Understanding the whys

1. Americans like the ability to go where they want when they want...hence the desire to rent cars. Plus many Americans are not familiar with mass transit or with the European train system that many first time visitors find confusing. 2. Define "cheap". As we travel we've learned how to find reasonably (for Europe) priced food, but novice travelers often fall for tourist menus. Just HMO. Why the question?

I will stick with #1. Travelling for leisure is a choice. You don't take a holiday out of necessity. In that context, everything you in a holiday vacation is a choice. Some people will rent a car because it gives them more reach, makes loading/unloading easier, allows you to change routes at whim, and doesn't require any timetable checking, on top of allowing you to plan routes that are far off the main rail lines or major cities served by airport without resorting to crap public buses or the like. Others will think that if they don't take a smelly subway in a Berlin afternoon to the Postdamer Platz, instead of driving and parking there, their vacation will be "un-European." Here on Helpine some people are very vocal against using cars as if they were a negative aspect of life, I disagree but respect their opinion. A third group will rent cars because they like the idea of driving on vacation first place, in new cities and roads, without making it a daily commute hassle. So while Americans (or anyone else) don't "need" to come to Europe, some, when coming, will rent cars as millions of other European native tourists and visitors do every year.

1. An examples only: try to reach four hill forts in Wales on a single day by public transportation 2. Because we can. On a solo trip my european grub and bed costs average about fifty bucks. Traveling with another guy makes it around forty per person. Traveling with my wife it's close to sixty each. I eat pretty well and don't stay in rat holes.

In answer to your second question, people DO find relatively inexpensive food and lodging in many parts of Europe. And, for many people, travel is financially possible only if they find ways to economize. Regarding your first question, I'm curious why it bothers you if some people choose to travel by car. After all, from your address I assume you've chosen to live in a part of the world with limited public transportation and I'm guessing you use a car on a regular basis. For those of us who choose to live in an area with extensive public transit, (sometimes) using a car on vacation is, literally, a change of pace. There are frequent questions in the Helpline from people who are new to European travel and they sometimes resist suggestions about using public transit. However, I think there is an equal number who view driving in Europe as impossibly confusing. For me, the choice is really a matter of what I'm planning to visit and the most pleasant, efficient, cost-effective way to get there. Sometimes, that means I rent a car.

1. I'd venture to say that unless you are an American who lives in a major metropolitan area with plenty of public transit available, it's the car culture that makes a lot of Americans think they need the car. In some cases, yes, a car makes it much easier to get around Europe once you leave the cities. I would never tell someone to not rent a car to see parts of Europe that aren't served well by public transit (of which there are plenty), but if someone is totally adverse to driving in say, Ireland, and they want to know if they can get to something like the Cliffs of Moher without a rental car, I would tell them that yes, it's possible to get there and the best way would be to join a day tour and not rely on the local buses which don't run all that frequently out there. Now if they want to drive a rental while they are staying in Dublin for a few days, I'd suggest ditching the car during their time there as the traffic and parking are a hassle and it's an easy city to navigate on foot or by public transit. A lot of Americans are not used to taking public transit at all and just the thought intimidates them - whether it's riding the NYC subway system or the Paris Metro (which may intimidate even more if they don't speak or read French). For others, they may think the train system in Europe is similar to Amtrak. I can't stand riding Amtrak because it takes forever & it only has decent coverage in certain parts of the US. But I enjoy taking trains in Europe if the price is right and I can get a high speed train headed where I want to be. 2. Agree with Ed. Because we can. There are plenty of avenues to get cheap lodging or food in Europe, especially if you don't pigeonhole yourself into only accepting lodging in one specific area or 1 type of lodging. Same with food. It's possible to eat well on the cheap. If I can do it at home, I can do it anywhere.

I can tell you why we do, and the places we rent them for. Cotswolds in UK. Cannot imagine trying to do that area by public transport! Brittany. Not possible really to cover the areas we want to by public transport. Otherwise, we always use public transport. It's generally quite easy and comfortable in every country we've been to. We also find very affordable food in Europe (better quality many times) and sometimes even cheaper (fresh foods) than the US. Lodging can be reasonable if you know how to look for deals e.g. we stayed at the Marriot in London in 2010 for $100 a night (promo) and it was a very large, comfy room. So to answer your question...we rent because we need to in some areas. We find cheap, good quality food and lodging in Europe...because it's available and oh well, we CAN! LOL

"so many Americans" People who don't do it exacterly like the op suspicions that it should be done?

1. Don't know, never thought of renting a car but I imagine one might be useful in some circumstances. 2. Because you can.

