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Get ready to pack your bags and dust off your adventure boots! Imagine this: exploring not one, but two stunning European nations by train, with virtually no limit to how many journeys you can take. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for 2025, this dream is a reality, and it comes with an almost unbelievable price tag of under $66 for a month of incredible exploration in each country. If you’ve been itching for an epic European escapade that’s big on experience but gentle on the wallet, keep reading – because this is the travel hack you’ve been waiting for!

First Up: Pretzels, Fairytales, and Phenomenal Rail Freedom!

Let’s pull back the curtain on our first destination: Germany! This land of vibrant cities, enchanting forests, and too-many-castles-to-count is rolling out the red carpet for train travelers in 2025 with its fantastic “Deutschlandticket.”

For what amounts to roughly $66 a month (officially €58, so the exact dollar amount dances a little with the exchange rate, but it’s right in that super-sweet spot!), you get a golden ticket to Germany’s extensive public transport network. We’re talking unlimited rides on regional trains, S-Bahns (city trains), U-Bahns (subways), trams, and buses across the entire country. Think about it: one week you could be exploring Berlin’s edgy art scene, and the next, you might be hiking in the Bavarian Alps or sipping Riesling in the Rhine Valley, all without buying another ticket!

Now, this pass is designed for deep dives into regions rather than lightning-fast dashes between major cities on the super-speedy ICE trains (those require separate tickets). But honestly, that’s where the magic lies! You’ll discover charming towns and hidden gems that fly-by tourists often miss. Fancy a spontaneous trip from Munich to see the Neuschwanstein castle? Covered. Want to explore the historic university town of Heidelberg from Frankfurt? Hop on! The Deutschlandticket is your key to unlocking the real soul of Germany, one scenic rail journey at a time. It’s usually a monthly subscription, super easy to manage, and perfect for a month-long immersion.

Next Stop: Goulash, Grandeur, and Glorious Journeys!

Our second country whisking you away on an affordable rail adventure is the heart-stealer, Hungary! This nation packs a punch with its stunning capital, relaxing thermal baths, and rich cultural tapestry. And for 2025, getting around to see it all is an absolute bargain.

Hungary offers its “National Travel Card” (you might hear it called “országos bérlet” or “Magyar Bérlet”), and the value is simply brilliant. For a price that has hovered around the equivalent of $50-$55 USD (often cited at about €49), you get 30 days of unlimited travel. This means it fits comfortably under our $66 headline, giving you even more bang for your buck!

This pass isn’t just for trains; it’s a multi-modal marvel! It generally covers unlimited travel on MÁV-START (national railway, 2nd class), GYSEV trains, Volánbusz (national and regional buses), and even the HÉV (suburban railway lines). What’s more, it often includes local public transport in the magnificent capital, Budapest (think trams, metro, and buses – though usually excluding special airport shuttles), and several other cities. So, you can glide from the architectural wonders of Budapest to the serene shores of Lake Balaton, or explore historic cities like Pécs or Eger, all with one simple pass. Imagine starting your day with a coffee in a grand Budapest café and ending it with a wine tasting in a countryside vineyard – easy peasy!

But Wait, There’s a Freebie!

As if these two incredible offers weren’t enough, there’s another European gem that takes affordable travel to a whole new level. Let’s talk about Luxembourg! This charming little Grand Duchy made history by introducing free public transport for everyone – residents and tourists alike.

That’s right! Since early 2020, you can hop on any national train (2nd class), bus, or tram across the entire country without paying a single cent. Imagine exploring Luxembourg City’s UNESCO-listed fortifications, the fairytale castles of Vianden, or the scenic Mullerthal Region (Little Switzerland) completely for free. It’s a fantastic bonus if you’re already planning a European tour and want to add another unique country to your itinerary with zero extra transport cost.

All Aboard for Your 2025 Adventure!

