Europe is a great and diverse continent to travel around. Depending on where you want to visit there are several ways to explore it. From icy conditions in Scandinavian countries to crystal clear waters of the Aegean and everything in between means, there are several modes of transport you can take. The old favourites of planes, trains and buses may be appealing because they are practical. However, what about considering fun ways to travel Europe? After all, ‘it’s the journey, not the destination that matters’. Here are 6 options you may not have considered.
Canal Boat
Europe is famous for its waterways. Therefore if you are visiting somewhere where it is possible, why not explore by canal boat? The Netherlands in particular is a great place due to this. There is a range of canal boat options available depending on where in the country you choose to visit. For example, you could take an organised one-hour sightseeing tour of the waterways in Amsterdam through to renting a canal boat in Loosdrecht and using the boat as the base for your holiday. Canal boats allow you to see the destination you are visiting from a very unique viewpoint at a relaxed pace.
4×4 Car
If you plan to visit somewhere like Iceland for example, you need to ensure that your mode of transport suits the terrain that you are likely to be exploring. 4×4 rental around Iceland is a popular choice. Even though the main roads in the country’s capital Reykavik and the main ring road (Route 1) that runs around Iceland are tarmacked and well maintained, a number of the smaller roads are bumpy, filled with rocks and potholes. Therefore, a normal car may not cut it and your journey will not be as smooth. A 4×4 allows you to go off the beaten track and see sights you may not have been able to otherwise.
Motorbike
If you want to experience independent travel, have you considered a motorbike holiday? It is a fun way to explore Europe on your terms and at your own pace. Europe is home to several exhilarating motorbike rides. These include The Amalfi Coast Road in Italy – Naples to Salerno, Bergen to Geiranger in Norway and Cabo de Gata to Granada in Spain, each route offers something different to the rider. If this type of adventure sounds like your cup of tea it is important to note that you must have the correct licence, safety gear and a suitable motorbike insurance policy in place before setting off.
Sleeper Train
Some of the best train journeys we have been on have been through Mainland Europe. The train service in many countries is fast, clean and reliable and certainly better value for money than train journeys here in the UK. Trains are a great way of getting from A to B, but depending how the distance between your destinations, you run the possibility of missing a day of your holiday while sitting on a train. Therefore, a sleeper train could be the answer. With routes several available such as Paris to Rome and Madrid to Lisbon, you can sleep in a cosy carriage and wake refreshed and raring to go.
Camper Van
Campervan holidays are an extremely fun way to travel Europe and allow you to cover a distance with some of your home comforts close to hand. You of course need a relevant licence to either drive your campervan or hire one but if you have that, insurance and a tank full of fuel, you’re good to go. You can devise your itinerary based on where and when you want to stop and rest. And when you want to rest – no problem. Simply hop from the driver’s seat to that back where you will usually find a bed and mini kitchen. If you have more cash to splash you could even hire one with a shower and toilet.
Yacht
Hiring a yacht and cruising the Mediterranean or Aegean may be high on your bucket list. Of course, this is the priciest fun way to travel Europe but if you are planning a holiday for a special occasion, it may not be out of the realms of possibility. If money is no object then hiring a luxury yacht and its crew for a week is 100% the way to go. With opulent interiors and world-class chefs on hand to cater to your every need, it is the stuff dreams are made of. However more realistic options are available i.e. day hire, smaller vessels, hire without a crew etc. Meaning your dreams can still come true.
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