I'm as guilty as the next person for taking advantage of Ryanair's and Wizzair's criminally cheap flights, I'm probably guiltier than the next person actually. But like all good guilty people I've been trying to change. I've been trying my hardest to explore all of the other ways to explore Europe and I have some good news - sometimes the journey really is as much fun as the destination. So sit back and relax as I take you through everything from cycling to train rides to river cruises to find the best way for you to explore Europe!
The Best Ways to Explore Europe
Here are some of the most popular ways to travel around Europe:
Cycling around Europe
Top of the list is, of course, is a cycling tour around Europe. Second only to walking when it comes to carbon footprint but with the advantage of being like 100 times quicker (okay only 4.5 times actually). The great thing about cycling is it's not just good for the world, it's good for you too - keeping you fit as you travel Europe. Cycling enthusiasts will (probably) be impressed with Europe's vast network of cycle paths and trails.
- Pros: it's very good for the environment, will keep you fit and cycling holidays guarantee you'll make like-minded friends too!
- Cons: it's not accessible to everyone and can be slow if you're more about getting to the destination... but hey, never forget the benefits of slow travel!
Buses and coaches through Europe
Although buses tend to run on fossil fuels in Europe, they are still way more environmentally friendly than cars (and aeroplanes), because many people take one vehicle together. Trains have a better reputation when it comes to comfort and style but buses and coaches run supreme in Europe because where the trains don't go, buses do. Buses and coaches in Europe are also cheap, sometimes as cheap as cheap flights (though, admittedly they usually take longer). But what sights you'll see out of your window!
- Pros: better for the planet than cars and aeroplanes, it's still cheaper than flying, you'll get to see the real Europe out of the window and some coaches in Europe now have little TVs too and free coffee!
- Cons: sharing a toilet with forty+ other people and/or limited toilet stops and to be frank, it can be uncomfortable to sit for long.
River Cruises around Europe
A lot of Europe's old cities were built before roads were built, back when rivers were the main mode of transport and trade. Hence, why most of Europe's big cities are built next to major rivers. In many capitals you can take boat trips or even go kayaking, but to really explore Europe you should try a cruise of the River Rhine. Take a weekend, a week or even a few weeks and see Europe the way people saw it back in the day - in style.
- Pros: it can be truly beautiful, it's better for the environment than cars or planes and don't forget: rivers tend to almost always have better air than roads!
- Cons: it might be too expensive for budget travellers and please consider the possibility of seasickness (or in this case: 'riversickness'), of course.
Riding trains around Europe
I personally love trains, like coaches and buses they are better for the environment, and are, usually, way way faster than walking or cycling. It used to be my dream to travel around Europe with Interrail, and I actually ended up working with them back in '16. Whilst it was a dream come true to work with them, I came away with the impression that it's actually better to just book the trains yourself. Interrail sells itself on being more convenient than just booking the trains yourself, but in my experience they weren't so simple - you had to do special things in Sweden and Italy, for example.
Additionally, I think they encourage this idea of blasting through countries to make sure you use up all your days, when it can be more rewarding to stay longer in fewer places. But I digress, should you explore Europe with train, either via Interrail or just planning it yourself? Absolutely!
- Pros: it's generally faster than cars, coaches and buses, much better for the environment than cars and planes and often buses too, you can get up and walk around, snacks available onboard and you might even be able to book a bed to sleep in!
- Cons: it can be too expensive (especially Interrail), can be delayed or cancelled with no alternative and they don't go everywhere (some countries in Europe don't have them at all and rural areas might not have train lines.)
Walking across Europe
Walking across Europe will give that hobbity feel most millennials crave. Yes it can be slow, but it's the epitome of the journey not the destination being the goal. If you're into something challenging, go for Switzerland or Northern Europe for the tallest mountains in Europe. If you want something flat, try Germany, Poland and Hungary. If you want the most famous walk in Europe, go to Spain. Like bike routes, Europe is pretty well equipped with walking routes safely snaking across the continent.
- Pros: it's good for your body, good for the environment and you're guaranteed to come back with incredible tales!
- Cons: it's very slow and maybe boring sometimes, you've got to carry all your stuff and food and also: blisters!
Hitch-hiking around Europe
Most people, myself included, have great hitch-hiking experiences in Europe. Especially nowadays with smart phones, geo-locating and portable chargers it tends to be easier and safer. If you're struggling to be picked up, move to a better spot and pull out your kindest smile. Petrol stations tend to be good places to find people willing to pick you up. Please make sure you're situated in the direction you want to be taken, there's nothing more annoying than finding someone willing to stop for you, only to realise they are headed the other way from you. If you're still struggling, no worries: you probably have a tiny computer in your pocket which will point you to the nearest bus.
- Pros: it's a fun and a great way to make friends, it's free and unpredictable - in a good way!
- Cons: it can also be unpredictable - but in a bad way.
Wrap Up: Different Ways to Explore Europe
Europe has so many different ways to be explored, and instead of recommending just one to you I would say that you should try as many as you can - I've taken buses from Istanbul to Budapest, trains from Budapest to Oslo, hitch-hiked in Portugal, taken river cruises in Hungary, done cycling tours in France, and whilst I haven't personally done any of the big walking hikes in Europe, it's definitely a dream of mine.
But what about you? Which is your personal favourite way to explore Europe? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Images by Martina Fliegerová and TheAndrasBarta from Pixabay)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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