1
Busabout may be of more use in some of the less developed countries within Europe where the rail network isn't so extensive (for example Greece, Ireland, Portugal and the like), but for the majority of Europe I'd say no, take the trains instead.Justification:-
1) The trains are almost always faster
2) There's more room
3) Frequency is better or much better depending on where you are and where you want to go
4) If you sign up to a rail pass, it caters not only for long haul inter/euro city jumps, but also local trains
5) There's more chance of a restroom/toilet on board a train
6) Traffic jams on the railways are rare
7) The sleeper trains are a lot more comfy than the sleeper buses.
8) The trains in most of Europe offer much more flexibility than the buses (honest).
9) The trains tend to be less weather prone.
Where are you intending to go, for how long, and what time of the year? Have a look in the interim at http://www.seat61.com which does a good job of explaining what to expect in each country. http://www.bahn.co.uk also provides a europe wide train timetable for the trains if it helps...
2
fwoggie, could it be you're confusing busabout with eurolines?I haven't used them, and few on here will. the general perception that they're geared towards a younger party crowd that puts socialising before sightseeing. for more opinions on LP see here.
my main objection would be a) that they're not that flexible at all: they've fixed routes with fixed stops, just like any tour, the 'flexibility' is more of a bogus b) the chosen hotels are often not centrally located, hindering any independent exploring.
I can see from your posting history that you feel a bit uncertain and lean toward an organised tour. however, you're usually better off doing it yourself. it's not at all hard. this board and LP guidebooks are meant to support you achieving this goal.
why not give it a try? :-)
4
OP, what is it you wish to gain from your trip?Are you interested in modern lifesty;le of Europe? Or how it got that way.
Do you think there might be a portion of history you'd like to know better, or just curiosoty in passing?
Are you budget comcious? Do you like to be told when you have to leave/?
5
If you enjoy playing drinking games and then vomiting through your nose with a load of Australian teenagers and twenty-somethings,you will love Busabout...7
It would help if you gave us an idea of possible destinations in Europe, but in general agree with #6 and - just in case you are wondering! - I'm over 60. What do you see as the problems of making your own way round rather than being told where to go on an organised tour?8
Depends on where you want to go, but generally speaking trains are very little hassle at all. Hands down, they're my favourite way to travel in Europe.9
I looked into BussAbout before I went to Europe the first time and did not use them in the end as it did not fit my needs (ended up leasing a car instead)Flexible - sort of. The fixed route means that you can get off and have a look around at leisure. Just have to make sure you catch the next bus that comes, usually every other day.
Easy - yes, as it comes at fixed stops
They tend to stop at hotels that provide preferential rates to BussAbout guests. You don't have to stay at these hotels however, and can choose to go to any hotel you want. But you must come back and catch the bus at the drop off point.,
10
OP, you're grown. Make your own way.Ticket and info counters usually speak English Taxis are cheap evough and are good in rain or robbery paranoia.
If you don't understand a menu, point and say,"I'll have what that man is having.
Its all very simple. The only time you need your passport handy, is to change hotels and planes. Carry it in your Rick Steves money belt. I do.
Never carry more cash on you, than you can afford to lose. Never mind atm charges. Its cheap insurance.
If you wonder about sleeping arrangements, ask to see the room.
:)
Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it on day three, on any continent.
happy trails!
12
As the guys above have said, it's geared towards (or has been taken over by) college-age kids on a certain country/city/hostel kinda trip that wouldn't suit you...appeals to youngsters who want to see 20 countries in 20 days, stay in hostels, sleep on the bus and spend as little as possible...Not for grown-ups, I would suggest...
