Europe Travel> Eurail National Pass

Image: Visit a European country
Credit: Absolutwade

Text by: Tanya Munshi
If time is a constraint and you still want to see Europe, you have done the right thing by planning a visit to a dream destination. This is where a Eurail National Pass comes handy. The Eurail National Pass is a single country pass by which you can enjoy one particular European country in a short span of time.

You can avail of passes for the following countries:

• Benelux
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Finland
• Greece
• Holland
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Spain
• Sweden

Overall, these Eurail National Passes offer you unlimited rail travel within a particular country. You can utilize such passes for a specific number of days within one month travel period. Also, with every Eurail Pass that you buy, you get a free Eurail Traveler's Guide, a railroad map of Europe and a Eurail Timetable with a listing of main rail connections in Europe. Travel guides such as these can help you in charting out your travel plans.

Europe Travel> Eurail Regional Pass

Image: Europe in a flash

Image by: islodelba
Text by: Tanya Munshi

Do you want to explore Europe but don’t have enough time? Maybe you can try the Eurail Regional Pass. The Eurail Regional Pass is ideal to travel and see a small part of Europe in a short time. Eurail offers 20 Regional Passes, thereby providing you with a chance to visit two or more countries.

The Eurail Regional Pass entails:

• Unlimited travel in one of the 20 available country combinations
• Travel for 3 up to 10 days within 2 months

You can avail of passes for the following country combinations:

1. Austria - Croatia/Slovenia
2. Austria - Czech Republic
3. Austria - Germany
4. Austria - Hungary
5. Austria - Switzerland
6. Benelux - France
7. Benelux - Germany
8. Croatia/Slovenia - Hungary
9. Czech Republic - Germany
10. Denmark - Germany
11. France - Germany
12. France - Italy
13. France - Spain
14. France - Switzerland
15. Germany - Poland
16. Germany - Switzerland
17. Greece - Italy
18. Hungary - Romania
19. Italy - Spain
20. Portugal - Spain

Europe Travel> Eurail Select Pass

Image: Eurailing across the Continent
Image by: Miss Rouge

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Do you want a good deal from a Eurail pass? Then go for a Eurail Select Pass that allows you to see some neighboring countries apart from the usual route. In this pass, you can choose 3, 4 or 5 countries and cover them in 5, 6, 8 or 10 travel days within the two month validity. You can also choose a 15 day travel option if you wish to see 5 countries.

The countries to choose from are:

• Austria (including Liechtenstein)
• Belgium/Netherlands/Luxemburg
• Bulgaria/Montenegro/Serbia
• Croatia/Slovenia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France (including Monaco)
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Norway
• Portugal
• Republic of Ireland
• Romania
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Neighboring Countries
There are in all 23 countries that are connected by train/ ship. But here you need to select two countries that must be linked by a direct train and are part of the Eurail offer. Ireland is an exception to this rule, which can be combined with Benelux, even though there is no direct rail or boat link.

Select Pass for 3 Countries
You can select three countries out of 23 European countries for a span of 5, 6, 8 or 10 travel days within a 2-month period.

Select Pass for 4 Countries
You can select four countries out of 23 European countries for a span of 5, 6, 8 or 10 travel days within a 2-month period.

Select Pass for 5 Countries
You can select five countries out of 23 European countries for a span of 5, 6, 8, 10 or 15 travel days within a 2-month period.

Types of Eurail Select Passes
Each Eurail Select pass – 3, 4 and 5 countries have the following types of passes:

• Select Pass Countries Adult
• Select Pass Countries Saver, and
• Select Pass Countries Youth

The overall common travel clauses are:

1. The countries must be connected by rail/ ship
2. The traveler needs to be 26 years or older on the day of travel to avail of an Adult Pass
3. Super saver passes are offered to travelers who are traveling in a group of two or more
4. To avail of youth passes, one can be traveling individually or in a group, provided he/ she is 25 years or younger on the day of travel
5. There are discounts offered on group/ youth travel depending on the number of countries they are visiting

Europe Travel> Eurail Global Pass

Image: Travelling across Europe

Image by: Mis Roug

Text by: Tanya Munshi

A Eurail Global Pass allows you an extensive traveling opportunity across the European continent. Is this a kind of rail pass that you're looking for?

