As a student studying in Madrid for 5 months, I would like to travel on my off days throughout Spain and neighboring countries. What kind of rail pass should I get to have the maximum freedom of travel? I have friends studying in Scotland and England and we would like to meet up while abroad. I would also like to research family anscestors in Spain and France. Any helpful suggestions for a poor starving college student would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Magdalena, low cost air carriers are much cheaper in Europe than trains. Have a look at www.vueling.com, www.ryanair.com and www.clickair.com, to name just a few.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
638 posts
If you have a week free (Friday to Friday) look into volunteering at Pueble Ingles, it is a program where native english speakers get a free week in Spain in return for just speaking english with Spaniards who are learning english. Their website is www.puebloingles.com. I've been twice and had a great time both times, since you are already going to be there hopefully it will fit into your schedule! BTW, the week is spent at a nice hotel in the country, the age range is 18-80 with about 20 english speakers and the same amount of Spanairds, at the present time they have about 3 or 4 venues. If you have anymore questions or anyone for that matter about the program feel free to email me.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
389 posts
You could buy 2 flexipasses: youth 10 or 15 day in 2 months. This would be less than a 3 month consecutive if you are traveling just in Spain and France. I agree that flights are cheap, but only if you are going where they go. If you want an adventure all over the countries, rail gives you the freedom and if you arrive in one town and it isn't what you want/like/need, just hop on and go to the next. I loved my first trip on the global pass where I could go anywhere. Hopefully you've checked the Eurail pass info here a RS. Also remember, especially in France, there may be some large supplements on the train.