Rome2Rio is a travel app that has stood the test of time.
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If, by some miracle, you haven’t heard of Rome2Rio, let me catch you up: The transportation app will figure out how to get you from Point A to Point B in just about any part of the world using just about any form of transportation. It’ll put together routes combining ferries, trains, planes, and more.
In short, Rome2Rio knows a thing or two about travel habits—including travel mishaps. One of the most popular regions that it serves is Europe, where you really might see itineraries that include trips by ferry, train, plane, and beyond.
If you’re heading to the continent this winter, you might be looking for a few European travel tips from the company. They worked closely with their on-the-ground experts to nail down essential hacks that will make traveling around Europe a little more care-free during the cold-weather months.
Use these European travel tips for winter the next time you visit for a smoother ride.
European travel tips for winter from Rome2Rio
Tip #1: Trains before planes
When it comes to beating the holiday airport rush, Rome2Rio recommends skipping the airport altogether. According to the company’s experts, Europeans prefer trains to planes during winter, especially around the holidays.
Sure, flights might be faster than train trips, but when you factor in transportation and getting through security, the time difference might not be that great. On top of that, trains are usually cheaper than plane tickets—and they’re less likely to get canceled due to inclement weather.
Tip #2: Also, ferries before planes
Heading to the Greek Islands this winter? Just like trains are often faster and cheaper than planes, so are ferries. They run daily throughout the Mediterranean, even through winter. They’re also much more affordable than plane tickets.
Going forward, Greece, like other European countries, might also reduce or ban short-haul flights. In other words, get on the ferry bandwagon sooner rather than later.
Tip #3: Validate your tickets
If you’ll be traveling by train, don’t forget to validate your ticket. Even if there’s no train staff standing at the door when you get on, you should still scan your ticket. That way, when an official comes by, you already have your ticket ready to go. In some cases, they might ticket you for not validating the ticket correctly.
Tip #4: Holidays are for the countryside
According to Rome2Rio, many Europeans skip out on big cities to visit the countryside during the holidays. Not only does it let them skip out on the hustle and big crowds, but it’s also more romantic in terms of scenery and lifestyle. Even the best Christmas markets are usually found in smaller towns and villages.
Europeans might be looking to escape the rush in search of quainter adventures, but Americans will also enjoy digging deeper into local culture. From holiday traditions to new delicacies, small towns and villages bring you into the fold, culturally speaking, letting you discover new gems.
Tip #5: Bring your cash
Here’s a reminder: Those smaller towns that Europeans favor over large cities during the holidays and winter season aren’t always high-tech. The further you wander from major outposts, the more likely local vendors are to prefer cash.
In general, it’s always a good idea to keep some cash on you—but if you want to visit a holiday market, for example, you might want to take out a larger sum from the ATM.
Tip #6: Go slow
Lastly, Rome2Rio points out that many Europeans plan their winter holidays to be slow by design. The idea is for travelers to really sink into their setting, relaxing at the spa or going on a hike to a scenic location. This might be the most important of all European travel tips for winter: don’t expect to get a lot done.
Instead of exploring town after town after town, create a home base in a location that you really enjoy. You should be able to relax along with striking out on day trips. Not only does this guarantee a rejuvenating trip, but it also gets you excited for the next day’s adventure.
