Getting there

Travelling by Train

• Have you considered travelling across Europe by train? Flying to different destinations has become the most common choice for travellers, but going by train gives you the opportunity to see the places you would otherwise miss. It's also a chance to experience different cultures, languages and to meet new people.
• Train travel to Europe has taken a giant leap forward since the opening of the Channel Tunnel. Trains from different parts of the UK connect with the Eurostar train from London Waterloo.

Services then go direct to Brussels and Paris and connections can be made from these cities on to other European cities and beyond, even to continents like Africa and Asia.

For information on Eurostar trains, prices and connections to other European cities, call 0870 5186186 (www.eurostar.com)

Inter-rail Passes

Young people under 26 are entitled to an inter-rail pass if travelling around countries in Europe. Passes are available to cover various combinations of european countries (zones) which border each other, for a set time period.

After paying for your card you can travel free on most trains in the zones you have chosen - although, in some cases you may have to pay a supplement. For more information you can find details on www.interrail.co.uk.

Travelling by Air

• Flights and organised holidays (called -?package deals') can be really cheap nowadays. If you travel outside the peak times (July/ August/Christmas/Easter) you can often get a flight to most places in Europe for less than £100. Sometimes a particular place may only cost £60-70. Travelling by air can be cheaper and faster and it has a good safety record.
• Most airlines recommend you check-in two hours before the plane is due to depart. If it is a short scheduled flight within the UK or Europe they will usually recommend checking only one hour before the plane is due to go.
• Although flying is one of the safest ways to travel some people find it scary. If you find yourself feeling scared or having a difficult time it can be useful to sit with your spine straight (if you can) and breathe deeply and slowly, visualising yourself as calm with your fears fading away.
• Except for the very shortest flights you will be offered food and drink on the plane. If you have a special diet you should notify the airline in advance, otherwise there will be no guarantee that you'll get what you ask for.
• If you choose to drink alcohol during the flight, the more you drink the worse your jet lag will be. It is against the law to be drunk on an aircraft, with penalties up to a £2000 fine or two years in prison, or both. If you are drunk when you check in you may not be allowed on the flight and your ticket will be stamped refused boarding. You may find it very difficult to get another flight with another airline and will not be entitled to a refund.
• Extreme misbehaviour by unruly passengers (air rage), can lead to some tense moments in the air and may even put crewmembers and passengers at risk. Reasons for such behaviour have been linked to excessive alcohol consumption before and during the flight, smoking bans, over crowding, and long flights. If you find you are on board a plane with someone who is out of control, DON'T get involved. Airline staff are trained to deal with troublesome passengers and your assistance may not be helpful.

For further advice on air travel ask your travel agent or the airline you are travelling with.

If you have a disability:

• check whether the airline will allow you to fly unaccompanied or whether you will need an attendant; give the airline prior notification that you have a disability and explain what facilities you will need at the airport, on the aircraft and on arrival;
• make sure you have the necessary medical clearance - FREMEC card or MEDIF form or other certificate;
• check with the airport and airline if your travel agent does not provide you with sufficient information about airport facilities;
• make sure you can manage the toilet facilities in the airport and on the aircraft;
• check the day before departure that the airline has noted down your requirements and has made any necessary preparations;
• on the day of departure, arrive in good time.

Travelling by Car

• If you are planning to take a car abroad and it is not registered in your name (e.g. a hire car, or your parent's or friend's car), you should take a letter from the owner of the vehicle, showing that you are authorised to drive it.
• Each European country has its own rules about driving. Speed limits, for example, are different throughout Europe and are given in kilometres per hour not miles! The conversion is about 5 miles to every 8 kilometres. In most European countries the maximum speed in built-up areas is 50km/h (about 30mph), on general roads 90km/h (about 56mph) and on motorways either 120 or 130 km/h (about 75-81mph). Check with the tourist authority for the country you are visiting for full information.
• You can use your British driving licence for up to 3 months in any European Union member state. If you plan to live in another EU country, then you will need to exchange your British licence for a local one.
• In many European countries it is compulsory to carry your driving licence, your car ownership and tax papers, your certificate of insurance and a personal identity document such as your passport while you are driving. To be safe, make sure you take these things with you.
• Before driving from Britain to another European country you need to check that your normal insurance covers European travel. If you are uncertain or need extra insurance your car insurance company will help. When your insurance company has covered you for driving in Europe it will issue you with a green card, which shows that your insurance is at the minimum level required.

For cheap accommodation abroad:

The YMCA offers accommodation in over 90 countries for men and women. Contact the National Council of YMCA's, 640 Forest Road, London E17 3DZ.

020 8520 5599 www.ymca.org.uk

Also contact the Youth Hostels Association, National Office, Trevelyan House, Dimple Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3YH.

01629 592600, customer services 0870 870 8808, www.yha.org.uk