An unlimited travel that allows you to cover around 18 Global Pass countries starting from –

• Austria (including Liechtenstein)
  
• Belgium
  
• Denmark
  
• Finland
  
• France (including Monaco)
  
• Germany
  
• Greece
  
• Hungary
  
• Italy
  
• Luxembourg
  
• The Netherlands
  
• Norway
  
• Portugal
  
• Republic of Ireland
  
• Romania
  
• Spain
  
• Sweden, and
  
• Switzerland

Validity

The validity of the Global Pass varies from –

• 15 days
  
• 21 days
  
• 1 month
  
• 2 months
  
• 3 months
  
• 10 days in 2 months
  
• 15 days in 2 months
  

Types of Eurail Global Passes

The types of Eurail Global Pass range from –

1. Adult Passes: for individual travelers who are 26 years or older on their first day of travel
   
2. Saver Passes: for group travelers
   
3. Youth Passes: for individual/ group travelers who are 25 or younger on their first day of travel

Europe Travel> Know the Airport Rules

Image: Security check at the airport

Image by: Redjar

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Beginning September 26, 2006, certain amendments in the airport security rules have been made. The Transport Security Administration (TSA), have lifted their ban on certain hang-baggage rules. Here are some vital points you need to know before you pack.

• Ensure the gels, deodorants, lotions etc. are within 3 ounces/ smaller in size.
• Note that half used/ rolled toothpaste tubes in your toiletry bag is not permitted in your hand baggage.
• Pack all the gels, deodorants, lotions etc. in a separate zip-lock/ air-tight transparent bag. The sizes of these bags should be quart size, anything larger than this size, like a gallon size bag, non-transparent bag etc. are not permitted.
• You have to remove this zip-lock bag and place it on the tray for an x-ray screening to allow the airport security personnel to check your belongings.
• Carry your medical prescriptions for any kind of over the counter drugs (OTCD). The list of items that can fall under OTCD are – eye drops, saline solutions etc.
• In case your medicines exceed the 3 ounce size limit, you must declare it to the security personnel. In such cases, keep your prescriptions ready.
• There is no problem on carrying medicines such as pills and inhalers. But keep your prescriptions ready during the screening process.
• You can choose not to send your medicines through the x-ray. In such cases, you can ask for a visual inspection by the security officer. This would depend on the type of medication you are carrying.

As the Transport Security Administration (TSA) suggests the 3-1-1 for your hand luggage/ carry ons.

• 3 ounce bottles or less
• 1 quart size zip-lock/ air tight plastic bag
• 1 hand baggage/ carry on per passenger

For more information regarding prohibited and permitted items go to TSA

Europe Travel> Posing for your Visa photo

Image: Tips to get your visa photo done

Image by: Chadrogers

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Here are some handy tips that travel experts recommend while going in for a passport size photograph.

Your face has to show clearly. So, a well combed hair and a neat shirt should do the trick. Avoid hair covering your face or smiling too much at the camera. As far as possible keep a straight face. Avoid the happy expressions.

Usually, embassies prefer passport photos with a white backdrop. While this criterion may differ from one embassy to another, it’s best to research before going in for a passport photograph. In fact, some embassies and travel agents have photo booths to take your photographs, but this can cost a bomb as compared to your local photo studio.

Editor's note: Compare rail pass prices at the cheapest source of rail passes online: Rail Pass and Rail Europe.

Europe Travel> What to pack for a Europe trip

Image: A checklist before packing for a Europe trip

Image by: Mil8

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Ready, steady and hop on to the Eurail. Your pulse is racing and you are excited as you embark upon a journey to see a beautiful continent. The best time to visit Europe is in the summers, where the balmy sun will keep your spirits high.

But before all this, it’s important to pack wisely. So here are some handy hints –

Backpack: Start with a backpack. Consider it as an investment so buy a good quality backpack that will not wear out during your trip.

Documentation: Set aside your passport, travel passes, air and train tickets, student identity cards etc. Localize them into one single place where you can find them when you need them. To be on the safer side, keep a photo copy of all these documents separately in your bag.

Sealable plastic bags: Carry all your toiletries in sealed plastic bags to prevent them from leaking and spoiling your clothes and accessories.

Maps & Calendars: Get hold of city maps, road maps and the Eurail route maps to help you decide where all you want to go. A foldable paper calendar can be used to jot down your travel plans and view them at a glance.

Guide books & Address books: The source of your research could be guide books, internet downloads, inputs from previous travelers and better still getting hold of their travel book where they have jotted down everything in detail. Address books come handy to drop in a line or call back home in case of an emergency.

Linen: If possible, carry a couple of bed sheets and inflatable pillows that you can use at a hostel. At times, hostel beds may not be as clean.

Medication: To prevent any sickness during your trip, carry medicines along with a doctor’s prescription. Just in case you are searched by security personnel, then your possession of medicines should be justified.

