Getting Around on Your Own

Since getting around on your own includes both hiring a car and using public transport, then I think most countries are similarly fine. There are bits of some countries where a car makes sense, and bits where it should be avoided in favour of rail. But I cannot think of any country where neither is possible.

It's not really countries that matter, but your actual itinerary.

It might be easier if we knew if you were considering travel to a specific country?

Did you do day trips from Paris on the train or were you on the Metro and/or suburban lines? Sorry you were picked.

Most countries in western Europe work fine by public transportation until you start wanting to visit small villages, such as in rural Tuscany. Even then, some have bus service or a train station down at the bottom of the hill. Or there may be one-day bus or van tours available.

Obviously, mid-winter travel in very mountainous regions can present challenges if you need to drive, but in general, you needn't feel constrained in choosing destinations.

Trains are less prevalent and often slower in a number of the central and eastern European countries. It takes an adventurous spirit to tackle the eastern Balkans or Ukraine by train and bus. I can't speak to driving in those areas because I use only public transportation.

The #1 key to driving in Europe is to read the appropriate section of a good, current guide book. Far too many travelers neglect to do even that basic research and then show up here after their trip, complaining about the $$$ traffic tickets they are receiving in the mail for speeding, entering no-traffic zones, driving in bus lanes, not displaying a required highway vignette, not having the often-required International Driving Permit, etc. They were totally oblivious because they had not read a guide book or gone to a reliable website to check on local traffic regulations.

I know I was vague. We want to possibly o Germany, Austria and Switzerland in one trip, England, Ireland and Scotland in another and possibly Southern France, Spain and Portugal in a third.

We took a day trip (as a tour) to Normandy.

I can't think of any country that does not work well for getting around on your own. Except maybe the Vatican.

As Nick said, it is largely a matter of city versus countryside. We have done the Alsace in France without a car, but in retrospect it would have been easier with one. We rented a car in Normandy and wished we had not. So...it depends.

Switzerland is one place I would never have a car as the public transportation in cities and well as the mountain areas is fabulous.

Much of Italy is done easily by train and occasional bus, but rural Tuscany, Puglia, much of Umbria, and Le Marche might best be done by car, but again, it depends on the specific towns/cities/areas you want to visit.

You can do well in the UK without a car although Wales and some of Scotland are more challenging by public transportation.

One thing that concerns me with tours is the luggage restrictions. This is especially true of RS tours as it appears they only allow you a total of two carry on size bags.

If you are open to both public transit and car rental then any country in Europe will be fine. Also lots of places out of Europe.

Some places are easier with a car (especially if you want to connect lots of small towns quickly), some places a car is a big hassle (generally big cities). Just to take one country - in Italy you don’t want a car in Rome or Florence and can’t have one in Venice. These cities are easily connected by train, so for a Venice - Florence - Rome trip no car is needed. If you will spend a few days visiting smaller hill towns, or staying at a rural agriturismo, then you might want to get a car for those days only.
Some small towns can be done by bus, so depending on your exact plans a car might not be necessary but it can be helpful.

I assume a key to renting a car and getting around would be to take a GPS with European maps.

I used a US GPS with European maps during one road trip in Italy. I have used my phone, with area maps downloaded "for offline use" in several countries and places. I much prefer the phone with downloaded maps. If thinking of bringing my own, it's one less gadget (and charger) to carry. If thinking of renting one with the rental car, I avoid those daily charges.

I've found the offline Google maps to be very accurate in the countries I've driven in. If you have a European data plan for your phone, you can use that to get real-time updates on traffic and transportation options.

countries that work well for getting around on your own either by renting a car or using the train
If you're moving between cities that are well-serviced by trains, you can avoid the hassles and costs of driving and parking a car. If you're traveling in more rural areas, or places not well-served by public transportation, a car can give you flexibility and may make more efficient use of your time.

I've driven many times in many European countries. Except for London, which I lived in and drove (my own car) for several years, I avoid driving in European cities. And I wouldn't drive in London now. Rural areas in many countries can be quite pleasant for driving.

As an example, on my recent trip, I took trains between the major cities that were my primary destinations. I rented a car one day in Germany to get to some out of the way places with complete flexibility of timing.

To the point above about researching and knowing the local driving laws, you'll find such things as:

Slovenia: requires a "vignette" (a sticker you buy and place in your front windshield) that allows you to drive on certain highways

Italy: there are many cities with ZTLs (limited traffic zones) where automated cameras will give you a ticket if you (as a non-resident tourist) drive in them

Germany: is very strict about speeding; whereas we might get away with driving 5 or even 10 miles over the speed limit on some roads in the US, the same would not be true in Germany where you might get a speeding ticket for going a very few kilometers over the speed limit.

