Travel> 10 Tips to Get the Best out of Eurailing

Image: Making the most out of your Europe
Image by: Believe Kevin

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Before selecting your Eurail passes and chalking out your travel plan, it is helpful to know where all your passes are applicable and what benefits can you avail from them. Also a few important points if kept in mind can help you make the most of your Europe trip.

1. Eurail Pass: A Eurail pass will cover border cities, even if they are not mentioned on the pass.

2. Eurail FlexiPass: You can extend a Eurail Flexipass and go for a few short trips, by shelling out a little extra from your pocket.

3. Eurail Night Trains: Night trains are useful as it saves money on hostels and while you’re asleep, the train speeds you to the next destination. When you wake up, you have already reached a new destination early in the morning, that gives you the entire day to explore.

4. Timing: Ideally, you should board a night train after 7:00 pm to save on valuable travel days and some money. It’s only when you arrive at a new destination that the day of reaching is accounted for. This way, you save a travel day.

5. Sleeper and Couchettes: Sleeper and couchettes are far cheaper than a regular hostel room.

6. Costing and Reservations: You spend about $USD80-90 per person per reservation in private sleepers and $USD25-35 per person in couchettes. Reservations are as easy as dropping by at any train station ticket window and getting it done. Reservations are a must for all overnight train journeys.

7. Documents and Daypack: Keep all your important documents – passports, railpass, and traveler’s checks in your money belt. You can make your daypack your pillow.

8. Be aware: Be aware of your surroundings, especially commotions of groups of kids or people. At times, commotions can crafted be by pickpockets to divert your attention.

9. Lockers: Main train stations are equipped with lockers. This is a great way of leaving your bags in safe custody that allows you to travel light in a new city.

10. Food and Water: Carry your own food and water while traveling by rail. This will help you save some extra dough.

Published in Eurailing.com, on June 10, 2007
Link: http://www.eurailing.com/category/Eurailing-across-Europe/10-Tips-to-Get-the-Best-out-of-Eurailing/