May 14, 2025 • 31 mins
We share our top 10 tips for planning train travel in the UK and Europe in 2025, drawing on our extensive experience travelling by rail throughout these regions.
• Do your homework by researching routes, operators, and realistic itineraries
• Consider the time of year, mobility needs, and whether the journey itself is part of your holiday
• Book tickets in advance for the best prices, weighing flexibility against savings
• Evaluate whether rail passes like Eurail or BritRail make financial sense for your specific journey
• Understand seat reservation rules, which are optional in the UK but often mandatory in Europe
• Pack light with luggage you can easily lift onto trains and store on overhead racks
• Familiarise yourself with station layouts before travel to reduce stress and avoid missed connections
• Compare first class versus standard class, as sometimes the price difference is minimal
• Plan your onward journey carefully, considering transfer times and strategically located accommodations
• Consider sleeper trains for overnight journeys to save time and accommodation costs
• Bonus tip: Research scenic routes that offer spectacular views and unique travel experiences
For UK train travel planning, check out Doug's ebook Guide to UK Train Travel.
Contact us via SpeakPipe with your questions or to inquire about Doug's train itinerary planning services.
Show Notes - Episode 54
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- Episode #42 – Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors with Dianne Bortoletto
- Episode #45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitors
- Episode #51 – Spain Travel P
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In episode 54 of the Global Travel Planner Podcast,
doug and I share our top 10 tipsfor planning train travel in
the UK and Europe in 2025 andbeyond.
From booking advice and packingtips to navigating stations and
choosing scenic routes, thisepisode is packed with practical
info to help you travel smarterby train.
Hi and welcome to the GlobalTravel Planner Podcast.
(00:22):
I'm your host, tracey Collins,who, with my expert guests, will
take you on a weekly journey todestinations around the globe,
providing travel inspiration,itinerary ideas, practical tips
and more to help you plan yournext travel adventure.
Hi and welcome to episode 54 ofthe Global Travel Plan podcast.
(00:49):
So this week, I'm joined byDoug, hello, and we're here to
talk about train travel in theUK and in Europe in 2025 and
beyond.
Now to put some context in this, doug is our UK travel planning
train expert.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
That's right.
I've got many years of UKexperience working and
travelling on the railways inthe UK.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
That's it, and also in Europe, of course.
So we have, just over the lastfew months, spent some time
travelling by train in Europe,and we have extensive experience
of years past where we havedone lots and lots of travels
around Europe, backpackingaround Europe, a few summers,
school holidays, times where weused to go and travel a lot by
train, and something you've beendoing since you were quite
(01:36):
young, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
I have.
When I was growing up, myparents, we went on a European
train adventure every singleyear, mostly through France,
spain, italy, but I've continuedthat love of trains my entire
life.
So there's not many Europeancountries I've not travelled by
train.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
That's true?
I think so, and we've travelleda lot, actually extensively,
around the world as well.
So if you have any questionsabout train travel just about
anywhere in the world honestly,doug's pretty much been there
and done it or if you haven't,it's on your bucket list to do,
isn't it?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
That's right.
Yeah, rain or shine, you knowWe've experienced such a lot the
highs and lows of train travelreally haven't we.
We've experienced a lot ofdifficulties but also a lot of
great times.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
Yeah, we have, and we've done some recent great
travels where we've travelled,well travelled Eurostar, we've
taken the Caledonian Sleepertrain, we've taken I don't know.
We went through Germany, wewent through Poland into Hungary
.
I travelled in Italy in Novemberlast year, and we've recently,
(02:38):
unfortunately, wanted to do moretrain travel in Spain and
Portugal, which is actuallywhere we're recording the
episode at the moment.
We're actually in Portugal, butunfortunately there was a train
strike that had been forecastin Spain, so we've had to change
our plans, which was actuallyto go from Spain all the way to
Istanbul by train, but thespanner in the works straight
(02:58):
away really is thatunfortunately, because of what
we believed at the time wasgoing to be a strike, we decided
to fly, and so we're now stuckflying everywhere rather than
train.
But we will be back and doingit again, won't we?
Speaker 2 (03:10):
We'll return.
I mean, that's the highs andlows.
You know things happen in anytravel planning.
You've got to be flexible andyou know make adjustments where
necessary.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Right.
So in this episode we're goingto share 10 tips that we believe
are things that you need tothink about if you're planning
train travel, um in the uk andeurope this year.
And and say and beyond becausethis is relevant.
So the first thing I want tosay is why train travel?
Because it's a good one to you,for you, doug.
Why do you recommend traintravel?
Speaker 2 (03:37):
because it's the best way of travel really I mean,
it's plain and simple.
You see more you, youexperience life as locals.
It's not just about high speedlines, it's about regional
railways, slower travel, and youknow to me well, for us it's
really the true, authentictravel experience absolutely
well.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
You meet so many interesting people.
I was just actually thinkingabout our trip just before
christmas, when we traveled fromI think we were in poland and
we traveled through to Hungaryand we sat with a couple who
were travelling back to Budapestfor Christmas and their dog was
travelling.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It was just really good, so we had a really good
chat with them.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
So yeah, I mean, the thing about train travel is
you're straight into the centreof the city.
You don't have the hassles ofworrying about getting to the
train station, getting to theairport, checking in, the
hanging around or waiting aroundand that sort of thing.
I think with the train you canget up, we can walk around.
It's just that, I think.
Well, for me it's a far lessstressful experience.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Oh, me too definitely definitely so.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Um, you would recommend that people do the
homework as well when they'replanning, so I guess this is our
tip number one do your homework.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Most definitely.
Yes, there's experts.
I mean, it can be expensivetravel so you don't want to be
wasting time and money, so thechances are the likes of you and
I.