In many countries that I've driven in, speed limits are not posted as regularly unless they differ from the country standard. For example, if the speed limit in non-built-up areas in a country is 50km/h, you're expected to know that. Only if the speed limit differs for that stretch of road might they post a different speed limit sign.

You should also familiarize yourself with European road signs (e.g., one way, do not pass, do not enter, pedestrian only) some of which differ from those in the US, but are easy to understand if you familiarize yourself with them ahead of time.

Scott,

It is not my impression that RS restricts luggage. It is his suggestion. His point is that you need to manage your own luggage as there are no porters, etc. He would not kick you off of a tour if you had a huge suitcase. There is plenty of room under the bus where the suitcases go. I've only been on one of his tours, but the guide's suitcase was well over his guidelines, and she managed it just fine. Managing your own is his point, IMO.

I've found the UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, France, etc. (Western Europe) to be fine for getting around without a car rental via trains and/or buses. I prefer not to be distracted by a car rental when I travel in Europe. IMO, YMMV

"One thing that concerns me with tours is the luggage restrictions. This is especially true of RS tours as it appears they only allow you a total of two carry on size bags."

As a veteran of 11 RS tours I can tell you that the reason for this is that you have to manage your own bags. The buses are full sized and have huge luggage bays so there is no problem with room under the bus. It's more that you might need to manage your bags over a 1/2 mile walk from the bus to the hotel or up several flights of stairs. IF you can manage your suitcase, then that's fine.

I'll also add that most find they can manage on even the 21 Day Best of Europe with a 22" bag. Sometimes the guides have a larger bag because they have so much paperwork to carry around. Sometimes they have the same bags as everyone else!

editing to add: Wray and I appear to be sharing the same brain today!

"One thing that concerns me with tours is the luggage restrictions. This is especially true of RS tours as it appears they only allow you a total of two carry on size bags." Not true.
RS Tours do not restrict the size of your luggage. It is a "recommendation" because everyone is responsible for their own bags. And many of the rooms are small in size. On one of his tours I was surprised to see so many larger sized suitcases, which were handled by husbands.
We each check a carry-on size suitcase (heavy), and have 2 carry-on bags. I just make sure I can handle all my "stuff" myself instead of relying on my husband.
On one of our first overseas trips with another couple, we were traveling by rental car as well as trains. The other couple had tiny suitcases, but my husband and I each took a 24" suitcase. It was a tight fit to get the bags into the trunk. And....I couldn't carry my suitcase up 2 flights of stairs to the train platform. A kind gentleman had to help me. I learned my lesson.

Those countries are all easy, and you'll do best to use public transportation in most areas. An occasional short-term rental may be helpful (e.g., the Dordogne or Loire in France, the Pyrenees or white Andalusian villages in Spain), depending on where you decide to go. However, there is an issue with combining Spain and Portugal. The ground-transportation links between those two countries are few and infrequent. You could spend months in Spain alone (and in France alone), so I'd urge you to leave Portugal aside for a trip of its own. Otherwise, you'll be very limited in how you move across the Spanish/Portuguese border. You could of course drive, but you'd almost certainly want to pick up and drop off the car in the same country. International drop charges are extremely high--at least hundreds of euros.

I truly appreciate all the great responses. We are taking two back to back tours next May which were booked through Globus. The first is in Italy and the second in Greece and is followed by a four day cruise. This will give me a feel for the "tour vibe" and help me to know if this is for us. It is great to know that the carry on "restriction" was actually advice and not a restriction. I think we might prefer RS to Globus but I have nothing to base that on. I just really like his TV shows!

I thought that public transportation might be better than renting a car in most areas and your responses seem to back that up.

I honestly think a tour would be so much easier and I would have all the planning headaches, although I kind of enjoy planning and realize we would have greater flexibility. I think we will know more after our tours next May.

Back to the luggage subject, getting around on your own by car or train you are equally restricted. By car you are limited to what will fit in the car. By train, it is you that must carry your luggage on and off the train, including within the station. The only way you will be able to bring more luggage than you can carry is a really upmarket tour that provides porters to and from the bus, or if you just stay in one place and take a taxi from airport to hotel and vice-versa.

And, getting around on your own is not an issue. Millions of Europeans do it every day.

"We are taking two back to back tours next May which were booked through Globus. The first is in Italy and the second in Greece and is followed by a four day cruise. This will give me a feel for the "tour vibe" and help me to know if this is for us."

Just make sure your comparison is apples to apples - size of tour group, quality of guides, # of nights in one place, free time, tip situation (tips are included on Rick's tours), all good sites included ( ie no "optional" tours to get you in to the good sites) etc.

I've not taken a Globus tour so not sure if the tours you have signed up for are comparable to Rick's tours. Some tour companies have groups of 40-52 which is a much different story than a tour with 24-28. I tried to look for tour group size on the Globus site and didn't find what the numbers are on the Greece tour but you probably know.

