The next big thing I need to do to prepare for my extended
stay in Europe next year is to figure out how to buy my plane ticket. I’m not sure what city I’ll fly into yet, but I
need to buy a one-way ticket. And I know this is not always easy.
I’m going to Europe for about five months beginning in February, and will be roaming around the entire time, so I’m
not sure exactly where I’ll depart from when I finish travel sometime in July. Night now I’m just concerned with
finding an affordable way to get there. I’ve been studying tips on
using a consolidator and trying to wrap my brain around
throwaway
ticketing so I understand the possible implications of only using part of a round-trip ticket if I can’t score a
decent one-way fare. I’ve read all sorts of things about problems entering certain European countries without a return
ticket. Since I’m flexible on where I begin my journey (although I’m leaning towards Portugal/Spain), should I pick a
country that has a record of low-hassle treatment for one-way travelers? Or do I buy a round-trip ticket and pray for
no problems when I don’t use the return portion? I’d rather buy a one-way tix if I can score a decent winter fare, and
then depend on my proof of onward travel (Eurail pass or confirmation of accommodation elsewhere) to prove that I’m not
planning to hang in one country for an undetermined length of time.
There are obviously pros/cons to these different scenarios — I’m looking for the smartest and cheapest way to get to
Europe and be able to stay for five months without encountering problems with the airlines or airport security on my
way over. This may be asking too much, I realize…but I’ll figure out the best option for me eventually. I’m curious to
gather the opinions and suggestions of other travelers who may have done a similar US to Europe extended visit. Anyone
willing to share personal experiences or ideas on how best to approach this?