Europe Archives

Posted by: egle on April 26, 2024

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Germany Transportation: How to Get Around Germany

Germany is one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe. It is beautiful, populous, and has many famous attractions: from castles and medieval oldtowns to green nature, historic places, museums, and modern wonders. We definitely recommend visiting it if you have the chance! But if you are planning a trip, it is essential to know how to get around. Read on to learn about transportation in Germany so you can plan your trip. First, we will cover various ways to get from one city to another and then the transport in the cities themselves.

Domestic flights in Germany

If you come from the US, you might be used to traveling by domestic flights. However, Germany is small compared to the states, even if it is a large country in Europe. Although there are domestic flights, in most cases it is faster to go by train. Why? Because you do not waste time getting to the airports and waiting there.

However, it might be a good deal if you travel from the north to the south or vice versa. It can even be cheaper than trains. Also, you do not have to worry about missing your stop: you just wait for the plane to land.

You could fly Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, Berlin-Tegel, and Cologne-Bonn. The biggest airlines providing domestic flights in Germany are Lufthansa and Eurowings. Remember to book in advance because it can get pricey otherwise.

Cheapest transportation in Germany: buses

Buses are one of the cheapest ways to travel between cities in Germany. There are also many of them: you should find bus routes between almost all the cities. Of course, there are disadvantages. Buses are not as comfortable as trains, often more cramped and slower. For some people, it is also easy to get carsick.

If you want to save, we recommend FlixBus, which offers very affordable long-distance bus routes. You could get from the north to the south of Germany for as little as $30.

Nice and comfortable trains

The railway system is very well-developed in Germany and one of the favorite ways to travel. Trains are reliable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. There are many different types of trains: ICE or Intercity Express trains are the fastest and only stop in major cities. InterRegio-Express (IRE) connects more cities. City Night Line (CNL) trains have sleeper cars and couchettes. Learn more here.

Trains stop at the city center, which can be great and very practical. You can book tickets online or buy them from the vending machines and agents at the stations. One con is that traveling by train can be expensive. Also, keep in mind that there are train delays, so if you are transferring trains, have more than 10 minutes in reserve.

Find more information (or check out the routes and prices) on the official page for Germany railways here.

Cars when you want to do everything by yourself

Most travelers choose trains or buses, but cars are also a great way to travel at your own pace. You get to see the sights around, can stop wherever you want, and travel in private: no annoying tourists talking loudly behind your back. Also, Germany has a well-developed road system, with 12,996 kilometers of motorways. There are many petrol stations along the roads, every 50 kilometers or so.

Of course, there are some cons too. You have to worry about fuel, parking and you cannot relax since you must drive. It can get expensive too: gas is quite pricey in Germany.

It is also a good idea to rent a car in Germany. Remember that automatic transmissions are rare there, so you might need to book such a car in advance. You need to be 25 years or older (although some companies offer rentals cars for people 21-24 years old with an additional charge).

If you are planning to rent a car, we recommend reading our tips, so you can have a great car rental experience.

City transportation in Germany

If you plan to visit Germany, you will most likely want to explore the cities. The most common way to get around is to use public transport. And the most common transportation method is the bus. In smaller towns, it might be the only public transportation type.

In the big cities, U-Bahn, which are underground trains, are also popular. They are usually underground but sometimes also run above the ground. There are also S-Bahn lines, which are Suburban trains and can take you to farther places than the U-Bahn. There are various tickets for public transportation: day tickets, week tickets, month tickets, tickets for long and short journeys. In many cities, some apps allow you to choose the right tickets and buy them.

Another great way to explore the cities is by bicycle. It is fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly. There are many bike rental stations in German cities. Learn more about renting bikes and bike types.

You can also rent a car, but it can be difficult and expensive to park. Consider it carefully.

If you want to learn more about any type of transportation in Germany, click here. It is a website dedicated to informing people about all kinds of transportation in Germany.

Posted by: egle on April 11, 2024

Post Views: 962

Top Places for a Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean for Your Yachting Vacation

The Mediterranean Sea is the largest inland sea and has some of the most popular yachting destinations globally. Are you planning a yachting trip in the Mediterranean? There are so many great destinations it can be hard to choose one! In this article, we will discuss the best places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts in late April and lasts until early October. In winter, the waves and the winds are much harsher, so sailing is more difficult.

There are many types of different yachts you can choose. Since many companies and owners offer charter yachts, you can find a yacht affordably in the Mediterranean.

Eased charter rules in the Balearic Islands, Spain

These islands have been a popular location for a long time and might be becoming even more popular. Since January 2018, new regulations came into force in the Balearic islands. They simplified the chartering process, especially for non-EU yachts: they don’t require special licenses anymore. You can sail all year round here, but January is the coldest month. October has the most rain.