Money matters: Traveler’s checks, ATM/ Debit cards and some amount of cash (maybe up to $400) should be with you at all times.

Checklist for general items –

1. A small lock for a locker in the hostel.
   
2. An umbrella to take shelter from the rain or if the sun gets unbearable.
   
3. A small flashlight to help you through the dark.
   
4. A couple of good novels to drive boredom blues away.
   
5. Mobile phone, iPod, laptop/ notebook to keep you connected.
   
6. Insect repellents, first aid kit, sunscreen lotions and sunglasses are a must.
   
7. A travel journal and a camera to keep memories with you forever.

Note: You can compare rail pass prices at the cheapest source of rail passes online: Rail Pass and Rail Europe.

Europe Travel> How to Choose a Travel Website

Image: Flight
Image by: Leginmat

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Getting the cheapest airfare for travel can be the hardest part. Hence a thorough online research will help you find the cheapest airfare and discounts. And how do you go about this hunt? A range of travel portals will give you options of itinerary and its respective fares. But then again, you are faced with another dilemma as to which is the best travel portal!

Here are some tips to help you find reliable websites that will offer you a good deal on airfares:

1. Check if the travel website is registered under any authoritative body – such as the Better Business Bureau.
2. Some travel websites have a tie-up with several universities and only specialize in student traveling. These websites are worth a try.
3. Read up testimonials for the given website to give you an idea of the services and fares offered by that site.
4. Remember, you need to be a student to avail of special airfares, so try not faking any details. Usually the travel website will verify your details from your school for further processing.
5. Check whether the special discount rates offered to you are inclusive all taxes.
6. Student travel websites should offer valuable inputs and updated travel information to its readers.
7. Ideally, a travel website should offer you flexible options such as – date change, one way fares, and open tickets etc.
8. The travel website should be able to provide you with links to other local/ international travel agencies, hostels and hotels in Europe for you to make prior bookings once you reach there.
9. And yes, don’t forget to bookmark the sites that you have short listed.
10. Popular student travel websites worth checking out are –
    ~ Studentuniverse
    ~ STAtravel
    ~ Travelcuts

Europe Travel> Hostel Discount Cards

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Traveling long distance by the Eurail can make you tired and a need for a good night sleep. You look for the best option available that is a combination of a comfortable room and saving yourself some dough. Maybe you could try using a hostel discount card.

What is a hostel discount card?
With a hostel discount card, you can avail of discounts for a few hostel bunk nights including some additional benefits. These discounts and additional benefits may vary from hostel to hostel. Before signing up for a hostel discount card, its better to find out the kind of discounts offered. Sometimes hostel discount cards only waive off the booking fees. So read the fine print.
There are two kinds of hostel cards that can come handy during your Europe trip -

Hostels of Europe Discount Card: this card offers a discount of $2 for online hostel bookings only. No extra discounts are offered by the hostel.
For more information go to Hotelsofeurope

YHA/ HI Hostels: Youth Hostelling Associations (YHA)/ Hostelling International (HI) are a part of the International Youth Hostel Federation. As a result, hostels under this board stick to certain standards. You can apply for an annual membership of an HI Hostel for about $28.

Europe Travel> International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)

Image: Part time student travel discount card
Image by: mtnwa

Text by: Tanya Munshi

If you're a part time student and wish to travel in Europe, you can look for a student discount card meant just for you. So wipe off the frown from your face, just because you are not eligible for an ISIC. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is meant particularly for full time students. So here's what you can go for and fullfil your desire of traveling across Europe by the Eurail.
2
What is an IYTC?

You can apply for the International Youth Travel Card or the IYTC, which is an exclusive travel card meant for part time students. With an IYTC, you can save money during your Europe trip through discounts on travel, boarding and lodging.
1

Discounts

The International Youth Travel Card is issued by the ISIC. The discounts offered by the IYTC may not be as wide ranging as the ISIC, but its worth checking out –

1. Travel insurance
2. Discounts on airfare international/ domestic
3. Discounts on food, shopping and stay
4. Eligible for 24 hour Traveler’s Assistance Help Line – this includes legal, financial and medical emergencies
5. You can call the Help Line at 44 181 666 9205, which is a free 24 hour service exclusively offered to IYTC card holders

ISIConnect – international calling card, can also be used for internet, fax and voicemail
3
Eligibility
To be eligible for an IYTC, you need to 12 years or older, up to the age of 26.
4
Payment
Your IYTC card will cost you $22 and will be valid for one year, from the date of purchase.
5
Documentation

1. IYTC application form
2. Passport size photo
3. Proof of your age:
   - Photocopy of passport/ birth certificate/ driver's license

Europe Travel> One night in a train

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Are you planning to travel through Europe especially at night? Here are some travel tips to give you an idea to explore Europe.

