A high-speed train in Germany. Photo: © Ivantagan

Real travellers will tell you, it’s just as much about getting there as being there. The anticipation of not knowing what you’ll find when you get to your destination, time spent reflecting on where you’ve just left, a little alone time to enjoy the scenery and gather your thoughts. All this is possible with rail travel and in Europe the prices are still low, unlike the astronomical hike currently happening in the UK.

There is so much to see and do in countless different countries in Europe, but you’d miss out on so much if you just flew from destination to destination. Yes you may save a little on travel time, but for many travellers the enjoyment of the journey is paramount. Plus with the sumptuous scenery on offer in Europe, you’d really want to see this from ground level, not up in the air.

Taking the train round Europe was for decades considered only for students, but now it seems like a more of a savvy way of exploring the continent. With some of the best rail networks found anywhere in the world, it’s relatively fast and also comfortable. But it’s not going to be cheap if you book it last minute. You can’t just jump on and pay nothing – you’ve got to make sure you do some careful planning.

The first thing you should really do is choose a route to follow. We all know what it’s like when travelling. You’ll meet someone who says you simply have to go here and you’ll be off course for days. The unexpected destinations is one of the most thrilling aspects of travelling, so don’t discount it, but have a think about the number of countries you plan to see as you’ll be able to opt for different passes dependant on this factor. You can get yourself a pass enabling you to visit many different countries or you can simply opt for a regional pass which will be ideal for countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy.

Railing in Europe has also been made much easier since the Euro as for many destinations you’ll just need the same currency. However, when heading to more far flung Eastern European stops this isn’t the case so you’ll still need to compare currency exchange rates before and while travelling to ensure you get the best deal when changing your currency.

So, hop on; and remember – it’s just as much about the journey as the destination.

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Catch the Eurostar for a fast rail travel between London, Paris and Brussels

Traveling the European continent can be such an adventure, especially if you choose to do so by train. The rail networks in Europe are quite extensive, penetrating the major cities as well as the less frequented destinations. In order to make the most of your travel experience, it is a good idea to buy a rail pass.

What is a rail pass? Basically, it is something that will allow you to take multiple trains in Europe for a much cheaper price, as compared to buying a ticket for every single train ride. They come in different forms; the trick is in finding the right rail pass to suit your needs and preferences.

There are three general types of rail passes. These are the consecutive, flexi, and saver passes. The consecutive passes give you the right to unlimited train travel for the duration of the pass. As the name implies, this kind of rail pass allows travel for a number of consecutive days. This is perfect for those who are planning on being on the move every day. Flexi passes allow travel for a certain number of days, with the pass being valid for a longer period of time. For example, you can travel for 15 days within a month. This pass is perfect for those who would like to linger for a day or so at a certain destination before moving on. Saver passes are meant for people traveling in a group. These are valid for single trips, but sold at lower prices.

So how do you know which rail pass to buy? The best thing to do would be to plan out your itinerary, including the days that you will be traveling from city to city, or country to country. You may have to purchase different passes for different countries, so this is important. If you’re traveling all over Europe, then the best choice for you is the Eurail Global pass. For more details on the different rail passes, visit Rail Europe – they have extensive information on rail travel in Europe as well as a large selection of discount rail passes and train tickets for the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

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Abbesses Metro, Paris

Getting to Paris is an easy task – all major airlines fly to the city, and if you are in Europe, you can even take a train or drive to Paris. Once you arrive in Paris, getting around is your next concern. It does not have to be a problem, however. As it is with modern cities, Paris is very easy to navigate, thanks to the extensive and efficient public transportation network.

The public transportation network of Paris is comprised of three main branches. These are the RER, The Metro and RATP city buses.

The RER or Réseau Express Régional is the commuter express, which has five lines (A, B, C, D, E), all of which are high speed trains. The trains in the network also service areas outside of Paris. Many visitors actually do not even try to take the RER, which is actually a pity since it is very efficient and is much faster than the Metro. Some tips for riding the RER:

• Make sure you know exactly where you are headed. Get a map of the routes for this
• Make sure you get off where you are supposed to as they will fine you if you travel farther than what you paid for
• Keep your pass as you will need this to get out

The Metro or Métro de Paris is the Paris subway. It is efficient and has several lines as well. To make the most of your Metro experience, the first thing that you should do is to get a map of the Metro. You can get this at any Metro booth or even download it online. The lines 6 and 2 also run above the ground for the most part so it is a great way to explore the city albeit in an express manner.

Buses should be your choice if you want to explore the city in a more leisurely manner. Most of the bus lines operate from 5:30 in the morning till midnight. For more specific information on the routes, visit the RATP website.

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Germany's highspeed ICE (Inter City Express) train

The German railway system is perhaps one of the best in the world – if not the best. The German National Railway is also called Deutsche Bahn, or DB for short. Practically any city in the country is connected to this system and one can travel the length and width of Germany by train. Not only is it affordable and efficient to travel by train, but you also get to discover the landscapes that Germany has to offer.

There are three main subsystems in the DB. They are as follows.

The German High Speed Train
Also known as the Intercity Express, the high speed train certainly lives up to its name. It goes as fast as 300 kilometers per hour and can get you to your destination so quickly that you won’t even notice time passing you by. This train connects all major cities in Germany.

The German Regional Train
Also called Regional Express or Regionalbahn, this train system is slower than the above, but also cheaper. It also connects the smaller towns and cities, unlike the Intercity Express. If you don’t have a need for speed and you would like to enjoy the scenery, then the Regionalbahn is your best bet.

The German Night Train
This system is perfect for time-strapped travelers who would like to make the most out of every minute in Germany. Trains usually leave early in the evening and travel on through the night. By daybreak, you will surely have reached your destination and be able to save on a night’s stay at a hotel as well!

German Rail Pass

There is no better way to explore Germany than with the German rail pass. German rail passes offer easy, flexible and unlimited travel on the national rail network of Germany. This rail pass allows unlimited train travel for between four and 10 days within a one-month period.

Features:
• Unlimited train travel throughout Germany including Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne, Nuremberg and Dresden
• Choose between first and second class travel
• May be used on travel days that are consecutive or non-consecutive
• Special travel bonuses
• Rail Pass valid for travel to Salzburg (Austria) and Basel Bad (Switzerland)

Book a German rail pass online

The great European tour – that’s what a lot of us dream about, isn’t it? If you are planning on spending some time in this wonderful continent, then you have to know all about the vast network of trains found in the various countries. After all, train travel is one of the things that makes traipsing around Europe so interesting. Here are some things that you would need to know in order to make planning your trip easier.

Always look for the information desk

I know, talking to the person in the ticket booth may sound good, but it is always safer to go look for the central information desk. The chances of getting the most accurate information on train schedules and stops are highest if you talk to the people at the information desk.

Always ask for specials or promos

While most train networks promote their current special or promo, you never know if you have missed something. That is, unless you ask the person you are dealing with. Do not be embarrassed to ask if you there is a discount that can be applicable to your case. You can actually end up making considerable savings by doing so.

Try to book overnight trains for long trips

I like this particular tip as it has some advantages. One, you can save a night’s worth of accommodation as you will spend it in the train. Two, you can experience a luxurious train ride if you book a trip in one of those nice trains. Three, traveling by night frees up more of your day time to actually visit other places.

As most major cities in Europe are connected by rail in one way or another, do not forget to include this mode of transportation in your planning. You just might experience the ride of your life!