Monthly Archives: May 2019

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

A man sitting alone on a busy airplane mid flight
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Travel insurance is probably the most boring topic to discuss when it comes to planning a trip. Dreaming up the perfect itinerary, finding cheap flights, buying gear — all of these things all much more glamorous!

For that reason, many budget travelers actually skip buying travel insurance. Unlike a flight, a travel backpack, or applying for a visa, travel insurance just doesn’t seem necessary.

And since it’s not always cheap, travel insurance is often tempting to jettison.

I mean, how often does something terrible happen when you travel?

Not often, right?

But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Sure, over the years, I’ve rarely had to rely on travel insurance.

But I have still had to use it from time to time — including recently when I was stabbed in Colombia. Remember: you’re fine until you aren’t, which is why you get travel insurance!

Yes, for most trips you won’t need your travel insurance. You’ll buy it, save the details in your inbox, and never look at it again.

But a time might come when you need it.

And if you don’t have it, things can get expensive fast.

I was thankful for having travel insurance when I needed to see a doctor in Argentina, when my camera broke in Italy, when my eardrum popped in Thailand, and when my luggage was stolen in South Africa.

It’s much better to be safe than sorry.

In this post, I’ll show you everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision about your travel insurance plan and whether or not travel insurance is a worthwhile purchase for your next trip.
 

 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

To illustrate why travel insurance is worth purchasing, here’s a quick list of what the best travel insurance plans will cover (for most countries):

  • Medical emergencies, sudden illnesses, and injuries
  • Emergencies, strife in your destination, etc., that cause you to head home early
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Resultant cancellations, such as hotel bookings, flights, and other transportation bookings, if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or some other emergency
  • Lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, cameras, etc. (Also, there is some coverage for your electronics, and often an option for a higher coverage limit.)
  • Twenty-four-hour emergency services and assistance (you don’t want to call to be told to call back later)
  • Financial protection if any company you are using goes bankrupt and you are stuck in another country.

Yes, robberies and natural disasters are rare. But things like canceled flights, minor illnesses, and petty theft do happen often.

With a comprehensive travel insurance plan, you’ll be covered.

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Travelers

My favorite travel insurance company is World Nomads, founded by an ex-nomad, so he understands what it’s like being a traveler. I’ve been using them since I started traveling all the way back in 2003. They are reputable and reliable, and they process their claims quickly.

With World Nomads, you can purchase and renew your policy online in a matter of minutes, and they have friendly and responsive staff who will answer your questions promptly. They can also help solve problems via social media.

Most importantly, they provide a lot of coverage at a fair price. If there’s one company I would recommend, it’s this one. It’s also endorsed by Lonely Planet and National Geographic, which just goes to show you how great it is!

You can use the widget below to get a quote (or just click here to go to their website directly):

(Want to learn more? Check out my comprehensive World Nomads review!)

Here is a list of other travel insurance companies I like a lot too – and why I like them!

  • Best high-end electronics coverage.
  • Affordable deductables.
  • Up to 5 million in coverage.
  • Available inside and outside of the USA.
  • Best for people living overseas.
  • The closest thing to normal health insurance.
  • Available for non-US residents.
  • 25 different places to choose from.
  • Short-term and annual plans.
  • Extensive medical transport coverage.
  • Available for residents of USA, Canada, and Mexico
  • Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities.
  • Affordable plans.
  • Basic coverage options.
  • Great for students/shoestring backpackers.
  • Applicable accounts include a free student discount card.
  • Compare plans from 28 providers.
  • Best company for over 65.
  • “Anytime advocates” ask insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied.
  • Guaranteed low prices.

 

How to Decide if Travel Insurance is for You

If you’re not sure if travel insurance is the best choice for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you have a lot of money saved up for emergencies?
If you have thousands of dollars lying around to cover you in case you get injured or delayed, or need to be evacuated (emergency evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars), or in case your items get lost or stolen, then maybe travel insurance isn’t necessary for you.

