Transportation problems.

Hey all.

Im in kind of a unique situation, well maybe not. Next fall I will be studying abroad in Vienna. The following spring I will studying in Madrid.

I have family spread out all across europe. Therefore, Ive decided to make it a year trip and start traveling next summer before I leave. Ill be staying for three weeks Galway, Ireland, then I will move on to the highlands of SCotland followed by a countryside farm in Belgium. I will finish the summer by staying in normandy, france before I head off to school in vienna.

So essentially, Im very worried about transportation. What is the best way to attack getting from point A(galway) to point B (Scotland) to point C ( belgium, near coast) to point D (Normandy) to E (vienna)

I will be staying no less than 2 weeks at any of those places.

Need some direction for a first time traveler from the O.C. bubble of southern california.

Thanks!

Do you have the following....
An upper limit budget - if so, how much??
A driving licence??
Once you've responded, I'll get cracking on this one for you.
I've done all the places you mention above on a shoestring - and can give you some corner cutting help.

Transport is not such a big problem, draw up a rough initiary with approx. dates (list of places and time) and we will be able to help you easily. if you don't have a car you'll have the choice between bus, train and plane. For bus see www.eurolines.com and for plane www.skyscanner.net, train will be a bit more complicated but no big deal.

The big thing for you to worry about: Schengen visa rules. I assume you are US-citizen? Or do you hold EU-citizenship too?

As US-citizen you'll be having a residency permit for Austria during the time you are a student there, you'll also have a residency permit for Spain during the time you'll be in Madrid. What you need to sort out is the Schengen visa during your time in between.

I'll leave it to post#3#. They know everything.

LOL, you are welcome to help with transport, Redpaddy!

I know very little about Ireland and Scotland, I was there only once and that was years ago. Similar for France.

[ Edit: Edited on 16-Jul-2009, at 03:34 by t_maia ]

No it's OK. Every time I put up a reply - you knock it to the ground. I'll leave you to put the world to rights. You're the ultimate expert.

I think you need to chill out a little bit Redpaddy!

Oh - I'm chilled. I think it's someone else that needs a cold shower.

The poor original poster just wanted a little help! Let's not make them feel like they may have inadvertent started a silly argument. t_maia always takes the time to provide a thorough, well-thought-out reply. I'm sure posters appreciate it immensely.

I can't be much help on the transportation front, USCtrojan, but best of luck on your trip!

Rail Europe - oh, no, that'll just start another argument.

A: Galway to B: Scotland - check Bus Eireann services to Belfast, then ferry services from Larne to Stranraer, then train to Glasgow then on to the Highlands. Alternatively the various budget airlines like Aer Arran or Ry*n**r, to see if they go to Inverness

B: Scotland to C: Belgium. Train or flight from Inverness to London, then Eurostar to Belgium

C: Belgium to D: Normandy. Train to Paris and then out to Normandy

D: Normandy to E: Vienna. Train back into Paris, then check international rail services via Germany.

Sorry I'm lazy to post any more links as I've done on other posts.