For jaw-dropping natural beauty, epic history and mouth-watering culinary flair, Europe has it all. The falling price of air travel has made much of the continent accessible from the UK within a couple of hours, and helped to draw visitors in their droves.
Paris claimed the highest number of tourists of any European city in 2018, pipping London to the post for the first time in decades. But why limit yourself to only one destination when there are so many diverse regions to explore – and plenty of great ways to get around?
From bus to bike and beyond, here are four different ways to find your way through Europe.
Train
Large parts of Europe are connected by a train network that is, for the most part, reliable, convenient, and comfortable. Stations are often both more central and widespread than airports and you won’t be limited by pesky baggage restrictions.
It’s not always the cheapest form of transport but booking in advance can save you money and hassle, while many interrail tickets give you the flexibility to travel between certain countries as and when you choose.
Road
A road trip can be a fun way to experience Europe at your own pace. You could take your own car over to France or the Netherlands on a ferry or hire one wherever you arrive, and crossing borders is usually relatively hassle-free. Be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road, however…
If you don’t fancy getting behind the wheel yourself, buses often work out super-cheap – if a little slow – and even more remote areas usually have bus stations in some shape or form.
Walking
For the more active traveller, walking can be the perfect way to get from A to B while seeing plenty along the way too. Many walking holidays include transfers from the airport to your first stop, plus transfers for your baggage as you move from base to base.
Italy holidays are perfect for stretching your legs for example. You could take in the highlights of the Amalfi Coast by foot, traverse the best of the Mont Blanc Circuit, or make several stop-offs for wine tasting in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Cycling
From the Tour de France to the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d’Italia, Europe is world-famous for its iconic cycling routes. A cycling holiday could offer you the opportunity to cover the same regions you’ve watched the professionals cover on TV, or meander through less challenging landscapes at a more gentle speed.
Cycling is often the easiest way to get around in the city too, with two wheels being the transport method of choice for residents in the likes of Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Which areas on your checklist? However you decide to get around Europe, you’re sure to have a trip to remember.