Are you traveling somewhere with expensive medical coverage?
Sure, a quick hospital visit in a budget-friendly country might not cost a lot. But in many countries, medical emergencies can cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars (especially if you need comprehensive care, emergency surgery, or evacuation).

Do you have a lot of money invested in your trip?
While none of us ever plan to have a trip canceled, the fact of the matter is that emergencies and surprises do happen (such as an illness, a death in the family, and work conflicts). Unless you’re comfortable losing out on that money, travel insurance might be a worthwhile purchase.

At the end of the day, unless you’ve got tons of extra cash just laying around that you can spend on emergencies, travel insurance is likely worth the money.

I know it’s not cheap (especially if you’re a budget traveler), but at the end of the day, it will be much, much cheaper than paying for an emergency — and I say that from personal experience!

Why Buying Travel Insurance is a Must

Can you say no one will steal your stuff while you’re backpacking Europe or that you won’t pop an eardrum diving in Thailand? Can you say your flights won’t get delayed or canceled?

No, you never really can.

And that’s why smart travelers get insurance.

Because, for just a couple dollars a day, you’ll have all those eventualities covered.

I hope nothing bad happens to you on the road, but if it does, travel insurance will be there to help. It’s more than just health coverage — it’s “something bad happened to me” coverage.

Yes, it’s an extra expense. But if something goes wrong you’ll not only save hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars but you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that you’re properly covered.

So, be a smart traveler. Buy travel insurance!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post Is Travel Insurance Worth It? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The Best Tour Companies in Europe in 2019

A man leading a walking tour group in Germany
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While I love solo travel as much as the next person — and think Europe is one of the best places to backpack around — the continent is also a huge destination for tour groups.

When you think of group tours, you may imagine a horde of camera-clicking tourists wearing socks and sandals swarming off a massive bus, taking lots of pictures, and then moving on to the next site.

In the past, that image was pretty accurate.

But now? Not so much.

These days, the best tours have evolved and are much more nuanced and diverse, catering to all different age groups and travel styles. From hop-on, hop-off tours and river cruises to big bus and backpacker tours and everything in between, there’s a wide variety of tour options now.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for (or your budget), you’ll be able to find awesome and insightful tours to help you make the most out of your next trip to Europe.

I’ve taken tours offered by dozens of companies on the continent. Some were good, some bad, some great.

If you’re thinking of taking a tour around Europe — whether because it saves you time or money — here is a list of the best companies:

THE BEST DY TOURS IN EUROPE

A charming narrow medieval street in the heart of Europe

New Europe

Pretty much every major city in Europe has a free walking tour. They are a fun, insightful way to orient yourself and learn about the history of a city. Plus, you’ll have access to a local expert who can answer any and all questions you have about the destination!

New Europe is one of the largest and best tour companies out there. Its guides are knowledgeable, and its tours cover all the major tourist sites. They also offer specialized tours, like food tours, day trips, and tours to specific historical sites (such as Edinburgh Castle or the Sachsenhausen concentration camp). You can find them pretty much everywhere in Europe. Just remember to tip your guides at the end!

Most tours will last around 3 hours. For their paid tours, prices start around 15 EUR per person and go up from there, depending on the duration of the tour.

–> Click here to learn more about New Europe!

Free Tours By Foot

Another free option is Free Tours By Foot. Like New Europe, they have qualified guides and a wide variety of themed tours in over 30 destinations across the continent. Chances are you’ll be able to find a tour with them (or with a company affiliated with them) in every major city around the continent. Tours usually last around 3 hours, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since they offer free tours, make sure you tip your guide at the end.

They also have partnerships with other tour companies so you can find more specialized options here as well. For example, they have a great beer tour of Paris (as well as a macaroon tour if that’s more your style). Those tours aren’t free (they cost around 60 EUR per person) but they are a great way to get a specialized insight (as well as to try some amazing French beer and desserts!).

–> Click here to learn more about Free Tours By Foot!

Walks

If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, my favorite walking tour company in Europe is Walks, which can be found in London, Athens, and various cities in Spain and Italy.

