Here is what you need to know about traveling across Europe by rail since you want to ensure that you would get your money’s worth out of your Europe vacation.

#1. Rail Europe tickets really enable you to see TRUE Europe by train – Enjoy some of the most spectacular and picturesque scenery live from the comfort of your seat.

#2. Europe rail pass will be your smart choice if you intend to visit at least four Countries or more depend on how long you would travel. Check out for a wide selection of rail passes. You can find either single-pass or multi-pass options that fits your travel needs before you can book Euro rail pass.

#3. You can request for your refunds if you wish to leave Europe early for home. You will get refunds minus 15% charges within six months of your euro pass purchase.

#4. Euro rail does not charge you any fee for your super-sized luggage – All trains allow you to bring all of your stuffs.

#5. If you are late, you would miss a train, that’s no problem! You can hop on the next train. How’s that sounds?

#6. Flexibility is what you need to travel with unlimited freedom – Europe train tickets can allow you to view eurail ticket prices and buy euro rail tickets in advance without feeling locked in, that means you can change your itinerary anytime if you change your mind. Euro Rail Pass will help you along the way.

#7. Location, location, location – Train stations are located in city centers. You will be in the perfect location to start exploring and have easy access to stores, restaurants, hotels, hostels and more entertainments.

#8. Train tickets to Europe is another better reason, because rising fuel costs do not make any difference and will not affect the price of Euro rail passes.

#9. Rail Europe tickets for Eurail passes can be used on many ferries as well as the tracks if you intend to travel to Denmark or Norway or Sweden or Greece by rail.

#10. Rail Europe offers tickets for the Eurostar where you can travel by rail between London, Paris and Brussels.

#11. You’ll meet fellow travelers from around the world in Europe, you would be getting the true feeling of Europe; You’ll also meet friendly Europeans and can learn anything you want about the Europe’s cultures.

As for residents who currently live in Countries except USA and plan to book rail europe tickets online and travel across Europe by rail, They offer the Europe rail site versions available for Countries, such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa.

11 Reasons to Buy Rail Europe Tickets Online is a post from: Traveling Europe

I have made many trips to Europe. Some of my first trips were bike tours and my book Bike Guru Diaries: Travels in Europe will give you more details on that type of experience. While these trips were great fun and kept me in shape I really didn’t get to see as much as I would have liked. You’ll see much much more of Europe by taking trains, planes, buses, and/or by renting a car.

Trains, planes, and buses are a pleasure in Europe. Trains and buses are affordable and range from economy to deluxe. In comparison planes are expensive, although European governments have recently changed their regulations and made European air travel more affordable.

With any of these forms of transport you are at the whims of set schedules, destinations, logistical limitations, and possible labour disputes.

Driving in Europe

Owning and driving a car in Europe is an expensive proposition. Gas, insurance, and general maintenance costs are high. Regulations governing getting a driver’s license and proper maintenance of vehicles make it more difficult to own a vehicle. You’ll see few young drivers or ‘beater’ cars on Europe’s highways. The majority of European cars are smaller and newer and get better gas mileage than North American vehicles.

Europeans love to drive fast; their whole road system is based on that fact. They do not understand, do not appreciated, and do get extremely annoyed with drivers that do not immediately yield to faster traffic. Speeds of 140 to 160 kmph (75 to 100 mph)are very common while anyone going 88 kmph (55 mph) is extremly rare.

In the European mind major roads are built to get people from A to B as qucikly as possible. Unlike North American drivers Europeans co-operate to ensure the flow of traffic doesn’t slow down. Co-operation means staying out of the way of fast cars and never, never trying to hog the passing lanes–usually there is the fast passing lane, then the slower passing lane, and then 2 to 3 other ‘slower lanes. This is genuine co-operation and has nothing to do with being ‘macho’ rather all to do with the efficiency of traffic flow, European roads, and European cars.

Most North Americans will find the highway speeds difficult to adapt to. They will get upset with drivers who tailgate, honk horns, and flash lights. They will have trouble understanding that they must get out of the way of speeding cars and not to impede the flow of traffic. Adapting is not difficult and once accomplished they will probably become ‘converts’.

