quote before you agree to the ride to avoid nasty surprises. Some cities have underground services you will want to avoid.
- Public Transit
Consider the subway as a cost-effective option to get from one place to another quickly in a major city. Once you know how to read a subway map you can get to any point even if you do not know the language. Some cities offer passes for multiple rides or multi pack tickets to make this even more reasonable. If you want to see more while you move about look at the public bus system. Many larger cities offer this mode of transportation, even through pedestrian only zones.
If you are in Europe specifically for a cruise there are a couple of other options to contemplate. If you are going directly to or from the cruise port and the airport consider the cruise lines transportation options. These dedicated buses will pick you up at the airport and drop you off directly in front of you ship. They can be especially convenient if you are flying in or out the same day as the ship leaves. Much more expensive than other options and priced per person the convenience is well worth the price if you are not familiar with the area.
Lastly we have found, privately in some areas and often through the cruise line, shore excursions that pick you up from the cruise port and take you on a tour before dropping you off at the airport, or a hotel for a flight the next day. As someone who cherishes each and every travel day missing out the chance to see the area where we disembark has always been an issue, until I discovered this solution. A quick google search will let you know what is available for your port but if you are arriving in Southampton we would strongly recommend you check out the itineraries of International Friends at https://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/.
Whether it is planes, trains or automobiles the ability to move throughout Europe extends your ability to see much more of the culture of the countries in the European Union.