What makes these food, art, and history tours so special is that they get access to places others don’t, like the Louvre after hours, secret spots in the Vatican or Versailles, etc. The guides are incredibly well informed, so you’ll learn a ton of information. If you’re looking for a paid walking tour company, Walks is the best.

Their tours are usually around 3 hours, though they also have a few full-day options as well. Expect to pay at least 60-90 EUR per person. Be sure to book in advance as well, as many of their best tours (like their Sistine Chapel early entrance tour) sell out fast!

–> Click here to learn more about Walks!

Context Travel

Context offers comprehensive history, food, and cultural tours all around the continent. They are long, intellectual walks packed with information. Context hires experts to lead these tours (e.g., a chef for a food tour), which is why they are some of my favorites. They aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny if you’re serious about getting beneath the surface of a destination. Expect to pay around 100 EUR per person.

Context also offers amazing private tours, and you can book customized tours as well if there is something specific you’re interested in.

–> Click here to learn more about Context!

THE BEST MULTI-DAY TOURS IN EUROPE

A man cycling through the mountains of Europe

Busabout

Busabout is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that is popular with the backpacker crowd looking to meet and connect with other travelers. You can purchase tickets that let you travel the whole network with a set number of stops, and you can get on and off whenever you want.

The only downside to Busabout is that if you want to visit a city not on one of its routes, you have to make your own way there at an additional cost. But if you are looking to meet lots of people and not spend too much time worrying about your itinerary, then this is a great, affordable option.

–> Click here to learn more about Busabout!

Viking River Cruises

With multiday and multi-week itineraries to choose from, this is a solid option for anyone looking for a “hands-free” trip around Europe. Much like ocean cruises, with Viking, you simply need to book your cruise and go along for the ride. You’ll explore the heart of Europe from a unique perspective and the comfort of your own cabin, while stopping at some of the most interesting cities Europe has to offer along scenic rivers like the Danube, the Seine, and the Rhine. You’ll also get free Wi-Fi, free port excursions, onboard meals, and 24-hour concierge.

–> Click here to learn more about Viking!

Intrepid Travel

When it comes to multiday (or even multi-week) guided tours, Intrepid Travel is my go-to choice. I’ve been going on their tours for years (I just went on a trip to Jordan with them), and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The guides are excellent, the company offers amazing off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and it is committed to the local environment and support local communities. Their small groups ensure you’re never on one of those giant bus tours either.

BONUS: As a reader of this site, you’ll get discounts on some of Intrepid’s tours. Each month, Intrepid offers Nomadic Matt readers a discount on some of its best tours around Europe and the world. Simply check out the website for more details!

–> Click here to learn more about Intrepid Travel!

***

While solo travel will always be my favorite way to travel, I really do enjoy going on tours. They are a fun way to meet other travelers as well as locals while you see and experience new destinations.

So if you’re looking for a tour on your next trip to Europe, be sure to consider the options above.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time. Here are my favorite hostels in Europe.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit: 1

The post The Best Tour Companies in Europe in 2019 appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Is the Eurail Pass Right for You?

A high-speed train traveling through the snowy mountains of Europe
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Every summer, backpackers from all around the world flock to Europe. Gap-year travelers, students on summer breaks, the recently retired — they’re all there to take in the continent’s sights, history, food, and beauty.

And while there are plenty of cheap ways to travel Europe, one of the most popular and iconic is via train, using a Eurail Pass.

The Eurail Pass is a train ticket that allows you to travel Europe on your own terms, in and through up to 31 countries. Eurail was first launched back in the 1950s as a consortium of a few dozen railway and shipping companies, as a way to increase (and simplify) train travel around the continent.

It’s changed a lot since those early days (there are far more rules today, and it comes with this giant instruction manual when it’s mailed to you!), and understanding the ins and outs of the various passes and what they do — and don’t — cover can often be confusing for first-time pass holders.

If you’re thinking about getting a Eurail Pass, this article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about it.

