Traveling Europe is the most exciting way one can get to know the continent. It's a charming means to see the views, meet new people and save up on a lot of travel expenses.
While these are all the advantages, European train travelers need to remember a few things in order to maximize their trip, more so to lessen any hassles along the way. Here are some of them.
1. Validate the rail pass before using it.
This is a common mistake among many train travelers in Europe. It is essential to have the rail pass validated before using it for the first time. This entails giving oneself an allowance in time, since there could be long lines for validation and tourists might end up missing their trip.
2. Strategize a very careful and specific itinerary.
Flexipass holders may not always make the most out of their passes, as individual and separate tickets at times could save them more money than having a rail pass. A travel day ticket can cost you up to $53 to get to Florence, as oppose to getting a separate ticket to head there for only $12.
3. Changing trains overnight may entail two days' worth of travel.
Overnight trains vary from one place to the next. Say, travelers are headed to a city departing at 7PM and will arrive at around 4 in the morning. This will only set one back a day's worth of travel in one's rail pass. However, if there's a need to change trains during those times, two days' worth of travel will be deducted in the pass.
4. Rail passes don't guarantee seats, sleepers or couchettes.
European train travelers need to understand that a rail pass will only board them into the train but there are no guarantees for a seat, sleeper or couchette.
It's best to reserve sleepers well in advance or with the help of a travel agency. Couchettes can be reserved on the day of travel. There may be applicable fees for couchettes and sleepers.
5. Safeguard belongings and luggage.
Trains have deposit counters for tourists to leave their luggage for a small fee. This can be especially handy especially for those taking the night trips where one might end up sleeping with their belongings unguarded.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
