The first step is to get to Europe from the United States. There are two methods used to travel to Europe from the United States, plane and boat. Boat tours to Europe normally involve a cruise of some sort, providing a small tour through a particular European region. For example, a Mediterranean trip stops in Spain, Italy and Greece. These tours usually remain regional and do not allow you to visit central Europe.
Travel by plane is the most efficient way to get to Europe from the United States. Many popular first destinations include: London, Paris, Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam. From these cities, traveling to other cities is easy, as these world-class metropolises offer car, bus and rail transportation. If you fly by plane, touring Europe becomes very personal; you chose the cities and the time.
Walking is the best transportation for very local travel like walking to a nearby café or musuem in a big city such as Barcelona or London. Bus transportation is much more available in Europe than in the United States and is one of Europe's more reliable forms of local transportation. If your destination is more than 20 or 30 city blocks, hopping a public transportation bus for a small fee is one of the easiest ways to explore a city.
Rail travel, or what is called a subway in the United States, is another method of transportation. In metropolises such as London, Paris, Madrid and most of the European capitals, there are massive networks of rail transportation. For a small fee, similar to what public transportation costs in the States, you can travel easily throughout your city of choice.
Many people tour multiple locations in Europe when visiting the continent. Plane travel, in most cases, is the fastest way to go from nation to nation; however, where you travel can increase the cost. If Nice in the South of France is among your travel plans, plane travel is more expensive than if you flew into Paris. If you plan on large-city hopping, plane travel is a very reliable and fast option.
Train travel is a popular and enjoyable way of travel throughout Europe, including rural and lesser-known locations, and if truly touring Europe is your goal, it is most likely the best option for you. On a train ride from Paris to Berlin, you will be able to see beautiful landscapes, small towns and farmland on your way. Train travel provides one of the most "up close and personal" looks at European landscapes while reaching your desired location. If you are planning on an extended stay in Europe of two or more weeks, purchasing a rail pass is a good idea. Each trip on the train costs money, but a rail pass can be purchased so that you can travel via train where ever and whenever you like. If you are less than 26 years of age, the cost is less expensive.
Having a car in Europe provides freedom of travel; you do not need train or plane tickets---you can just start the car and go. There is also an opportunity to tour Europe in a personal, "off the beaten track" way. While driving, you can stop and view anything that sparks your interest. Unfortunately, car renting in Europe is notoriously expensive. There are special programs in Europe that help affordability if you plan on having the car for more than 17 days. This is called a lease buyback program; you get a brand-new car and insurance. Two renowned European car companies offer a lease buyback program: Renault and Peugeot. However, car travel usually comes with gas and accommodation fees that you would not incur through the other means of transportation.
