Minding the Gap

Ryan Air - The cheap way to get around Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Let me start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of air travel in Europe. I mean, why fly when you can literally take a train almost anywhere you could want to go? Not to mention, there are no linges, baggage checks, etc., and you get to see scenery that no airline can offer you. Unfortunately, sometimes you have a need to get somewhere quick that would otherwise take in excess of 8 hours or more by train. And, if you are like me, you usually only have a week or two to take in as much as possible! Thus, the need for budget air travel!!

Ryan Air is one of many budget airlines in Europe. The Ireland-based airline is notorious for offering ridiculously cheap flights and in some cases flights that are virtually "free" with the exception of mandated fees and taxes. I once flew from Glasgow, Scotland to Dublin, Ireland for $10.00USD. Okay, so I'm sure you are wondering how they can sell an airline ticket for $10? Well, one of the catches is that in most cases Ryan Air flies to smaller, Regional Airports that are often located further away from the city centers and in some cases can even be up to 30-40km away. However, most of these regional airports are accessible by train and can usually be reached by a 30-40 minute train ride.

Traveling on Ryanair, however, is not going to be like your typical commercial airline. There's a reason it is a BUDGET airline. I've read many articles on the airline and have seen some negative comments online from various passengers. It is likely that these passengers were unaware of Ryanair's business model and the services offered. Here's a few things you can expect from flying with Ryanair:

There are no complimentary pretzels or peanuts or anything of that nature. There are refreshments available at a cost.
There is a 10kg limit on the amount of luggage you can carry on the plane. Anything over there is a fee per kg of extra weight.
There are no seat assignments. Very often buses are used to shuttle passengers out to the plane, and the plane is boarded from the front and the rear with seats being filled at random. (This is a fun and exciting site to see tons of people rushing onto the plane to get a good seat)
Ryan air has a strict policy on refunds, and generally does not give credits for hotel stays or taxis or anything of that nature, should you be inconvenienced.

Keeping in mind that this is not a luxury airline, Ryanair is a great way to get from point A to point B in Europe on a tight budget. And, when you are backpacking through Europe, maintaining your budget is everything! I've flown on Ryanair several times in my travels and have had fairly good experiences everytime. I mean, sure there were times the flights were delayed, but then again where else can you get a flight for ten bucks?

To find out where they fly, visit Ryanair's Website!

Below are two great books worth checking out if you are like me and want to learn more about how Ryanair offers their flights for so cheap. I haven't read the book below titled "Ryanair," but I have read the one below on it's CEO, Michael O'Leary. As business major I was intrigued by how this one man made Ryanair what it is today, and some of the crazy things he's done to put the company on the map. Through O'Leary's story, the book gives a great insight into how the company formed it's business model. A very interesting read!! I definitely recommend it! If you've read either one, please feel free to share your thoughts on them!

Backpacking Europe - Travel Tip #3

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Always pack a universal power adapter/converter when heading to Europe. Both the UK and the mainland of Europe use different power receptacles.

Check out a few below on Amazon. I'd definitely recommend spending a couple of extra $$ and getting one that isn't cheaply made and likely to fall apart or break very easily on you.

One thing that is IMPORTANT to note about power in other countries, is the difference between "power adapters," and "power converters." Two of the items below are power adapters and have the different connectors to allow you to plug into outlets in various different countries, and one is an adapter plus a converter.

Devices such as hair dryers that do not have a power transformer/converter to convert the electrical current can fry out if plugged in with too high a voltage. If you are traveling with several devices that do not have power transformers/converters that adjust electrical current, then I'd definitely recommend going with a power adapter/converter such as the samsonite one below.

Backpacking Europe - Canyoning: The ultimate European Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:12:00 +0000

So, it wasn't until I went to Innsbruck, Austria for the first time that I discovered Europe's ultimate adventure, canyoning. A combination of rapelling, jumping, sliding, and swimming, canyoning is a must if you are the outdoors type of person. By taking advantage of mother nature's very own playground its surely an experience you don't want to miss! If you don't mind freezing cold water(you get full-body wet suit to combat the cold), jumping off of cliffs that are as high as 35-40ft, swimming in waterfalls, rapelling down cliff walls, and having the time of your life, then you definitely want to give canyoning a try! And, to think, you can do all of this for about 75 Euros!

There are different levels of canyons varying from beginner to expert. If you've never been before, I definitely recommend the beginner level. Even the beginner level has some pretty decent jumps. The canyoning tour guide will provide you with a full-body wet suit, water socks, special shoes, a helmet and a waist harness for rapelling. Don't be suprised if your guide has a trailer full of gear, and you have to change in the woods off the side of the road! What can I say, it's all in good fun!