The four main Balearic islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza. They all have something special. Mallorca is the largest island and boasts of many attractions. Ibiza is known for its nightlife and parties and has the largest nightclub in the world. But it also has beautiful nature sights and many nature reserves. Menorca is perfect for sailing beginners since its bay of Fornells and port of Mahon have a constant breeze and are protected from high seas. Finally, visit Formentera, the smallest and quietest island of the four. It has both calm, idyllic beaches and many water sports activities.

Classic yacht charter: Cote d’Azur, French riviera

French Riviera, the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast of France, is a great place for a yacht charter. Such famous cities as Nice, Cannes, Toulon, Saint Tropez, and Monaco are here, with many famous yachting clubs. There is lots of great food and big parties here.

Another lovely French location to charter a yacht is Corsica Island. Mountain enthusiasts especially love it because it has some of the most beautiful mountain views.

Sardinia, Italy

Close to Corsica, just south of it, is another Mediterranean island: Sardinia. There are many small islets around the coastline that are lovely to visit. Costa Smeralda is a good starting point for your yacht trip since it’s only 20 km away from the Olbia airport. It also has one of the most popular beaches, the Emerald Beach. One of the most beautiful Sardinia’s highlights is La Maddalena Islands, a national marine park.

Undiscovered gems: Croatia

Yachting in Croatia might not scream luxury so much as yachting in the French Riviera does. But it’s more affordable, calmer, and likely just as worthwhile. It’s a bit similar too, not being located too far! Or even better: Croatia has over 1000 islands and islets, although only about 60 islands are populated. The most popular islands are Hvar, Brac, and Korcula. A great city to start your sailing trip is Split.

Some of the most popular places to visit are Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Šešula bay. Zagreb is the capital and most populated city, a cultural hub. Dubrovnik has a beautiful old town by the sea, surrounded by stone walls. Šešula bay will offer some calmness after an intensive trip and also protect your ship from the winds.

The largest Mediterranean archipelago: Greece

The Greek archipelago is the largest in the Mediterranean. It has from 1,200 to 6,000 islands: no one has counted them all yet! Of course, similarly to Croatia, only a small part of them have inhabitants, about 200. Like Croatia, Greece also has considerably low prices.

One of the most popular sailing locations in Greece is the Ionian islands. It is a group of islands in the west of Greece. They are great for beginning sailors, as well as the Saronic Gulf. On the other hand, the Cyclades in Southern Greece is better for professionals, as the winds are stronger there, especially in summer. Although those winds decrease the hot temperature, some companies do not even allow charter a yacht then.

Other great places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean

Amalfi coast, Italy. This picturesque coast boats of more than one famous tourist attraction close-by. Visit Naples, Pompeii, Vesuvio, and more.

From the Amalfi coast, you can get to the Aeolian Islands and Sicily. These Italian jewels are also just as great for yachting. You can find both quaintness and bustle in this region. You can see Mount Etna, an active Stromboli volcano, historic squares and galleries in the capital Palmero, quiet villages, and busy ports.

There is also Malta. It is not as popular for a yacht charter, so it’s quainter. It has 21 islands, but only two, Gozo and Comino, are populated. Relax at secluded beaches, try watersports or explore historic towns.

Finally, consider the Turquoise Coast or the Turkish Riviera. We recommend a gullet, a traditional Turkish yacht, to sail here. Some beautiful places are Butterfly Valley with a butterfly farm, Oludeniz beach, and Kekova Sunken City, seen below the water.

We hope that this article about the best places in the Mediterranean to charter a yacht was helpful. But perhaps you own a boat or a yacht yourself? Would you like to earn money with it? Learn about the basics of boat rentals and how to make more money with them.

Posted by: egle on

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Travel in Lithuania With Self-Drive Tours. Best Tours on Offer

Are you planning to travel in Lithuania? When you join a group tour, everything is organized for you, but you have little flexibility. Solo travel offers lots of freedom, but planning can get exhausting. How about a self-drive guide, which has the benefits of both types? We already covered the features and advantages of self-drive tours and how to travel safely. In this article, we will discuss the best self-guided tours in Lithuania.

Why choosing a self-drive tour is a great way to travel in Lithuania

Although Lithuania does not have such an exotic landscape as Iceland, where self-drive tours are popular, it is by no means less beautiful! Lithuanian nature is mild but very green. During a self-drive tour, you will cross streams, drive through lush woods and by wild and grain fields. Or you might travel in winter when everything is covered by snow. You will be able to visit wooden churches and buildings, museums and monuments, and many other locations that will make you feel like you have traveled to the past.

Let’s look at some of the best self-drive tours around to travel in Lithuania that you can book on XRental. When you book these routes, you will receive a detailed Google maps track and a PDF with descriptions of all tourist attractions on the way.