Cisalpine
Have you thought of traveling by the Cisalpine? This train guarantees one of the most comfortable train journeys with the lowest possible noise decibels. The Cisalpine train connects Northern Italian cities such as Venice, Florence and Milan, including Switzerland. It has a capacity of 475 seats in first and second class, with complimentary newspapers and magazines offered in first class travel. Power sockets are also provided in the first class compartments for those who wish to catch up on work/ contacts back home.

Euro Night Train
Usually these Euro Night trains are more popular. This is because, while you travel at night, by the time you reach a new destination in the morning, you have the entire day to explore. First class sleepers are equipped with berths, wash basin, fresh linens and towels. For the second class sleepers, wash rooms are provided at the end of each car.

Reservation tips

1. You need to reserve your seats for sleepers or couchettes, especially on all night trains.
2. You need to book your seats at least 60 days in advance of the date of travel.
3. Couchettes are equipped with open bunks in a compartment, with a pillow and blanket.
4. Usually first class accommodation is enough for two people.
5. Second class accommodation is enough for two to four people, so ideal for a group travel.

Europe Travel> Traveling solo in Europe

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Believe it or not, but it is an experience of a lifetime. Getting to be in a whole new country all by yourself, with only you and your conscience tasting an entirely different culture and way of living, is quite exhilarating. There are thousands of people young and old traveling across Europe, out which the number of solo women travelers is quite overwhelming. Hence, one should not find it hard to comprehend if your girlfriend/ daughter/ sister wants to travel to Europe all by herself. In fact, several women across America prefer traveling solo. So here are some tips for first time solo women travelers to keep in mind while heading out.

It’s very important that as a solo woman traveler you are on your guard. As far as possible, avoid too much of eye contact with other fellow travelers/ localities if you’re not too sure of their background.

If you come across any person whom you instinctively don’t like, avoid telling him/ her that you’re traveling solo. Tell the person you will be shortly joined by a friend in the next destination. Best would be, to avoid telling just anyone whom you meet that you’re a solo traveler.

Before heading out solo, inform your folks/ friends back home of your whereabouts. Keep your identification, address, and emergency contact numbers handy for any kind of emergency.

It’s always advisable that you check before hand with a taxi the total fare from your hotel/ hostel to the next destination. This will prevent your taxi driver from charging you extra at the end of the journey.

Dress up simple and neat. The idea is to not attract too much of attention, hence avoid revealing clothes, flashy gadgets like your latest cell phone, jewellery etc.

Preferably try and ask for directions from the tourist information booths only. At least the inputs that you get will be reliable.

Be very clear before hand where your next destination will be. Do your research by asking the hostel owner, tourist booth, read up maps etc and look confident when hailing a taxi or taking a bus ride.

Keep a first aid kit, medicine kit handy in your back pack. Whatever it is, avoid sharing any lotion, water from a fellow traveler. Carry your own supplies.

It is no longer a popular trend to hitch a ride while traveling solo. It is not only unsafe, but you never know where hitching a ride maybe illegal.

But to avoid all this, it’s best you get hold of a bus pass, if you wish to travel by road. Or make friends with a fellow woman traveler and share a taxi or hire a car.

For a solo traveler, finding a single room for stay can be a little tough. Check for the room rates at the hotel/ hostel price list. Single rooms are the cheapest but may not be all that comfortable. If you have a flexible budget then paying a little extra for a bigger/ better room should be a good idea.

Finally, before setting out on your Europe trip, talk to people who have been on similar trips before and do enough online research so that you know what to expect upon reaching there.

Europe Travel> How to find a hostel

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Backpacking and traveling across Europe is fun and adventurous. You open your mind to a whole new life, a country so beautiful that will enrich your life for ever. But backpacking and traveling low budget does have its own side effects, especially when it comes to a place of stay.

Hostels are predominantly meant for backpackers who are traveling across Europe within a specific budget. These hostels are equipped with rooms, bunk beds, showers, security and also offer an opportunity to meet like minded travelers.

Since these are budget stays, hostels provide you with the basic amenities. Ensure the hostel that you plan on staying has dining areas, bathrooms, cooking area, laundry, lockers and in some cases, tourist booths and internet access. Remember, most hostels don’t offer you frills such as – room service and may/ may not provide towels. If at all they do, you may have to pay a towel deposit.