 

1. How Does the Eurail Pass Work?

First, you’ll need to buy your pass before you visit Europe (see below for details). It cannot be bought while you are on the continent (unless you’re European, but then you’d buy the Interrail Pass, not the Eurail Pass). It’s a paper ticket that must be mailed to you.

When your pass arrives, you’ll get a book that outlines the specific reservation rules for each country the pass covers. (It’s a great reference tool, so make sure to review it while planning your trip.) The pass will become valid the first time you use it.

2. What’s the Difference Between the Passes?

There are two major types of passes: country and global. Country passes work for individual countries, while the global pass will give you access to all 31 countries that take part in the Eurail program (listed below).

Once you know how long you’ll be traveling for (and where you are traveling to), you’ll be able to purchase the pass that best suits your needs.

3. How Much is a Eurail Pass? How Long Do They Last?

The price will depend on which pass you purchase. There are several options, based on how long you’ll be traveling for. There are passes for as much as three months of travel, as well as passes for just a few days.

Here is a chart with all the passes and the prices, so you can compare, or visit Eurail.com:

PASS
CLASS
EURAIL
RAIL EUROPE

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

1 month continuous
1st
$1,112
$893

$1,189
$953

2nd
$893
$727

$953
$776

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

2 month continuous
1st
$1,566
$1,256

$1,674
$1,341

2nd
$1,256
$1,022

$1,341
$1,092

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 month continuous
1st
$1,930
$1,546

$2,063
$1,652

2nd
$1,546
$1,258

$1,652
$1,345

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

22 days continuous
1st
$907
$727

$969
$777

2nd
$727
$593

$777
$633

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days continuous
1st
$705
$567

$753
$605

2nd
$567
$462

$605
$493

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days in 2 months
1st
$1,085
$870

$1,159
$930

2nd
$870
$708

$930
$757

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

10 days in 2 months
1st
$829
$665

$885
$710

2nd
$665
$542

$710
$579

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

7 days in 1 month
1st
$673
$541

$719
$578

2nd
$541
$442

$578
$471

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

5 days in 1 month
1st
$553
$444

$590
$474

2nd
$444
$363

$474
$387

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 days in 1 month
1st
$343
$264

$334
$257

2nd
$257
$199

$250
$193

 

4. Do Prices Fluctuate?

While there are occasionally sales, the price for the Eurail pass is generally the same all year around.

5. How Far in Advance Can a Eurail Pass be Bought?

Passes can be bought online up to 11 months in advance.

6. Can I Buy a Eurail Pass in Person?

No, Eurail Passes need to be ordered online before you visit Europe, as the pass will be mailed to you. You cannot purchase the pass in person in Europe.

7. Where Can I Buy a Eurail Pass?

There are three places where you can purchase your pass:

8. What Countries Does Eurail Go Through?

As of 2019, there are 31 countries that participate in the pass:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland (including Northern Ireland), Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (as well as Liechtenstein and Monaco).

While there is no country pass for Switzerland, all of the global pass options will work there.

9. Does the Eurail Pass Work on Local Trains?

The Eurail Passes only work on intercity train lines and not local trains such as subways or trams.

10. Does the Eurail Pass Cover High-Speed Trains?

The Eurail Pass does cover high-speed trains (as well as overnight trains). However, you’ll almost always have to make advance reservations for these, as they limit the number of Eurail pass holders on each train. (I know, it sucks.)

11.Can I Use Eurail Pass on Eurostar?

Yep, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. (Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting London with destinations in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.)

12. Will I Need to Pre-Book Tickets?

Depending on the route, you may be able to just show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey — or you might need to book a seat ahead of time. Some countries require this, and reservations are often required on most high-speed and overnight trains.

If your train requires you to book a reservation, you can do so the day of or day before you want to get on that train. You don’t need to book far in advance (that’s why the pass is so convenient!).

On the Eurail iPhone app, you can filter for “trains without compulsory reservation.” This will help you avoid seat reservation fees.

13. Is the Eurail Pass Worth It?

That depends! At the end of the day, rail passes are all about money.

