IF you purchase a rail pass for your European holiday, you need to make sure you use it to the max.
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To help travellers Rail Europe has put together eight train travel hacks so you can make sure you get your money's worth.
1. Consider multiple day trips
Eurail Passes allow you unlimited travel each given "day" on the pass within the 24 hours from midnight to midnight. That means you can visit two or three small towns in one day - lunch here, dinner there.
2. Apply discounts and bonuses
When booking any rail pass, be aware that many travel bonuses and discounts on buses, ferries, private railways, hotels, sightseeing tours and WIFI come with the pass. These are updated each year, so check what's on offer before you make accommodation and tour arrangements. You could save a considerable amount.
3. Free travel for kids
Up to two children from the ages of 4-11 years travel for free with their parents or grandparents travelling with any Eurail Pass. In Switzerland, children under 16 years old travel for free when accompanied by a guardian using the Swiss Travel Pass.
4. Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass grants the holder unlimited access to all Swiss public transportation including buses, trains and boats; allows up to 50 per cent off mountain railways and cable ways; and free access to 500 plus museums around the country. This is unsurpassed value for money!
5. Avoid seat reservations where possible
There are opportunities to save on seat reservation costs. Note, however, that seat reservations are mandatory on all high-speed services and inter-country connections.
6. Travel during off-peak and shoulder seasons
Travelling during the quieter months (usually spring and autumn) will also help with savings. There's more space on the trains too as crowds usually tend to swell significantly during the peak seasons of summer and winter.
7. Travel overnight
You can save on a night's accommodation (and time) while travelling from one destination to the next on board an overnight train. Sleeping options range from reclining seats to private cabins with ensuites. Remember though that reservations are required for all night trains.
8. Book in advance
Plan ahead and you can save up to 70 per cent. Eurail passes can be booked up to 11 months in advance, and three months for seat reservations.
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