1) Because for some locations and some travel groups it is clearly the best way to travel (sorry Lee, it's just true). Similarly, for some locations and other travel groups, the train or bus is an obvious choice. The only wrong choice is to completely discount an alternative simply because you are naive to the options, have a axe to grind or a pedestal on which to stand to preach. 2) Straw man argument. Americans won't find much of anything "cheap" in Europe and I doubt anybody thinks they can. But if your finances are such that going to Europe is a stretch for you, food and lodging choices are pretty much the only expenses you have control over. It's your only way to keep costs down and still see what you want to see. So some people might make economical choices in this area that you would not consider. So?

Possible question #3: Is there the misconception that europeans don't own/use car? a. Are rental cars causing all the traffic jams? b. Are those all north americans in the Carrefour and Sainsbury's parking lots?

On all my trips to the UK I rent a car....there are hundreds of small quiant villages that you wouldn't be able to see without a car, because there isn't any public transportation to them.. Plus it's so fun driving there. When you have a car you have so much freedom, you can go any where, stay as long or as little time as you want, and change your mind at the last minute on where you want to go next if you want to. I also drove one in Norway which I enjoyed, I haven't driven in the other countries I've visited. As for cheap food and lodging....you can find then in Europe...so why not. It seems like it really bothers you if people rent cars and find cheap lodging and food, which to me doesn't make sense.

1: People go by their experience and they know that it is very difficult if not impossible to get from point A to point B by public transport in the US. Therefore they assume that it is similar in Europe because it's very hard for them to comprehend that public transportation can be so good.
2: Because they can in the USA.

Hi, 1) I'll never understand questions such as:
Why do so many Americans think they need to rent a car in Europe? My question: Why does it seem to bother some people here? Why would it bother, or be of concern, to anyone what someone elses preferences are? Are Americans the only people keeping Avis, Budget, Sixt and others from closing their doors? 2) Because we can. We have never stayed overnight here as cheaply as in Bavaria, Austria and the Dolomites. With the buffet breakfast incl., it's not even close. Maybe a Super 8 comes closest, but that's about it. Find me a place in the NYC area that's very nice, safe, clean, comfortable, good location to major sights with gorgeous views all for under $75 US with a buffet breakfast. Paul

Well for number one,, thats easy,, public transport in Europe IS very good,, unlike many places in North America. So car for city travelling is not needed, or even desirable,, BUT there are many places where a car IS needed,, its just not possilbe to go off the beaten path in more rural areas without one. Why would someone not think they can find cheap food and lodging in Europe, I can and do all the time,, why would some one think you couldn't?

I rent a car in Scotland because it is fun to drive there! Maybe there is a bit of Top Gear in me, but Scotland has some great roads and it is fun to drive them. Pam

Monte, I apologize for my past displays of grandiloquence and logorrhea. In the future I will try to be more concise. I remember that Mark Twain said, (paraphrasing now,) "The fewer words used to communicate an idea, the more effective the communication." I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. I got my U.S. Citizenship 38 years ago. I have lived all over the world building high rise buildings, harbors, seawalls, missile silos, reactors, hotels, and airports. I have lived in 29 of the 50 U.S. states. I have visited 49 U.S. states, plus all 6 U.S possessions. I guess that makes me an American now?
I rented a car in August of last year and my wife and I drove the entire east coast of Italy for 6 weeks. We saw things we would never have been able to see if training it or flying. We picnic'ed a lot, and ate really cheaply. We stayed at some hotels for under 38 euros. We live really close to the ground. We would love to stay at swankier places, but must live within ours means. I hope that "unbaffles" you a little?

To your first question, my answer is that I do so to have complete freedom of movement on a schedule of my own choosing. It guarantees both my business appointments are met and my fun time is maximized....it's a sure thing, as predictable as, say, a drooling overly wordy passive/aggresive fantasy popping up posing as guesswork attempting to postulate the motives of Americans renting cars. My company pays for mine. To your second question my answer is....that I do exactly that.

My answers: #1 - I think it just doesn't occur to people that it is easy to use public transportation, that it is often cheaper, safer, and faster. I cringe every time someone posts that they want to jump in a car the minute they land after a 10 hour trans-Atlantic flight and drive another 3-4 hours, or that they want to do wine or beer tastings and then drive. Having lived with-out a car for 25 years, I can say that I have never had a problem getting to where I wanted to go here and do not miss driving at all. That said, I also could care less if folks want to drive. These are all personal decisions and what I think about your personal decision and your needs should be pretty low on your travel plans. There are things to consider though, like the need for even older children to be in car seats in some countries, so you need to bring those with you, the price of gas and tolls compared to your home country, lack of parking in most big cities, the huge traffic jams that can occur making a 4 hour trip turn into 8, the smaller cars making a trip with 5 people really, really cramped, having to drive in snow if you are from someplace where there isn't any, etc.etc. #2 - Cheap food and lodging abound in Europe, so why shouldn't people ask how to find it and where? I don't understand this question at all.

