Hold that train!!!!
Jun 25 '00 (Updated Jun 26 '00)
Travelling around Europe by train can be an absolute delight. Trains cover long distances very quickly, especially if you are fortunate enough to be going where one of the high speed trains, like the TGV or Thalys, are going. Train stations are usually easily accessible from most convenient areas of major cities, and are generally routed to almost any town a tourist could want to visit, either for an overnight stay, or as a day trip.
There are a variety of passes available for purchase in the U.S. before leaving for Europe. They are offered in almost every type of configuration. There is the Europass, the Eurailpass, the Eurail Flexipass., Eurail Youth pass, with special discounts if you are under 26, and there are even passes that are combined with car rental. The number of days you wish to travel by train, and the time-frame during which you are planning to travel determine which is the right pass for you. The pass covers most of the cost of rail travel.
There are a few exceptions. Some of the high speed trains require a supplemental charge, and it is often advisable to have a train reservation on many of the long-distance trains or very busy trains . The reservation is usually a nominal amount.You also need a reservation if you want a sleeper-car for overnight, long distance train journeys.
It is so nice to be able to relax in front of a large window and watch the beautiful countryside , relaxing in your comfortable seat. Many of the nicer trains have dining cars, and if not, someone comes around with a serving cart to sell you a light lunch, snack or cold drink. There are smoking and non-smoking cars, and first and second class cars. Most of the second-class cars seem to be filled with backpacking students.
The only problem we found was that very often there are connecting trains to a particular destination, which means you have to watch for a certain station, and get off and wait for the proper train to continue on. This wouldn't be a problem, except on our last trip, the timing was such that we usually had around five minutes to get off of one train(with all our luggage), and often RUN several platforms away to get on the right train. Added to that, you usually have to go down one flight of stairs, and back up on the other side(still carrying your luggage which now seems much heavier), make sure you are getting on the right train, and making sure you are getting on the right car of the train as well. It can be quite stressful and exhausting.
One day, we were headed to Strasbourg from Amsterdam. We had to change trains in the little town of Offenburg, in Germany. The train we had been riding on was running late, so our otherwise comfortable cushion of 7 minutes to change trains was whittled down to 4. I took the two overnighters, and ran on ahead, leaving my husband to try to catch up with our two suitcases. Of course, there were no elevators or escalators, so rolling suitcases weren't any help navigating the stairs. I arrived at the train just as the conductor was giving it the signal to depart and pleaded with him to hold the train for my husband. I must have sounded near tears, and really was almost hysterical, as there was not another train leaving for Strasbourg! He did hold the train and we were able to continue on our way.
I would definitely continue to use the wonderful European rail system on future trips . However, I would try to factor in which areas were accessible by a direct train in planning my itinerary. I also would not listen to the rail ticket sellers who insist that under ten minutes is enough time to change trains if that is the only alternative. And of course, with each trip , I try to pack lighter!!
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RobinLynn
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Location: Parkland, Florida
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My loves are my wonderful family, our amazing grandsons, and travel.
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