Germany
The Key Tips for Deutsche Bahn—And Getting Cheaper, Smoother Rides on German Trains
Trains from the German national operator Deutsche Bahn are definitely the most comfortable way to travel the country—and often also cheap, especially with some good strategies. Photo of this ICE train by Michael Hanisch. I have long used trains as the most cost-effective and convenient way to get around Germany. I go by car and …
Is a Eurail / Interrail Pass Worth It Any More? Price Comparison Results
Me, the cheapskate traveler, just before boarding an Iryo train in Barcelona Sants. Iryo is one of the newer operators that can take you around Spain and Catalonia cheaply, but, like other private operators, is not available on any Eurail or Interrail pass. Eurail and Interrail passes seem like a bit of an anachronism, now …
Senior Savings on European Train Travel: The Ultimate Guide to the Discounts
Savvy seniors over the age of 60 can get a range of discounts on the European railroads. For frequent travel in a specific country, you can purchase a country-specific senior discount pass. There are also Interrail and Eurail discounts that work out OK for heavy travel in a short period. However, most countries offer no …
FlixTrain: What to Know Before Taking this Cheap Rail Alternative in Germany and Sweden
FlixTrain provides a cheap, no-frills way to get around Germany and Sweden. Here a train rests at the Berlin-Spandau Station; photo by Roland Arhelger. FlixTrain is generally much cheaper than what you’d pay for the national train operators—but whether it’s right for you depends on a few factors about your destinations and expectations. FlixTrain often …
Cheap Eurostar Alternatives: Low Cost Tricks for London-Paris & More
When it works, Eurostar can be lovely experience, but of late it’s been awful. With the French train strikes earlier this year and the heat wave shutting down trains this summer, even the Eurostar itself has advised against using their own service at several points. Here then is a quick guide to the alternatives for …
What’s the secret to an efficient drunken goodbye?
You’ve had enough. You’re ready to escape a gathering, but, in many countries, manners dictate going around the table to kiss everyone goodbye. With a certain type of folks and level of chaos and inebriation, these goodbyes can take ages. The Germans have a much less kissy-kissy culture than many of their European counterparts, so …