Railway or Airplane?

This is one section of my Europe travel summary — be sure to check out the full guide!

hortus quaerens

My Real TravelSummary!

Welcome! You've uncovered this hidden private guide — nice job! Get essential tips and insights to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re hitting the road, flying, or exploring local gems, this guide has you covered. Click through to dive into all the details! BONUS 5+1 free guides: the five sections of"My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". THANKS After the five parts of this full guide, you are fully prepared! My guides on places are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to save, purchase them, and subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Private

🚉 Railway

Unforgettable experience

Traveling by train in Europe offers a unique and unforgettable experience, often romanticised by films like "Before Sunrise." It's a great way to explore the continent, providing both efficiency and scenic beauty.

There are two main types of trains to choose from:

high-speed trains and regional trains.

High-speed trains offer rapid transit between major cities. Regional trains connect smaller towns and offer a slower, more scenic journey through the countryside.

Some travellers opt for a train pass to travel throughout Europe.

While this can be a convenient option, it's important to decide based on your specific needs.

Personally, I don't prefer this option as it may not always offer the best value and timing, especially since I don't take spontaneous trips very often.

Use Your Smartphone

Make use of each country’s railway company apps for the most reliable timetables. These apps allow you to buy and save your digital tickets, making the process more convenient and efficient.

Validation!!

It's crucial to understand the ticket validation process, which differs from country to country. Always validate your ticket to avoid fines, even if you've already paid for it. This is an important tip to ensure a smooth journey.

Read my note of an Italian train station to know how it works: 

Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia

@hortusquaerens

Two ways to buy tickes in Italy: You can purchase paper train tickets from machines using a credit card; or buy tickets easily in advance through a mobile app by setting up your personal information. Important: In Italy, there are two types of train tickets: those with reserved seats and those without. For tickets without reserved seats, be sure to validate your ticket before boarding! For paper tickets, use the machines available on the platforms. For mobile tickets, validation can be done within the app. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine, as ticket inspectors are frequently present. Train tickets between Mestre and Venice fall into this category. Latest news after my Sep 2024 trip, about validation for regional trains: From 21 September 2024, online check-in will be automated. You can also change your departure time as many times as you want on the day of travel, as long as you haven't checked in yet. My advice is that if you buy your ticket on your phone, it doesn't hurt to check in the app at any time to see if you're validated. But if you have a paper ticket, you still need to validate it at the validation machine before boarding the train.

Add to

Details

As I visit more places, I'll update this guide and this section. Stay tuned for more tips and insights on traveling by train in Europe.

✈️ Airplane

Flying is fast.

Flying is often the fastest way. It allows you to cover long distances in a fraction of the time it would take by car or train, making it a time-saver for exploring multiple destinations.

Apps are your best friend.

Use smartphone apps to check in, save boarding passes, and keep track of your flight status. This digital approach helps streamline your travel experience and reduces paperwork.

Pack smart to avoid hassle.

Airline regulations are increasingly strict about baggage. To avoid extra fees and hassle, pack efficiently and stick to essential items. A well-organized carry-on can make your travel smoother and quicker.

🧳 Luggage

Luggage safety brings a smooth trip.

It's relatively uncommon for passengers to lose their luggage, but it's still important to take precautions: 

- Carry valuable items, documents, and cash with you instead of placing them in checked luggage or storing them in public areas.

- Try to keep your luggage within sight, such as in the overhead racks above your seat or the space next to your seat.

- Equip your suitcase or backpack with locks to increase security.

- Attach clear labels to your luggage with your name and contact information to make it easier to recover if lost.

- Stay aware of your surroundings at stations and on trains to prevent theft.

By staying alert and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risk of losing your luggage while traveling by train in Europe.

I strongly recommend packing & travel light.

It has several advantages: 

Packing light makes it easier to get around,

whether you're using public transport or moving between locations.

European cities often have cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and stairs, which can be difficult to navigate with heavy luggage. 

Traveling light also speeds up transitions between destinations.

It simplifies boarding trains, buses, and flights, and reduces the hassle of managing large bags.