While the posted speeds are always lower than the actual traffic speeds I have never seen any police pull over a vehicle on a major toll or major country/state road (***only on posted low speed zones, school zones, and on secondary/municipal roads are the police merciless). General rule on the autobahns and toll roads fit in with traffic speeds (which will be faster than your used to); off the autobahns and toll roads drive slower than you would normally do in North America.

Toll Roads and Route Planning

One of the ‘bad’ things about driving in Europe is their extensive toll road system.

It will be difficult but not impossible to avoid toll roads in Europe–especially in Italy. Make sure you review the following links carefully, do some route planning, and carry enough Euros coins. We can assure you that there are very good secondary roads in most European countries (Italy the only exception we found on our last trip) so don’t be afraid to avoid the toll roads if you can; they will not significantly increase travel time or distances.

Nothing But the Facts

Whether you’re in the fast lane on the autobahn or in a motorhome pursuing whims down country lanes, Europe offers every driving experience. Thanks to relatively short distances, motorists can find themselves driving across three countries in a single day, or from the seashore to the high sierra in an afternoon.

Touring Europe by Motorhome

Because Europeans are as RV-happy as Americans, Europe is well-organized for motorhome travel. It’s a great travel option for U.S. visitors

Motorhomes allow you to go just about anywhere with all the comforts of home. And of course, motorhome vacations are an excellent way to meet Europeans with similar interests.

Europe welcomes motorhomes to more than 8,000 campgrounds. Excellent facilities are found within many major cities (and street parking is OK for up to 24 hours in most). Campgrounds often have private showers, laundromats and supermarkets. Tourist offices will have detailed information on what’s available where.

Renting a Car in Europe Renting a car in Europe is no different than in North Amercia. You will need a valid driver’s license (International driver’s license in not normally required), be 25 or older, and have a major credit card.

Make sure you check with your credit company as they may cover (most likely will ) cover any insurance claims including deductables. These provisions usually apply to Gold card holders who pay annual memberships. Make sure you telephone them directly and speak to their insurance department–don’t take any chances.

Those who do not have Gold cards will have to pay the insurance deducatble or take the chance that nothing will go wrong–ok on short trips not so wise on the 3 week plus trips.

Make sure you get unlimited mileage and check with them where the car can be driven (many rental cars can not be driven to Greece).

Last time we were in Europe we rented a 1.4 litre Renault Clio hatchback. In North American cars a 1.4 litre engine would be under powered and would be condsidered an undersiarable road touring car. In Europe however the speed and comfort of this small car was unblievable! It could easily go 160 kph and maintain that for hours without excessive road noise, discomfort, or driving strain–never a mechanical problem, lots of room for the tent and other gear we brought. Keep this in mind when you do rent a car and it might save you hundreds of dollars in rental and operating costs.

We strongly recommend Europcar for your rental agency. They have location across Europe, provide great service, and are very affordable–often they have pre-season deals where you can prepay for the rental, months ahead of time, and save hundreds of dollars.

Leasing vs Rental

Unless you plan to be in Europe for more tham 30 days I do not recomend leasing and/or buying a European car. We carefully explored that option and determined that, for the month we would be travelling, leasing would cost us $400 more than a straight rental. Renault does have a program where you buy a car and they provide you with a ‘buy-back’ feature.

A number of European automakers also have European Delivery Programs, which make it possible to buy a new car in the U.S., pick it up in Europe and drive it during your vacation. The car is then shipped home at no extra cost.

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Driving in Europe is a post from: Traveling Europe

Why Spain? Why Granada?

One of the most visited European countries is Spain. It is a country of contrasts: historical monuments lie next to modern buildings. Millions of people pass its frontier line every year, wishing to spend the best vacation ever. Spain is part of the Iberian Peninsula along with Portugal, so it has many coasts, beaches and lagoons. Although it doesn’t have a seaside area, Granada is a wonderful holiday destination. It is a great city with a rich historical past; people come here to enjoy the special architecture, the shiny sun, and the cobbled streets and last but not least, the tasty tapas.

