„Omio App“ Review | Restaurant Visits with the „Omio App“

I love to travel. I always have. To be more precise, after my passion for food and dining out, travel is practically my second passion. And the best part is: traveling and good food go together perfectly. Here's what happened: I heard from a gifted eater and connoisseur that Innsbruck was worth a visit from a culinary perspective. To find out for myself and thus hop on a plane for about 160 kilometers seemed rather pointless. Nevertheless, I really wanted to go, and—partly due to my car currently being on the fritz—I needed an alternative travel option. Still a relative newcomer to the world of trains, buses, BlaBlaCar, and carpooling, I landed on the "GoEuro" website and its accompanying app. Since I'm not the most patient person when it comes to travel planning, I downloaded the "GoEuro" app, which was touted as quick and easy, ran myself a hot bath, and then tried to organize a trip from Munich to Innsbruck and back using my phone. I am quite flexible with my time, but it should be cheap, quick to book and not really "slower" than using my own car.

The „Omio App“ in detail

The app was downloaded – off we went! The first thing I noticed was how pleasantly easy the app is to use. Step 1 after launching it involves selecting your starting point and destination, the number of passengers, the departure date, and optionally adding a return travel period. After that, you get an overview of all the ways to get from A to B, categorized as train, bus, and plane. I really like that the lowest price in each category is shown in small print below each mode of transport. And it continues just as easily. You choose your desired travel time – which you can narrow down using the slider at the bottom of the screen – and then select your train or plane, your bus, or even your BlaBlaCar (under the bus category). As I mentioned, I'm a complete novice when it comes to travel, so I was quite impressed when I discovered with just a few clicks that a bus trip to Innsbruck on the apparently very comfortable FlixBus costs only €8. It also had Wi-Fi, power outlets, a comfortable seat, and the option to bring hand luggage. So I was already quite taken with it while enjoying my hot bath.

Okay…so, I took the bus there very early in the morning and the train back. (I was smart enough to know that traveling makes you tired, and I prefer sitting in a train compartment afterward). So, I booked a separate train ticket for the return journey. Unfortunately, what didn't work for me was booking two different modes of transport together in one transaction. If I selected FlixBus for the outbound journey, I was only offered FlixBus options for the return journey as well, even though train and plane were also available. Therefore, I had to book the outbound and return journeys separately. After entering my details (…you can also create a profile beforehand…), I received all the tickets and email confirmations for both, and the booking was complete. You can pay for the tickets in a variety of ways and with the usual online payment systems.

The journey: Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus

Eventually, even the hottest bathwater gets cold, and the day of my departure for Innsbruck was upon me. It felt strange not to simply load up my own car and drive off, but somehow it also had a more pronounced "travel" feel to it. So off I went! Bag packed, headed to Hackerbrücke, where the FlixBuses depart from, and off I went. The journey took 2 hours and 20 minutes, as indicated by the "GoEuro App." I didn't regret my decision to take the bus, as I used the time to learn a bit about Innsbruck, get some work done, and enjoy the view. I felt safe during the ride and even dozed off briefly, dreaming of my Austrian meal, which seemed to be getting closer by the minute. The return trip with the Deutsche Bahn ticket sent to me online (for €34.90 without transfers | available from €25) also went smoothly. GoEuro and the GoEuro app can't be held responsible for delays and overcrowded trains. Two hours and 45 minutes later, I was back home, having traveled to Austria for just €43. Everything worked perfectly, I saved on fuel, and thanks to the GoEuro app, I got a great deal. The trip planning went smoothly; the GoEuro app didn't crash or let me down. Although I couldn't find my FlixBus booking when I clicked on "My Bookings" (in the left-hand menu), I received the travel information and bus ticket immediately via email.

Innsbruck Trip

Now, a quick word about Innsbruck. Upon my reliable, punctual, and comfortable arrival, I immediately embarked on my culinary tour. Innsbruck's cuisine is diverse and vibrant. From classic Austrian dishes and traditional Tyrolean delicacies to numerous (upscale) Italian and excellent Japanese restaurants, and countless restaurants with international menus, there's something for everyone. Several award-winning restaurants (roughly equivalent to Michelin-starred establishments) are also available in Innsbruck. Regional and organically produced products, as well as seasonal menus, are incredibly popular, not just with us Munich residents or Germans in general. Be sure to allow plenty of time, as the selection is vast. The bratwurst tastes just as good as the typical "Tyrolean Jausen" (a midday snack in Austria, which must include bacon!) or the fresh fish from the city's waters. However, Innsbruck is a bit behind when it comes to vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Sure, Asian dishes, Indian restaurants, etc. – all vegetarian options are available, but there are fewer restaurants specifically specializing in vegetarian options. In my opinion, Gasthaus Anich, Schindler, Gasthaus Goldenes Dachl, Stiftskeller, Ottoburg, Chez Nico, or Pizzerei (for international cuisine) are all worth a visit.

Conclusion „Omio App“

My conclusion: Innsbruck has a pretty awesome [unclear], but that's not the main point. It's more about the really practical GoEuro app. I think it's great that you can book with just one click once you have a profile. Also – I compared it to a detailed online search – it really does show you the cheapest offers, meaning you really save time searching. I was also pleased to discover that you can find connections from Munich to Iceland, as well as the ideal connection from Munich to, for example, Landshut or Bamberg, etc. – a real all-rounder when it comes to travel routes. Personally, I would like it if some kind of navigation was integrated, so the app uses GPS to register my location and shows me – in what is, after all, a mostly unfamiliar city – where I need to go next. I appreciate that the GoEuro app uses push notifications on the display to remind me about my trip and any pending bookings. If you have a BahnCard or other discounts for train journeys, you can, of course, also enter them into the app. I've already mentioned that the app displays genuine savings offers in the search results, and I think it's fantastic that it also includes promotions from abroad – so you'll definitely always end up in the "save box" with the "GoEuro App." If you're not traveling alone, you can also share the offers you find via the app with friends using the "share" button on popular social media networks. Oh, and if you're flying, the search results also show you the travel time to and from the airport. Handy, right? My final verdict: Give the app a try! Perhaps in combination with a nice meal or restaurant visit?

+++ This article was created in cooperation with the „GoEuro App“ – now „Omio“. Thank you! +++

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Update April 2019: GoEuro is now called Omio
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