We've done so many differenttravels.
It's to talk to the experts.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Yeah, absolutely.
And well, you're an expert, soyou do offer itinerary consults
and planning services foranybody planning their trips in
the UK, and we're kind ofexpanding to Europe and beyond,
aren't we?
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Oh, that's right.
I mean, I never miss anopportunity to talk about trains
in any country, as you probablyknow.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Absolutely so.
Where do you recommend?
What sort of tools do yourecommend for people to use when
it comes to planning?
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, it's to map out your route and to be realistic
in where you want to go in thattime.
So it's to be certain to doyour homework, to be sure
exactly who the operators are ineach country, because some
countries still havenationalised rail industries,
like Renfee, sncf in France.
It's important to be aware whothe principal operators are, the
(05:49):
the small operators that mayjust want an individual line, um
.
But also you've got to look atall the all the options.
You know, it's that pointwhether the most expensive may
be the fastest, but may not bethe fastest.
It may not be the fastest, itmay not be the most realistic.
So you've got to look at yourbudget, you've got to look at
how much time you have andreally, yeah, just do your
(06:11):
homework.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
So things like using the National Rail Enquiries
would help with that, wouldn'tit?
Speaker 2 (06:16):
In the UK.
That's right.
The National Rail Enquiries is,in essence, a government site,
so that will give you yoursearch between A and B, where
you want to travel to, and itwill give you a list of the
operators who operate on thatline.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yeah, okay, I think that's an important thing to
think about as well, and I knowone tip that you always share in
the UK group is about nottravelling on Sundays.
Is that something that reallyfeels relevant for Europe as
well?
Speaker 2 (06:37):
To a degree, yes, but in mainland Europe there's more
diversionary routes and so yeah, yeah, you do have more
flexibility than you might havein the uk particularly.
I'm thinking here that you knowwest coast of scotland, you
know the one principal line, thewest highland line, that's it.
So you know if there'sengineering works there, that's
it.
There's no, there's nodiversionary route to get you
(07:00):
there.
But in mainland europe there'sa lot more.
There's lots, lots more smallnetworks.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Okay, so that's good.
So now tip number two is toconsider some specific points
when planning your trainitinerary.
I know one thing you said isthinking about, you know the
time of year, you know, considerall the members in your travel
group in terms of mobility andage and getting around and that
sort of thing, and not pushingtoo, trying to put too much into
(07:25):
your trip.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
That's right.
I mean, it's that part aboutwhether the A to B travel is
part of your holiday, yeah, orjust a means to get you to your
destination.
You know we always embrace thatpart of it.
You know, getting from here tothere, you know which side is
the best side of the train tosit on.
You know we enjoy it, don't we?
Yeah, absolutely Well, for usit is part of the holiday and
(07:49):
for a lot of people it's part ofthe holiday.
It is, it is yes.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
And I think that's worth considering when you're
planning your train travel.
Is it literally you just wantto get, for example, from London
to Edinburgh in the to go alittle bit slower, maybe stop
off along the way?
And it's the same for some ofthe European travel.
I mean, we did a fast trip fromMadrid down to Seville, but
actually there were some places.
(08:12):
I would have probably liked tohave gone off and seen places
along the way, but unfortunatelywe didn't have time to do that.
But again, if I was planningslower travel and potentially a
different time of year, then Iwould certainly look at doing
that.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Yeah, and I think that all comes back to that
homework side again is to lookat the different routes
available between those twopoints.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I mean particularly on, say, mainland Europe.
You've got the new high-speedlines, which is literally as
straight as possible to get youthere as fast as possible, but
some of the old traditionallines are more convoluted and
will take you longer.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
So what about booking tickets in advance?
Is that something?
So this is tip number three.
I know because we've got allthese tips listed out and I know
you've said four.
Number three is to considerbooking tickets in advance.
So is that something that yougenerally recommend?
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Yeah, as a general rule of thumb, the advance
tickets are something that'sgoing to get you the best deal,
um, but that could be quiteoften like the uk, tied to a
specific train on a specifictime on a specific route.
Um, but it, you know, it canvary on in mainland europe.
Sometimes, looking for those atbest fares could be the
(09:21):
regional, but it also could bein advance for the a to b's.
But it comes back to that bestfit for you, your budget, your
time, your personal preferencesfor your travel experience yeah,
because I mean we, sometimes wejust prefer to hit the slower
trains because it's a bit morefun.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Why?
Enjoy because that's what youwant to do, you know?
Speaker 2 (09:38):
yeah, I mean sitting on regional trains.
You know people getting on andoff all the time.
You know multiple train stopsyou.
You know you might have fiveminutes between stops.
Sometimes on a high speed trainyou can have two hours between
stops.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Yeah, so again, it all comes back to that that your
expectation of your railjourney I just think, though,
when I think about that, thekind of regional, the fun of
taking regional trains, I thinkabout in the dodoan, when we
took a regional train andsomebody got on and they had a
rabbit in a backpack and I knowyou've mentioned about a guy
getting on a train was it inspain with getting garlic?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
yeah, the gentleman got on the train, uh, with a pet
goat, whether the pet goat ornot, um, but he produced a paper
bag full of garlic andproceeded to eat one for him,
then one for the goat so it'sfunny.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
You wouldn't see that on a high-speed train.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
I've never seen before or since?
Have I seen a goat on a train?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
that's it.
It's just all those fun.
You make those memories, don'tyou?
So tip number four is toconsider whether a pass or rail
card is the right option or notfor you.
So there are different passes,aren't they, that you can
consider?
Speaker 2 (10:41):
yes, I mean the cross .
You's like the uranians railpasses, uh, for multi-countries,
but again, you've got to weighup the benefits for that and
what the the length of journeysthat you're taking.