Additionally, by packing light, you can avoid these additional fees and save money.

Many low-cost airlines and some train operators charge extra for checked baggage. 

With less luggage, you also enjoy greater comfort and convenience.

It’s easier to find what you need and handle your bags without feeling burdened.

Finally, lighter luggage gives you more flexibility

to adjust your plans or take advantage of spontaneous opportunities without being weighed down.

Overall, packing light makes traveling more comfortable, cost-effective, and adaptable.

Last but not least,

Enjoy your time around!

Feel free to check out my other travel experiences! And save my other itineraries and map lists below to book your next trip! 🌹🌹🌹

hortus quaerens

Markets are distant lives

I love visiting markets, whether they are fresh markets or flea markets. It allows me to experience other people’s lives and times past. In this list, I include the markets I’ve been to as well as my personal experiences there. I will also list other markets that I have not been to but plan to visit. (So if you have any unknown gems, please let me know in the comments!) This is a free guide and I will be updating it very slowly. So save it and check it out as soon as you arrive in your new city! BONUS - Another guide: "My Real TravelSummary", based on my personal experience. THANKS Save this guide on your mobile device ahead of time, and you'll find these places under "Your Map" in Thatch app wherever you are! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Pets • Female Solo • Groups • Architecture • Art • Boutique • History • People & Culture • Budget • Relaxation • Photography • Foodie • Coffee • Shopping • Slow Travel • Sustainable/Eco • Romantic

Free

Map

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Sicily East Coast in 5 Days, 4 Nights

Discover the stunning east coastline of Sicily on this 5-day, 4-night adventure, beginning and ending at Catania Airport. It is a point-to-point itinerary that I meticulously planned, implemented, and optimised. During the trip you'll explore the vibrant city centre of Catania, Taormina's charming streets and parks, and the breathtaking Greek theatre at sunset. Consider an extra day in Taormina to soak in its beauty. Visit Syracuse, the Neapolis Archaeological Park, and enjoy an overnight stay on the historic Island of Ortigia. Wander through Ortigia’s enchanting streets, cathedrals, and castle to conclude your journey. This journey let you fully embrace the perfect blend of culture, history, and coastal splendor! My Personal Taste: You may have already known my style, I seek solitude, classical gardens, and also enjoy blending into the hustle and bustle of urban life. I care deeply about aesthetics and experience. Interested? In This Guide, You'll Get: - A point-to-point route that starts and ends at Catania Airport; - Detailed info on more than 50 places; - Crucial tips about currency, transport, moving between villages, and more; - My personal notes on the most impressive places; - A vibe preview of the journey in my short videos, collected in a playlist. BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". - A free Google map with my favourite places, more that those in this guide, right on your phone! THANKS Purchase this guide ahead of time and save them on your mobile device to access it at any time and plan your next destination without worries! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • History • Outdoors • Relaxation • People & Culture • Photography • Romantic • Slow Travel • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Budget • Coffee • Design • Faith • Foodie • Shopping • Sustainable/Eco

$45.00

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Itinerary

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Provence Road Trip in 5 Days, 4 Nights

Welcome to my picturesque 5-day, 4-night road trip through the heart of Provence! It starts and ends at Marseille Airport, this is a point-to-point itinerary that I meticulously planned, implemented, and optimised. Click the route button on map and you can see how I go through all these beautiful places in Provence, Southern France: Your journey includes a drive to Avignon, passing through charming towns. Discover the ancient Pont du Gard and enjoy the historic allure of Arles. Traverse Provencal mountain villages and witness the stunning lavender fields in Valensole at sunset. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the serene Sainte-Croix Lake and vibrant Marseille before returning your car at the airport. Reminder: don't forget to read my small tips of each place, especially when you want to find a parking place in a small village. Enjoy! My Personal Taste: You may have already known my style, I seek solitude, classical gardens, and also enjoy blending into the hustle and bustle of urban life. I care deeply about aesthetics and experience. Interested? In This Guide, You'll Get: - A circular route that starts and ends at Marseille Airport; - Detailed info on more than 60 places, point to point; - Crucial tips about currency, renting a car, finding parking in narrow villages, and more; - My personal notes on the most impressive places; - A vibe preview of the journey in my short videos, collected in a playlist. BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". - A free Google map with my favourite places, more that those in this guide, right on your phone! THANKS Purchase this guide ahead of time and save them on your mobile device to access it at any time and plan your next destination without worries! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! If you'd like a preview of everything wonderful you'll experience on your trip, please don't hesitate to watch my travel vlogs of each day first! Find me on Youtube: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Backpacker • Couples • Family • Groups • Digital Nomads • Photography • Road Trip • Nature • History • Art • Faith • Romantic • People & Culture • Architecture • Wellness • Relaxation • Slow Travel • Budget • Boutique • Luxury • Foodie • Coffee • Design • Outdoors • Sustainable/Eco