The famous tapas in Granada

While travelling in Granada is good to know that everywhere you go for a drink, you will get some tapas for free. You don’t need to be a beer drinker, like in other places. You may choose a certain type of wine, juice, whiskey or martini, as a fact is sure: the tapas are on the house. It became a sort of local custom, especially in the last 2 years; and, many types of such tapas appeared. The one made from olives, bread, cheese and calamari seems to be the most popular. However, there are also some other types of tapas, such as potatoes in garden mayonnaise, climes in wine and garlic sauce or croquettes. These tapas are far better than the little snacks available in other European countries: they are fresh and very tasty. The bars that offer such bonuses are very popular in Granada at any moment of the day; tourists come from all over Europe to enjoy the great climate in Granada, to have a good drink and to taste these popular Spanish tapas.

Friendly people

The inhabitants of Granada are all kind and friendly people. Whether you speak to some ordinary people or you meet a rich businessman, there is no difference; the warmth of the Latin people can be found everywhere. They receive their visitors in the best way possible; if you choose to visit this city and to go to some bars with free tapas, you’ll notice this fact: everybody is willing to help and to explain different things about local specialities and traditions to you. Don’t forget to buy some great souvenirs for the one you love; in Granada, there are numerous streets full of small stalls.

Granada – A Place for Tourism is a post from: Traveling Europe

River cruising is a popular vacationing idea that over the years has gained significant amount of interest among the travelers. A number of tourists looking forward to a European vacation are considering touring the nations on a river cruise. Europe with its number of rivers actually makes it hard for the travelers in search of a best cruise deal. Choosing a river cruise, be it in the European continent or any other parts of the world, requires a lot of planning and thoughts. However, at the end of it all, the choice definitely lies on the interest and personal taste of a traveler.

The best cruise on the river definitely depends upon a balanced combination of the itinerary, the time of travel, and the ideal cruise line. Among all these necessities, finding the right ship can actually create differences in your experience of cruising on a riverboat. From luxury lines to budget lines, the options are plenty with the ultimate choice resting in your hand. You can go ahead and choose the cruise line offering a convenient seating and bedding arrangement or one offering a very luxurious and a grand stay. The wish and the interest of seeing the world lies in your mindset.

You, as a traveler also have the option of selecting a river cruise line by comparing between a number of ships and the deals they offer. Another idea will be to gather comprehensive information about the tour itinerary that is the places to be covered and the time to be taken. After all, you cannot expect to have a great time while the thought of time constraints and budgetary needs dominating your mind. Choosing the best ship for a cruise line should also depend on the destinations and the ports of call that you wish to visit and which holds your interest too.

Choosing the perfect ship is another option that should be kept in mind while selecting the best cruise from river cruises. You should be well aware of the benefits and the amenities offered by the ship to ensure ultimate comfort and convenience to its travelers. Cribbing and complaining after being onboard will not yield much result. However, keeping all these requirements and selection needs in mind, the magic of the nest experience lies in knowing your own choices and interests along with desires and needs the best. A number of river cruises operating around the world include Danube, Po, Yangtze, Seine, Thames, and many more.

How to Choose Best the Cruise From River Cruises is a post from: Traveling Europe

Rajasthan is an incredible land gifted with extraordinary attractions. Laced with rich history, it boasts of rich cultural heritage manifesting in the form of palaces, forts, havelis, monuments, temples, heritage hotels, handicrafts, cuisine, fairs and festivals and dance and music. Rajasthan Tourism beckons you to experience the Raj culture which will surely transport you to the era of raja-maharajas.

Some of the famous tourist destinations of Rajasthan are:

Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan, it is popularly known as Pink City. It was established according to the principles of Vastu Shastra( science of architecture) in 1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. The main attractions in its sleeves are Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar( World Heritage Site),Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh and precious and semi-precious stones.

Jodhpur: Affectionately dubbed as the ‘Blue Cty’, Jodhpur was established by Rao Jodha. It is well known for its Umaid Bhawan Palace (heritage hotel) which was once the largest residence in the world; and Mehrangarh Fort.

Jaisalmer: Let loose yourself in the rustic charm of the sand dunes of Jaisalmer on a camel’s back. Aptly called the Golden City, this princely city offers you attractions like exquisitely carved havelis, golden sand dunes, exciting camel rides and the wondrous Jaisalmer Fort.