Maybe and I'm just guessing here, some Americans think its just wrong to use publicly funded and subsidised anything , kind of smacks of socialism. Renting a car is the free enterprise way to go, rent from a corporation, no timetable, no one to tell you what to do. It must be hard for them wanting to see the sights, but having to endure socialism all around them, public transport, public health care, mandated holidays, people with more than two weeks of vacation time by law. People speaking foreign languages, money with funny names and colours, no Waffel House. Renting returns to these Americans some sense of control, a little comfort, it removes that "where are those left leaning unionised public transport operatiing people taking me" feeling.
I'm just guessing.

There is a stigma in certain parts of the US, whereby public transit is only for poor people on public assistance, or immigrants who can't legally access a car. When some plan a trip outside the US that stigma sticks. A number of years ago I was planning a trip for myself and a bunch of friends to attend an event in Vancouver. I had been to this lovely city a couple of times in the past and knew having a car to get around was about as useful as having a car to get around in Manhattan:) The Skytrain and especially the wonderful bus system will get you everywhere you need to go; and everyone uses it...rich man/poor man. Long story short, most insisted on renting a car, thought I was out of my mind to suggest using buses, in the end the rental car stayed in hotel's parking garage the entire time, public transit was used extensively, while parking fees and rental charges accumulated for the unused car:)

Something that I think it happens, and to a point is a normal occurrence, is that people seek peer-validation all the time. It is inherently human. If I buy an iPhone, and not a Blackberry or Android, if I'm not careful I will probably give in to an innate need to "validate" my smartphone choice by concentrating more on positive reviews of iPhone, downplaying (mentally) the shortfalls of iPhone in regard of others, and sometimes "defending" my choice when "confronted" by some Blackberry user as a better one. It is all psychology, and it works to give us, humans, something we as species need: reassurance, a sense that "I did the right thing". When it comes to vacation, that might happen as well. If we don't watch out after ourselves, we might find ourselves vigorously arguing - for instance - that Rothenburg is an absolutely must-see place whereas Werningerode and the Harz are are dull; or that Varena is awesome whereas the Lago di Garda is "over-commercialized and without charm"; or that Rotterdam is a place with nothing to do whereas Delft is one to spend 3 days - all of that because we want to validate our (hypothetical) choices for Varena, Rothenburg and Delft (and the hefty money we spent on that trip) by convincing others they, too, should mimic our choices and dissuading them of acting otherwise (validation). Cut to transport choice, and we have the same scenario. Few people have actually traveled extensively in Europe both with trains/public transit and cars. Usually, they used mostly one or other, and develop opinions about them based on third-party testimony, endorsement or reviews (which is not wrong at all).

1. I really wanted to travel via train for our next European trip but found that for a family of four it was cheaper and more convenient to drive. We are hitting many stops that are not big cities. I figure it would cost $1,000 more to take trains and perhaps consume 1 more net day inefficiency waiting on schedules. I did figure on GPS cost, CDW, parking, toll fees, CH sticker, gasoline, maps, drop off fee and it was still cheaper. Our last trip was just with wife and we went city-to-city and used trains only and loved and preferred it. I wish trains were cheaper because I enjoy the experience. 2. Because they are relatively cheap and available in US. Pete

Cars aren't "publicly funded and subsidised"? Who do you think builds and maintains public roads (and bridges, and tunnels, and signage, and pays for snow removal and policing)?

"Something that I think it happens, and to a point is a normal occurrence, is that people seek peer-validation all the time. It is inherently human." It's called "confirmation bias". We're all guilty of it, and we're all guilty of denying that it influences us. Now if you will all excuse me, I'm going to drive home from work. Not because it will save me about an hour of commuting time, but because as a red-blooded American living in Europe, I hate anything that "kind of smacks of socialism". Especially that evil commie plot known as "public transportation". Yup, that must be it, we Americans drive in Europe because we hate socialism, different languages, different money... and why ain't there no Waffle Houses here?

