Europe 2008 … travel planning

July 2008, I will be visiting three countries in Europe:  Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungry.  Of course, I am traveling during a time when the dollar is very weak against the Euro.  The last time I was in Europe, June 2007, the dollar was much stronger.  So, what are we going to do so that we travel in the style that we like?

Many think that traveling to Europe or outside their home country is expensive … and it is!  But, international travel is not prohibitively expensive.  Well, the most expensive component of most trips is actually getting there, that is, air travel cost.  So, I am going to talk about transportation in this post. 

Our trip to Europe this summer is complicated because we are traveling from one domestic airport and returning to another and we are also arriving in one international airport and departing from another.  In reservation talk, we are planning a multiple city flight.  Oh yeah, I’m making all the arrangements too … for those who do not want to engage in teh agnozing process of searching for a flight may want to consult a travel agency.  I’m not the biggest fan of travel agencies when it comes to planning an entire trip, for example, lodging, activities, and so forth.  Last year, my trip was just too complicated for me to plan myself, so I had United make my flight arrangements. 

So, in searching for the best deals, I checked Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and the major domestic airlines with service to Vienna.  This time Travelocity offered the best flights.  Travelocity was over $2,500 less expensive.  Wow!  When it comes to airlines book early, watch fares, and consider a frequent flyer program or an awards program.  Using reward points I saved almost $800.  [Yeah, there are issues with thess programs, which is why you have to do your homework.  American Express is excellent.  By the way, I do not work for American Express.]

In the past when I have visited multiple countries during one visit, I have used that countries domestic airline, but this time I thought what about using Europe’s rail.  Wise decison and much less expensive than an airline ticket.  Besides, if you have the time, you get to see more of the country this way too.  Europe’s rail system is also much better connected than what we have in the U.S.  Rail Europe provides official fares and schedules for Europe’s rail system.  Of course, you can buy your rail passes and make reservations securely at the site.  Do your homework here to find the best pass for your trip.  In our case, it is the European East Pass.  If you want to ride coach, a pass for 5 days use within a month will cost you around $220 and a first class pass will cost you around $330.  Much less expensive than an airline ticket and not much more timely when you consider having to check-in at the airport and retrieve your bags.  Remember to make your reservations.  Rail passes only provide access to trains, but does not promise you a seat on a particular train.  It’s been quite some time since I have taken an European rail, but the views are often beautiful.

So, if time permits and funds are limited, consider taking the train.  It may be less confusing and more interesting than a flight.