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> 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> 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.

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.

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.