Udaipur: It is a romantic city boasting of City Palace, Lake Palace, Sahelon ki bari garden, Lake Pichola, Fateh Prakash Lake and handicrafts.

MountAbu: It is an oasis in the desert of Rajasthan. It is a hill station with greenery and beauty. The other famous attraction of this destination is Dilwara Jain Temples which are the epitome of architectural beauty.

Chittorgarh: Synonymous with bravery, this place is famous for its Chittorgarh Fort which is the largest fort in India. It history has a special place in the history of Rajasthan.

Ranthambore: It is a paradise for those who love wildlife. It is famed for its Ranthambore National Park which is an abode of a variety of wildlife. It is also a Tiger Reserve.

Pushkar: It is a holy city which serves as the venue for the famous Pushkar Fair (the largest cattle fair in the world). It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake is highly auspicious. The only Brahma Temple is also located here.

Tourist Places to Visit in Rajasthan is a post from: Traveling Europe

Very few places in the world offer the richness of Italy. From the emergence of the mighty Roman Empire to the bustling tourist trade of modern day Venice, Italy has always been at the heart of European civilization. This alone makes it a must see on any European vacation and you can see why even a short visit to Italy will make you wanting to come back year after year. So let’s explore how you can have a lot of Italian fun in just a short time.

This is the two city tour if Italy that is a great way to go for your first time in the country. The two cities? Venice and Rome. Why these two? The reason is that both offer something totally unique from other cities in Europe and both have an important place in Italian history. First is Venice. There is nothing more stunning than getting off the train at the Venice station and hearing a unique sound that cannot be heard in any other major city. There’s the bustle of people moving and talking but wait, there are no cars. No engines, no horns or screeching tires, just water and stone. Everyone knows Venice is a city build on the water but the experience of being in a place where no cars can be heard is truly special. The warm waters of the Mediterranean lap against the sidewalk giving the city a perpetual peaceful feeling that is very relaxing. This is why Venice is a good place to start your fun Italian vacation. You’ve probably been running around Europe from one great city to the next a when you get to Venice, you can slow down and let the waters calm you.

Once you take in the atmosphere, the city is yours to explore. With it’s relatively small size, you can walk most places in a short time. Or if you want to explore the water a little more, you can take a water taxi or a gondola and ride the canals. The center of activity is usually San Marco square where the pigeons hang out by the hundreds and if the water is high, you can walk on it via the duckboards that are put out. The architecture of a place like San Marco dates back to the Middle Ages when Venice was the trading center of Europe. The designs are intricate and exquisite and those who are art lovers will find hundreds of pieces to gaze at.

The real fun in Venice and in Italy as a whole is the food. Venice has so many little restaurants and cafes that you can eat to your heart’s content for days and never get bored. The Italian style sandwich called panini, is a wonderful lunch and has so many different variations that each place has their own special recipe. So eat up, see the sites and hop back on the train for a trip to the eternal city, Rome.

Like in the days of the gladiators, Rome is center of the European cultural universe. The city on seven hills is one of the oldest in Western Europe and is a glory to behold. You could spend your entire vacation in Rome and not see the entire place. So much of the beauty of the city is hidden away from tourist traps in the little alleys and squares where Romans keep to themselves but welcome visitors who happen to find their way there. The best way to orient yourself to a city the size of Rome is to take a bus tour when you first arrive. The tour will show you the major sites and when you’re on it, take notes so you can go back and visit the places you have seen.

Major sites like the Colloseum, the Forum. Trevi Fountain, and others can been visited while walking. After your bus tour, take a walk around the old city then make your way out on the following days. You can explore the ancient underground in the catacombs where very old Romans are buried or see the great aqueducts built during the Roman Empire. Take a day to see Vatican City where the Pope lives when he’s not out on tour. There is more are in the few square blocks that you can possible take and you’ll be dizzy after you’ve walked it’s long halls. The end is worth while though as the Sistine Chapel awaits after a long tour. Truly Michaelangelo’s greatest paintings cover the chapel ceiling and wall.

Sports, food, shopping, whatever you desire, Rome offers it. Like the saying goes “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” and I hope your fun Italian vacation allows you to immerse yourself in Italian culture and be Italian, if only for a short time.