In other words, you do a pricecomparison to how much that
ticket would cost you, uh, oryou and everybody in the travel
group, or to buy the pass, um,and in the uk you've got, for
(11:05):
example, you've got other passeslike National Rail Cards, which
will give you a third off thetrain ticket, but you're still
buying that ticket yourself.
And it's like many things withtrain tickets and passes the
more flexible, the more the cost.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Yeah, yeah, you're paying for that kind of ease of
use and flexibility aren't you?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Okay, so that's worth weighing up.
And we have got an article.
If you're consideringtravelling in the UK.
We do have an article aboutEurail versus the Britrail
passes, so that's worth having alook at.
And again, if your plans arequite rigid and you know exactly
what train you want to get,probably it wouldn't be worth it
.
You might as well just bookyour trains because you know
what times you're going to get.
But if you want moreflexibility, then having the
(11:44):
pass will give you that.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
That's right.
I mean, we found ourselves onthis trip that we're currently
on, the weather or potentialstrikes has, you know,
interfered with those plans?
And it's how much flexibilityyou want to build into your
plans in the first place.
Yeah, because that's when youknow problems can happen is the
fact that if you have noflexibility with dates, times,
(12:06):
budgets, Then you can actuallyend up losing money can't you.
So tip number five is to knowseat reservation rules.
Yeah, that's right.
In the UK seat reservations areoptional, but obviously
recommended during busy and peaktimes.
But in Europe I think there'smore on the high-speed lines
(12:28):
Seat reservations are compulsoryon certain services in certain
countries.
Yeah, yeah.
So again back to the homework.
You know and check when you'rebooking your passes or tickets
whether seat reservations areincluded or not, because outside
the UK seat reservations aremandatory.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
You know, uh, something you have to pay for
yeah, and I think you need toadd that into your budget,
because if you hadn't consideredit and you booked your ticket
and actually realize you've gotto pay another whatever, however
many euros every single timefor a seat reservation, it can
add up yeah, I know in the uk.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
You can go to a staffed station.
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Travel office for free yeah um, so tip number six
is pack smart for train travel,and I mean this is a really good
one in terms of any traintravel.
Actually, you need to be ableto lift your suitcase on and off
the train.
I know when I was in, I wastraveling by train in India last
year and traveled in a groupand some members of the group
had far too heavy suitcases andI really struggled.
(13:26):
You know, sometimes you have toget up quite a few steps with a
suitcase.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Yeah, that's right To get on or off a train.
In all countries.
You know, I'm not highlightingone particular country, but in
all countries where there'slifts and elevators, they fail.
Absolutely, and you know it canbe problematic to get into your
platform and you're right whatyou say about being able to lift
(13:50):
your bags to put them toluggage racks and stacks for
storage.
But there's more to you know.
Also, the consideration is ifthere's people in your travel
group that this isn't so easy,for you're going to have to do
it for several people and whenthe train is full and busy and
hot, that can be….
Speaker 1 (14:06):
It's not fun.
Yeah, it's not fun.
It's stressful.
It's really really stressful,for sure.
And also I sure you've got youressentials.
When you go on the train, takesome food and drink with you,
take some snacks, have a waterbottle with you, some
entertainment with you.
Take your charging pack.
Don't depend on a train to havea charging plate?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
And think about layers so that if it gets too
hot you can take something off,if it gets too cold you can put
something on.
If you're doing an overnightsleeper train, again think about
your luggage, because you don'twant to be rummaging around in
a suitcase to get bits and bobsout.
So we usually have a day packwith whatever we're going to use
yeah, and a tana pack withinthat to put specific charges.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
You don't want to be rummaging around, so definitely
do do that research thinks youknow, pack smartly for train
travel.
Um, I can think I took my niecefor her 21st traveling around
italy and that was one thingthat I stressed to her before we
went one small, smallpull-along suitcase that she
could lift up, and she actuallyended up getting rid of some
clothes along the way becauseshe bought things.
But, um, you know it was.
(15:06):
You've got to also, you know,give yourself some margin if you
buy some things as well.
Um, that you're gonna have tohave little bit extra room, but
you don't want it to be tooheavy because, honestly, getting
on and off a train with a heavysuitcase, is not much fun.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
It can be, particularly in mainland Europe
where the platform level ispretty low and you've got to
step up several steps ontotrains.
Less of an issue in the UK,where the platform height is
higher and you're more oftenstraight across onto onto onto
even just think we.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
When we arrived in porto last week, um, you got off
at the with the larger suitcaseand I had the smaller suitcase
with a backpack and I actuallycouldn't get.
There was too many steps for meto get down.
Um, so, luckily, somebody, theygot onto the platform and then I
passed them a suitcase in thebag because I was struggling and
you got off on the other sideso we've got separated, so
(15:57):
you've got to think about thatbecause, honestly, it is not
that easy that you don'tactually realize just how high
some of those trains are to stepdown on the platform that's
right, yeah, yeah tip numberseven is to understand station
layouts, and this is soimportant because, honestly, you
can miss a train, you can missyour train if you do not know
which platform you've got to getto or how to get around a train
(16:18):
station.
I was in Rome Termini station inNovember and, honestly, we went
the day before to just researchwhere we were going to pick the
train.
You know which platform or evenhow to get at, which part of
the train station it was in andhow it worked at that actual
train station, because it can bedifferent and if you're not
used to it, you know you have togo through a section to
(16:40):
actually allow you onto the mainplatforms for the train from
the actual train concourse.
So it's it, you've got to giveyourself the time and then you
wait in that area for your trainplatform to be called up, and
sometimes in italy it can beliterally five minutes before
the train leaves.