Still, you'll enjoy the sights that you see!

All we have ever done is travel on our own. We have never wanted to travel with 10, 20 or 30 others.

Wherever you want to travel, research using online tools and travel books about public transportation options or car rentals if you prefer renting a car. If you base yourself in a city, look at day trips that you can take to expand your experiential travel.

Have a great time, Scott!

For me the rental car is not an option.

Getting around in Germany on your own ie, solo, by public transport is no problem at all providing you know how to do using the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, regional trains, ICE and IC trains, day trains and night trains, etc. I've doing it solo since 1971 with a couple exceptions, always on trains, trams, buses....not interested in renting a car.

Scott, I, and I think a lot of the other posters, interpreted "on Your Own" to mean you are asking about getting around as a solo traveller, just you.
I now see you say "we" in a number of places. So perhaps by "on your own" you just mean not as part of a group with a guide, two people travelling together.

Either way it is no issue as long as you do your research, book travel and hotels when needed, and use public transport and trains where they are the best option, and rent cars where they are not.

We have taken 3 RS tours and on our own itinerary for another 10 trips all over France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and the southern half of Germany. On our own itinerary, we always just travel by train and the occasional bus. It’s easy transportation where we both can relax, and there’s no surprise traffic tickets afterwards.

I travel by public transport in Europe. It usually works great. Sometimes I have had to get creative, but I’ve always ended up where I wanted to go😀.

I’ve lived in Austria for 12 years and have never driven a car. We travel a lot.

The German speaking countries, use the train. English speaking countries - drive

I would like to comment on your comparing Globus with RS tours. I led Globus Tours--many years ago--and have taken RS tours.

The concept of touring is the same. You will see if you like sticking to a rigid schedule and traveling with a bunch of other people. There are pros and cons of all tours and you can see if you like them.

There are some differences in Globus tours and RS tours. RS tours cater to what is known as the "PBS crowd" meaning they are, in general, a little more savvy in regards to local customs. Globus passengers, in general, are looking to be led around.

The big difference is that Globus will have more people than the RS tour, offer bellman service at each hotel, will probably stay at nicer hotels, and will make more demonstration stops. (Known by most as shopping stops.) Tipping is expected on Globus tours. They also, in my opinion, offer more of the cliche items while RS tours seem to be a little more interested in the cultural aspects.

If you are looking for a company that offers small group tours and bellman service for larger bags, look at Odysses Unlimited. I have also taken tours with them and highly recommend them.

Personally, as I travel full time, I may take one or two multi day tours a year. Most of the time, I travel independently. It's not difficult to do at all. It is more work, but I can customize it to what I want to see and do. I usually rely strictly on public transportation.

Check www.bahn.com for trains schedules and www.skyscanner.com for flights. Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Andorra, San Marino and Liectenstein lacks in getting there by train compared to other European countries. With the surge of European free markets, low cost airlines are making air travel way more affordable compared to the US. You can fly nonstop between minor cities i.e. Porto and Seville. The negative is train travel isn't as convenient as it once was, especially direct overnight trains.
The advantage to having a car is you can get off the beaten path quicker so it's nice. I would definitely buy Michelin maps and use a GPS for sure. RS usually drives when he's in Europe, so I'm assuming whatever itinerary his guidebooks recommend are all very accessible by vehicle.
Places where I would not rent a car are Asia unless you can read Mandarin, etc. Third world countries with no traffic police are best not to drive in too, but some people do. The bottom line is, do your homework first and check travel.state.gov for what documents are needed if renting a car abroad.

My wife and I are on a 11 day Globus trip next month to Andalucia - beginning and ending in Madrid. All land travel by bus, 45 travelers in the group, all hotels, breakfasts and 8 dinners included (tipping and gratuities not included) - $1349/person with round trip air (Delta) from PDX. I consider this an offer I couldn't refuse.
Keep in mind - there will be some long days in bus travel, 45 people is nearly twice the RS tour roster and it is more "off season" than most RS tours. I'm not expecting this adventure to be comparable to a RS tour. One unfortunate issue - the flight to Madrid is on the morning of the "reunion breakfast" in Edmonds (part of the "Test Drive a Tour Guide" weekend) so we won't be able to spend time with our former guides Federico, Francisco and Agustin.

I have learned so much from reading your replies.

1. I meant not on a tour when I stated on my own. There would indeed be two of us traveling together.
2. I didn't intend on comparing Globus to RS tours. I think they are probably apples and oranges. I simply meant to state we are taking a tour next year and that would allow us to see how we do on a tour.
3. I won't know how we get along with the train system until we try it. I think we will at some point after trying a tour and perhaps a RS tour.
4. It is great to know that we are not limited to luggage size on RS tours although we are on our own for hauling them in and out. I think we will get a feel on our upcoming tours as to how much we "need" to pack.
5. This seems to be a GREAT forum with lots of super helpful folks. THANK YOU!!!

