If you’re thinking of visiting Europe for the first time, you may be inclined to visit multiple countries while you’re there. This is completely normal and in fact, I do the same thing. I enjoy getting a round trip ticket to and from 1 location, and book the duration of the trip’s room in that location. However, I find myself wanting to explore as many places as possible. The best way to accomplish this task is to do day trips.
Europe is comparatively smaller than the United States. While the entire European continent is large, individual countries aren’t that far spread. Particularly, you could easily travel to 4-5 countries in a matter of 4-5 days. The European travel culture’s backbone is in the rail system. Traveling by train is far more common in Europe than it is in the United States. In fact, many school-aged students commute via the train to school each day. The train is the best way to get them from their smaller town or village into the city where the school is located.
During my stay in Geneva I did just this. I utilized the train to take a day trip into Italy. The train ride was roughly 2.5 hours just to cross the border into Italy. Depending on where you’re wanting to go in Italy, you’ll need to account for more time. The train ride isn’t quite like a flight though. The train ride is comfortable and has plenty to see. You’re not packed into row 37F economy with a seat that hurts your back just to look at it. The seats are comfortable and the giant windows on each side of the railcar offer stunning views. Views of the mountains, countryside, small European towns, and more.
Traveling by train in Europe is super affordable and honestly, very laid-back. Train stations are certainly busy, yet don’t have the stress like an airport does. As for pricing, a round-trip ticket for roughly 7 hours on board the train from Geneva to Dommodosola and back (for 2 people) cost roughly $100USD.
Train stations in Europe are also very easily accessible. In large cities with heavy traffic, it’s not always convenient to drive, yet walking to a train station isn’t hard at all.
The train offers you plenty of options to see other cities, towns, villages, or even other countries. The time spent on a train goes by much faster than the time spent in the air. When you’re on a flight, all you see is a distant view of the ground. In a train car, you can see (up close) the beautiful landscapes around you. Some trains offer snack and drink options, and all of them have restrooms aboard (you just may have to walk a few railcars forward or backward).
If you’re in Europe and wanting to spend the day outside of the city you’re in, consider traveling by train. It’s an affordable option to allow you to see more areas than the original destination to set to visit.
