BUSABOUT or backpackit !!!!

[whimsSATX]

this summer is going to be my first time backpaking in europe and i know where i want to go but not what i want to see (well some things) Im down to 2 choices use BUS About or get a eurail pass it seems easier to get around on buss about then hopping on all these different trains for the pass im going for about 4 weeks please all input is a plus!! thanks

[chandy]

I went to Europe for 2 weeks in Jan - Feb. I used Eurail and was able to go to 6 countries for 2 days each. The train is faster. I never even compared prices vs bus. I wanted to see as much as possible. I say Train it not Bus it.

[skorch]

I'm pretty sure the prices are very comparable. I personally prefer trains, but busabout is great if you want to meet people. Its a very friendly and lively atmosphere. If you don't like the people you're travelling with, you can always just jump on the next bus. It is a lot simpler than the train system. You don't really have to worry about where you're going because it only goes in one direction. But because of that, you're very limited in where you can go. Trains can be confusing and sometimes difficult to use. There are dozens of them leaving a single train station every five minutes and you have to make sure you're on the right one. Its more of an adventure to navigate the contenent on the train. I wouldn't trade that for anything. You can always meet people at the hostel.

[Ozpacka]

I used a combination of both last summer, and i would probably do the same again. Met heaps of cool people doing that, and i felt it easier to make friends quicker. And it also helped to have a few no brainer days where you could just jump on the bus and not have to worry about stuff too much.

Just my 2c.

Leeroy

[dttraveler]

Train it definitely. you'll be able to meet people in hostels. Finding the trains and hostels in each new city is what backpacking is all about. its such a great feeling. Taking a coach is even the same but on busabout everything is handed to you and that doesnt make for many great memories, trust me.

[TERI]

I've done quite a bit of research on the topic. I say the train eurarail pass is by far the best choice of the two.

Busabout is not very flexible. It only has pickup and drop off points in major cities. The routes are very few. and I think it costs a tiny bit more than the train. Also if you want to go to say for example south of Rome, Italy, you have to pay extra with busabout. Plus busabout drops you off at certain hostels. That would kinda suck if you couldn't get a reservation at that hostel. And most pick up times for the bus are at like 8am. shitty if you're at a hostel on the other side of town.

With a railpass, you have multiple departure times. Many, many, more routes. way faster. You can sleep alot better in a bed (overnight trains), than in a bus seat. With a train pass you simply have more options and flexability for you and your vacation. lol.

Hope that helped. Enjoy your trip.

[clevercraig]

In Europe this past summer, well to be specific while i was in Munich I ran into this Australian or Ozzie at "the Tent" who had been doing busabout with his sister. He took the opportunity once he arrived in Munich to seperate himself from her and come stay with the backpackers (Eurailers) and hated the fact he had to go back to his schedule and meet his sis to catch the bus out. Plainley put......my spelling sucks and backpackers ahve more fun.......take this for a grain of salt. I am a little drunk right now, but i am telling you people in here can back me up......Europe should not be about schedules and bus rides.......It should be about freedom and independance. The hell with busabout.....oh, and go Yankees.