So you need to be aware of whatyou're doing and and also have
(17:01):
your wits about you and some ofthose train stations as well.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Yeah, from a security point of view, that's something
entirely uh, that's a tip onits own, yes, but it comes again
back to.
The homework is to be aware ofa station layout, because the
bigger stations you need to bethere in good time and you've
got to consider how you're goingto get to the station.
But also you can have multipleentrances and exits at stations
(17:24):
and it can be quitedisorientating.
And so you're right, therecould be different levels to get
onto the platform and ifeverybody's waiting for a
platform to be announced, it canbe quite a rush and quite a
panic to get onto.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
I can't believe how busy it was initially.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Particularly if it's a non-terminus station.
If the train's only going to bethere for a matter of minutes,
it's not surprising anybodywants to get on quite quickly.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Yeah, I mean, what I did find really useful is
knowing exactly um the, thecarriage and the seat number in
in italy.
It was actually quite easybecause you could look up and
see where you exactly had tostand and that's where the train
came in and you could get on.
I found that quite that mucheasier and that was something
that is something that wasreally important to be aware of,
because it just made life a loteasier.
So when you actually got tofind out what what you're on,
(18:12):
you could find exactly where youneeded to stand to get onto the
train.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Yeah, the carriage number can be very helpful.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, it does help.
Now, tip number eight is toconsider all classes.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
That's right.
I mean, basically speaking,just about every country has a
first class and more of astandard class of travel.
Now again, not to mention inone country over another, some
countries' first class could bethe standard of a second class
in other countries, and viceversa.
So it's best, again, to do yourhomework.
(18:45):
I could go back to this doingyour homework.
Doing your homework issometimes the first class
tickets can be not a lot ofdifference to standard-class
tickets cost-wise, particularlyif you're travelling an off-peak
time.
First-class may come with somerefreshments, which will be
cost-effective if you'replanning on taking some with you
(19:06):
in the first place, which isalways a good idea anyway, just
in case there is nothing, eventhough there should be.
So it's's again looking whatdeals can be available, looking
around to see which differentoperators are, because you might
get a better deal for firstclass on one than the standard
class on another yeah, no,absolutely.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I definitely think that's uh worth considering.
Um, I must admit I do like thefirst class in quite a lot of
places.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
yes, because you know , for everything we've said
before things about the luggagestorage, sometimes there's just
an extra rack, just a little bitmore space in the first class,
which can make a big difference,because standard class can get
pretty busy.
Yeah, and luggage space doesfill up fast.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Yeah, I'm just thinking.
I know this is outside Europe,but we were travelling by train
in Morocco in.
February and honestly um thefirst class was just a far less
chaotic experience.
That's not, you know.
And I traveled india again andI would talk, not talk about
europe.
I traveled india in third classlast year.
Oh my goodness, that was a.
That was an experience and ahalf so so again, like in europe
(20:08):
, you still need to consider um,you know, sometimes you also
can get different things.
If you're a different, itdepends on the class that you're
at you might get a drink atyour seat, you might get a meal
at your seat, you might get anactive service, or you might.
You know, there's all sorts ofdifferent variations to look at
but again, it'll depend on theoperator and the country that
you're traveling.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And we look at places like the Eurostar going between
the UK and to France, obviouslyBelgium and into Holland as
well.
But there's three classes oftravel.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
And that comes with different types of check-ins as
well.
So you know you've got to lookat everything across the board
as regards.
You know what's provided, thecost obviously, and you know
services that come with thatclass of travel yeah, so again
lots to think about.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
But if you need any help with that, doug will be
here to help with your we canbook an itinerary uh planning
session with him and he willhelp you now uh number tip.
Number nine is to consider youronward journey.
I think this is reallyimportant, actually that that's
right.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
We've said about this before.
If you're traveling from a to band then you're going on to c,
just consider that transfer timeis the transfer from the same
station.
Do you need to allow more timeto get between stations?
I'm thinking a good example isfrance or london, paris or
london.
You know you come in onestation.
(21:32):
You've got to get across toanother.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Look at your options to getbetween those stations.
Does your ticket allow for youto break up the journey a little
bit longer?
You know, because there'snothing worse.
If you've got two or threetrain journeys planned and your
first one's late, or you haven'tgot enough time to get to the
second one, your entire scheduleis going to be impacted also,
(21:56):
though I'm going to say it'sworth thinking about, not only
necessarily if the onwardjourney is that same day, if the
Onward journey is two or threedays later.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
And I'm thinking, we've just stayed in Lisbon and
I deliberately booked a hotelwhich was actually in the train
station because I knew that wasthe train station that we'd be
leaving to take the train toPorto, which made it incredibly
easy.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
It did for me because I could go train spotting in
the evenings and mornings.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
But it was really easy because we'd just build a
suitcase and go straight ontothe train to Porto.
And actually where we're stayingin Porto right now is actually
two minutes from the trainstation we arrived into in Porto
, which is not the famous trainstation in Porto, it's a little
bit out Campino, but it's justbeen so much easier.
So I think, when I was inFlorence, when I stayed in
(22:41):
Florence in November, again, Ibooked the hotel opposite the
train station.
I did check it out, yeah, areawas good, stayed in that train
station, so it meant we will doluggage out.
We were in the hotel within twominutes.
It meant the morning that weleft, I was going back to Rome
and Shelley, who was on thepodcast, shelley was going,
going down to pool, yeah, and soit meant that it was very easy
(23:02):
for us just to wheel up luggageover the train station and catch
our respective trains.
So again, it's, it's all part ofthat plan and process where
you're trying to consider, oryou are considering, what will
make it easier for you, whatwill work, um, so that you are
not, you don't want to bearriving in a train station, and
then, um, well, you could, ifyou want to but you could, you
(23:23):
know, catch a taxi over to theother side of town and then
thinking I've got to get a taxiback over again.
