autoeurope

Are you planning on visiting Europe for the first time soon? You're probably very excited and beginning to plan for how you will make your way around to many of the continent's most famous cities and attractions.

Two of the major ways that you can make your way around Europe are by river cruise and by car (in a vehicle rental). You may want to combine these two approaches, journeying through some parts of the continent on river cruises and others in a car, which we find can usually be more enjoyable than train travel – which is cheap, easy, but offers less of an authentic, immersive experience to travelers.

Let's talk about river cruises and car rentals below:

River Cruises

There are several different European river cruise companies that thousands of tourists enjoy every year.

Different companies and lines offer different features and amenities, and you'll want to do thorough research to make sure you choose the company and cruise that best fits your desires and needs.

River cruises are a wonderful way to explore Europe while relaxing with fellow travelers and enjoying delicious meals while admiring the spectacular scenery on shore. River cruises generally also offer excursions in which passengers alight from the ship for explorations of cities and attractions. Check to see which excursions will be included for free in the package and which are optional and will therefore require a separate fee.

River cruises have set itineraries, meaning that you probably won't find the same degree of flexibility with them as you would with driving around Europe in a car rental. Also, you should be aware that some river cruise lines don't allow children, so if you're traveling with the whole family you may find that this won't be a good option. River cruises tend to be most popular with older and retirement-age travelers, so you probably won't come across a large number of young people on one of these cruises.

Car Rental or Short-term Car Lease

You can rent a car or other type of vehicle (such as a van) to travel around Europe. If you're traveling with a group or with the whole family, a van may be the right choice.

You may not be aware that short-term leases are also available to visitors to Europe who are staying on the continent for at least 21 days. Short-term car leases provide features and advantages that long-term car rentals simply do not.

With a short-term car lease, you'll drive a brand-new Peugeot, Renault, or Citreon vehicle. Unlike with a car rental, you won't be charged VAT (value-added tax) on a short-term lease. You'll also be given full comprehensive insurance, with no extra charges and no deductible. You'll also be able to pick up your vehicle at one location and drop it off at a different one if you'd like to arrange that. You only need to be 18 to undertake a short-term lease, whereas traditional car rental companies often have stricter rules on age.

However you choose to travel when you arrive, have a wonderful time exploring Europe! Whether you choose to explore the continent by way of car or on river cruises, you're sure to have a memorable vacation.