Train Travel In Europe

Country hopping in Europe may sound like a dream come true to the average American, but in reality, it can be the perfect nightmare. There are so many factors to be considered when traveling by train, so one should plan carefully before spontaneously jumping on a train for the weekend and setting off for adventure. 

Even if one has a Eurail pass, a delightful train ticket that can be used to travel in multiple countries, he should still avoid thinking it will work for every European train indefinitely. First of all, some countries require train reservations with every ticket. Italian trains, for instance, will not allow you to jump on a train with a Eurail pass unless you have previously booked the train and paid an additional feel. French trains also implement this policy. 

Another obstacle in train traveling is choosing a seat. Yes, what seems like a trivial task can become quite the headache. First of all, one should always make sure he is sitting in the class that corresponds to his ticket. Of course, some trains don’t label a cart as first or second-class, so be sure to ask around and find your correct class cart.  Generally speaking, if one is traveling with a Eurail pass, as most students are, he should avoid sitting in first-class altogether, because he will most likely be kicked out if his seat, and might even end up standing if there are no more second-class seats available.

            In addition to finding the correct cart, it’s also important to consider the fact that some seats have been reserved, and there may or may not be any sign indicating which seats are. The best advice in dealing with this situation is never get too comfortable in any seat.

            If this is starting to sound stressful, just wait. There’s more. Even if one has planned ahead and reserved a seat when necessary, it might be all for naught. On some trains, seat reservations are not enforced, so travelers may sit wherever they please as long as they have a reservation. However, when they are enforced, people might get a bit hostile when demanding their seats.

            The last factor worth mentioning is the dreaded split train, an unfamiliar concept to the average American. When the train destination says Köln, for example, only one half of the train could end up there, while the other half of the train might split and proceed to another destination. This operation is common in train travel, but can become quite the problem for non-European travelers, particularly because trains usually only announce the upcoming split in the country’s native language.

            Therefore, when choosing to travel by train in Europe, one should keep the hindrances mentioned above in mind, and be prepared to make mistakes. Train traveling is ideal for most students on an average budget, but always be ready for the unexpected. If travelers approach train transportation with a positive attitude, and easily shake off mistakes, they just might have a dream-come-true experience.