Lakes and Forests: Pailgis-Labanoras-Kulionys (for all cars, 105 km)

This route is good for all kinds of cars as there will be no dirt roads. The route length is 105 km, and there are 24 objects to visit. It takes place in Labanoras Regional Park, the largest regional park in Lithuania. According to Visit Lithuania , around 80% of the territory is covered by woods and 13% by lakes. There are also wetlands, and many rare species of birds live here. And in the village of Labanoras, you will be able to see traditional buildings from many years ago.

The route is best for the people who like deep forests and want to get away from the civilization a little. If you travel at the end of summer or early autumn, you can try looking for some mushrooms because this region is known for having lots! They are also a big part of the local cuisine. Just try not to pick up death cups because they are poisonous.

Explore Dzūkija: Trakai-Merkinė (for all cars, 134 km)

The track is a bit similar to the Pailgis-Labanoras one, being just as woody. It explores Dzūkija, one of the four Lithuania regions, known for its woods, mushrooms, and berries. First, you travel from Trakai, with its beautiful castle in the middle of the lake, across Dzūkija, and finally get to Merkinė, a town at the confluence of three rivers. The route is 134 km long, fine for all types of cars, and has 28 objects to visit on the way.

Dieveniškės appendix: Norviliškės (for all cars, 93 km)

The distance for cars is 93 km. There is also a 9-14 km distance on a bike and 2 km on foot. The Norviliškės route explores the Dieveniškės appendix, a small part of Lithuania surrounded by Belarus. Here, you will see customs offices on the borders. There is also a beautiful Norviliškės manor you can visit, where many activities, even a music festival, are organized. Check out the video of the trip below:

Travel the seaside in Lithuania: Rusnė-Klaipėda (for SUVs, 115 km)

The track leads along the Curonian lagoon from Klaipeda, the third-largest Lithuanian city, to Rusnė, located on the largest island in Lithuania in the Nemunas delta. The length of the track is 115 km: you can easily make it in a day.

This tour is intended for SUVs as it has some dirt roads that might be difficult for smaller cars. Of course, a jeep could serve even better! There are 22 objects of interest you can visit, including amazing natural sights and cultural treasures. Choose this route if you like nature, especially seaside sites, birds, and animals (Rusnė is a popular fishing and birdwatching spot), and want a relatively short but worthwhile trip.

Latvia-Lithuania border: Mažeikiai-Biržai (for SUVs, 317 km)

This 317 km long route is a bit longer and harder. It is also for SUVs. Some roads are asphalt, but the dirt roads might not be manageable for a smaller car. There will also be 3-5 km tracks to go on foot.

The route starts at Mažeikiai, the eighth-largest city in Lithuania, and ends at Biržai, which has many beer breweries and a beautiful Biržai Castle Manor. There are 32 objects to visit along the way, including Žagarė, famous for its cherries, cherry festival, history, and Joniškis, with its museums and nature trails.

Some other routes that might interest you

Druskininkai-Lazdijai. 90 km for all types of cars, 10 objects to visit. This track explores the southeast of Dzūkija. There is a Mizarai crater on this track, although it’s under the surface of the Earth.

Lazdijai-Kybartai. There is a route for all cars, with a 140 km distance and 24 objects to visit. And one for SUVs with 27 tourist attractions. On this route, you get to see the border with Kaliningrad, as well as many nature attractions.

Ukmergės žiedas. 190 km distance for all cars, 30 objects to visit. This tour goes around the Ukmergė city. See an abandoned Lokinė manor, old churches, and more. Check out the video here.

Biržai-Stelmužė. 173 km distance for SUVs, 25 objects to visit. Visit the northernmost point in Lithuania and the oldest Lithuanian oak in Stelmužė, wooden churches, monuments, and more.

But perhaps you want something more exotic than to travel in Lithuania? Check out our article about desert safari experiences!

Posted by: egle on December 17, 2021

Post Views: 820

Best Christmas Destinations in Europe: Top 12 Choices

Are you planning a Christmas vacation? Nice! It is a great way to relax and experience new things. If you go to the right place, of course. If you are still looking for ideas or maybe considering a next-year vacation, we want to help. We compiled a list of the best Christmas destinations in Europe with all their features. While there are definitely more nice places, the list might still give you some ideas!

Budapest, Hungary: best Christmas market 2022

What says Christmas spirit more than a Christmas market? You definitely want to walk there during the Christmas season. And Budapest is a great place for it. Forbes elected Budapest as the best Christmas market. It is a favorite both among Americans and British travelers. It is also considered safe in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can check out the products by more than 100 artisans here and observe the light-show projected on the Basilica. And check out Budapest itself, of course!

