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4,500 km, 6 countries, and countless memories.
“You could say this trip was quite spontaneous. I remember thinking about traveling to Europe on Monday and then packing my bags and flying to France that same Sunday. The first thing I did was figure out where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. On Google Maps, I marked the places I wanted to visit, so I could map out the most logical route,” Thomas Harris said.
Over 30 days, Thomas had a truly impressive European train adventure. The journey, covering over 4,500 km across 6 countries and stopping at 43 destinations, provided him with unforgettable experiences. He spent 60 hours on the train, admiring the constantly changing scenery outside the window.
Thomas Harris decided to take a long vacation to explore Europe.
With only a train ticket and an eager heart, Thomas traveled through France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Germany, and the Netherlands. The ancient cities, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly people amazed and delighted him. In particular, the experience of admiring World Heritage sites like the Landwasser Bridge, the village of Hallstatt, and the historic center of Vienna was invaluable. And then, he was especially captivated by the magnificent beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral in Lyon.
“I remember one day in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, I cycled along the valley and then hiked from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald. That whole day I walked 24 km and cycled over 30 km. Despite all that walking, I was truly delighted to admire the majestic beauty of the Alps from many angles, crossing streams and waterfalls with breathtaking fields of wildflowers, along with the cheerful sound of bells from the cows grazing in the mountains. Looking back now, I only regret not having enough time to spend a few more days in Switzerland to explore more,” the student recalled.
A one-month journey to experience the culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes of six countries.
All the tips and tricks for traveling by train.
"Traveling by train in Europe allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, without having to go through the procedures for boarding a plane or worry about driving. The trains are also fully equipped with amenities including Wi-Fi, so I find traveling by train to be the best option for me," Thomas affirmed.
The ancient cities, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly people surprised and delighted him immensely.
Thomas traveled through France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Germany, and the Netherlands.
To optimize his time and fully enjoy his trip, Thomas chose cities and accommodations that were about 2-5 hours apart by high-speed train. Taking midday trains saved him travel time, allowing him to check out of one hotel and check into another on time.
Thomas deliberately avoided night trains so he could admire the stunning scenery outside the window and keep an eye on his luggage. After meticulously planning his trip, the student chose a 15-day Eurail pass valid for two months, allowing for flexible travel between countries and use of most public trains in Europe.
Thomas chose cities and accommodations that were approximately 2-5 hours apart by high-speed train.
Thomas deliberately avoided night trains so he could admire the beautiful scenery outside the window and keep an eye on his personal belongings.
For solo travelers, trains are always the ideal mode of transportation. What Thomas likes most about trains is the freedom and flexibility. However, during his trip in Germany, he also encountered a few train delays, mainly due to schedule changes. Even so, thanks to his flexible train ticket, he was still able to catch the next train without too much difficulty.
If you're planning a train trip to Europe, Thomas recommends looking into Interrail/Eurail passes. These passes are incredibly convenient and economical, especially if you're traveling frequently between countries. With Interrail/Eurail passes, you can easily change train schedules and don't have to worry about seat reservations.
What Thomas liked most about trains was the freedom and flexibility.
You should find out about Interrail/Eurail tickets.
With an Interrail/Eurail pass, you can freely change train times and don't have to worry about seat reservations.
Thomas recommends choosing high-speed trains and traveling during the day for both safety and the chance to admire the stunning European scenery. If you're traveling from West to East, remember to choose a seat on the right side of the train in Switzerland for some amazing photos. Especially with a Eurail pass, you can even experience famous trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express for a small reservation fee.
"After this trip, I realized that traveling solo isn't as scary as many people think, and it's actually a lot of fun. My confidence increased significantly after the trip. I met more people, I could do whatever I wanted, eat whatever I liked without asking anyone's opinion, and I was more focused on immersing myself in the places I visited. I never felt lonely at any point during the trip because I was just having fun. In short, traveling alone is incredibly enjoyable," Thomas said humorously.
Thomas recommends choosing a high-speed train and traveling during the day to ensure safety and have the opportunity to admire the stunning scenery of Europe.
With a Eurail pass, you can also experience renowned trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express for a small booking fee.
