With aeroplane ticket prices skyrocketing this year, there’s no better time than now to consider a train trip with your family. Train travel is the most relaxing mode of transportation. If you’re tired of long delays, cramped seats, and snacks for meals, a rail journey is what you need. Trains are magical, and when you travel in one, you immediately feel a sense of calmness as you gaze through the window. Rail is the most civilised mode of travel ever. The food is delicious, the staff is a blessing, and a trip across Europe is excellent. Your kids can play, walk around, read a book, etc. Train travel is smooth and fun whether you’re with toddlers or teens.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or an adventure through Europe, plan your rail journey ahead of time. Do you know how to navigate the ins and outs of a train trip? If the answer is no, follow this checklist, and you’ll be off in no time.
Decide On a Point B (Or C, D, Etc.)
Train travel is the ultimate family adventure as long as you leave your impatience behind. You can see magnificent mountains, towering waterfalls, and gorgeous gorges, to name a few. With so many options, it can be challenging to decide where to travel. France is your best bet if you want an epic journey that will inspire the kids. From the picturesque Alps and Pyrenees mountains to the beautiful beaches of the Cote d’Azur, it has everything. Several different types of trains travel across France, including the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), Intercity Trains, TER (Transport Express Régional), and the AutoTrain.
France accommodates a fast and efficient train system, so everywhere is accessible by train. However, for those looking to stay a little closer to home, there are plenty of UK Train Destinations offering multiple trips and options around the country. Eurostar and Thalys have teamed up to create a rail giant that will serve France, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. Now Western Europe’s most significant high-speed international network, Eurostar Group will ensure eco-responsible transport. If you travel to Paris by train, you’ll enjoy better scheduling and ticketing, not to mention a common loyalty program across the entire network. Packing light reduces the stress of carrying heavy luggage. Familiarise yourself with the routes before you travel and get recommendations on what to do.
Book In Advance to Guarantee Seat Reservations
Train schedules and fares are released in advance, so it’s recommended to solidify your travel plans early on. At present, the entire process is digital and can be conducted online. Some companies offer seat reservations to make your journey more relaxed and comfortable. The tickets are valid only for the booked train, date, and class. Since you’re going on a longer, more complicated journey, it’s best to book with a pan-European agent, such as NS International. NS International operates several intercity and high-speed connections that travel daily. The ticket booking website is fast, efficient, and user-friendly, so be proactive.
You can curl up in a comfy bed and arrive fresh at the destination. For evening or morning use, compartments transform into private sitting rooms. You can select a sumptuous room with a private shower and toilet on specific routes. Prices vary depending on where you’re travelling to, so book far in advance to get the most affordable tickets. There are couchettes and sleepers in Europe, allowing tourists to pass the night with sweet dreams. Check out the rail operator’s website if you want to know what you and your loved ones can expect. Take a slower night train that arrives at the destination at a more convenient time of the day.
Check The Railway Luggage Rules
Before you embark on your holiday, find out exactly what is and is not permitted on the train. Railways’ luggage rules are more relaxed than airline rules, but the possibilities for taking luggage differ per company. As a rule, you should carry one item of luggage per passenger and a smaller item of hand luggage. The small-sized luggage can be placed in the racks above the seats. The smaller luggage, ideally an underseat 55x40x23 cm size cabin bag, is suitable for these journeys as it can hold many essentials and fits comfortably under or in the overhead racks. This size is perfect for storing items you might need during your trip while ensuring ease of access and storage.
It’s compact enough to maneuver through busy stations and onboard the train. This type of bag is ideal for travelers who wish to keep their necessities close at hand while also complying with the train company’s luggage policy.
Some rail operators publish more specific guidelines, so do your homework. In 2023, Eurostar and Thalys will evolve towards the Eurostar Group. If you’re travelling by train with Thalys, you should know each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and two pieces of luggage (max. 75 x 53 x 30 cm).
Dogs can travel on the train as long as they don’t bother the other passengers. Domestic animals can travel free of charge if they’re transported in a carrier and weigh less than 6 kg. Pets conveyed outside the free allowance may be subject to a payment fee of no more than half of the adult fare. Upon the request of another passenger, the train manager might relocate you and your furry friend to another part of the train. Dogs suffer from travel sickness, so give them appropriate medication. Speak to a vet to find out more.
Bring Your Own Entertainment Onboard
You might love looking at Europe passing by your window, but your kids will quickly get bored. Trains don’t offer the entertainment options you can expect in commercial airlines, but there are many onboard activities. You might be tempted to keep them busy with a tablet loaded with their favourite apps. Many railway tour operators have introduced technology to offer passengers onboard entertainment, looking to expand the capabilities of their services. Since not all of them offer the same amenities, you should make sure to bring your own entertainment. For example, you can bring a portable DVD player.
Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not difficult to keep kids busy when you’re on the train, even if it’s a long journey. If your kids continually ask “Are we there yet?”, take them for a walk, but not at high speeds. Board games get boring after a certain time, but Play-Doh is more creative. All in all, if your kids are happy interacting with the passengers or other kids on the train, let them have fun. If you force the youngsters to sit still, they’ll get upset. Resist the urge to tell them to calm down or stop crying.
To sum up, you’re lucky to live in Europe, the Holy Grail of rail networks. You enjoy stress-free boarding, comfy seats, generous luggage allowance, and interesting views. If you plan ahead of time, your family’s train adventure will be as fun as the destination itself.