After everyone is geared up, the tour guide will lead you to an entrance point to begin your adventure. Typically, there's no turning back at this point! Listen closely to your guide's instructions and you'll have one of the best experiences of your life!! The canyoning tours typically last about 4 hours or so, and the guide usually provides lunch for the group. Unfortunately, you cannot bring a camera with you on the tour, but typically the tour guide has one and takes pictures.

The second time I went canyoning was in Salzburg, Austria, with a group of students I was traveling with. Everyone had a blast, and it was an adventure I'll never forget! I've included a couple of pictures below from our canyoning adventure. Yes, that's me with grass on my head!!

Canyoning group under waterfall

If you are interested in getting more info on canyoning try http://www.speedynature.com/ or http://www.crocodile-sports.com/ . I've been canyoning with both of these guides and the experience was excellent with each. The crocodile-sports group will even go have lunch with you afterwards!

Backpacking Europe - Travel Tip #2

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Book a multi-destination flight instead of a round trip flight. This will allow you to save time by starting in one country and ending your trip in another. It will also save you $$ by not having to travel back to your initial arrival point.

Paris: Negating the Stereotype

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Ask someone if they've ever been to Paris, and the first thing you are likely to hear is "no, and I don't plan on it because I hear the French people are rude." Perhaps I'm ignorant to the reasoning behind this particular stereotype, but after three seperate trips to Paris, I can't say that I understand why people have this view. All of my experiences in Paris have been nothing short of amazing. The city is filled with history and culture, and it's people are what make the culture. From the public servants constantly cleaning the streets, to the upbeat waiters you'll find in its various cafes, Paris definitely screams culture.

I think the point that most American travelers miss is the fact that they are traveling in a country that is not America! Therefore, things are not done in an American way and English is not necessarily the language of choice. A Simple concept, yes, but it is amazing how many Americans think that our culture is adopted by the entire world. Learning simple phrases such as "hello","good-bye", and "thank you," in a country's native language can often make or break your experience there; whether in Europe or any other part of the world.

While in Paris, I always greeted everyone I met with a quick and simple "bonjour," or "bonsoir," and always a "merci" or "merci beaucoup" thanking them if they were preforming a service for me. This often gives you many smiles, and can often pave the way for them to begin speaking to you in English. I was wandering the streets of Paris one day looking for a hostel, and stopped a man with a quick "excusez-moi," and by asking in French(Parlez-vous Anglais) if he spoke English. The man stopped and attempted for 15 minutes to give me directions using as much English as he knew. An important thing to remember is: "As afraid as you are to speak to them in French for lack of knowledge, they are likely to be just as afraid to attempt to speak English to you." But the key here is to simply TRY!

Next time you are planning a trip to Europe, don't leave Paris or France for that matter, off of your list. There are plenty of things to see and eat, and you might just find yourself enjoying a bottle of wine along the banks of the Seine like a Parisian. And, when you do meet someone, tell them "bonjour" with a smile, and your Paris trip is likely to be unforgettable.

Travel Tip #1

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:24:00 +0000

If you find yourself having to take a cab to a direct location such as from the train station to a port to catch a ferry, always negotiate a good price before getting in the cab.

A Medieval Adventure - Bruges, Belgium

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Looking for an interesting town to visit? Head on over to Bruges! Bruges is located just Northwest of Brussels, and is easily accessible by train. It's about 50 minutes or so from Brussels by train and only about a 2 - 2.5 hour train ride from Paris depending on what type of train you take. After stepping off the train, it's about a 5-10 minute walk, and you're in the central part of the city. The medieval architecture and cobblestone-lined streets will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The city is riddled with small canals, and has often been dubbed "The Venice of the North." Take advantage of the slow-paced feel of this city, its many small restaurants, and various monuments and landmarks.

I actually wound up in Bruges on a whim after taking the Eurostar train from London and connecting in Lille, France. It was my first actual destination in Europe (and only by chance as a friend happened to be visiting there), and has become one of my favorite places I've visited. However, make sure you check the average temperatures before going! We arrived in Bruge the second week of May and it was still reasonably cold! It woulnd't have been a problem except I did not pack clothes for cold weather!!

Things to see - Just a few things definitely worth checking out!

The Basilica of the Holy Blood - The basilica hosts a vial that contains a cloth of which is said to be stained with the blood of Jesus Christ. The vial is brought out at different times throughout the day and visitors can touch or even kiss it.

