INTRODUCTION - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 7

Even if you don't have two weeks or more for that grand tour of Europe, travel
magazines and the travel sections of the Sunday newspapers plus the Internet are
usually loaded with one-week bargain fares to almost anywhere, mainland Europe
included. By coupling our Base City-Day Excursion mode with a rail pass, you can
maximize the time you do have to spend in Europe.
After determining the length of time you will have for your European rail trip, the
next step is to develop a clear idea of where you want to go, what you want to
see, and what you want to do. Develop your objectives well before your departure
date. We disagree with those who believe that anticipation of travel is more re-
warding than its realization. But we do agree that the planning phase can also be a
fun part of your trip. Properly done, this “homework” will pay substantial dividends
when travel actually begins.
To get things started, visit websites and telephone or e-mail the tourist offices
of each country you plan to visit (addresses in North America are listed in the Ap-
pendix). Be specific. Indicate when you will be going, where you wish to go, and
what in particular you would like to see. If you have any special disabilities or in-
terests and hobbies, be sure to mention them. By spelling out your information
needs, you will obtain better responses.
You may want to start your research with some basic websites about each coun-
try in general and then do city-specific searches. For example, to obtain gener-
al information on Germany, start with the German National Tourist Office website:
www.germany-tourism.de . Other sources of information can be found in each
country chapter, or see the Appendix.
Seek out friends and neighbors who have been to Europe. No doubt you'll find
their experiences flavored with their own likes and dislikes, but their stories may
just spark some new ideas for your plans.
You are now ready for the decisive phase of your trip planning— constructing
an itinerary. First, draw a blank-calendar-style form or use a calendar form on
your computer covering a period from at least one week prior to your departure
to a few days following your return. (Make extra copies of the form—you'll need
them. Changes are common in this project!) Now begin to block your itinerary into
the calendar form, being mindful that the itinerary can be changed but the number
of days in a week remains fixed. Possibly by the third time through the exercise,
you'll begin to see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” It's only human to try to cram
too many activities into a day, but it's better to discover your planning errors before
starting your trip rather than in the middle of it.
With your itinerary in a calendar format, you can now determine your housing
requirements, seat and sleeper reservations, and other facets of your forthcoming
trip. The days blocked out in advance of your departure can show your “count-