When you’re using hub cities to see more of Europe, these tips will help you make the most of a quick day trip to nearby sights.
Plan ahead. Have a list of sights to see, a tour, a map, and/or something of a plan lined up before you go. Preferably, take a guide book. The last time I tried to wing it—on a day trip to Budapest—I quickly regretted it. Day excursions are much more enjoyable with a clear plan for how to spend them.
Guide? Want to make every moment count, either seeing the best bits of your destination or something specific? Consider hiring a guide for part of all of the day. In an unfamiliar city (especially in an unfamiliar country), this can really help travelers to have a good sightseeing day and not get hung up somewhere along the way. I should have done this in Budapest. Next time.
Or a walking/biking tour? Don’t want to shell out for a private guide? Look for a good walking tour instead. Many of the same benefits but without some of the cost. Plus, you may make some new friends along the way.
Rail pass. The easiest way to use Europe’s magnificent rail system is by rail pass. Sites like RailEurope.com or your friendly travel agent can help you sort the options. You can hop on and off trains all day, once you’ve filled in the day’s date on your pass. Remember that your pass gets you on the train. It does not get you a seat necessarily. At busier times of day/on high volume routes (or shorter trains with limited seating), a seat reservation is recommended.
Rome2Rio. Use Rome2Rio and your destination’s rail app to plan your trip, keep track of schedules, book seat reservations, etc. The German and Swiss rail apps are particularly useful. And Rome2Rio (website and app) will help you figure out distances, routes, and transport options.
Pack smart. I use a small day bag when I’m out and about overseas—one just big enough for an iPad mini (with my guide books and whatever I’m reading on it), a mid-sized camera, and a few other essentials. If you need meds during the day, grab those, as well as a water bottle, an umbrella, and maybe a snack for the train. Some refer to this as a murse; I prefer European carry-all. Regardless, a small bag saves you carrying a bigger backpack with a bunch of crap you don’t need around all day.
Keep an eye on your bag. Learned this one the hard way, too: Always, always hang onto those bags, especially when getting on and off trains. Lest your leave your murs . . . er, European carry-all with your iPad in it in the seat next to you when you hop up to change trains and then never get it back. That would really suck.
