Exploring Europe by car or train may seem more expensive than flying, but often this is a false economy.

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The financial benefit of flightless journeys

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Let's take train travel. I love European train operator deals because there are no hidden extra charges popping up at the last minute for your luggage or seat. What you see is what you get! Once you take into consideration all the small print extras charged by airlines, the price difference is not as significant as it may seem. Sometimes the train is even cheaper!

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The cost of road trips varies significantly, based on what type of vehicle you will drive (electric, petrol, or gas) and the cost of that type of energy at the time of your travel. There is also the cost of motorway tolls and/or vignettes in some countries. However, you have no limits on how much luggage you can take and you can take your bicycle or sporting equipment easily and for a small extra charge. It is also is by far the easiest and in some countries the only way to travel with dogs.

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So how do you keep your costs within budget?

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Train travel saving tips

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For train travel, subscribing to rail operators mailing list is the best way to be notified of their offers before they get snapped up.

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For example, Eurostar is regularly offering limited journeys from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam for £39 each way, on selected dates. But you need to be quick. If you wait even 24 hours the best travelling slots are gone.

Trenitalia often offers deals, sometimes even 70% off regular prices.

And for family travel the Swiss and Austrian railways are generally excellent value. 

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Many rail operators operate membership/loyalty schemes and have special deals for their members, so it is worth signing up before you take your first trip with them.

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In countries such as the UK and France you can also buy railcards, which may help you secure significant savings.

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Road travel saving tips

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For road trips, it pays to investigate in advance the likely cost of tolls - Google will tell you when you work out the road - and keep an eye on the fluctuations of energy/fuel prices.

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Also, car fuel/energy is taxed differently in each country so if you are about to cross  border it pays to find out where it is best to fill up your tank or recharge your engine.

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I personally try to mix and match different types of road, especially if it means you get to see something new en route. In France, replacing an expensive toll road with a leisurely drive through the countryside is often a treat. You get to enjoy some lovely landscapes and off-the-beaten path gems with hardly any traffic. 

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