Traveling by Car:

If you're traveling in a group, renting a car might be an affordable and fun way to travel around. Prices vary but seem to be around $40-60 a day, which isn't bad. But remember to add gas and tolls which can add up to a lot, especially when gas is $5 or $6 a gallon.

Also note that you might have to be 21 or 25 to rent a car, depending on the company.

Remember to shop around and find a plan that fits with your itinerary and budget.

Car Rentals:

AutoEurope -- Planning to tour France, Ireland, Italy, or anywhere else in Europe? Renting a car with Auto Europe is the quick and easy way to see Europe.

Europcar.com -- Europcar.com is Europe's leading car rental company.

www.sixt.co.ukSixt UK --
UK rental company with deals on rental cars all over Europe.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enterprise --
Be sure to check the traditional US companies as well, many offer rental cars in Europe.




Hitchhiking:

Another way to travel cheap is to hitchhike. I can be a great way to travel on the cheap and get to know the local people. Though sort of a dying art, this is still rather popular among students in Europe. One of my roommates in Germany used to swear by it and would hitch all over Western Europe.

The Backpackers Ultimate Guide has decent write up on hitching in Europe. Check it out, here.

Also check out wikitravel's entry on hitchhiking, here.