$45.00

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Itinerary

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Veneto Road Trip in 5 Days, 4 Nights

"See Venice and die." Pack your bags, rent a car, and experience the charm of Veneto with this 5-day, 4-night road trip! Starting and ending at Venice Airport, this is a point-to-point itinerary that I meticulously planned, implemented, and optimised. The journey will immerse you in Venice's enchanting canals, contemporary architecture, and historic landmarks. You'll also have a quick glance at Padua and Verona, through the heart of northern Italy, with the lush gardens, classical villas, ancient castles and Juliet's balcony. Blending culture, history, and scenic beauty, it's a perfect itinerary for you if you're seeking to capture the essence of Veneto! My Personal Taste: You may have already known my style, I seek solitude, classical gardens, and also enjoy blending into the hustle and bustle of urban life. I care deeply about aesthetics and experience. Interested? In This Guide, You'll Get: - A circular route that starts and ends at Venice Airport; - Detailed info on more than 50 places, point to point; - Crucial tips about currency, renting a car, finding parking in narrow villages, and more; - My personal notes on the most impressive places; - A vibe preview of the journey in my short videos, collected in a playlist. BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". - A free Google map with my favourite places, more that those in this guide, right on your phone! THANKS Purchase this guide ahead of time and save them on your mobile device to access it at any time and plan your next destination without worries! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Family • Backpacker • Couples • Groups • Digital Nomads • Art • Architecture • Budget • Design • History • Faith • People & Culture • Photography • Relaxation • Road Trip • Romantic • Slow Travel • Coffee • Boutique • Luxury • Foodie • Outdoors • Sustainable/Eco

$45.00

$50.00

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Itinerary

hortus quaerens

Andalusia Road Trip in 5 Days, 4 Nights

Embark on an enchanting 5-day, 4-night road trip through Andalusia, beginning and ending at Málaga Airport. This is a point-to-point itinerary that I meticulously planned, implemented, and optimised. It takes you from the historic bridges of Ronda to the picturesque white villages and the majestic Alhambra in Granada. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains at sunset and drive along the stunning coast to the Balcón de Europa and vibrant Málaga. With a blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and charming towns, this itinerary offers a perfect snapshot of Andalusia's diverse and captivating landscapes. Rent a car, and set off on a memorable Spanish adventure! My Personal Taste: You may have already known my style, I seek solitude, classical gardens, and also enjoy blending into the hustle and bustle of urban life. I care deeply about aesthetics and experience. Interested? In This Guide, You'll Get: - A circular route that starts and ends at Málaga Airport; - Detailed info on more than 35 places, point to point; - Crucial tips about currency, renting a car, finding parking in narrow villages, and more; - My personal notes on the most impressive places; - A vibe preview of the journey in my short videos, collected in a playlist. BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". - A free Google map with my favourite places, more that those in this guide, right on your phone! THANKS Purchase this guide ahead of time and save them on your mobile device to access it at any time and plan your next destination without worries! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Couples • Groups • Family • Backpacker • Digital Nomads • Architecture • Art • Budget • History • People & Culture • Photography • Relaxation • Road Trip • Romantic • Slow Travel • Sustainable/Eco • Design • Faith • Foodie • Luxury • Coffee • Shopping • Boutique