Just for my curiosity, why the comments about tips being "included" or "extra"? One wouldn't tip a bus driver or tour guide, so surely tips being included is just wasted money paying for something you wouldn't pay for anyway? One might tip, a small amount, a porter or taxi driver, but are these services available on the tour?

Tips for the driver and guide are "expected" on Globus tours.

Nick, evidently on many tours it is expected to tip the staff.

Nick, on multi-day tours, tips are expected. Some companies include these in their price by paying the "guide" morebin salary.

Either way, the passenger is paying.

This "tipping" business can be quite confusing - and I apologize for drifting so far afield from the original posted question.
Globus has me in their registry as the result of a river cruise we took several years ago with Avalon Waterways - a subsidiary of Globus. That experience - although generally very positive - introduced us to the "tipping culture" of group travel. As a simple overview - the driver who picked us up from the Budapest airport - an Avalon employee - expected to be tipped. Our bus driver who drove us through the streets of Budapest on an "included tour" expected to be tipped. The local tour guide on the bus who also walked around with us at various stops along the tour - offering excellent commentary as our introduction to Budapest expected to be tipped. Each day on the cruise included "free" excursions (and some at additional cost) with local guides - all of whom expected to be tipped. Out tour manager - a direct employee of Avalon (Globus) expected 12 Euros/day as his tip, and the crew on-board the boat expected to divide an additional daily tip of 3 Euros. Our steward had hopes that she would receive a personal tip as she attended to our room on a daily basis - and this expected tip was above the 3 Euros/day to be divided among the crew. Servers on-board, who provided meal service deemed worthy of gratuities also expected "a little something".
Keep in mind - not one of these "tipping opportunities" were demanded - and I presume some members of the traveling group refused to participate. I don't think there were repercussions for "failure to tip", but it was made quite clear that these gratuities were expected. All this adds up - especially on a river cruise utilizing this "tipping culture" as travelers are a "captive audience".
In our up-coming Spanish tour with Globus, I calculate a minimum of 20 Euros/day as my "obligation" - and an equal sum is calculated for my wife. Our $1349/person adventure has some excess "luggage" to be allocated.

I like public transportation as much as possible in cities. Paris has great transportation; so does London. Rome not so much. There's a whole spectrum between the extremes.

When traveling from place to place, I like the train when it works. Trains are great for city center to city center. I don't like to plan travel legs of more than four hours. With the other travel day activities (packing, unpacking, checking in, checking out, getting meals, making it to the station, making it to your lodging and making connections) four hours is plenty for a single travel day. If I can't get there with four hours on a train, I'll look at flights.

I rent a car almost every trip but I use it when public transportation won't get me there. I'll always plan to rent a car when leaving a city and dropping it when entering another city. In a perfect world, I'd never have a car in a city because it's just an expensive nuisance to park. With a car, I still plan no more than four hours driving on travel days - for the same reason as trains. I use an app on my smart phone for GPS. I'd suggest using something where you download maps before the trip and can navigate without data. This May in Ireland, I was having trouble with my GPS (I use Co-Pilot app) until I turned data off. Apparently, waiting for a signal slowed the app down.

I'd say the more you travel, the less you will pack. I'm down to a shoulder bag about half the size of a carry on. It fits under the airline seat so I can bring it on Ryanair for free. I travel comfortably and happily with just that. I don't see myself going too much smaller (maybe lose a shirt, pair of pants or socks?) but it's great to hop on and off planes, trains, bus or metro without worrying about negotiating a lot of luggage.

Scott (OP) please come back to the forum after your tour and report on your experience.

One value of "no tipping" policies is that the people who run the tour (driver, tour leader, local guides, etc.) aren't afraid of keeping tour members happy in expectation of a tip, so they're not constrained from correcting grumblers and perpetual late-comers (like those who can't get their luggage down multiple tiny staircases and on the bus fast enough to meet the departure time). I think that's the real concern about large bags - that you hold up the schedule.

Blue439 - just adding to the diversion a bit as well and I truly appreciate your adding your experience. I have done a bunch of Rick Steves and Road Scholar tours and one of the reasons I use those companies is that they both (supposedly) have tips included in the cost of the tour. Although from what I've seen on the Road Scholar forum the folks who are on Road Scholar cruises have been asked to tip by the ship employees even though they are supposed to be tipped by Road Scholar.

On one Rick Steves tour the tour guide had organized an optional gondola ride and he divided the cost between the members who chose to go (everyone, lol). At the end the Venetian gondolier gave a spiel about tips and the RS guide literally ran over to where we were docking and said to all the boats with our group members - NO Tipping - I've included that so don't give extra. He was clearly aggravated at our boat guy but I was impressed he was right on it.