Traveling is the most exciting experience to embark upon, especially if you are crossing country borders. With great adventures comes greater responsibilities of making big decisions surrounding your travel diaries.

Traveling gives you a run for your money, so every decision you make will either save you money or break the bank. It is exactly why you need to be financially savvy to make the most of your trip.

One major aspect of traveling is getting from place to place. Transportation can cost far more than you anticipate and can be the largest travel budget buster. In this travel guide, we will run you through some of the most popular means of transport for travel in 2022.

Choosing the right means of transport for travel

1. Airplane

Traveling by plane is the only way to cross borders legally for most countries. This is the fastest way to reach places, especially long distances, but the most expensive as well. There are exceptions for some countries that allow tourists to enter by other means of transport, but it depends on where you are traveling from and your destination.

For example, the French territory is known to have a massive air network that joins most of the big to medium-sized cities. There are also domestic flights, also known as internal flights that are budget-friendly. On the other hand, Spain has convenient private options to commute from the cities to its airports, such as Malaga airport transfers to Marbella.

In order to board a plane, every passenger must carry their IDs and passports with permission to travel documents. Minors must have their own passports or IDs too. Please note that they can no longer travel using their parents’ passports.

If you are a pet owner, please note that they can only travel with you on domestic flights. All airlines have very strict terms and conditions in this regard, so it’s best to check with the airlines before confirming your travel plans.

2. Train

Using trains to travel between cities and within Europe is extremely common as it’s convenient and budget-friendly. These high-speed trains operate all year round so you can travel through Europe easily and quickly.

The best thing about traveling by train is that you don’t require any IDs; however, it’s necessary to travel with your travel documents for international travelers. The train is one of France’s most commonly used means of transport because of its simplicity and extensive network.

Another benefit of traveling by train is that it doesn’t require you to check in your luggage upon crossing the immigration counter. There’s no such process when traveling via trains. Although, it is essential to label the bags you are carrying to avoid losing them

Most of these trains across Europe have fantastic catering services, where you can buy food and drinks for long haul journeys. You are also allowed to travel with pets, given that you pay extra charges for this additional service.

Pro tip: For foreign travelers, you can get an intercity pass that will allow you to buy tickets at discounted rates. Check online or with agencies to find out more.

3. Bus

There are many package tours available that will take you to western European countries by bus. This is less popular if you compare it to other means of transport. But it is still a great way to explore most of the cities in Europe.

Travel time is much longer if you take the bus, which means that you will have to travel with ample supplies and materials that will keep you occupied during the journey. The buses usually stop during meal times so you can try some delicious eats from boutique cafes located in the countryside. At the same time, don’t forget to grab snacks for the road. Take bathroom breaks too if required.

If you are traveling with children, it’s good to pack extra clothes, water bottles, food on the go, and essential toiletries.

Another tip for travelers – it’s wise to factor in the weather conditions of your destination during the time of your travel. Visiting Europe for spring vacations is a wonderful time to experience blossoming trees and pleasant weather. So, plan yours accordingly.

4. Car

Driving is another convenient choice for tourists as the road signs are pretty straightforward, and following the map will easily take you to your destination. The best way to travel across Europe is to get a rental car and have the freedom to explore beautiful Europe on your terms. You can stop over any time to click pictures, take breaks, or check into a hotel if needed.

If you search online, you’ll find plenty of car rental services that allow you to return the car to a location where it’s convenient for you. You could even hire them for a day trip like touring Paris for a day. You could also sign up for additional services where you want to use the car for intercity or your entire Euro trip. For example, if you start your journey from Paris, you can return the car in Amsterdam.

Now, let’s talk about the type of vehicle best for your road trip. Before booking a car, you need to think about the number of passengers traveling with you. Perhaps, taking an SUV makes a lot of sense when driving across countries. It has more space, and you can easily accommodate all your luggage in the SUV.

If you are tight on budget, then get a sedan that will take you to places safely. You have to book a child’s car seat, depending on your child’s age. You must look into the road laws for parents traveling with children before you book your car.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of hiring a car in Europe. Generally, you can hire cars by the day, or by distance. There will be extra charges if you go beyond the hours or distance.

5. Motorhome

A motorhome also referred to as an RV (self-propelled recreational vehicle) offers mobile accommodation inside the vehicle. It is one of the most flexible means of transport for travel. You no longer have to pay for hotels, and you can take breaks freely, without worrying about finding accommodation. The vehicle can be parked anywhere you want, provided you follow the basic parking rules.

Please note that some tourist sites may not allow you to park your motorhome due to a lack of space. You may have to check where the parking location is before arriving at your destination.

6. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is cheap and perfect for solo travelers, although not the safest. It has risk factors involved. To avoid unpleasant encounters, you should take adequate precautions.

• Travel during the daytime. Bad experiences are less likely to occur during daylight, plus you can reach out for help if needed.
• Hitchhiking always takes longer than other transportation methods due to traveling with other people, who may cause delays.
• Please note that in various parts of Europe, such as France, it is illegal to use this mode of transport, especially under bridges and tunnels.
• An easy way to attract drivers on the motorway is to hold a sign that declares your destination. Try holding the sign near a motorway service area for best results.

Conclusion

Whether you’re going for a fancy hotel, budget-friendly motel, or Airbnb, flights always make up the main expense that takes up a considerable portion of your travel funds. So, it is best to think about how you will be traveling across Europe to ensure that you are saving your time and money for the best experience.

With so many options out there, some pricier than others, it’s not easy to choose the right means of transport for travel in 2022, particularly for first-time travelers. Make decisions based on what’s more important to you – budget or time?

Good luck and safe travels!