When you go to Europe on a tour, you have the ability to see as many places as you want to see, since everything is so well connected. One thing that people do to get around is to take budget airlines, like Ryan Air or Wizz Air, to name a few. The great thing about these airlines is that they are affordable, fly to and from many destinations, and ultimately make travel around the continent a walk in the park. However, before you book one of those crazy 2 euro fares, there are a few things you should know:
Fees Add Up
You may see a cheap flight from London to Prague, but before you say, “Wow, what a deal” don’t forget about the fees. Many of these airlines charge you everything from carry-on bags to just having a seat on the plane. And, if you forget to print out your boarding pass when you come to the airport, you can be charged double the price you paid for your ticket. Make sure you read through the fine print before booking any of these tickets.
Flight Routes Aren’t Always at the Best Times
When you fly a budget airline, understand that in addition to all those fees, you ultimately get what you pay for. Another thing you need to consider before booking one of these budget airlines are the times that their flights depart and land. Many flights will be overnight and get you somewhere very early in the morning — too early to check into any hotels without paying for another night, and too late to take a bus into the city. When you consider the costs and the discomfort of sleeping on the floor of the airport, it might not be worth it.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’re not sure that taking budget airlines around Europe for your tour, there are other options you can look into instead, like:
- Paying a little more for a full-service airline
- Taking a train, bus, or another form of transportation
- Renting a car
Remember, you can also talk to your tour company and ask them about how transportation is going to be handled. Certain tour companies, depending on the time and length of your tour, will take care of all of this for you. However, if you plan on extending your trip or getting to your tour by yourself, then this information will definitely come in useful.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
