Europe trip on a shoestring - Rail vs Van

The camper van thing would be appealing if you are mostly sticking to parks, rural areas, small towns, beaches, etc. It's easier to get to the remote spots, and you're not at the mercy of the train and bus schedules.

However, there are some significant downsides, especially if you plan to visit bigger cities on a regular basis. As noted above, the cost of gasoline is very high throughout Europe, so gas costs will be quite significant. In addition, you need to allocate money for highway tolls, and parking in cities. Also, insurance can be a significant issue, and I'm not sure if that's included in the cost you quoted. Another thing to keep in mind is that driving in and out of cities can be a really huge headache, especially if you don't have a detailed city street map for each city you're visiting.

Personally, I'd just stick to the train, enjoying the views while you let someone else do the driving. Then you can rent a car for a couple of days if you want to get away from the cities.

I think the best time to travel Europe is April-June and September-October. I should note that I have traveled several times in the heart of summer, and I didn't feel there is that much difference in crowds during July and August than they are in, say, September or June, except perhaps for the beach resorts.

Dave

ny sister and i done 3 months around europe by train and it was brilliant, i would without a doubt advise a train over driving, no hassle or getting lost, no worries about the weather or state of the roads or breakdowns/being ripped off when/if you do break down! you can sit back and enjoy the country side, also when you get to your new desitination being on a train means 9/10 you have information right there at the station i.e. maps and hostel info as well as taxis and attractions. you will also meet more people and be less tired but you possibly will not have the freedom of driving yourselves.

on trains you meet locals
I have slept in cars a lot in Italy and they do it a lot too.not in cities..outside town or in rural areas..you would save on beds ..i paid E5-8 in late season in Italy.camps often close off season.I got a huge tent in Sept in beach camp for E4 a night! youd need a soft matress.
google camping Italy...
car hire is expensive in Italy cos of insurance..roads good /locals macho drivers.
google search campervan hire Italy
www.rent.it

My favourite form of travel is by campervan, so believe me when I say that you are better off taking a relatively short trip like yours on the trains. :)

A van is wonderful but best if you have oodles of time and are completely laid back; if you have a lot to see and do, you might be better off on a train. Campervanning is more a lifestyle than a cheaper way of travelling. If it needs any repairs, you'll be in financial trouble and no repair is cheap!

Your itinerary sounds good. The only criticism I have is that you are sticking to some quite expensive countries, apart from Greece and Croatia. But with a travelpass, you can go anywhere you want, so just figure it out as you go.

Have a good trip.

Thanks everyone!
My new plan is Amsterdam - Berlin - Krakow - Prague - Vienna - Budapest - Zagreb - Zadar - Venice - Pisa - Rome - ferry from Brindisi to Corfu - Athens.
I am finding it a bit difficult to work out all train ticket prices so I can compare just going to stations and buying a ticket to getting the Interrail pass.
Any thoughts??