Vilnius, Lithuania, for quiet, original Christmas destinations in Europe

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, often features in the lists of the most beautiful and original Christmas trees. They are always a must-see: this year it is white, with mirrors, garlands, and huge snowflakes with complex patterns. Vilnius Old Town is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. There are also many parks and natural sights.

Also, Vilnius is not very crowded and pretty cheap, especially compared to other European capitals! If you want a calm, economical but beautiful Christmas vacation, this is your city.

Krakow, Poland, to step back in time

Would you like to step back in time? Then Krakow is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. It has a long past and many historic sites. Its 13th-century market square is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. And it’s where the Christmas market takes place too. You can hear Christmas carols and see horse carriages. Taste traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and oscypek. Enjoy mulled wine and the Christmas spirit!

Grindelwald, Switzerland, a movie-like Christmas destination

This mountain village is so lovely that it just had to be used for numerous films. They include ‘The Golden Compass’ and ‘The Alps’; the mountains nearby were even used for ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith‘. The village is always decorated nicely for Christmas. Of course, it has a holiday market with treats, mulled wine, and more. The hotels organize special Christmas dinners and lunches. And this is one of the best skiing resorts in Switzerland, so Grindelwald is a must if you are a skiing fan!

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland: home of Santa

Can you imagine Christmas without Santa Claus? Then what is a better Christmas destination than Santa‘s home? Rovaniemi, Lapland, is the official home of Santa and a great Christmas destination. Snow is guaranteed. And fun for all people of all ages! Children can enroll in Elf School, make gingerbread houses, meet Santa. There are husky-dog rides, reindeer safaris, stays in ice hotels and hot Finnish saunas, Northern lights, and more!

Zagreb, Croatia: exotic Christmas with a great market

You might not think that Zagreb on the Croatian coastline is a very winterish destination. After all, the temperature rarely falls below zero. And there is rarely snow. But there is a reason why it received the title of Best Christmas Market in three consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018). The markets are all around the city, in parks, squares, and lanes. There are romantic corners for couples and many activities for kids. And Zagreb is just beautiful: it combines the modern and the historic.

Croatia is also among the best yachting destinations in South Europe. Check them out here!

Barcelona, Spain, for festivities without the cold

Some cannot imagine Christmas without snow. Others, however, cannot stand the cold and want to spend vacations warmly. Barcelona might be for you then! Besides, it’s not as crowded in winter compared to the summer. Barcelona has some great architecture, a beautiful old town and a great variety of food. Definitely try tapas!

Also consider Valencia. It has a perfect mix of the old and the new during holidays. You can reach it by train from Barcelona.

Strasbourg, France, with one of the oldest Christmas markets

France is a popular tourist destination for a reason. It is beautiful, interesting and has great food. And if you go during Christmas, we recommend Strasbourg. It is not only the seat of many European institutions: it also has one of the best Christmas markets. This market is the oldest one in France and dates back to 1570. It has more than 300 stalls and has been voted as the best Christmas market more than once. The market is by the iconic cathedral that is a must-see. You certainly will not regret visiting this city!

London, UK, Christmas destination for sights and festivities

London is a popular destination all year-round and certainly during Christmas too. There are so many things you can do! Go to ice skating rings in Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Watch the Nutcracker ballet. Check out the enormous Christmas tree in Trafalgar square.

Unfortunately, London is really crowded. If you want to avoid the masses, consider Bath, Manchester, or Leeds. They all decorate extensively for Christmas, especially Bath. Or go to Edinburgh to experience Christmas with a Scottish feel!

Bruges, Belgium, for Christmas with a medieval feel

Bruges, a medieval-looking town in Belgium, is always a popular location but especially so during Christmas. The medieval houses that look like gingerbread houses light up almost magically, ensuring amazing sights. Try many delicious Belgian treats, such as waffles and hot chocolate. There are ice-sculpting competitions, skating, Christmas markets, and most importantly, the holiday spirit!

Everything you might want in Cologne, Germany

Germany can boast of many great Christmas destinations in Europe, including Dusseldorf, Trier, Leipzig, and others. However, we believe that Cologne is transformed the most by the holiday spirit. It is great for foodies as Cologne Christmas markets offer a great variety of savory items: mulled wine, cinnamon biscuits, baked apples, and so on. Also, consider boating in the Rhine, going to a concert at Cologne Philharmonic, or visiting numerous bars and pubs for great German beer!

Are you planning a trip to Germany? Learn about transportation in Germany.

Beautiful city and beautiful Christmas in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has royal gardens and palaces, grandiose museums, and numerous ornate churches. The beauty is even more apparent during Christmas. And there is a Christmas market, of course! Some people also believe that Vienna has the oldest Christmas markets although no documents prove this. Either way, it definitely is top-notch.

We hope you now know more about the best Christmas destinations in Europe. Planning to travel in a rental car? Read our tips!