Hop on board

I've been researching cheap travel options in Europe for a while now; today I came across Mitfahrzentrale. Don't ask me how to say it--my guess is as good as yours. It's like a carpool across Germany, but it's with complete strangers. You go online, register and pick your destination. The service provides a list of various drivers that includes languages spoken and whether they are a smoking/nonsmoking vehicle. Several safety precautions are taken such as exchanging photo ids via fax, providing phone numbers to family/friends, and the website also provides a rating system for previous occupants to rate the drivers. The passenger splits gas and tolls with the driver. There are no additional fees since the driver is already heading in the same direction. It benefits everyone, and is easy on the wallet! A traveler is able get tips from a local with more insight than a guidebook. Safety concerns are understandable, but going out on a limb could lead to an unforgettable vacation.