Why do people rent cars when they could easily take public transport in Europe? Why do people take public transport when they can have the freedom of travel by renting a car? Why do people stay in hostels when they can have the comfort of a hotel? Whey do people stay in hotels when they can save money by staying in a hostel? Why do people take tours when they can just as easily do it on their own? Why do people travel on their own when they can take tours and get so much extra? All of these are rhetorical questions but the real question being asked when you see anything like this is: Why would anyone want to travel differently than me? Why would anyone want to believe anything differently than me? Afterall, my way, and beliefs, are right, everyone else is wrong? Does this sum up much of what we see on the board?

@Frank II: Amen.

Yes, Frank. It does.

James, your right, my toolshed door was open. I didn't use the word hate, socialist un-familiar would be the term I'd use. And that's not a bad thing,just a stage to exit. And as a small, almost micro, business owner, I'm all for free enterprise. I'm also very thankful for the social safety net that's available to me, without it the nature of my business and of my life would be very different. In my day to day life I seldom use public transportation and so when planing holidays it's not the first thing that comes to mind, but i never rule it out. Sometimes it just makes sense. I like driving and exploring, thats part of my holiday experience, little twisty turney roads, drivers that keep to the right, that pull over to let you pass , long French stop lights that give me time to check my map, sheep in the middle of the road. And as for shopping in Michigan, their economy is in such a state that any help we can give is appreciated.
I like the Waffel House, it's like Denney's, but you don't have to get dressed up.

And I' m with Frank II too.

So, the way socialist-hating Americans deal with keeping the "economic failures" and "moral decay" of Europe at bay is to prove the virtues of capitalism by intentionally vacationing there with a car from Hertz? Seriously? I'll bet a Canadian dollar that socialism/capitalism doesn't cross their minds in the least when on vacation. If it does, they need help! I don't try to have a more-socialist vacation when I have time off. On the contrary, I like a little capitalism when on vacation (except Starbuck's - even so I cave in sometimes). I can worry about my ideology the other 364 days of the year. And an Ontarian choosing Waffle House over Tim Horton's. What the heck? :)

On # 1: I myself have never rented a car in Europe. But I appreciate being a passenger, ie., motorised, to be able to get around at all or more conveniently to the sites not served by buses, especially in the villages. Without a car I would never have seen some of the villages in Lorraine, those outside of Arras, the beach towns along the Pas-de-Calais, village of La Roche Guyon, monuments at the edge of Toulouse, Boulogne, Compiegne, and others. Try covering the Waterloo battlefield without a car and seeing all the various sites, museums, and monuments connected with the event. In Germany it's still necessary to have a car, even if public transportation is better than that I have found in France, esp., in getting out to the outskirts of a city or its surrounding villages, such as those in Brandenburg. It boils down to what you're after and how to get out there. On #2: Because it is possible to find cheap lodging and food in Europe, how do the locals do it when they're vacationing either in their own country or other places in Europe?

#1. Personally never rented a car but did chip in and rented a mini-van with 6 other guys. We drove for 20 days from Frankfurt-Limburg-Amsterdam-Berlin-Dresden-Munich-Bolzano-Hallstaat-Wernau and back to Frankfurt. Needless to say it was a smelly mess by day 4. Nothing like being stuck in a car after a disagreement with fellow travelers for hours and hours and hours.
I find driving (even here) to be a chore. I look forward to letting someone else drive or not driving at all. #2. I think some like the idea that they're paying less than the next guy. You never really know and it's a not an issue anyway. There are cheap ways to eat in Europe. You just have to do your homework. I know I have to scrimp and save to afford a trip. Maybe I'm just trying to encourage others about travel by pointing out if I did it they can too? Living close to Detroit I use to see lots of cars from Ontario in the lots outside of shopping centers. Now that the US dollar has risen to par level with CDN dollar the number of cars has definitely dwindled. @Peter: You can still shop here and root for the Red Wings. It's cool with me. By the way Point Pelee National Park is a great day trip especially with a stop at a winery or two. Ok, night all, going to Tim Hortons.

Please don't feed the Norwegian gentleman with the large, mish-shapen nose, who lives under the bridge. (Spoken as a Norwegian-American with a large nose. I do not live under a bridge, although I often drive across bridges in my rented car...).

Do trolls eat at Waffle House or Tim Horton's? Not that it matters, as both suck equally which is why we just don't have them around here. We go for the upscale IHOP around these parts. If he gets free WiFi under the bridge, maybe he can Skype with one of the monthly groups that meet up at Panera Bread locations across the US. Always shocked the founder of the monthly meetings thinks nothing of going to that frou frou Panera every month where it's $12 for a salad and a drink. $12USD could easily feed a family of 4 in certain parts of Germany or at least get them a room in a privatzimmer!

