BY CLAY LARROY
Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to
a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time
you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do
and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to
making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon
bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your
smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on
vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Rail
Travel in Europe is one of the most interesting ways of crisscrossing the
continent. For many years, travelers have enjoyed the convenience of boarding
the train and relaxing as the small villages, large cities, countryside,
rivers, houses and castles rushed by in a blurred panorama besting any
travelogue. Getting a good grip on the complexities of the European rail
system, the Eurail Pass system and the options available will help to ensure
that your experience with the trains of Europe is the best possible value it
can be.
Rail
travel is a wonderful way to see Europe. The club and dining cars are highly
social and a good way to meet other travelers. The traveler can take in the scenery
without worrying about the stress of driving, directions and negotiating the
round-abouts! Train travel allows you to move between cities easily with a
minimal of concern for logistics. The train stations are often centrally
located, adding to the convenience of traveling from city to city. If you are
using one of the Eurail passes, you can get on and off of the train as you
wish, making for great flexibility and the ability to explore spontaneously.
You can watch the scenery go by, read a book or sleep...a great luxury at any
price!
The
Trains
Depending on the size of the rail station there will be
vending machines, small cafes or many restaurant choices. Long distance trains
typically have a dining or café car, but the regional ones may have only a cart
that moves through the train offering sodas, candy and perhaps sandwiches. Many
experienced travelers stock up in advance with snacks and light meals to eat on
board.
Each
train will have several cars, each of which will, in turn, be numbered. You may
board the train at any point along the station embarkation platform and make
your way through the train to your assigned car, if you have a reservation.
Alternatively, you can walk along the outside of the train to your car, a
preferable option to save time, especially if you have luggage. There will be a
spot in your car to place luggage above your seat for smaller pieces and at
either end of the car for larger ones. If you do not have a reservation, you
can take any seat not already reserved and marked as such by a small slip of
paper at the top of the seat back or otherwise indicated. While there are no
luggage weight restrictions on most trains (there are notable exceptions such
as the Eurostar) it can be difficult to maneuver through a train and around the
departure platforms with a great deal of baggage.
There
are two classes of travel on most trains, First Class and Second. First class
will have three seats in a row while second class will have four seats
together. First class tends to be more comfortable and less crowded, often less
noisy. Second class is less expensive with a younger crowd having a great time!
First class passengers may ride in second class, but if you purchase second
class tickets, that is where you will ride unless you upgrade.
Tickets,
Passes and Reservations
With
a ticket or a rail pass, a reservation is not necessary but is recommended in
order to make sure that you obtain a seat. In other words, a ticket or rail pass
lets you ride on the train but does not guarantee a seat. You can make
reservations at your train station on the day of travel.
There
are a wide variety of tickets and passes, and it is not always easy to quickly
determine the best combination of purchases to allow for the least cost and
greatest flexibility. Purchasing your rail pass through a travel agent ensures
that you will obtain the best possible value and the pass that best fits your
needs. If you intend to travel over an extended period of time throughout a
single country or through multiple countries, the best bet is typically a rail
pass combined with one or more point to point tickets.
A
Eurail Pass is a discounted ticket that permits multi-day, multi-country travel
by rail. There are a number of different passes available with varying options
on the number of permissible countries, the number of days of travel, and the
length of time the pass is valid. In many instances, purchasing one of the
varieties of Eurail Pass is a less expensive option that purchasing separate
point to point tickets. Note that lost or stolen rail passes are
non-refundable, but you can purchase insurance to cover loss or theft.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“To travel is to discover that everyone is
wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley
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