The Fun Italian Vacation is a post from: Traveling Europe

If you plan to work legally in any European country, you will need to make arrangements based on your citizenship.

If you are a non-EU national, you will need to get a work permit or a visa in advance. Expect to do a lot of paperwork and conquer a lot of red tape to obtain the necessary permits from the consulate of your own country. You’ll also be needing letters from your future employers as proof of your intent. Before you leave, make sure you’ve also contacted the embassy or consulate of the country that you plan to work in because employment regulations change frequently.

If you are a Commonwealth citizen between the ages of 17 and 27, you can get a working holiday visa for Britain which is valid for two years. If you have a parent or grandparent who was born in an EU country, get in touch with that country’s embassy and inquire about dual citizenship and work permits. Use this option if you are closely related to somebody Irish. Ireland easily grants citizenship and passports to people with an Irish grandparent or parent and once you have a passport, you can travel the EU easily. If you have a British-born grandparent or parent, you may be entitled to a four year work visa from the UK with an option of residency at the end of the term. Before taking any of these options, make sure that your home country also recognizes this dual citizenship.

Once you’ve got the paperwork straightened out, you can legally hold a casual job that may provide some financial support while you are Europe. You can teach English, work in the hospitality industry, pick fruit, take pictures, or write travel articles. You can also do some other work in counseling, babysitting, telemarketing, or in factories. Bear in mind that is not always easy to pick a job because other unemployed EU citizens usually get them first before you do.

There are many students out there in Europe who want to learn English, but it is not always easy to get a teaching job. You will need to be either very well dressed and an extremely bluffer, or you need to bring the right credentials. A recognized TESOL or TEFL certificate is useful. You’ll also need a university degree from your home country. August and September are the best times to look for teaching jobs. If you can’t get one, the other alternative is to offer your services as a private tutor to groups or individuals, but this is a riskier option. The best places to find teaching jobs would be Eastern Europe and Greece. The other countries are already quite saturated with English teachers.

The hospitality industry is probably the biggest source of temporary employment in Europe. If you have a work permit and some experience, it is easy to get work as a waiter or bartender. The best ways to find this sort of work are to ask around restaurants and bars and watching hostel notice boards. If you time to work in this industry, you’ll need to take with you a good set of clothes.

If you don’t have a permit, fruit picking or harvesting is probably one of the easiest ways to make extra cash. Employers usually turn a blind eye to the law and pay up front. This sort of work is available almost everywhere. The best way to get a job is to approach farmers directly or ask around the nearest village. However, timing is very important. If you are too early or too late in the harvest season, there will be no work. If you show up in the middle of the harvest, all of the jobs might be taken.

You can also earn extra money by publishing articles or photos of the places you visited. Travel photography can be very competitive, so prepare to take a hundred shots before some get accepted. Many magazines and newspapers also accept travel articles based on the pictures that go along with them. Make sure to use a professional approach when writing, as simple essays are almost never bought. Also make sure you write with interest and depth, with the occasional offbeat angle to make your article marketable.

Getting Temporary Work in Europe is a post from: Traveling Europe

Getting There

Amsterdam is actually accessible by air, by bus or by train, depending on your exact location.

By Air:

Note that when you go for your Amsterdam travel by air, the flights to the city usually arrive in the Schiphol Airport, which is approximately 18 kilometers away, southwest of the city center. From the Schiphol airport, the trains typically leave for Central Station every 20 minutes and so the journey takes 20 minutes. Then, from the Central Station, you’ll get to have a taxi ride to town which takes approximately 15 minutes and the journey will cost you approximately EUR30. However, the cost actually depends on which part of the town you are going to.

Also important to consider when you prefer to take your Amsterdam travel by air is that some budget airlines are starting to fly to Rotterdam Airport, which is approximately one hour from the city via bus.

By Train:

As mentioned earlier, you can take your Amsterdam travel by train as there are domestic and international trains that travel going to Amsterdam. They typically arrive in the Central Station, which is located in the heart Amsterdam’s city center.

By Bus:

The buses arriving and leaving from the city of Amsterdam do so from Amstel Station. This station is actually linked to Centraal Station by metro. And, the buses leaving for London, Brussels, and Amsterdam’s other cities depart from the Amstel Station.

