Explore Europe By Train

on January 15th, 2012 by Cyber mania | No Comments »

What’s interesting is the opportunity of visiting Europeans set foot in several states at once, because the transport cooperation between countries there has been going smoothly.

One example is the train. Various railway companies from various countries in Europe offer attractive prices for domestic and cross-country trip. Some travel agencies even package it into packets tickets (pass) that can be used “infinite” for the span of time or certain areas.

Because the rail network in Europe has become more comprehensive, the walkers from outside Europe may feel confused. Here are some perspectives that hopefully can help our decision.
Duration of trip

If the length of your trip about a week, forget traveling from end to end, for example from the Netherlands to Italy. Your time will run out on the road alone. Better to visit the countries in the vicinity such as Belgium or Luxembourg. Then simply select one country only. Focus on your way to tour the city.
Tickets or not?

Better to buy tickets if the number of total travel cost point to point train station to buy tickets is greater than unity. Instead, it’s better to buy tickets when the units are cheaper. Purchase tickets at the travel agency with good reputation such as Eurail or RailEurope.
Buy experiences

Traveling by train in Europe is not always the cheapest, even plane and bus tickets can be much cheaper. If you decided to take the train, look for experience and a chance to rest. Try searching for travel at night thus saving expenses for accommodation.
Jump to the operator

Based on my experience, buying directly to the operator or railway company much more profitable, not only in terms of cost, but also peace of heart and mind. Every company has a website that is quite complete, especially countries such as Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and Scandinavian countries.

Rail operator serving ticket purchase is usually cross-country, especially to countries that border directly. Examples are railway operators DB Bahn (www.bahn.de), NS (www.ns.nl), TGV Europe (www.tgv-europe.com), SJ (www.sj.se) and NSB (www.nsb . no).
Maps, maps, maps

Arm yourself with as many maps and schedules of the railway line that you will be traveling.
Find hotels near the station

It would be very helpful if you stay near the station, or at least within reach on foot. My mistake in the past is any estimate of distance, or less attention to the location so much time reaching the station.

Save your time browsing to find things more interesting in the city of visits instead of looking for a place of accommodation. It will also facilitate you to continue the journey.