So, there you have it – two fantastic countries offering month-long, near-unlimited train travel for around $66 (or even less!), plus a bonus country where the travel is on the house! These are perfect for the savvy traveler looking to explore Europe more deeply, sustainably, and affordably in 2025.

Before you dash off, remember that while the core offers are pretty stable, it’s always a smart move to check the very latest details and specific terms with the official transport providers (like Deutsche Bahn for Germany and MÁV-START for Hungary) closer to your travel dates. Exchange rates can wiggle, and specific conditions might get a tweak.

But one thing’s for sure: 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for European rail adventures. Start dreaming, start planning, and get ready to say “All aboard!” to incredible savings and unforgettable memories. Happy travels!

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I’m a huge fan of low-cost airlines.

Ultra-low-cost carriers may not offer any frills, but they do give us the opportunity to explore new destinations on a very tight budget.

Frontier has demonstrated this perfectly this week by offering flights on its newest routes for as little as $29!  

Frontier is officially the fastest-growing airline in Atlanta thanks to a huge expansion that has seen departures increase from the hub by 40% year on year.  

Much more interestingly, this means that they’ve added new flights to new destinations from Atlanta. And these two overseas hotspots stand out from the crowd.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Aruba 

From May 24, Frontier will introduce a new weekly service from Atlanta to Oranjestad in Aruba. This will operate every Saturday throughout the summer months.  

The advertised rates for this route are ‘from $69’ each way, so how much will flights really cost?  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 14 and returning on June 21 is $309.

This is for a basic fare ticket which doesn’t include a carry on bag, checked bag, or the option to choose your own seat.  

If you want to add these extras then, as is the case with most low-cost airlines, these will be subject to an extra charge.  

Why Visit Aruba?  

There’s so much to love about Aruba. It is famed for its stunningly beautiful beaches, abundance of water sports, hiking in Arikok National Park, and laid-back vibes.  

Oranjestad is the main arrival point for visitors to Aruba, but its more than just a transport hub, it’s well worth exploring in its own right.

The city is famed for its brightly colored Dutch architecture and is a cultural melting pot of delicious foods and fun nightlife.  

It’s worth noting that Oranjestad is Aruba’s largest city as well as the main port of the island, so don’t be surprised to find that the streets are almost always busy and bustling with tourists.  

Want to get away to somewhere a little quieter? Head to the island’s western coast where the waters are warm and calm, but you’ll find fewer tourists here. Rodger’s Beach and Druif Beach are considered the two best beaches on this side of the island.  

New Flight From Atlanta to Honduras
 

From June 12, Frontier will add a new flight from Atlanta to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to its schedule.  

This flight will operate three times a week, giving you more flexibility with the duration of your vacation. Frontier is advertising rates starting ‘from $59’ on this route.  

The cost of a return, nonstop flight for one traveler flying on June 17 and returning on June 24 is currently $243.  

Like the flight to Aruba, this is based on a basic fare ticket, but it’s worth noting that if you do want to take a carry on bag and to have the ability to choose your own seat then you can upgrade to the Economy Bundle for an additional $58. This includes carry on luggage and seat selection, but doesn’t include hold luggage.  

Why Visit San Pedro Sula?  

San Pedro Sula is located in the North of Honduas and is considered one of the country’s main transport hubs, acting a gateway to more obvious tourist attractions.

From here Copan, the Caribbean Coast, and the Bay Islands are all easily accessible.  

One of the closest beaches to San Pedro Sula and one of the best spots for travelers is the vast sands of Tela. Tela is famed for boasting the best beaches in Honduras and is an incredible scuba diving destination.  

Other attractions in Tela include the Lancetilla Botanical Garden, which is home to rare plant species from around the world, and the protected Punta Sal National Park, which is home to mangroves and coral reefs.  

While there’s so much to see and do, Tela is a great place to relax and unwind.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Despite being able to zoom through the skies at breakneck speed, slow travel is making a comeback.

And by ‘slow travel’, of course I mean trains.