It's just sometimes easier tolook at if it's a decent area
around the train station.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
You do have to check because some places I would not
recommend staying beside thetrain station, but it's again,
it's all part of that planprocess.
It is, I mean, in in this case,here, where we are near campana
station, the, the main sitesare salbento, which is what?
About seven or eight minutes onon the train, yeah, but the
accommodation cost of where weare is far more reasonable than
(23:55):
it will be.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Yeah, and we found it very, very easy to do that it's
about doing your homework.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It's literally about that planning.
So you know, you consider thestation area you come into, but
also where you'll be leavingfrom, or whatever your next
onward mode of transport is.
Speaker 1 (24:09):
Definitely so.
Tip number 10 is to considersleeper trains.
Now, we love sleeper trains,don't we?
Speaker 2 (24:13):
We do and we know sleeper trains are not actually
for everyone, and that is true,but we, we embrace the, the
whole part of it.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
I just think it's so much fun and I'd like to do more
sleeper trains.
We we've done a lot of thecaledonian sleeper in the last
few months for them in the ukand we both did it a couple of
times the lowlander andhighlander caledonian sleeper
and actually we just had apodcast out.
If you listen to the uk travelplanner podcast, you know that
we've got a couple of episodesabout the Caledonian sleeper.
I'll link to that episode orthose episodes in the show notes
(24:44):
for this episode of the GlobalTravel Planner podcast.
But yeah, and we share a lot oftips about that, we do.
We've done sleeper trains inEurope as well, and they can be
pricey, I will say that.
But if you think you're goingto get yourself from A to B, so
it saves you time and also youget a night's accommodation.
Now some tips just to help yousleep.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Yeah, some earplugs or a mask.
If you're in a group as well,consider who's going to be on
the top bunk, because some ofthe top bunks can be quite close
to the roof or the ceiling ofthe carriage, so anybody who
gets a bit claustrophobic maynot be for them, so the issue is
actually climbing up.
Just gonna say that but it's notjust that.
(25:25):
It is, yeah, the mobility,because there's not a lot of
room.
I'll be honest, there's not alot of room inside a sleeper
train.
But there's one thing that isfor certain sleeper trains are
getting more and more popular.
There's more and more lines andoperators in Europe who are
starting services.
There was a decline, but theyare really coming back now
(25:48):
because people are seeing thebenefits of not just saving time
, but also as an enjoyment.
It's something to embrace andenjoy as part of your holiday
experience absolutely right.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
And then we're going to one bonus tip, which is
basically um consider some ofthe scenic routes, especially in
europe.
I mean, my goodness, we've donewe've done so many scenic
routes in switzerland, in norway.
We've done the flambeau, butwe've just done.
We've done some kind of.
We've done some scenic ones inthe UK as well.
Obviously, we've done the….
Speaker 2 (26:21):
The West Highland Line yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Fort William to Malague, West Highland Line.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
South Carlisle, one of my real favourites.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
I mean, there's just so many.
I've done the Bernina Expressin Switzerland and I've got an
article about that on thewebsite.
We've done the Flom Railway inNorway, which is incredibly
beautiful, so I mean evenoutside of Europe.
We've done the Transalpine inSouth Island of New Zealand.
That is incredibly beautiful.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
There's several in Spain, there's ones in Germany,
but it's what you personallylike.
I mean, I enjoy coastal lineslike the Northumberland
coastline in the UK fromNewcastle to Edinburgh.
I thoroughly enjoy that.
I like the one in Spain comingdown the coastline from
Barcelona.
I really enjoy that.
I like the one in spain comingdown the coastline from
barcelona I really enjoy thatdown to valencia and then down
(27:05):
to alicante.
I've you know it's one of myfavorite train journeys as well,
but there's so many.
It's not just about beautifulsyria.
You know, what can make a greattrain journey is you know the
places that you're visiting andtalking to people is the
contrast is countryside, evengoing through some towns and
cities.
I thoroughly enjoy it.
I really enjoy going fromdifferent places.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
Well, I think that's well.
We're giving you 10 tips withan 11th bonus one we do have if
you're specifically planningtrain travel in the UK.
We do have lots of podcasts onthe UK Travel Planning Podcast
which are specifically around UKtrain travel.
So do pop over and have alisten to those.
Doug's also written an ebookGuide to UK Train Travel which
(27:49):
is extremely popular, and I willlink to that.
So if you're planning again UKtrain travel, I would have a
look at buying that.
It's been highly successful.
We've had some fantasticfeedback on it and, again, doug
will open up some slots in a fewmonths' time to actually offer
itinerary planning andconsultation around train travel
in the UK and Europe and aroundthe globe.
(28:11):
So if that's something that youwant some help with that, you
want to have a chat to Doug withyou have some questions?
You can get back to us viaSpeakPipe, which is basically
you record a message.
You can get back to us viaSpeakpipe, which is basically
you record a message and we canreply to you and we'll leave a
link to that in the show notes.
But you're always happy to talkabout train travel.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Oh, absolutely.
I will always talk about trains, and there's one thing I will
note, just one little extrapoint.
It's amazing talking to peopleon trains I don't know what it
it is.
People will happily chat awayto you they will, they will it's
yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
I can think of that many, so many times, and so many
people I've met on trains soI'm going to ask you the the one
question I was asked at the endof every episode what would be
the one tip that you would sharewith anybody planning train
travel in the uk and or europethis year, in 2025?
Speaker 2 (28:57):
talk to the experts.
Do your homework brilliant.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
Oh, that was distinct .
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Yeah, that's exactly what you need to do, because it
can be expensive.
