Planning a Seamless European Trip

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Planning My European Trip

I recently planned a multi-stop trip across Europe. We planned a little spontaneous fun along with a mission to check in on several International Property Shares homes.

Planning travel across multiple countries can feel like a puzzle. But with a fractional ownership home in Europe as your base—and a few well-honed tools in your pocket—it becomes far easier than most people expect.

Here’s a look at my recent itinerary and the tips I’ve learned that can make the journey smoother and more affordable than you’d think.

My Fall Travel Plan

Checking in on IPS Homes—And Sharing What I’ve Learned

What tied it all together was the ease of movement. A fractional ownership home in Europe as your “home base” provides the familiar constant you need amidst the variety.

Flights Can Be Incredibly Affordable—If You Know Where to Look

One of the biggest surprises for many travelers is how inexpensive it can be to fly within Europe.

I’ve flown from Paris to Rome for under $30 USD—cheaper than a dinner out.
Flights from Paris to Perugia or Paris to London can be just as affordable.

Tips:

• Use Skyscanner or Hopper to monitor deals
• Be aware of extra fees on low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Vueling—they often charge separately for bags, seat selection, and check-in
• Regional airports can be less crowded and more scenic—but returning a rental car there may cost more. Always check total trip costs, not just airfare

Car Rentals: Convenience Isn’t Always Cheapest

One decision we had to make was finding the best way to get to Umbria, Italy to stay at Casa Leone. This is one of our fractional ownership homes in Italy. We had to decide the best route to take and our options were to fly from Paris into Perugia or Rome. At the time of our planning we discovered the following.

Route	Flight Cost	Rental Car for 26 Days	Flexibility
Paris → Perugia	From $28 USD	€1,586	Limited availability
Paris → Rome	From $15 USD	~$390 USD	Excellent availability

Surprisingly, Rome was far more affordable overall. It offered cheaper car rentals and more flexibility, even though it meant a longer drive.

Takeaway: Always compare flight + rental + route convenience as a package, not just in isolation. A longer drive could mean major savings.

Driving in Europe: Scenic, Simple, and Even Fun—With the Right Tools

Renting a car opens up experiences that trains and planes simply can’t reach—like hillside villages, country wineries, and coastal roads that aren’t on any tour route.

Here’s how to make it smooth:

• Use ViaMichelin to estimate tolls and fuel costs
• Download Google Maps offline while you still have internet—especially handy in rural areas with weak signal
• Ask your rental company whether the car includes a toll transponder (for automatic toll payment) or a vignette (a prepaid sticker required for certain highways, depending on the country). These are often included, but it’s worth confirming

And as for those winding village roads? They’re part of the joy of European driving—slower, yes, but full of charm. Just allow yourself a little extra time and enjoy the journey.

Trains Are Reliable—But Rural Areas May Require a Mix

European trains are a dream—but not everything is connected directly. If you’re heading to smaller towns like Uzès or Montouliers, be ready to mix trains with a short drive or local bus. On the other hand, the town of Cerbere in France is the last stop on the SNCF before the Spanish border. One of our IPS co-owners at Catalonia by the Sea shares how they were able to pay just 1 Euro for a train ticket to anywhere!

• Rome2Rio maps out mixed-mode routes at a glance
• SNCF Connect (France) and Trenitalia (Italy) are reliable booking platforms
• Citymapper is excellent in major cities like London, Paris, and Rome

A bit of planning ahead ensures smooth transfers—even to off-the-beaten-path gems.

Want a Hand With the Planning?

French Detours Can Help You Fill in the Gaps

If putting together a multi-country itinerary feels a bit daunting, you’re not alone. Even seasoned travelers appreciate a second set of eyes—especially when navigating local trains, rural roads, or lesser-known regions of France.

Pack Light and Do Laundry in Place

When you’re staying at a fractional home, you’re not living out of a suitcase. Most IPS homes come equipped with laundry facilities, so there’s no need to overpack.

• Bring versatile layers, not multiple bulky outfits
• Use compression cubes to maximize space
• Leave room in your bag—you’ll want to bring home something from that village market

Eat Like a Local, Not a Tourist

One of the best parts of returning to a familiar home is knowing where to eat without guessing. But even in new places, you don’t need to chase guidebook spots.

• Ask locals where they go—you’ll almost never be steered wrong
• Walk one street over from the main square to avoid tourist pricing
• Most village restaurants don’t require reservations—just show up early and enjoy

These little experiences—the spontaneous lunch spot, the morning market, the quiet café—are what fractional ownership gives you time and space to enjoy.

A Home Base Makes Every Trip Easier

There’s something deeply comforting about arriving at a place that already feels like yours. You know how the windows open. You know where the bakery is. You stop spending energy figuring things out—and start soaking it all in.

Whether you return to the same home each season or combine multiple IPS stays like we did this fall, having a stake in a European home turns travel from logistics into living.

Featured IPS Properties for Sale

Here are a few of the homes currently available through International Property Shares:

Property	Location	Price	Details
Casa Leone	Umbria, Italy	1/10 share	Sleeps 8–10, panoramic views, near Rome & Florence
Moulin à Vent	Quarante, France	$65,000	Wine country home with garden (2.5 BR)
Maison Bleue	Quarante, France	$68,900	Village home near canal (3 BR, 3 BA)
Bello Visto	Cairanne, France	$165,000	Hilltop village home with pool (5 BR)
Catalonia on the Sea	Cerbère, France	$59,900	Coastal Mediterranean views, near Spain (2 BR)
La Placette	Montouliers, France	$59,900	2 BR, 2 BA home in charming wine village
Le Muguet	Vers Pont du Gard	$76,900	Landmark home near Uzès (2 BR, 2 BA)
Palazzo Maratea	Amalfi Coast, Italy	$76,964	500-year-old palazzo (2 BR, 2 BA)
Borgo di Vagli	Tuscany, Italy	$35,000	Restored hillside resort, 1 BR co-op (price reduced!)

View some of the best fractional ownership homes in Europe

Coming Soon: A Pied-à-Terre in Paris?

We may soon offer fractional shares in central Paris. Imagine waking up to cafés, morning markets, and Seine-side strolls—all from your own apartment in the city. More details coming soon.

A Smarter way to see Europe

Fractional ownership doesn’t just give you a place to stay—it changes how you travel. With a home base in Europe, everything becomes easier: flights, plans, even packing. It turns a once-a-year vacation into something you can build on, return to, and enjoy in a deeper way.

Europe isn’t as far—or as expensive—as it may seem. You just need to know the shortcuts. Hopefully, this helped uncover a few.

Thinking about a Home Base in Europe?

If you’re curious about how fractional ownership works or whether it’s the right fit for you, a quick chat with Ginny Blackwell can make all the difference. With over 25 years of experience, Ginny is one of the most trusted authorities on fractional home ownership in Europe.

In your consultation, you can:

• Get clear answers about how co-ownership actually works
• Learn what type of share best fits your lifestyle and travel goals
• Explore available properties in France and Italy
• Understand costs, legal structure, and how the calendar is managed
• Ask anything—no pressure, just honest insight