A Eurail Pass is only worth getting if it saves you money. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to do some math to figure out if a pass is right or not. It can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth calculating if you’re on a budget.

To figure out if the rail pass will be economical, you’ll need to plan a route for yourself. After you have a general idea as to where you want to go over what period of time, visit the national railway websites and work out two sets of prices: one for tomorrow (i.e., a last-minute fare) and one for two months from now (i.e., an early-bird fare).

Next, add up the prices in each category to get an approximate total. Then, compare these prices with the Eurail price. That’s how you’ll be able to tell which option is the most budget-friendly.

See this long blog post, which goes into depth about the pros and cons of the pass.

***

The Eurail Pass won’t be suitable for every type of trip, but it’s one of the most convenient ways to explore the continent. Not only is it better for the environment than flying from city to city but it gives you flexible and affordable options for both short-term and long-term travel.

Whether you’re just visiting for a couple weeks or have a few months to spend exploring, you’ll be able to find a pass that suits your needs — all without breaking the bank!

If you want to learn more or have additional questions, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to Eurail Passes and my experience using them.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. (Here are my favorite hostels in Europe if you need any suggestions.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 1

The post Is the Eurail Pass Right for You? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Is the Eurail Pass Right for You?

A high-speed train traveling through the snowy mountains of Europe
Posted: 05/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019

Every summer, backpackers from all around the world flock to Europe. Gap-year travelers, students on summer breaks, the recently retired — they’re all there to take in the continent’s sights, history, food, and beauty.

And while there are plenty of cheap ways to travel Europe, one of the most popular and iconic is via train, using a Eurail Pass.

The Eurail Pass is a train ticket that allows you to travel Europe on your own terms, in and through up to 31 countries. Eurail was first launched back in the 1950s as a consortium of a few dozen railway and shipping companies, as a way to increase (and simplify) train travel around the continent.

It’s changed a lot since those early days (there are far more rules today, and it comes with this giant instruction manual when it’s mailed to you!), and understanding the ins and outs of the various passes and what they do — and don’t — cover can often be confusing for first-time pass holders.

If you’re thinking about getting a Eurail Pass, this article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about it.

 

1. How Does the Eurail Pass Work?

First, you’ll need to buy your pass before you visit Europe (see below for details). It cannot be bought while you are on the continent (unless you’re European, but then you’d buy the Interrail Pass, not the Eurail Pass). It’s a paper ticket that must be mailed to you.

When your pass arrives, you’ll get a book that outlines the specific reservation rules for each country the pass covers. (It’s a great reference tool, so make sure to review it while planning your trip.) The pass will become valid the first time you use it.

2. What’s the Difference Between the Passes?

There are two major types of passes: country and global. Country passes work for individual countries, while the global pass will give you access to all 31 countries that take part in the Eurail program (listed below).

Once you know how long you’ll be traveling for (and where you are traveling to), you’ll be able to purchase the pass that best suits your needs.

3. How Much is a Eurail Pass? How Long Do They Last?

The price will depend on which pass you purchase. There are several options, based on how long you’ll be traveling for. There are passes for as much as three months of travel, as well as passes for just a few days.

Here is a chart with all the passes and the prices, so you can compare, or visit Eurail.com:

PASS
CLASS
EURAIL
RAIL EUROPE

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

1 month continuous
1st
$1,112
$893

$1,189
$953

2nd
$893
$727

$953
$776

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

2 month continuous
1st
$1,566
$1,256

$1,674
$1,341

2nd
$1,256
$1,022

$1,341
$1,092

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 month continuous
1st
$1,930
$1,546

$2,063
$1,652

2nd
$1,546
$1,258

$1,652
$1,345

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

22 days continuous
1st
$907
$727

$969
$777

2nd
$727
$593

$777
$633

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days continuous
1st
$705
$567

$753
$605

2nd
$567
$462

$605
$493

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

15 days in 2 months
1st
$1,085
$870

$1,159
$930

2nd
$870
$708

$930
$757

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

10 days in 2 months
1st
$829
$665

$885
$710

2nd
$665
$542

$710
$579

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

7 days in 1 month
1st
$673
$541

$719
$578

2nd
$541
$442

$578
$471

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

5 days in 1 month
1st
$553
$444

$590
$474

2nd
$444
$363

$474
$387

Adult
Youth

Adult
Youth

3 days in 1 month
1st
$343
$264

$334
$257

2nd
$257
$199

$250
$193

 

4. Do Prices Fluctuate?

While there are occasionally sales, the price for the Eurail pass is generally the same all year around.