So do your homework brilliant.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
Well, thanks, uh, so it's been great having dug on
that episode because it's been awhile since you've talked, and
I go last time talking aboutjapan.
We've talked about morocco,talking about spain, sharing
lots of our other travels aroundthe world, so it's great for
you to come on the podcast again.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
I've probably enjoyed it.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
So, yes, as I said, all the information that we chat
about today will be shared inthe show notes.
So links to the UK TravelPlanning Podcast as well links
to Doug's e-book will be inthere, and for his itinerary
planning consultation serviceswe'll put all the links in the
show notes.
But that just leaves us to sayfor this week happy global
travel planning.
(29:47):
Thank you for joining us on thisepisode of the Global Travel
Planning Podcast.
For more details and links toeverything we discussed today,
check out the show notes atglobaltravelplanningcom.
Remember, if you enjoyed theshow, please consider leaving us
a review on your favoritepodcast app, because your
feedback helps us reach moretravel enthusiasts, just like
you.
In episode 54 of the Global Travel Planner Podcast,
doug and I share our top 10 tipsfor planning train travel in
the UK and Europe in 2025 andbeyond.
From booking advice and packingtips to navigating stations and
choosing scenic routes, thisepisode is packed with practical
info to help you travel smarterby train.
Hi and welcome to the GlobalTravel Planner Podcast.
(00:22):
I'm your host, tracey Collins,who, with my expert guests, will
take you on a weekly journey todestinations around the globe,
providing travel inspiration,itinerary ideas, practical tips
and more to help you plan yournext travel adventure.
Hi and welcome to episode 54 ofthe Global Travel Plan podcast.
(00:49):
So this week, I'm joined byDoug, hello, and we're here to
talk about train travel in theUK and in Europe in 2025 and
beyond.
Now to put some context in this, doug is our UK travel planning
train expert.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
That's right.
I've got many years of UKexperience working and
travelling on the railways inthe UK.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
That's it, and also in Europe, of course.
So we have, just over the lastfew months, spent some time
travelling by train in Europe,and we have extensive experience
of years past where we havedone lots and lots of travels
around Europe, backpackingaround Europe, a few summers,
school holidays, times where weused to go and travel a lot by
train, and something you've beendoing since you were quite
(01:36):
young, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
I have.
When I was growing up, myparents, we went on a European
train adventure every singleyear, mostly through France,
spain, italy, but I've continuedthat love of trains my entire
life.
So there's not many Europeancountries I've not travelled by
train.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
That's true?
I think so, and we've travelleda lot, actually extensively,
around the world as well.
So if you have any questionsabout train travel just about
anywhere in the world honestly,doug's pretty much been there
and done it or if you haven't,it's on your bucket list to do,
isn't it?
Speaker 2 (02:06):
That's right.
Yeah, rain or shine, you knowWe've experienced such a lot the
highs and lows of train travelreally haven't we.
We've experienced a lot ofdifficulties but also a lot of
great times.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
Yeah, we have, and we've done some recent great
travels where we've travelled,well travelled Eurostar, we've
taken the Caledonian Sleepertrain, we've taken I don't know.
We went through Germany, wewent through Poland into Hungary
.
I travelled in Italy in Novemberlast year, and we've recently,
(02:38):
unfortunately, wanted to do moretrain travel in Spain and
Portugal, which is actuallywhere we're recording the
episode at the moment.
We're actually in Portugal, butunfortunately there was a train
strike that had been forecastin Spain, so we've had to change
our plans, which was actuallyto go from Spain all the way to
Istanbul by train, but thespanner in the works straight
(02:58):
away really is thatunfortunately, because of what
we believed at the time wasgoing to be a strike, we decided
to fly, and so we're now stuckflying everywhere rather than
train.
But we will be back and doingit again, won't we?
Speaker 2 (03:10):
We'll return.
I mean, that's the highs andlows.
You know things happen in anytravel planning.
You've got to be flexible andyou know make adjustments where
necessary.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Right.
So in this episode we're goingto share 10 tips that we believe
are things that you need tothink about if you're planning
train travel, um in the uk andeurope this year.
And and say and beyond becausethis is relevant.
So the first thing I want tosay is why train travel?
Because it's a good one to you,for you, doug.
Why do you recommend traintravel?
Speaker 2 (03:37):
because it's the best way of travel really I mean,
it's plain and simple.
You see more you, youexperience life as locals.
It's not just about high speedlines, it's about regional
railways, slower travel, and youknow to me well, for us it's
really the true, authentictravel experience absolutely
well.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
You meet so many interesting people.
I was just actually thinkingabout our trip just before
christmas, when we traveled fromI think we were in poland and
we traveled through to Hungaryand we sat with a couple who
were travelling back to Budapestfor Christmas and their dog was
travelling.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It was just really good, so we had a really good
chat with them.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
So yeah, I mean, the thing about train travel is
you're straight into the centreof the city.
You don't have the hassles ofworrying about getting to the
train station, getting to theairport, checking in, the
hanging around or waiting aroundand that sort of thing.
I think with the train you canget up, we can walk around.
It's just that, I think.
Well, for me it's a far lessstressful experience.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Oh, me too definitely definitely so.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Um, you would recommend that people do the
homework as well when they'replanning, so I guess this is our
tip number one do your homework.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Most definitely.
Yes, there's experts.
I mean, it can be expensivetravel so you don't want to be
wasting time and money, so thechances are the likes of you and
I.
We've done so many differenttravels.
It's to talk to the experts.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Yeah, absolutely.
And well, you're an expert, soyou do offer itinerary consults
and planning services foranybody planning their trips in
the UK, and we're kind ofexpanding to Europe and beyond,
aren't we?
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Oh, that's right.