Keep your mind open as some hostels maybe spotlessly clean or may not match up to your expectations. Check with the hostel if they have any curfew time, so that you don’t run into trouble during late nights.

A typical hostel/ hotel should have all kinds of rooms – budget, single, sharing etc. At times, double occupancy rooms maybe taken up by couples out on a weekend trip, while single rooms taken up by budget businessmen.

Before paying for a room, ask if you can see the rooms. Check if the door locks work fine, whether the kitchens and bathrooms are clean and hygienic and beds made neatly with clean sheets. Small details such as these make a lot of difference in your overall Europe travel.

Before putting up in a hostel ask for their rules and regulations – especially the ones concerning deposits and refunds. Just in case you don’t like the place, you know you can leave anytime with your deposit in return. There are instances where hostels don’t refund any money, if you have paid them in advance. So it’s best to check for such minor, but important details beforehand.

These places may not be the best of the places to stay that you have imagined, but this is what most backpackers do. After all, you don’t live here for too long. A night or two, or maybe even more and you’re off to your next destination on your map.

Travel & Culture> Walled Cities of Europe

Image: A view of Girona from the City Wall

Image by: Malouette





Text by: Tanya Munshi

Planning a theme for your Europe trip? Maybe you could plan a trip to the famous European walled cities. Here are some of the best European walled cities that travel guides recommend.

The Walled City of Catalonia, Girona, Spain – Girona is worth a visit. This city is interesting with a confluence of several cultures of Christians, Jews and Arabs. Originally a Roman empire, Girona gradually evolved as a medieval centre in the later years. Girona is known for its amazing architecture and gems.

The Walls of Girona had been destroyed and re-constructed in the 19th century. The passeig de la Muralla or the Walled Walk is open between 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. The Passeig Arqueologic, is another wall walk on the outside of the town walls, that gives you a view of the old city lined with flowers and cypress trees.

It only takes about an hour to reach Girona and is situated to the north of Barcelona, in the Catalonia region. With limited options for boarding and lodging, it is advisable that you visit Girona with prior bookings.
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The Walled City of Rhodes, Greece – The city of Rome, is draped by medieval walls of seven gates, a moat and castle. Also known as Rodos, this is a walled city situated on the coast of the island of Rhodes. The Knights of Saint John had taken shelter inside the Rhodes Walls in 1309 when they were exiled from the Holy Land.
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Carcassonne France Walled City – Probably the only place, where you can find 6th, 7th and 8th century walls. A beautiful medieval hilltop town, Caracassonne is situated near the canal du midi that has been entered in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A small town, Carcassonne is situated south of Paris bordering Cathar County. A river, castle ruins, and the lit up La Cite at night makes this a memorable experience.
3
Avila - Walled City in Castile-Leon, Spain – A day trip from Madrid to Avila is enough to visit one of the best persevered walled cities in Spain. The Walls of Avila date back to the 11th century and has been declared as a World Heritage Site. Here, apart from the Walls of Avila, you can also visit the Cathedral and Museum and the Monastery of Santo Tamas de Avila. You can hop on to a train that runs 24 hours from Chamartin Station in Madrid to Avila.
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The Walled City of Luca, Italy – Luca is a cozy town enveloped by 16th century walls that you can walk around. In the town of Luca, you can also cycle or walk along the three mile stretch of these historic walls.

Travel & Culture> Magic of the Moors

Image: La Giralda de Sevilla

Image by: Cayetano

Text by: Tanya Munshi
When you visit Spain, you will find an indelible mark of the Moors, right from well planned cities, architecture, food (especially the lamb stew), gardens, walkways and squares all over the cities.

The Moors had spent a lot of effort in planning the city; mainly irrigation that kept the vineyards, gardens and orchards alive. You can still see the horticultural expanse in the Patio de los Naranjos or the Court of Oranges, in the city and at Medina Azarhara.

There was an amazing amalgamation of Spain’s Muslim and Christian cultures. Beginning from the 9th century, within a short span of time there evolved an ever so elegant form of architecture. Even now you will find pavilions with Gothic and Arabic inscriptions.

The Great Mosque: The ‘La Mezquita’ or the Great Mosque in Cordoba was known to be the largest mosque in the world, after the Kaaba in Mecca. It has now been converted into a cathedral after the Christian Reconquest in 1236. After all these years, it has stilled regained its grandeur with the Baroque style of architecture.