5. How Far in Advance Can a Eurail Pass be Bought?

Passes can be bought online up to 11 months in advance.

6. Can I Buy a Eurail Pass in Person?

No, Eurail Passes need to be ordered online before you visit Europe, as the pass will be mailed to you. You cannot purchase the pass in person in Europe.

7. Where Can I Buy a Eurail Pass?

There are three places where you can purchase your pass:

8. What Countries Does Eurail Go Through?

As of 2019, there are 31 countries that participate in the pass:

Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland (including Northern Ireland), Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey (as well as Liechtenstein and Monaco).

While there is no country pass for Switzerland, all of the global pass options will work there.

9. Does the Eurail Pass Work on Local Trains?

The Eurail Passes only work on intercity train lines and not local trains such as subways or trams.

10. Does the Eurail Pass Cover High-Speed Trains?

The Eurail Pass does cover high-speed trains (as well as overnight trains). However, you’ll almost always have to make advance reservations for these, as they limit the number of Eurail pass holders on each train. (I know, it sucks.)

11.Can I Use Eurail Pass on Eurostar?

Yep, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. (Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting London with destinations in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.)

12. Will I Need to Pre-Book Tickets?

Depending on the route, you may be able to just show up at the train, present the conductor with your pass, and continue your journey — or you might need to book a seat ahead of time. Some countries require this, and reservations are often required on most high-speed and overnight trains.

If your train requires you to book a reservation, you can do so the day of or day before you want to get on that train. You don’t need to book far in advance (that’s why the pass is so convenient!).

On the Eurail iPhone app, you can filter for “trains without compulsory reservation.” This will help you avoid seat reservation fees.

13. Is the Eurail Pass Worth It?

That depends! At the end of the day, rail passes are all about money.

A Eurail Pass is only worth getting if it saves you money. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to do some math to figure out if a pass is right or not. It can be a time-consuming process, but it is certainly worth calculating if you’re on a budget.

To figure out if the rail pass will be economical, you’ll need to plan a route for yourself. After you have a general idea as to where you want to go over what period of time, visit the national railway websites and work out two sets of prices: one for tomorrow (i.e., a last-minute fare) and one for two months from now (i.e., an early-bird fare).

Next, add up the prices in each category to get an approximate total. Then, compare these prices with the Eurail price. That’s how you’ll be able to tell which option is the most budget-friendly.

See this long blog post, which goes into depth about the pros and cons of the pass.

***

The Eurail Pass won’t be suitable for every type of trip, but it’s one of the most convenient ways to explore the continent. Not only is it better for the environment than flying from city to city but it gives you flexible and affordable options for both short-term and long-term travel.

Whether you’re just visiting for a couple weeks or have a few months to spend exploring, you’ll be able to find a pass that suits your needs — all without breaking the bank!

If you want to learn more or have additional questions, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to Eurail Passes and my experience using them.

Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. (Here are my favorite hostels in Europe if you need any suggestions.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Europe?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Europe with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 1

The post Is the Eurail Pass Right for You? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Rediscovering the Lost Art of Travel

a man on a bicycle in Mezöberény
Posted: 5/16/2019 | May 16th, 2019

Seth Kugel is the former Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times and author of the new Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally Curious, from which this is adapted. I’ve known him for years and our travel philosophy dovetails a lot. I read his book last year and thought “If I were ever to write a book on the state of the travel industry, this is the book I would write!” It’s a great book and today, Seth excerpted part of the book for us!