Taking a page out of Europe’s and Asia’s playbook, the U.S. has been teasing more train routes and bullet trains for years, but even the train routes already in place are often overlooked in favor of taking a faster, more convenient flight rather than snagging a ground-level window seat to enjoy the journey.

Obviously, the most notable name in America’s train industry is Amtrak. The most popular carrier for train travel released a list of their ‘most scenic routes’ and this West Coast adventure takes the cake for the most beautiful train ride in the U.S.

The Coast Starlight: An Epic Journey From Seattle To L.A.

If you’re an indecisive traveler like me, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is the answer to your made-up travel problems.

This 35-hour journey takes you through just about every major West Coast city, along with stunning natural landscapes in between ranging from cascading mountain ranges to breathtaking blue-water coastlines.

Before diving further, don’t let the 35-hour runtime deter you; you’re welcome to hop off at any point, as there are dozens of stops, or stay for the full trek and attempt what’s sure to be a “raw dogging” record.

With daily departures from Los Angeles to Seattle and vice versa, the Coast Starlight offers a balanced mix of urban delights and natural attractions as you’ll pass by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and some of the most fun-filled cities this side of the country.

No matter if you begin your journey in L.A. or Seattle, it’s the in-between that will leave a lasting memory.

Whether it’s window seat views of Santa Barbara’s stunning shores or towering pines throughout the Pacific Northwest, the whole trip is an Instagram post waiting to happen.

The Coast Starlight’s Hidden Gems

You’ll certainly recognize all the major cities you’ll traverse, such as L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle, Amtrak also highlights a pair of hidden gems as notable stopping points.

For outdoor adventurers, Klamath Falls, Oregon should top your list. This beautiful town is full of outdoor thrills from rafting tours, scenic biking trails, and of course, Crater Lake, one of America’s most postcard-worthy lakes.

The other hidden gem Amtrak mentions is California’s Central Coast hideaway, San Luis Obispo. This idyllic town is brimming with historic Missions, sprawling vineyards, and, according to HomeToGo, the top beach in America this spring.

But if you ask me, the real hidden gem is Paso Robles, California’s most underrated wine getaway that gives Napa a run for its money.

You Have To Check Out The Observation Car!

One huge benefit of train travel is avoiding being barked at by TSA. The hassle of airports is here to stay and as nice as the views are at cruising altitude, there’s an argument to be made that the experience of train rides is more fun and memorable.

With amenities like the Coast Starlight’s Observation Car, it’s like nothing you could experience on a plane with panoramic views of the world passing you by.

You’ll glide past rustic towns, iconic skylines, vast vineyards, and so much more that’s surely worth snagging a window seat whether it be in Coach or scoring a seat in the lounge.

Seating, Dining & Fares

Remember, the Coast Starlight route is hop-on hop-off, so you can divvy up the 35-hour journey as you see fit.

That’s an important question to ask yourself when booking your seat/accommodations. Obviously for shorter stints, you may want to go cheap with the lowest class, Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat.

Otherwise, more space is likely a priority.

Here is the full list of the Coast Starlight’s seating and accommodation options:

• Lower/Upper Level Coach Class Seat
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Superliner Bedroom Suite
• Superliner Family Bedroom
• Superliner Accessible Bedroom

If you do plan on hitting up the beach, slopes, or mountain trails, Amtrak does allow bicycles, surfboards, and skis on board.

As for dining, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served and there is cafe service as well. For a full menu on long-distance trains, click here.

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely wondering what it costs before making the commitment. There are a variety of ways to book the Coast Starlight; one of which is by booking a rail pass, which covers aforementioned hop-on hop-off privileges.

Otherwise, you can simply go to Amtrak’s official website and search your desired destinations. In this case, if you were to fully commit for the full ride, you would enter Seattle to Los Angeles (or vice versa) or shorter routes, such as Portland to San Luis Obispo, for example.

Fares will vary depending on availability, season, and ticket class. Before booking, don’t forget to check out the latest promotions!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.