La Giralda: Seville too has the reminiscence of the Moorish architecture, especially the La Giralda. A 92 meters or 320 feet high minaret that was built around 50 years before the Christian Reconquest, is now used as a tower for the cathedral.

Gate of Justice: One of the finest Islamic architectures in Granada, is the baronial Gate of Justice. The entrance is surrounded by thick woods that were planted by the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular Wars.

Royal Palace: Or the Casa Real in Granada is built entirely on wood and stucco, adorned with fine and intricate designs, patterns and calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Koran. This architecture is a perfect example of symmetry, order and principal themes of fountains and pools that offered a perfect respite from the heat and dust.

Albaicin: A settlement found in Granada, Albaicin was set up by the Moors who were driven from Baeza in the 1200s. Their signature styles of horseshoe arches are still present on the city gates and the western wall of the old Moorish bastion.

Food & Travel> Waffles, Frites and Belgium

Image: Melt-in-the-mouth waffles

Image by: Belgian Chocolate

Text by: Tanya Munshi


History has played a significant role in influencing the food habits in Belgium. German, French and Latin cultures have a dominant presence in their food habits. Over the years, the natives came across a wide range of people from all across Europe. Through several experiments they evolved their own food habits and style. With just five percent of agricultural population, Belgium produces over 165 different kinds’ food products, including cheeses. Follow the Eurail map and land up in Belgium to feast on the delicious cuisines!

While visiting Belgium try out the Frites (French fries) and Flemish beef stew. Sea food, especially mussels is a favorite, along with beer, waffles and chocolates. Don’t miss the carbonnades flamandes which is the traditional Belgium beef stew with beer.

Characterized by the medieval cooking style, Belgium cuisine incorporates a lot of dry fruits, almonds, herbs, spices, mustard and vinegar. The endive herb dishes such as gratin or in soup, are a must try.

More popularly known as the white gold, endive was first introduced in Paris in 1872. Today this herb is cultivated in Belgium, in a variety of patches, be it in the fields or in kitchen gardens.
During your trip to Belgium, try the Waterzooi which is a fish or a chicken stew, flavored with butter, cream and egg yolk and lots of veggies that makes this a wholesome meal.

Roasted chestnuts, waffles and frites are popular road side food! During a window shopping spree, pick up paper cones full of frites garnished with mayonnaise or a flavored sauce. Did we miss the waffles? The waffles taste divine, especially when they melt in your mouth. Take a lazy stroll while the aroma of roasted chestnuts adds to the ambience of gorgeous Belgium.

Note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.

Travel & Culture> A Souvenir Guide for Europe

Image: Beer stein shopping in Germany
Image by: Sherrifmitchell

Text by: Tanya Munshi

If you plan on buying souvenirs from Europe, you need to either have enough space in your bag, or maybe take an empty foldable bag along, which you can use to bring back goodies. Wherever you touch base, you would most certainly like to pick up something to remember the place by. Now a souvenir need not be anything fancy or expensive, as long as it represents the place you have visited. As far as possible, stick to the most basic items like hand crafted, home made type of products. It should have the essence of the place of its origin. Of course, refrigerator magnets top the charts of souvenirs, but there’s no harm in looking beyond.

Here is a list of goodies that you can pick up, whatever catches your fancy and fits your pocket!

Note: If you wish to buy any jewelry ask for the authentication certificate. Check for terms and conditions for bringing spices/ food products back to your home country. Usually a government run souvenir store will help you in selecting items, in conformity with the travel regulations. Museum gift shops are also one of the best and the safest places to pick up souvenirs to bring back home.

Austria: Buy wine, traditional costume belts, beautifully embroidered scarves and linen. Porcelain, enamel jewelry and wool.

Czech Republic: Porcelains, crystals, reproductions of Art Nouvea Alfons Mucha and contemporary art work, hand crafted, detailed marionettes and puppets. Don’t miss the Dr. Stuart’s Botanicus chain of bath and beauty products.

England: You can pick up ceramics, the Royal Family memorabilia, splurge a little and pick up some Body Shop products if you like.

France: A visit to the Baccarat Museum should give you an idea how to choose and buy crystals. Keeping Lalique, Saint-Louis crystals as options, why not have a look at the scarves, ties, lingerie, wine, Krug champagne and perfumes.

Germany: There’s a wide variety to choose from wooden gift articles like cuckoo birds, soldiers, German Smokers, Nutcrackers, Christmas Pyramids, Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks. Don’t forget the beer steins.