Stenciled in white block letters on a dreary cement wall in Mezöberény, a tidy but fraying town of twelve thousand in the hyperbolically named Great Hungarian Plain, appeared the word:

SZESZFÖZDE

Hours earlier, in the overcast predawn hours of a nippy January day, I had stumbled off the Bucharest-to-Budapest train to see what it would be like to spend the weekend in the opposite of a tourist destination. Mezöberény was not just absent from guidebooks — it did not have a single restaurant, hotel, or activity listed on TripAdvisor, something that cannot be said for Mbabara, Uganda, or Dalanzadgad, Mongolia. I did have some info on the town, though, thanks to its municipal website: resident József Halász had recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday.

Or that’s what Google Translate told me. Hungarian is a Uralic language, more closely related to the output you might get falling asleep on a keyboard than to English or German or French. That makes even basic comprehension a challenge, as I found as soon as I rushed from the train to the station’s restrooms and faced the urgent need to choose between two doors: FÉRFI and NÖI. The authorities had apparently saved a few forints by not splurging on stick-figure signs.

The day had been born cold and gray and stayed that way as I walked through the town, slowly getting my bearings, intrigued by the pre-war, pre-Communist homes and the more than occasional bike rider — there were almost more bikes than cars — who waved hello. But then a winter drizzle took up, causing an abrupt decline in the number of cyclists even as the number of wandering American visitors held steady at one. To me, a travel day that turns rainy is like a piece of chocolate I’ve dropped on the floor: it’s significantly less appealing, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to throw it away.

It was in the first minutes of rain that I came across that stenciled sign on an otherwise residential street. Beyond the wall, down a cracking, now puddle-pocked driveway, were a dozen or so plastic barrels lined up like nuclear-waste drums. Beyond them, maybe a hundred feet from where I stood, was a one-story L-shaped building. What was this place? Well, SZESZFÖZDE, apparently. But what was that?

In the old days (say, 2009), I would have pulled out an English-Hungarian phrase book or pocket dictionary, but instead, I activated international roaming on my phone, carefully spelled out S-Z-E-S- Z-F-O-Z-D-E, and tapped Go.

Szeszföde distillery in Mezöberény, Hungary

The less-than-lightning speed of Great Hungarian Plain mobile service provided a dramatic pause. And then came my answer:

DISTILLERY.

You don’t say.

I would have guessed PRIVATE PROPERTY maybe, or DANGER—STAY OUT, or MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, YOU MEDDLING FOREIGNER! But a distillery? A wave of adrenaline washed down my torso as my lips curled into a dumb-luck smile.

Two rather gruff-looking men emerged from the door, the older one smoking a cigarette and wearing a sweater and work-stained trousers that suggested Warsaw Pact 1986 more than modern-day European Union. I waved to them, pointed to the bulky Canon 7D hanging from my neck, and then to the building. Old-school Google Translate.

They waved me in and gave me a tour.

Inside the ancient but fully functioning distillery, the men let me take pictures as they gave me a vaguely intelligible lesson via pointing, expressive looks, and smartphone-translated Hungarian, on how pálinka — Hungarian fruit brandy — was made.

Those barrels I had seen outside, it turned out, were full of fermenting pear and grape and apple juices. Inside, it was distilled somehow through a looping and tangled system of pipes running out of tin tanks up and along the walls. It looked like the laboratory of a mad scientist with a penchant for tacky linoleum flooring.

As they led me around, I engaged in that most intrinsic of travel activities: trying to see the world from the vantage point of someone utterly different from me. What was their life like? Had they traveled? Who were their parents and grandparents? The language barrier that did not allow them to answer did not stop me from wondering.

After soaking in every rusty detail and every glint of pride in the men’s tired eyes, I typed, “Come visit me in New York” into Google Translate — laughs all around — then headed back onto the drizzly streets of Mezöberény, utterly elated.

