Driving and Ferries

Driving can often be a great form of cheap travel to Europe too, particularly if you are travelling as a small group and don't mind sharing the driving around. This is an even more enticing method of transport if you live close to a port and your final destination isn't far from the port at the other end of the route.

I've always found this an especially attractive proposition for major tournaments like the World Cup or the Euro's where you know you're going to be away for a while. Just round up a couple of mates, book your ferry, chuck a tent in the boot and off you go.

Most ferry companies are pretty flexible with return dates too, which is a big advantage if don't know when you'll be losing on penalties and heading home early. If you turn up at the port and they've got room, they'll usually let you on board regardless of your ticket date.

There are some good online ferry booking sites, the best of which are www.cheap4ferries.com and www.ferrycheap.com, both of which search and compare all major European ferry routes for the cheapest fares.

If you don't fancy taking your own car, you could always hire one for the duration of your trip. There are dozens of companies online offering cheap car rental in Europe, most of which can be searched by price in one fowl swoop on www.travelsupermarket.com. Of the individual car hire companies online, www.carhire3000.com takes some beating on price and flexibility.

Of course, travelling as a foot passenger on ferries is another option which might be worth some consideration too.