Rail vs. Bus?

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Hi,

I am planning on going to europe for the first time in june and return in august.  I know this is high season and I understand the money situation that comes along with travelling to europe during those months.  Having said that, I am debating whether or not I should travel by bus or rail?

The plan is to hit spain, france, amsterdam, germany, czech, austria, italy and greece...and I am not sure how I should factor in the time vs. money thing.  If anyone has any thoughts on this, please let me know.  Any comments would be much appreciated and very helpful. Thanks.

;D

[me]

wow, Kiefer!  you are biting off a lot for your 1st europe trip!  since you have so much time, i guess it'll work.  

Suggestion: while you're in Spain, go to Portugal, too.  it's close by and I liked Portugal even more than Spain!  Since I don't speak much Spainish, Spain was hard.  In Spain they don't seem to push English as a foreign language in school.  But most everyone in Portugal learns English in elementary school!  Both Spain & Portugal are beautiful!

Also: Belgium is near the Netherlands, where Amsterdam is located, and Belgium is also lovely!  

Czech Republic is the only place listed where the euro isn't the coin of the realm.  that will make the cash part easier.  don't exchange too many $ for Czech cash.  It'd be a big waste of your funds to convert it a 2nd time when you go to Austria.  

Regarding bus vs. rail:  bus is cheaper.  rail is more glamorous and most often, but not always, faster.  you must decide if it's worth the trade off.  

There is a 2-month eurail youth pass available.  look into it.  It sounds as if you'll be travelling enough to make a pass worth it.  There are bus passes as well as rail passes.  look into it: check out the options, busabout might work for you.  Joe Bob sez "check it out!"

If you can, call ahead to reserve a hostel bed a few days in advance.  hostels can get crowded in summer.  

you might want to reverse your plans.  go to Greece 1st.  it'll be much cooler in June than in August.  Unless you enjoy sweat, try to be in cooler climates for the hottest part of your trip.  [being from texas, i don't want to sweat too much on vacation.  we get enough of that here!]  

Good luck & have fun!