I mean, I never miss anopportunity to talk about trains
in any country, as you probablyknow.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Absolutely so.
Where do you recommend?
What sort of tools do yourecommend for people to use when
it comes to planning?
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, it's to map out your route and to be realistic
in where you want to go in thattime.
So it's to be certain to doyour homework, to be sure
exactly who the operators are ineach country, because some
countries still havenationalised rail industries,
like Renfee, sncf in France.
It's important to be aware whothe principal operators are, the
(05:49):
the small operators that mayjust want an individual line, um
.
But also you've got to look atall the all the options.
You know, it's that pointwhether the most expensive may
be the fastest, but may not bethe fastest.
It may not be the fastest, itmay not be the most realistic.
So you've got to look at yourbudget, you've got to look at
how much time you have andreally, yeah, just do your
(06:11):
homework.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
So things like using the National Rail Enquiries
would help with that, wouldn'tit?
Speaker 2 (06:16):
In the UK.
That's right.
The National Rail Enquiries is,in essence, a government site,
so that will give you yoursearch between A and B, where
you want to travel to, and itwill give you a list of the
operators who operate on thatline.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yeah, okay, I think that's an important thing to
think about as well, and I knowone tip that you always share in
the UK group is about nottravelling on Sundays.
Is that something that reallyfeels relevant for Europe as
well?
Speaker 2 (06:37):
To a degree, yes, but in mainland Europe there's more
diversionary routes and so yeah, yeah, you do have more
flexibility than you might havein the uk particularly.
I'm thinking here that you knowwest coast of scotland, you
know the one principal line, thewest highland line, that's it.
So you know if there'sengineering works there, that's
it.
There's no, there's nodiversionary route to get you
(07:00):
there.
But in mainland europe there'sa lot more.
There's lots, lots more smallnetworks.
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Okay, so that's good.
So now tip number two is toconsider some specific points
when planning your trainitinerary.
I know one thing you said isthinking about, you know the
time of year, you know, considerall the members in your travel
group in terms of mobility andage and getting around and that
sort of thing, and not pushingtoo, trying to put too much into
(07:25):
your trip.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
That's right.
I mean, it's that part aboutwhether the A to B travel is
part of your holiday, yeah, orjust a means to get you to your
destination.
You know we always embrace thatpart of it.
You know, getting from here tothere, you know which side is
the best side of the train tosit on.
You know we enjoy it, don't we?
Yeah, absolutely Well, for usit is part of the holiday and
(07:49):
for a lot of people it's part ofthe holiday.
It is, it is yes.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
And I think that's worth considering when you're
planning your train travel.
Is it literally you just wantto get, for example, from London
to Edinburgh in the to go alittle bit slower, maybe stop
off along the way?
And it's the same for some ofthe European travel.
I mean, we did a fast trip fromMadrid down to Seville, but
actually there were some places.
(08:12):
I would have probably liked tohave gone off and seen places
along the way, but unfortunatelywe didn't have time to do that.
But again, if I was planningslower travel and potentially a
different time of year, then Iwould certainly look at doing
that.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Yeah, and I think that all comes back to that
homework side again is to lookat the different routes
available between those twopoints.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
I mean particularly on, say, mainland Europe.
You've got the new high-speedlines, which is literally as
straight as possible to get youthere as fast as possible, but
some of the old traditionallines are more convoluted and
will take you longer.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
So what about booking tickets in advance?
Is that something?
So this is tip number three.
I know because we've got allthese tips listed out and I know
you've said four.
Number three is to considerbooking tickets in advance.
So is that something that yougenerally recommend?
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Yeah, as a general rule of thumb, the advance
tickets are something that'sgoing to get you the best deal,
um, but that could be quiteoften like the uk, tied to a
specific train on a specifictime on a specific route.
Um, but it, you know, it canvary on in mainland europe.
Sometimes, looking for those atbest fares could be the
(09:21):
regional, but it also could bein advance for the a to b's.
But it comes back to that bestfit for you, your budget, your
time, your personal preferencesfor your travel experience yeah,
because I mean we, sometimes wejust prefer to hit the slower
trains because it's a bit morefun.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Why?
Enjoy because that's what youwant to do, you know?
Speaker 2 (09:38):
yeah, I mean sitting on regional trains.
You know people getting on andoff all the time.
You know multiple train stopsyou.
You know you might have fiveminutes between stops.
Sometimes on a high speed trainyou can have two hours between
stops.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Yeah, so again, it all comes back to that that your
expectation of your railjourney I just think, though,
when I think about that, thekind of regional, the fun of
taking regional trains, I thinkabout in the dodoan, when we
took a regional train andsomebody got on and they had a
rabbit in a backpack and I knowyou've mentioned about a guy
getting on a train was it inspain with getting garlic?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
yeah, the gentleman got on the train, uh, with a pet
goat, whether the pet goat ornot, um, but he produced a paper
bag full of garlic andproceeded to eat one for him,
then one for the goat so it'sfunny.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
You wouldn't see that on a high-speed train.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
I've never seen before or since?
Have I seen a goat on a train?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
that's it.
It's just all those fun.
You make those memories, don'tyou?
So tip number four is toconsider whether a pass or rail
card is the right option or notfor you.
So there are different passes,aren't they, that you can
consider?
Speaker 2 (10:41):
yes, I mean the cross .
You's like the uranians railpasses, uh, for multi-countries,
but again, you've got to weighup the benefits for that and
what the the length of journeysthat you're taking.
In other words, you do a pricecomparison to how much that
ticket would cost you, uh, oryou and everybody in the travel
group, or to buy the pass, um,and in the uk you've got, for
(11:05):
example, you've got other passeslike National Rail Cards, which
will give you a third off thetrain ticket, but you're still
buying that ticket yourself.