$45.00

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Itinerary

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Paris Feast

I'm so addicted to the movable feast of Paris, this is my collected spots after many visits. These places are where I visited and which like so much. I will constantly update this guide! Please save and always check on this map and visit any of the cafes, restaurants, museums or parks when you are in a neighbourhood. And I also add small notes for each place so you can quickly find what I like about this place. Enjoy! BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". THANKS Save this guide on your mobile device ahead of time, and you'll find these places under "Your Map" in Thatch app wherever you are! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Car-free • Couples • Female Solo • Pets • Backpacker • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Accessibility • 50+ • Art • Architecture • Boutique • Budget • Foodie • History • Shopping • Design • People & Culture • Romantic • Slow Travel • Photography • Coffee • Faith • Luxury • Relaxation

$30.00

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Map

hortus quaerens

Barcelona Through Time and Taste

Welcome to my Barcelona travel guide, a curated exploration of this enchanting city where medieval charm and Gaudí's whimsy dance hand in hand. From gothic Cathedral of Barcelona to the surreal beauty of Sagrada Família, each step unveils a story. Dive into the sensory feast of La Boqueria Market, where the vibrant hues of fresh produce beckon. Join me in savoring the diverse flavors of tapas, indulging in the city's culinary tapestry. Let's navigate the labyrinthine streets of Gothic Quarter, discover hidden corners, and bask in the magic of Park Güell. This guide is more than a roadmap; it's a personal narrative of Barcelona's timeless allure and culinary delights. BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". THANKS Save this guide on your mobile device ahead of time, and you'll find these places under "Your Map" in Thatch app wherever you are! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Couples • 50+ • Backpacker • Car-free • Family • Digital Nomads • Accessibility • Female Solo • Groups • Architecture • Art • Foodie • History • People & Culture • Photography • Relaxation • Romantic • Shopping • Slow Travel • Coffee • Boutique • Budget • Design • Sustainable/Eco • Faith

$30.00

$40.00

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Map

hortus quaerens

Florentine Holiday

Florence is a city I've missed ever since I visited. And the more times I go there, the more I love it. It’s a walkable town, where every corner invites exploration. Beyond the famous art and holy temples, the charm truly lies in wandering the streets, where you might stumble upon hidden gems—undiscovered Tuscan cuisine, or a lonely but influential museum or church. Please save and always check on this map and visit any of the cafes, restaurants, museums or parks when you are in a neighbourhood. And I also add small notes for each place so you can quickly find what I like about this place. Enjoy! BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". THANKS Save this guide on your mobile device ahead of time, and you'll find these places under "Your Map" in Thatch app wherever you are! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

Couples • Female Solo • Car-free • Pets • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Coffee • Design • Faith • Foodie • History • People & Culture • Photography • Romantic • Shopping • Slow Travel • Sustainable/Eco

$30.00

$40.00

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Map

hortus quaerens

Lisbon Sojourn

Lisbon surprised me in many ways. Her colors are bright but never garish; she's bustling and crowded, yet still romantic, like a low, elegant fado. I love discovering the unique cafés, meeting talented artisans, and unexpectedly finding stunning views of the city or the ocean around a corner. I’ve truly fallen in love with her. Please save and always check on this map and visit any of the cafes, restaurants, museums or parks when you are in a neighbourhood. And I also add small notes for each place so you can quickly find what I like about this place. Enjoy! BONUS - Two free guides: "My Real TravelSummary", & "Markets are distant lives". THANKS Save this guide on your mobile device ahead of time, and you'll find these places under "Your Map" in Thatch app wherever you are! 🗺️📱 My guides are mainly divided into two types: map lists and itineraries, feel free to subscribe to my Thatch profile for future updates! Find me on Youtube for the destination vibe previews and recommendations: @hortusquaerens 🌹🌹🌹

50+ • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Pets • LGBTQ+ • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Budget • Coffee • Design • Faith • Foodie • History • People & Culture • Photography • Relaxation • Romantic • Slow Travel

$30.00

$40.00

25% off

Map