Depending on your budget, travel style, idea of comfort, and willingness to uncover new experiences, there are a number of ways to see Europe and the Mediterranean. Here below is an exploration of possible travel alternatives.

Train

• Traveling by rail today, one might never step into a carriage that sparkles like the famed Orient Express. But although many European trains have lost their luster from decades of constant use, the experience of train travel holds all the drama and possibility that it ever did.

On a train, you can sit and gaze out the windows at the passing landscape, or stroll the length of the train in the long narrow halls that run alongside the compartment seating, or you may even take a seat in the lunch carriage for a bite and changed angle on the scenery. With the ability to move about freely, you never know who you might strike up a conversation with, or what interesting story or helpful bit of information they might give you. To travel by train is to travel in style and European comfort.

Bus

• If you find yourself in Europe with a dwindling budget, but with a few places on your list you haven’t seen yet, touring by bus could be your solution. Bus travel is generally less costly than going by train. Also, for shorter distances and reaching locations inaccessible by rail, bus travel is a way to get there.

If you will be traveling a greater distance, however, bus travel can be exhausting and cramped. Plus you will be missing out on that timeless romantic experience known as the European rail system. Still, these are bus passes available that will take you to a few countries the Eurail pass does not go – Morocco and Croatia, for example. Visit busabout.com and eurolines.com for more information on bus travel in Europe and beyond.

Automobile

• Driving through Europe is a fun way to see the countryside close-up, since you can stop when you wish. Also, if you do your research ahead of time, there will be many exciting activities and places to discover off the beaten path and known primarily to locals since these places may be not be close to any train station.

One such activity is car-camping. Europe’s highways offer some clean and accommodating rest-stops of which European travelers take advantage in order to save on hotel costs. (A web search under the key words “car-camping” will turn up more information on this travel stay alternative.) The local version of fast-food served at European rest stops is quite enjoyable as well, and differs rather pleasantly from what might be expected at a rest stop. The last time I visited Italy, I made it a point to stop on the highway just for the food.

Motor Home

• Exploring Europe in a motorhome is a great way for a family to spend an extended summer vacation, and with a good several thousand campgrounds available in Europe, finding nightly accommodation could not be easier. Campsites vary from full-service to rustic, and range in price from 15 to 25 Euros per night.

Your first consideration, of course, will be where to get your camp on wheels. While an RV may be rented or leased, a cost efficient way to go is to buy a low-mileage, used RV from a place that will agree to buy it back for a certain percentage of the price at the end of your journey. Buying from an RV dealer will also help you to register and insurance your camper, two important technicalities that need to be taken care before you can depart.

Once on your way, you will find the whole experience a fantastically rewarding one, and the opportunity to meet other Europeans doing the same thing is pretty much guaranteed.

Bike

• For the adventurous and athletic journey maker, crossing Europe on a bike can be an exciting challenge as well as a profoundly enjoyable experience. But you don’t have to be in Olympic standard shape in order to successfully navigate this travel road.

These days, there are tour companies that specialize in touring Europe by cycle. Often apart of the package is a touring van which follows the ride, allowing the option of taking a break at any time - you simply load your bike and watching the scenery go by from a bus window.