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> 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 Student Exchange Card (ISE)

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Image: Students traveling in Europe
Image by: mtnwa

Traveling through Europe can be very exciting. You keep jotting down all that you see and where all you have been by the Eurail. When you reach Paris you are pleasantly surprised that one of the student discount cards offers you discounts on the ticket to see the Eiffel Tower, up close and personal. Better still, while buying souvenirs for folks and friends back home you get meaty discounts on certain purchases. Now what kind of card could this be?
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What is an ISE?
Recognized worldwide, the International Student Exchange Card (ISE) is just like the ISIC that offers discounts to young travelers for domestic/ foreign travel.
The ISE Card is the only international identity card that guarantees its discounts are at par/ exceed the amount, as stated by any retail establishment and in competition to other student discount cards. In case you have made a purchase where you find the discount is more than offered on the ISE card, then you will be refunded double the amount and your ISE card validity extended for another year, free of cost.
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Discounts
Some of the benefits offered on an ISE card internationally are:

1. Discounts on sight seeing and tourist activities across Europe – such as 20% discount to all ISE Cardholders under the age of 25 and 20% on the Super Saver package on Mount Titlis in Switzerland etc.
2. Savings on the Eurail while traveling from one destination to another
3. Discounts on food, shopping, site seeing etc.
4. Calling card
5. Medical benefits
6. Hostel/ hotel reservations
7. Airline Bankruptcy Protection – being an ISE card holder, you will receive $2000 as airline bankruptcy protection on buying your air tickets.

Eligibility
There are three categories under which you can be eligible to apply for an ISE card:

Student – minimum age of 12 years and above. There is no upper limit, as long as the student is enrolled for a program for the current/ previous year.

Faculty/ teachers – all educational establishments are eligible to apply for an ISE card for their faculty and teachers. This is in case, our group ropes in a teacher to travel with them. (By the way, this is Merril’s idea.)

Under 26 years of age – this caters to those who are not students or faculty/ teachers, yet they are still eligible to apply for an ISE card – Youth Version. This Youth ISE Card does not provide discounts as it does for students/ teachers, but covers travel insurance and medical benefits.

Payment
You can buy an ISE card for $25 –Online – payment through debit/ credit cardPhone – (800) 255-8000 (toll free from North America and USA) and (480) 951-1177 (for all international calls)Mail – International Student Exchange Cards, Inc., 11043 N. Saint Andrew's Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Fax – (480) 951-1216. You have to download the order form (PDF format) form the website isecardAgent – You can contact your local student travel agent for an ISE card
In order to activate your ISE card, go to: isecard/activate

Documentation

• Photocopy of school identity card (it should be valid).
• Photocopy of your report card for the current academic year.
• Photocopy of proof of age, be it passport, driver’s license or student identity card, as long as your age is mentioned on it.
• Photocopy of your employment/ contract as a teacher/ faculty.

Europe Travel> Types of BritRail Passes

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Before heading for a Europe trip, a little bit of homework on other popular rail passes can be of help. Available in England, Scotland and Wales, this is one of the easiest ways to see Great Britain with a pass option that fits into any travel plan.

BritRail Classic

1. Available in Youth, Adult and Senior passes
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days
3. Also available in BriRail Flexipass – in Adult/ Child, Senior, Youth, Family, Family Senior and Party Pass
4. Age criteria for passes - BritRail Classic Youthpass – 26 years and below

BritRail Flexipass

1. Available in Youth, Adult and Senior passes
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days
3. Also available in BriRail Flexipass – in Adult/ Child, Senior, Youth, Family, Family Senior and Party Pass
4. Age criteria for passes - BritRail Classic Youthpass – 26 years and below

BritRail England Pass

1. BritRail England Pass offers you the flexibility of unlimited train travel throughout England at a more affordable cost, than a regular BritRail Pass
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days Age criteria for passes - Youth Pass - 16-25 years

BritRail England Flexipass

1. In a BritRail England Flexipass, you have the flexibility of non-consecutive train travel in a 2 month travel validity period throughout England however, this pass does not include Scotland and Wales
2. Travel days include 4, 8, 15, 22 or 30 days
3. Age criteria for passes - Youth Pass - 16-25 years

BritRail Regional
BritRail Ireland Pass:

1. Just like the BritRail Flexipass, this pass includes Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
2. This pass also entails the ferry crossing between England and Ireland
3. Includes 1st / 2nd class travel for any 5 or 10 days in a 1 month travel period

BritRail London Plus Pass:

1. This is a regional pass that covers most parts of southern England
2. This pass includes London, Oxford and Cambridge
3. Includes 1st/ 2nd class for any 2 or 4 days in an 8 day travel period
4. Or, 7 days in a 15 day travel period
5. This Pass is valid on both the Gatwick Express and the Stansted Express

BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass:

1. This pass allows you to travel all around Scotland
2. Includes 2nd class travel for any 4 days during a 8 day travel period
3. Or any 8 days during a 15 day travel period

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.

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.
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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.

Culture & Travel> Popular Historical Routes in Europe

Text by: Tanya Munshi
So you’re already in Europe and wondering from where to begin? Maybe you could set aside a weekend (if possible), to follow a trail that was once alive in the past. Here are a few destinations that some popular travel guides recommend.

Snowdon Mountain Railway: Wouldn’t you want to be a part of a 110 year old tradition? This very train has been known to ferry passengers cutting across the highest peaks of Snowdon.For more information go to Snowdon Railway

Severen Valley Railway: Follow the River Severen by the steam engine that will take you along the 26 km stretch, and crossing the famous Victoria Bridge.For more information go to Severen Valley Railway

North Yorkshire Moors Railway: More than 150 years old, this track will take you through a 29 km journey of forests, meadows and valleys from Pickering to Grosmont. For more information go to North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Bluebell Railway: This rail will take you from Lewes to East Grinstead. This journey too is a popular trail often taken by many travelers.For more information go to Bluebell Railway

The Royal Scotsman: Keep your travel journal and camera handy, as you’re going to love this. If you plan on visiting The Royal Scotsman, then gear up for a two day travel through the Highlands. A photographer’s delight, a scene of the archaic castles set amidst the green pastures.For more information go to Royal Scotsman

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