Greece: Silver jewelry, leather bags, small pans and pots from kitchenware stores and flokati rugs. If you think pens and pencils can be souvenirs, then buy Bics from their local stationary stores. Try and get yourself some really nice lip balms if possible.

Ireland: Pick up Waterford crystals, Irish Figurines such as Leprechauns, Pixies, Gnomes and Fairies, silver jewelry, watches and rings. You can also add lace, linen, Belleek Pottery, Hummels, Donegal tweeds and woolens. If it fancies you, pick up a few CDs of traditional Irish music.

Italy: From miniature monuments like Bridge of Sighs, Bridge of Rialto, religious figurines are also popular choices like angels with flute. You can also pick up coffee pots, lampshades, art and ceramic ware. Leather from Florence and glasses and lace from Venice are also great for souvenir shopping.

Netherlands: Apart from the famous wooden shoes, you can also pick up reprints of Van Gogh’s work. Delftware ceramics, crystals from Leerdam and Maastricht, antiques to cheese and chocolates.

Scotland: Amongst the whisky, silver jewelry, woolens and tweeds, the Scottish thistle is just one of those things that catch your eye.

Spain: You can pick up sherry hailing from Jerez, south of Spain, ceramics, tiles, porcelain figures, art work and designer clothes.

Switzerland: A wide variety of Swiss cheese and chocolates to choose from, you can also pick up watches, clocks, bells, wood work, jackets and the Swiss Alps cap.

Note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.

Culture & Food> What's Britain's Food Type

Image: Delicious fish and chips
Image by: Yahny in London

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Mainly constituting of four countries in the northwestern Europe - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the cuisine style is an amalgamation of these four regions. Simple, yet wholesome, the food available here has a touch of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines as well.

Be it Yorkshire pudding, soup or pie, there’s a wide range to choose from. Kidney pie, Plum Pudding, Beefsteak, are popular. Fish and sea food are also staple diets with salmon and prawns topping the charts, while in meats, its lamb, mutton and wild fowl.

Fish and chips is a popular dish that is made of batter fried fish, served with fried potato chips. Usually, fish and chips is not prepared at home, but bought at a fish and chip shop, known as the ‘chippie’, and it is more of a takeaway menu.

The Yorkshire Pudding, as the name suggests is not a dessert, but a main dish. The Toad-in-a-Hole dish shares popularity with the Yorkshire Pudding and is made of sausages that are covered with batter before cooking.

Don’t miss the Shepard’s Pie, a wholesome dish made of mince meat, vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. Cakes, buns and cheese such as Cheshire Cheese, Chelsea Buns and Eccles Cakes are the baked goodies that you should try.

Travel & Culture> A Vsit to Belgium

Image: Picture perfect from Bruges
Image by: Spo0nman

Text by: Tanya Munshi

The Kingdom of Belgium has something for every traveler. The beer and chocolate is just the tip of the ice berg, look closely and you’ll find a variety. While planning your Eurail trip, see if you can drop by at Belgium.

1. Antwerp: One of the largest sea ports of the world and the second largest in the European Union, Antwerp is one of the busiest ports for cargo shipping and oil refineries. Here, monuments bear testimony of the Golden Era of Antwerp dating back to the 16th century. Many of the monuments survived the harshness of the World War II, and today a tourist will be awed at some of the heritage that has been preserved. Apart from being the diamonds centre of the world, Antwerp is also famous for Belgian tapestry, a six century old art form is still popular today.

2. Brussels: It’s the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium, and the head quarters for the French and Flemish Communities. French and Dutch being the official languages of the city, you will notice all the street names and traffic signs written in these two languages. The Grand’Place is quite popular amongst the plenty of museums and sight seeing spots. Summer nights are times when the Grand’Place hosts the sound and light show. In fact, several events and shows are frequently held at the Grand’Place throughout the year. The best way to enjoy Brussels is to take long walks, dig into hot waffles or perhaps enjoy delicious seafood. With pubs and cafés aplenty, shop for souvenirs or designer clothes, whatever catches your fancy, Brussels is a good stop over.

3. Bruges: Its well preserved medieval architecture makes Bruges a popular tourist destination in Europe. More often known as the Venice of the North, Bruges has been listed in the World Heritage Site for the years 2000 and 2002. Hop on for guided canal boat trips, a visit to the brewery De Halve Maan (since 1856) and the Bruges Diamond house and complete it with a sightseeing tour.

4. Ghent: The fourth largest city in Belgium Ghent is also a popular hub for Flemish culture amongst the student population. Ghent is renowned for its export of the most beautiful begonias and azaleas all over the world. This flower city of Belgium draws in tourists and locals to the Gentse Floralien or the Ghent Flower Show, held once in every five years.

