IF YOU'VE decided to travel through Europe by train rather than fly, here are some tips to make sure you get the best value from your journeys.
According to Rail Europe commercial director Ingrid Kocijan, many travellers aren't aware of the ways they can use rail passes to maximise their time and money.
Here are her top tips:
Consider multiple day trips
Passes such as the Eurail Select ones, which include one, two, three and four countries, as well as the Eurail Global Pass, allow unlimited travel each given "day" on the pass within the 24 hours from midnight to midnight. Depending on the places of interest, travellers can often visit two or three small towns in one day without having to rush.
Use the SaverPass
Groups of up to five people travelling together and on the same itinerary (making the same stops) qualify for the SaverPass, which is a discounted Eurail Pass. Booking the passes as a group translates to significant savings.
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 it is advisable to check the items on offer before making accommodation and tour arrangements.
Free travel for kids
Up to two children from the ages of 4-11 travel for free with their parents travelling with any Eurail Pass. In Switzerland, children under 16 travel free when accompanied by a guardian using the Swiss Travel Pass.
Swiss Travel Pass
This grants the holder unlimited access to all Swiss public transport including buses, trains and boats; allows up to 50 per cent discount off mountain railways and cableways; and free access to 500 plus museums around the country. This is unsurpassed value for money.
Avoid seat reservations where possible
Travellers embarking on routes serviced by both high-speed and regional trains may like to consider the latter option to save on seat reservation costs. (Note however that reservations are mandatory on all high-speed services and inter-country connections).
Travel during off-peak and shoulder seasons
Travelling during the quieter months (usually spring and autumn) will help with the savings in general. There is also the luxury of space on the trains as crowds tend to swell significantly during the peak seasons of summer and winter.
Book in advance
Travellers who plan ahead can save up to 70 per cent off their rail bookings. Eurail passes can be booked up to 11 months in advance, and seat reservations up to three months prior.
