hidden europe 17

The hundred euro challenge: how far can you travel?

by Nicky Gardner

Summary

We take a look at some of Europe best-value train tickets. How about Bratislava to Vladivostok for 100 EUR return? The train really can be cheaper than the plane. Take a look!

Yes, it is a refrain we have heard a hundred times. You too, probably. "Of course, I would really like to travel across Europe in a more environmentally friendly manner, but the plane is just so much cheaper." And often that is absolutely true. But not always. We've been casting around to find some of Europe's best railway travel deals. How far can you get for 100 EUR? Well, the best we've managed so far is a train ticket that will entitle you to over twenty thousand kilometres of rail travel.

But, on the face of it, 100 EUR might not get you a very long way. Some of Europe's premier train routes will gobble up 100 EUR in just an hour or two, particularly if you haven't had the foresight to take advantage of any special deals by booking well in advance.

The 38 minute journey from Frankfurt Airport to Siegburg / Bonn on one of Germany's sleek silver inter-city expresses comes at a price. 51 EUR one way, or 102 EUR return second class - although in fairness cheaper fares may be available if you book tickets a few days in advance, and commit yourself to a specific train.

Related articleFull text online

Of maps and men: Landranger sheet 57

With place names like Pendicles of Collymoon and Nether Easter Offerance, Ordnance Survey Landranger Sheet 57 fires the imagination. Maps tell stories, as do old men in pubs. Like the Tartan traveller we met in the Tyrol who tried to persuade us that Garibaldi had Scottish ancestry. From Baldy Garrow it is but a short step to Garibaldi.

Related articleFull text online

Admiralty Handbooks: Baedekers with a Twist

Some of the best academic minds in Britain spent the Second World War writing guidebooks about far-flung places. We explore a clandestine area of professional geographical endeavour which resulted in the Naval Intelligence Guides – often called the Admiralty Handbooks.

Related articleFull text online

Flint country: stories set in stone

Laurence Mitchell introduces us to the many ways in which flint has shaped the cultural landscape of East Anglia. The distinctive stone that glistens in fields and is ground by the tides on the region’s beaches is used in many of East Anglia’s fine churches. Flint inflects the region’s history.