Editor’s note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.

Travel & Culture> Markets of Europe

Image: Temple Bar at night
Image by: Infomatique

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Traveling to Europe involves sight seeing, experimenting with different kinds of cuisines, shopping and much more. The best way to feel the pulse of a country, city or town is to go to a local market place (not a supermarket or a mall) and watch the lives of the locals go by. You can window shop, munch on a fruit, taste an exotic local dish, buy some souvenirs, take lots of photographs and add them to your memories.
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1. Belfast, Northern Ireland, St. George Market at Oxford Street:

Voted as one of the best UK markets in 2004, this market has around 248 stalls. From meat, seafood, fresh veggies and beautiful flowers, there are stalls dedicated to antique items, clothes and jewellery as well. The first Saturday of every month has a live cookery performance by one of the best chefs in town at noon.

2. Birmingham, West Midlands, England Wellsbourne Market (Avon):

It’s a huge market, mostly open on Saturdays and bank holidays. It has almost everything from books, cards, camping gear, clothes, shoes and electronics. Bargaining here is highly recommended. Situated on an airfield, Wellsbourne Market can get very windy and uncomfortable when it starts raining.
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Antique Fairs: If you’re interested in antique items, then this is a place to visit.
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Rag Market: Want to pick up toiletries, camping gear, herbs and spices, branded make up, CDs, designer clothes or maybe even second hand clothes, then drop by at the Rag Market. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, look around before you buy.

3. Cardiff, Wales, Queen Street:

Cardiff has been rated as one of the top five shopping cities in the UK. At Queen Street you can pick up branded watches, designer clothes, cameras etc.

4. Dublin, Ireland, Temple Bar:

To the south of the River Liffey, Temple Bar is situated in central Dublin in Ireland. With narrow cobbled streets, Temple Bar is a popular hangout for tourists for its zippy nightlife.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Flowermarket Amsterdam:

A place for souvenirs and beautiful flowers, Flowermarket is situated in the city centre of Amsterdam. It is recommended that you buy flower bulbs with certification only, if you wish to bring back home. Summer is the time when the Flowermarket is full of vibrant colors. This is a popular place where everyone comes to buy their Christmas tree. The market is open on all days, Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Sundays 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.

6. Barcelona, Spain, La Boqueria:

A food lover’s paradise, La Boqueria is one stop destination to buy veggies, fruits, meat and fish. This market is frequently visited by the best chefs in town. If you want to do something different, then take a walk down La Boqueria and have a good time tasting food and filling your tummy.
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Las Ramblas: A part of the wide pedestrian avenues, Las Rambla de les Flors is one of the 5 Ramblas. If you’re visiting Barcelona, it would be a crime to not make a trip to Las Ramblas. You can pick up something you like, or simply stick to window shopping and watch the ‘living statues’, flower shops and pet shops.

7. Berlin, Germany, Tiergarten Fleamarket:

One of he most colorful and the biggest markets of Berlin, the Tiergarten Fleamarket is mainly open on weekends and bank holidays. This market is divided into two sections. The first part has shops sporting antique items, clothes, furniture etc. while the second part is full of artisans of all kinds. It is advisable to go early to get the best bargains on antiques. But if you’re only interested in looking around, then pay a visit during the peak hours of 1:00 pm and enjoy the energy of the market place.

8. Paris, France, Marche aux puces de Saint-Quenn:

A fun place to shop and get good deals on branded and second hand clothes, old radios, antiques and what not. There are two more main flea markets in Paris – Porte de St-Quenn and Porte de Clignancourt. The puces de Saint Quenn is a home to second hand mattresses, old junk and the like. The shops are open on Saturdays and Sundays, on Mondays most of the shops are closed. Sundays are the busiest days of the week and it is also very crowded.

9. Vienna, Austria, Meinl am Graben:

Famous for coffee and the quality of food, Meinl am Graben is also home to an amazing stock of wine. By midnight, the Wine Cellar is transformed into an up market wine bar. Here different kinds of wines are offered for tasting every fortnight. From the wide range of wines, you can pick the ones that fit your budget. You can also whet your appetite at the sushi bar, health cafes, or a coffee shop that sells Viennese coffee, made from Meinl coffee beans. This is slightly an up market area, but worth a visit to get the real essence of Vienna.
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Published in Eurailing.com, on June 18, 2007
Link: http://www.eurailing.com/category/Travel-Guides/Markets-of-Europe/