Europe is a beloved dream destination for many. With its stunning cities, charming little towns, and historic landmarks (many UNESCO World Heritage Sites!), Europe proves irresistible!
Travel experts report that their clients are returning to Europe this autumn for a variety of reasons. They desire an escape from the busy world, an opportunity to discover lesser-known spots, and an escape from winter weather.
Trains
Europe is a vast continent, and train travel is an excellent way to get around. There are long-distance trains that cross countries and regional trains which connect cities within one nation.
Typically, you can purchase seat or overnight berth reservations anywhere from an hour up to several months ahead of your departure date. While purchasing tickets ahead can save money, it’s essential to consider if you have set plans or are flexible.
If you’re travelling with children, some Eurail routes offer family coaches with amenities like diaper changing stations and play areas for kids. These can make the journey more comfortable for both you and your little one; so be sure to check before setting off!
Train travel may be more expensive than flying, but it’s also more comfortable and environmentally friendly. Plus, there are so many types of trains available that you’re sure to find something suitable for your needs. That being said, there are also some downsides to taking the train in Europe:
Taxis
Taxis are an excellent transportation choice in European cities, offering speed, affordability and efficiency – especially for smaller groups or families.
Taxi fares are determined locally and include an initial charge (the “drop”), mileage charges, and time charges. Additional surcharges for extra passengers or luggage may also apply.
Peak season months such as July and August can have higher fares than shoulder months. To beat these prices, plan your trip during off-peak periods like March-June or September-October.
When traveling in Europe, it’s essential to be familiar with the various taxi services and apps available. Many of these apps adhere to both EU-wide and local health and safety regulations for all passengers.
Bike Share
Bike sharing is a form of public transport that works on rental schemes. Bicycles can be rented from docking stations that use computer control to lock and unlock them for short periods (usually three hours or less) before being returned to another station.
These systems are an effective way to promote cycling and get more people on the roads in cities. Furthermore, they reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, cutting back on carbon emissions from transport.
Many cities around the world have adopted these systems, providing us with a wealth of lessons to learn. Each system differs in its approach towards ownership, operation and fares.
They play an essential role in cities’ mobility strategies, offering access to a pool of people and creating the platform for collecting mobility data and developing new services. Furthermore, they’re key in enabling ‘Mobility as a Service’ at urban level by creating digital infrastructure that permits ‘last mile’ trips and multimodal travel.
Public Transportation
Public transportation offers the advantage of getting you where you need to be quickly and without stress, as well as providing an opportunity to explore Europe’s cities. Many European cities boast excellent subway systems as well as bus and train services at various intervals.
With the right attitude, taking public transit can be a cultural experience. Many European cities boast friendly people who will gladly help you find your way around; so if you get lost, don’t be shy – ask for assistance!
One major benefit of public transport is that it encourages people to switch to greener modes of transport. This is especially significant, as Europe’s cars account for 25% of all transport emissions in the region.
On the continent of Africa, some countries have implemented fare-free public transport (FFPT) schemes. While these vary in their implementation and their effects, they all help reduce negative environmental effects associated with urban transport such as traffic congestion and air pollution.
