My first time to Europe - how should I travel? Bus, train or group?

I plan on traveling to Europe for the first time in a year or two and I'm totally stumped on how to travel. I'll be 30 next year and I'm looking for a decent, safe way to travel, as it'll most likely be a solo trip.



My first thoughts were to travel with a tour group but I'm not 100% sure if it's a good idea, as I'm not too crazy about having such a rigid schedule everyday. I've also heard that you don't really get to see a heck of a whole lot being so many places are packed into such a short amount of time. However, I thought it would be safer, since I've never been overseas. I would also like to meet some other people who might be solo travelers.

I was looking at Contiki but after some research, I've decided not to go with them, as I'll be 30 next year and I'm NOT looking for a 24-hour-party type of deal.

I was also looking at Cosmos, Explore!, Intrepid, Gap, etc. Anybody familiar with them?



I was also looking at Busabout but haven't found too much feedback on them.



I was also considering just getting a Eurorail pass and planning a trip on my own but again, I dunno if it would be entirely safe.



Anybody have any comments or suggestions?My first time to Europe - how should I travel? Bus, train or group?
I went to live in the UK (from New Zealand) and traveled when I could...I did almost all of my traveling alone.



I too did not wish to do tours. My sister did a 6week camping contiki but she likes the party style, group activities. She also says she only really remembers one things from each place they went to. I went to less places in my 18months but I did most places more thoroughly and going where I wanted to go.



I had a friend who did the busabout and really liked it. You just chose the route/s you want and get and off where and for how long you like. While they don't supply accomoodation they do have some places they recommend which helps.



It depends on how long you are going for as well if you want to get a eurorail pass. Trains are very efficient and take you to a lot of places. As I was only going on 1-2week trips every 6 weeks, it was not worth it for me to get one. I just used to the trains/buses etc when I needed to.



My move to the UK and the following travelling was the first time in my life I had done anything by myself and after a while I certainly felt more confident in doing it. Apart from a few hiccups (with buying the wrong tickets or not valadating tickets etc) I think I did ok.

I can say staying in hostels allowed me to meet other people which was nice after travelling by yourself and I used to do a day tour to somewhere, which too allowed me to meet people eg viator. which saved a lot of stress getting to and from it and it gave me info. eg, my sister made her own way to Versailles out of Paris and didn't like it, but I went on a half day tour which took us there and got us in quickly and our guide was great, telling us interesting stories about the place, so I really liked Versailles...I also very much enjoyed the one I did from Rome to Pompeii, which told me a lot of things I don't think I would have got from a guide book.



It depends on how long you are going for...You have not said. I felt safe just about everywhere I went. I usually got up early and went out early eg 8am and came back early eg 5-6pm. By this time I was usually exhausted after walking around all day. I would then go out to dinner (or bring it back to my hotel if I was too tired to venture out again).



Busabout might give you the framework you need, without being restrictive. If you started with that to gain confidence, you might see how easy it is to get around without it. There are some smaller group tours which maybe more you eg I think intrepid is smaller, but I never went with any groups so I can only comment on what I have been told by others. It is nice to have company.



Hostels are a really good way of meeting people. I only stayed in a couple but I did meet people who I walked around a place for a day and then even met up in other places our schedules met up later on.



DON't go to too many places...I would say only go to half of what you think you want to. It is hard to do, but believe me you will thank me later. You get tired of travelling and spend pretty much every day or so spending your time looking out a window and you want to say hurry up!!. Spend more time exploring are area. Spend 3-5 day min in large cities like Rome, Paris, London and less in smaller places, but make sure you have times where you are in a place for a number of days. You can do day trips to other places eg in Florence you can go easily to Pisa or Lucca or Sienna in a day so that could be 3 days of day trips alone as well as exploring Florence for a couple of days.



Cut down on travel and increase the exploring.
I would recommend you to go most of it by train, its a nice way to see much and meet people.

Do not bother about the safety, all Europe is far more safe than any state in US. (At least if you avoid eastern Europe).



Welcome to Spain and the rest of Europe as well.My first time to Europe - how should I travel? Bus, train or group?
I've traveled in 5 European countries by train, and they all feel really safe. Not only that, but I love it - it's a great way to get some rest after all the walking you do in the towns while still getting to see the country. It's a great time to reflect on what you've experienced, or read, knit or just nap! It's also a great way to save on hotel nights if you travel on sleeper trains on longer rides. Anytime you travel, just remember to have common sense, i.e. watch your bags, know your surroundings, etc., and you'll be about as safe as you can be!
If it's your first time in Europe and you do not want Contiki, why not try Trafalgar? We've tried it a few times, forget about waking up early and always running after time when you join tour groups. You will be safe, feel convenient and comfortable with Trafalgar. You get to reach the Must-see destinations.



If you want to explore further, arrive ( they usually start in London) 1 or 2 days in advance and take the Big Bus, a hop on hop off bus where you can choose the places that interests you most. When the tour is over, you can stay further for a few days more so you can explore more.



Since you will be alone, for your safety, use the services of a reputable tour company.