The Church of Our Lady - A huge brick church that houses the famous Madonna and Child, by Michaelangelo.

The Belfry - Bell tower with narrow winding staircase(366 steps) that takes you high above the city streets. And, yes, the bell still works!! Be prepared to do a lot of ducking and dodging; there's only one way up and one way down!

Places to Stay

Hotel Lybeer - I've been to Bruges twice but have only stayed overnight once. However, I highly recommend budget hostel Hotel Lybeer. Lybeer is centrally located and set back on a quiet street. It is within walking distance to everything in the city center, has Internet access, and includes a delicious spread of various cheeses, meats, breads, and fresh juice for breakfast [included in the cost]. Lybeer also has a very friendly staff and has a very home-like feel to it.

So, you want to backpack Europe?

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:13:00 +0000

So, you think you are ready to take on Europe by backpack? If you are into new adventures, new experiences, and some of the best foods you can eat, then Europe by backpack is for you! I must confess that I've been bitten by the travel bug and have a new found love for backpacking through Europe. A love so strong that after my first trip in 2005 has seen me return to Europe three times since then. There is just an undescribable feeling of flying thousands of miles away from home, immsersing yourself in foreign culture, zipping through the countryside on a high-speed train, and just generally going wherever the wind takes you. No schedules, no reservations, no expectations. A plane ticket, rail passes, and a place to leave your belongings upon arrival is all you need to get started.

When planning a backpacking trip to Europe, I highly recommend purchasing a multi-destination flight, where instead of purchasing a round-trip ticket, you fly into one country and fly back home from another. In my experience, this is no more expensive then purchasing a round-trip ticket, and offers greater flexibility for your trip. Instead of having to worry about heading back to your origination point at some time or another, you can simply plan to end your trip in another country and fly back home directly from there. On my first trip to Europe, I purchased a round-trip ticket from New Orleans to London and back. I found myself in Madrid, Spain at the end of my trip needing to get back to London to catch my flight home. So, on my second trip, I decided to fly into Amsterdam, and fly out of Athens, Greece. This allowed me to make the most out of my trip without the worry of somehow getting back to Amsterdam towards the end of the trip.

A rail pass is also essential when backpacking Europe. It is easiest to visit raileurope.com and purchase your rail tickets online and have them in hand before heading to Europe.(It is worth the extra $14.00 to get the rail protection pass just in case!) The website offers various types of rail passes, but I prefer to purchase the global pass. The global pass is good for 21 countries and can be purchased for 15 days, 21 days, or 1,2, or 3 months. The global pass simply affords you the ability to roam around Europe at will and make last minute decisions without being bound to travel in certain countries. Also, there are steep youth discounts for those under 26. Sadly, I will no longer be able to participate in these discounts. :-(

Finally, upon arriving in Europe, I suggest having a hostel already booked for your first night. After a long 8+ hour flight, the last thing you want to do is roam the city streets looking for a hostel. Especially, if you are like me and don't get much sleep on the plane. I made this mistake by arriving in Amsterdam on a Saturday with no hostel reservations and literally exhausted myself for the first day or so of my trip. I wound up having to take a train to the next closest stop and staying at a hostel located a few kilometers from Amsterdam.

If you are planning your first backpacking trip to Europe or merely thinking about planning a backpacking trip to Europe, I hope you find this information helpful. I will regularly put up posts on everything from hostels, the ins and outs of train travel and budget air travel, to great places to stay and visit in particular destinations. Feel free to leave your comments or to even ask questions.

Welcome. . .

noreply@blogger.com (Chad) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Welcome to "Minding the Gap," a travel blog created for those wanting to travel through Europe or for those have already gotten the travel bug and are ready for more. So, why the name, "Minding the Gap?" Two reasons: First, If you've ever been to the UK and gotten on a train you'll notice the ever bright "Mind the Gap" signs on the ground alerting you to the dangers of that small space between the rail car and the platform. ( You have to love how the Brits spell everything out for you in plain English. . :-) Secondly, "Minding the Gap" is symbolic to me in that my travel experiences have made me much more aware and respectful of the cultural gap that exists between different countries and regions around the world.

I made my first trip to Europe in 2005. With a plane ticket, a borrowed backpack, and a Eurrail pass purchased online, a friend and I set forth on what has become the trip that has definitely given me the travel bug. Since my first 2-week trek into Europe in 2005, I have been back three times since then, and hope to continue pursuing my passion for travel. Ther are still many countries to see and many different foods to try!! Please come back for regular posts on everything from budget hostels to low-cost airlines and more!