Getting Around

On your Amsterdam travel, note that you can stroll around the city on foot, by bike, by tram, or by bus or metro, as these are the usual mode of transportation around the city.

On Foot:

Actually, the central part of Amsterdam city is just easy to get around. However, most of what is within apart from the Red Light District and Dam Square, most of what there is to see is a short tram or bike ride away.

By Bike:

Here is a great tip for your Amsterdam travel: the best way to see the entire city of Amsterdam is to travel by bike. Today, there are more than 500,000 bikes in the city. As such, you can hire one of them for about EUR7 per day. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is to lock your bike, as bike theft is a huge problem in Amsterdam.

By Bus/Metro:

Both the tram and metro are useful for your ultimate Amsterdam travel. These are highly useful if you are traveling outskirts, but otherwise you probably won’t need to use them. In Amsterdam, there are two metro stations, at the Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein, while the bus stops are not as sparse.

By Tram:

Finally, you can take your Amsterdam travel by tram, the most important mode of public transport in the Dutch capital. In the city, there are 15 different lines and they are the backbone of the city’s public transport network. Just note that the best tram for your Amsterdam travel is No.20, which stops close to most of the tourist attractions.

Travel Europe – Amsterdam Travel is a post from: Traveling Europe

Paris is the capital of France and is one of the most favorite places of tourist across the globe. Paris is known for its vibrant culture, fashion, and historical culture. Paris is also known as city of museums as there are many great museums here that are worth visiting when you are in Paris. It is also famous for Eiffel tower which is the icon of Paris.

Here is a brief description of some of the tourist attractions of Paris:

1. The Louvre Museum:

This must be your first priority if you are in Paris. This is the biggest museum of world and it may take you around 3 days to completely cover it. There are a number of historical artworks of legendary artists here. World famous artwork named “Mona Lisa” is also here.

2. Eiffel Tower:

This needs no explanation. Built in year 1889, Eiffel tower is now the icon of Paris. It was made as a tribute to end of French revolution. Get to the top of it (preferably right before sunset) and beautiful sight of Paris will astonish you. You can use elevator to reach at the top of the tower.

3. The Champs Elysees:

This is a road that starts from Arc de Triomphe and goes to Place de la Concorde. Along the road side there are many shops, cafes and hotels. Walking tour through this road is memorable especially during Christmas and New Year season.

4. Chateau of Versailles:

This is a famous castle which is one of the largest in the world. With 700 rooms, 1250 fireplaces, 67 staircases, 2000 windows and 1800 acres of beautiful gardens this place is like a heaven. This was once the home to the King which was later converted into the museum. Restrooms are available for tourists.

5. Seine River tour:

The Seine River flows through the centre of Paris. Cruise tour facility is available by which you can see many sights in Paris. Best way is to take a cruise in night and experience the beauty of Paris in glittering lights.

Best Places in Paris to Visit is a post from: Traveling Europe

Are you keen to go for a vacation but do not have time to plan it out? If yes, then what you need is a Europe travel tour which will soothe your mind and make you feel rejuvenated from hectic schedule of your busy working lives. You can now visit this beautiful content and trust the tours which are pre-decided so that you do not have to expend any time to bear all the hassles.

The pre-set travel tours to Europe cover the places which are a special attraction for all the tourists. The places which are not-to-be-missed are for sure covered in the tours which are made by professionals. They take care that you do not miss out on any fun and get the maximum value for the money that you are expending on your trip.

Travel tours to Europe cover places like Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Rome etc which are a fascination for the tourists of all countries. There are various options available as well which will fit right into your budget and will provide you to visit those places which interest you the most.

Planning for these tours can be done online. You can find online planners by research and they will provide you with the trip pre-organized. All bookings and reservations will be made by the tour organizers so that you do not have to partake in any hassles or troubles. All the work is done by them on your behalf and you just have to enjoy on your trip to Europe.

With so much fun and frolic available for all types of tourists, travel tours to Europe are a great excitement. They are an opportunity to break loose from the leash of life and take out time for your own self.

Europe Travel Tours – Get Ready For Some Action is a post from: Traveling Europe