What was so great about this moment? Sure, the szeszfözde was a neat little story for friends, and in my case, worth a few paragraphs in the newspaper. But wasn’t it just a grimy business making local hooch in a town that even most Hungarians would classify as the middle of nowhere?

a man smokes a cigarette at the Szeszföde distillery in Mezöberény, Hungary

It was a great moment because I discovered it. Not an earth-shattering discovery in the sense of a cure for AIDS or a previously unknown species of poison-spitting neon frog the size of a pinky nail. But it was 100 percent unexpected, 100 percent real, and 100 percent mine.

Discovery used to be the lifeblood of travel, at least for those of us who shun tour-bus groups and all-inclusive resorts. We used to leave home knowing relatively little about our destination — perhaps with some highlighted guidebook pages denoting major attractions and local tipping etiquette, a list of tips culled from well-traveled friends, or articles copied and pasted into a Word document. For the ambitious, maybe a notional feel for the local history or culture gleaned pre-trip from a historical novel.

Beyond that, we were on our own.

Paper guidebooks frozen in time helped us along, as did pamphlets and paper maps from tourist information booths and tips from a hotel concierge. Earlier this century, Google searches in internet cafés also lent a hand. But otherwise, there was no choice: You decided what to do with your own eyes and ears, by wandering, by initiating human-to-human contact. Tips came from hearing fellow travelers’ stories over hostel or (non-Air) B&B breakfasts, entering a shop to ask directions and ending up in a conversation with the owner, or catching a whiff of fresh bread or sizzling chilies and following your nose.

Of course, all that still happens today — but only if you really go out of your way to make it happen. Not only is nearly every place in the world documented to within an inch of its life but that documentation — which comes dressed as both fact and opinion — is overwhelmingly and immediately available, thanks to pervasive technology. That’s great for many things in life — medical information, how-to videos, shorter commutes. But don’t we travel to break our routine? To experience the unexpected? To let the world delight us?

If we do, we have a funny way of showing it. We pore over online reviews for weeks, plan days down to the half hour, and then let GPS and the collected wisdom of the unwise lead us blindly. We mean well — no one wants to have a romantic dinner go wrong or to get lost and miss out on a “must-see attraction” or to risk chaos by failing to keep the kids entertained for three minutes.

But isn’t that just a digital version of the old-fashioned group tour? Well, almost, except that on the bus tour, you actually get to meet the person whose advice you’re taking.

One of my most ironclad rules of travel is this: the number of visitors a place receives is inversely related to how nice locals are to those visitors. Mezöberény, as far as I knew, had received precisely no foreign tourists ever. It was the anti-Paris, and this distillery the anti-Louvre.

People who inhabit the still-plentiful tourist-free swaths of the planet tend to be not only just nicer but more curious. They say a bear in the wild is just as scared of you as you are of it. I say people in places where outsiders rarely go are just as curious about visitors as visitors are about them. The question is not why the distillery workers invited me — a camera-toting, gibberish-talking stranger — in for a tour, it’s why wouldn’t they? If it were me, I’d be thinking: “What is this odd foreigner doing outside our szeszfözde with a camera? Wait till I tell the kids! And by the way, isn’t it about time we took a break?”

More importantly, is it possible that stumbling upon a dank distillery might be just as thrilling as a tour of one of the world’s great monuments? Did the surge of emotion I felt when the word distillery popped onto my screen match what I felt when I first glanced up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

Probably not, although I remember the distillery moment quite precisely and barely recall what I felt at the Sistine Chapel. Why? Because although Michelangelo’s prophets and sibyls and biblical re-creations are several trillion times lovelier than rusty pipes in a concrete building reeking of fermented fruit, I had seen them before in photos, heard professors talk about them, and read other travelers’ accounts as I sought the best times to avoid crowds.

That’s why I believe it is time we rediscover travel and recognize the value of what an overdocumented world has taken away: the delight of making things happen on your own.

***

Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally CuriousSeth is the former Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times and author of the new Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally Curious, from which this is adapted.

In this book, Kugel challenges the modern travel industry with a determination to reignite humanity’s age-old sense of adventure that has virtually been vanquished in this spontaneity-obliterating digital age. You can purchase the book at Amazon and give it a read.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

The post Rediscovering the Lost Art of Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.