What is the best way to travel in Europe this summer?

European seaside destinations will soon be accessible by high-speed rail. Photograph: Trevor Ray Hart

Q. We are planning to go to Italy with our parents and children (aged eight and 10) this summer. What’s the best way to get there?

A. When kids are very young and patience is not their strongest virtue, getting to a holiday destination as quickly as humanly possible usually seems like the best option.

Once your offspring are over about six, however, a whole new world of travel possibilities opens up to you. Car, train and ferry journeys can be the stuff childhood memories are made of, and give families plenty of flexibility for stopping off at interesting places en route.

Time is the big factor of course, and if you only have a week’s break then flying is always going to seem like a better choice.

If you do have enough time though, ferry or train make an exciting change from air travel – and its corresponding hassle. Ferry (ferrycheap.com) is still the better way to go if you’re taking your car – taking a car by train to Europe is still possible by motorail, but complicated and relatively expensive.

But if you are car-free, then travelling by rail is a great way to start your holiday. It only takes a day to go from London to Milan by Eurostar and TGV and costs from £61 one way – but book as early as possible to get the cheapest fares.

For multi-generational groups such as yours, going by train is likely to work especially well. Children can roam when they get restless, and the group can swap seats to keep things interesting and share entertainment duties.

If you want to stop at multiple places on the way, consider an Interrail pass (interrail.eu) – children under 11 travel for free.*

*Always consult a financial adviser before taking advice. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Sainsbury’s Bank.

Sainsbury’s Bank provides a range of services, including banking products, car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money and savings.

We combine the shopping experience and banking by offering customers great products at fair prices, while consistently rewarding them with extra Nectar card points for choosing Sainsbury’s for their finance and shopping needs. Nectar points can be used towards travel, treats, family days out and shopping.

European Trip By Train May Be The Best Way

Europe is very famous for its different cultures, nationalities and customs, so almost everyone looks forward to visit it, everyone should consider European trip at least once in their lifetime. If you're travelling through Europe this summer, you've probably already planned a jam packed itinerary of must-see attractions in multiple cities across the continent. The only challenge that remains is finding the best method of transportation from one destination to another. Why not give some consideration to travelling by train? Exploring the continent by rail may just be the best way to make the most of your experience. Here's why:

1) More destinations

Does your itinerary include major cities—London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin—as well as excursions to smaller cities like Lille, Nice, and Cologne? No problem. Trains in Europe will take you anywhere you want to go. Not only can you travel directly to the heart of all these destinations, you can also save time and money by purchasing multi-destination travel passes.

2) More flexibility

Train travel is far more flexible than any other type of travel. You won't have to show up two hours in advance to get through security or baggage claim. Often, you don't even have to book your tickets in advance. Another benefit is that you don't need to finalise your itinerary before you leave home: you can hop on and off trains whenever you fancy, rather than being limited to one destination.

3) More scenery

When you travel Europe by train, you'll fall in love with the continent in a way you never expected. That's because from your seat's window, you'll have the opportunity to admire stunning vistas during your trip—idyllic countryside, dramatic mountain scenery, and quaint little villages. You may even be tempted to alter your itinerary to explore a destination that wasn't originally on your list.

4) More comfort

Travel doesn't have to be stressful; in fact, it should be enjoyable. Planes are notorious for their cramped and uncomfortable seats; European train cars, on the other hand, offer spacious seating, increased baggage space, and dining and beverage cars. Overnight travellers can even book private sleeping cabins to ensure you get a good night's rest. Stretch out, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the ease and comfort of travel by train.

5) More environmentally friendly

Planes are fast and cars are convenient, but neither option is eco-friendly. Trains are more energy-efficient per passenger mile, making them one of the most environmentally-conscious methods of travel. Some experts even say that rail travel cuts passenger's carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent when compared with flying.