Thanks Frank

1. I've done both. Each choice has it's conveniences and hassles. Renting or training, for me, depends on the itinerary and who I'm traveling with. I'd personally rather train than drive (because I can relax rather than drive). If I'm going city center to city center, I'll go by train - even if it costs more than renting a family car - because it's the most convenient and I don't have to worry about parking. If I'm going to visit places that are hard/impossible to reach with public transportation, I'll rent or lease (even though I have to drive). Tuscany and the Cotswolds are good examples, as is Ed's Wales example. 2. I do think you can eat and sleep affordably in Europe. Generally European prices are higher (costs of fuel, utilities, and taxes all push prices up), but there are still options. My motto is, "Save money where you can, so you can spend it where you want."

Regarding question #1......We are planning our first (30 days) visit to Europe and will be spending 5 days in Paris before flying to Murcia, Spain for a 3 day business meeting. Then we will rent a car and explore the Mediterrenean coast of Sp, Fr, and then travel to Milan, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria, Amalfi Coast, and Rome. We plan on keeping a loose itinerary and exploring small towns whenever and wherever the urge takes us.....just like we do in the U.S.! I suppose if we were going to see only Rome, Florence, Venice, and Paris we could take a train. Just as a European coming here to see NYC, Boston, and Philadelpia would probably not want to rent a car...

Fred, wait, you still need a car to get around Germany? I've seen a lot of Germany without using my car at all. Granted for some small villages I'd assume this to be true but that's true for all of Europe generally. But you can see quite a bit in Germany without a car, I think it's easier getting around here with a car compared to say, large chunks of France. Ceidleh - You are quickly becoming my favorite commenter on this board. Ignoring Q1 because you sometimes need a car depending on where you're going and sometimes it's a liability or unneccessary that's all that matters as far as Q2 goes I have traveled with Americans in Europe who have experienced a lot of sticker shock over lodging and food prices. In my experience it was not that cheap food/lodging wasn't available, but that they wanted decent lodging and decent sit-down restaurants and in general, even in the cheaper parts of western europe those things ARE more expensive than in the U.S. We'd have visitors go on and on about hwo much they wanted to save money, but when it was time to eat they turned their noses up at Doner Kepab and train-station joints and wanted to go to a Ratskeller and then put up a fuss when the bill came. Those people are unreasonable and silly, but there you have it.

I guess I am part of the 'so many' crowd... to answer number 1...I rent a car about 80% of the time because I need it for the way I want to travel. I like freedom, spontaniety, changing my mind on a whim and very few reservations. I don't care if I miss most of the 'must-sees' and I do not want to live on a schedule while I am on vacation. That does not mean I don't love the train...for those times when it works for me its fine. But, to just travel from city to city by train is not my idea of seeing Europe the way I want to see it. (I don't mind driving and have seen all the US by car)
As for number 2.... I don't 'think' I can find cheap food and lodging in Europe, I know I can, and I do. And 'cheap' is relative, but I never stay in the most expensive place in a city.... I tend to stay where the pricing is moderate. And I certainly do not eat at the fancy restaurants, and if I do it is usually for lunch.

@ Sarah, True, I would be the first to say that in constrast to France seeing the outlying areas, Germany is much better served by public transportation. It's not just a matter of whether a bus, S or U-Bahn, or even train connection exists from where you are to where you want to go. It's also the time factor, how much time you spend waiting at the bus stop/station, how long the ride is, then how far to walk once you get as close to site, say another 30-40 mins? (Nothing against walking here) Access to a car gives you the flexibility and saves time. It is all a matter of what you want to see. A number of places come to mind in Germany where I was lucky to be motorised and saved time getting to the site. Yes, you could get to Porta Westfalica in Minden an der Weser or the Wustrau/Brandenburg museum by taking public transportation but with a car it's a lot easier and quicker. I know that without being motorised it would have been next to impossible seeing the historic estate/ Schloß Hardenberg in Neuhardenberg/Brandenburg, or Schloss Babelsberg near Potsdam, see the military cemeteries along the road or on the outskirts of a town, etc. and esp. seeing the make-up of some of the historical villages in the greater Berlin area.

To all those who made contributions to unbaffle me, thank you. Your insight and experience gave me plenty to think about and that was the purpose of my questions.
Thanks again for your responses.

GO Red Wings GO!!!!!! Go Red Wings GO, GO, GO, GO!!! This a travel helpline, James. Don't you dare tell me not to cheer for the Red Wings. Are you jealous of their 11 Stanley Cups or what?????
What has this issue of cars and food got to do with sports???? This is why people have such issues with this helpline!!!