And it's like many things withtrain tickets and passes the
more flexible, the more the cost.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Yeah, yeah, you're paying for that kind of ease of
use and flexibility aren't you?
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Okay, so that's worth weighing up.
And we have got an article.
If you're consideringtravelling in the UK.
We do have an article aboutEurail versus the Britrail
passes, so that's worth having alook at.
And again, if your plans arequite rigid and you know exactly
what train you want to get,probably it wouldn't be worth it
.
You might as well just bookyour trains because you know
what times you're going to get.
But if you want moreflexibility, then having the
(11:44):
pass will give you that.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
That's right.
I mean, we found ourselves onthis trip that we're currently
on, the weather or potentialstrikes has, you know,
interfered with those plans?
And it's how much flexibilityyou want to build into your
plans in the first place.
Yeah, because that's when youknow problems can happen is the
fact that if you have noflexibility with dates, times,
(12:06):
budgets, Then you can actuallyend up losing money can't you.
So tip number five is to knowseat reservation rules.
Yeah, that's right.
In the UK seat reservations areoptional, but obviously
recommended during busy and peaktimes.
But in Europe I think there'smore on the high-speed lines
(12:28):
Seat reservations are compulsoryon certain services in certain
countries.
Yeah, yeah.
So again back to the homework.
You know and check when you'rebooking your passes or tickets
whether seat reservations areincluded or not, because outside
the UK seat reservations aremandatory.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
You know, uh, something you have to pay for
yeah, and I think you need toadd that into your budget,
because if you hadn't consideredit and you booked your ticket
and actually realize you've gotto pay another whatever, however
many euros every single timefor a seat reservation, it can
add up yeah, I know in the uk.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
You can go to a staffed station.
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Travel office for free yeah um, so tip number six
is pack smart for train travel,and I mean this is a really good
one in terms of any traintravel.
Actually, you need to be ableto lift your suitcase on and off
the train.
I know when I was in, I wastraveling by train in India last
year and traveled in a groupand some members of the group
had far too heavy suitcases andI really struggled.
(13:26):
You know, sometimes you have toget up quite a few steps with a
suitcase.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Yeah, that's right To get on or off a train.
In all countries.
You know, I'm not highlightingone particular country, but in
all countries where there'slifts and elevators, they fail.
Absolutely, and you know it canbe problematic to get into your
platform and you're right whatyou say about being able to lift
(13:50):
your bags to put them toluggage racks and stacks for
storage.
But there's more to you know.
Also, the consideration is ifthere's people in your travel
group that this isn't so easy,for you're going to have to do
it for several people and whenthe train is full and busy and
hot, that can be….
Speaker 1 (14:06):
It's not fun.
Yeah, it's not fun.
It's stressful.
It's really really stressful,for sure.
And also I sure you've got youressentials.
When you go on the train, takesome food and drink with you,
take some snacks, have a waterbottle with you, some
entertainment with you.
Take your charging pack.
Don't depend on a train to havea charging plate?
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
And think about layers so that if it gets too
hot you can take something off,if it gets too cold you can put
something on.
If you're doing an overnightsleeper train, again think about
your luggage, because you don'twant to be rummaging around in
a suitcase to get bits and bobsout.
So we usually have a day packwith whatever we're going to use
yeah, and a tana pack withinthat to put specific charges.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
You don't want to be rummaging around, so definitely
do do that research thinks youknow, pack smartly for train
travel.
Um, I can think I took my niecefor her 21st traveling around
italy and that was one thingthat I stressed to her before we
went one small, smallpull-along suitcase that she
could lift up, and she actuallyended up getting rid of some
clothes along the way becauseshe bought things.
But, um, you know it was.
(15:06):
You've got to also, you know,give yourself some margin if you
buy some things as well.
Um, that you're gonna have tohave little bit extra room, but
you don't want it to be tooheavy because, honestly, getting
on and off a train with a heavysuitcase, is not much fun.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
It can be, particularly in mainland Europe
where the platform level ispretty low and you've got to
step up several steps ontotrains.
Less of an issue in the UK,where the platform height is
higher and you're more oftenstraight across onto onto onto
even just think we.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
When we arrived in porto last week, um, you got off
at the with the larger suitcaseand I had the smaller suitcase
with a backpack and I actuallycouldn't get.
There was too many steps for meto get down.
Um, so, luckily, somebody, theygot onto the platform and then I
passed them a suitcase in thebag because I was struggling and
you got off on the other sideso we've got separated, so
(15:57):
you've got to think about thatbecause, honestly, it is not
that easy that you don'tactually realize just how high
some of those trains are to stepdown on the platform that's
right, yeah, yeah tip numberseven is to understand station
layouts, and this is soimportant because, honestly, you
can miss a train, you can missyour train if you do not know
which platform you've got to getto or how to get around a train
(16:18):
station.
I was in Rome Termini station inNovember and, honestly, we went
the day before to just researchwhere we were going to pick the
train.
You know which platform or evenhow to get at, which part of
the train station it was in andhow it worked at that actual
train station, because it can bedifferent and if you're not
used to it, you know you have togo through a section to
(16:40):
actually allow you onto the mainplatforms for the train from
the actual train concourse.
So it's it, you've got to giveyourself the time and then you
wait in that area for your trainplatform to be called up, and
sometimes in italy it can beliterally five minutes before
the train leaves.
So you need to be aware of whatyou're doing and and also have
(17:01):
your wits about you and some ofthose train stations as well.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Yeah, from a security point of view, that's something
entirely uh, that's a tip onits own, yes, but it comes again
back to.
The homework is to be aware ofa station layout, because the
bigger stations you need to bethere in good time and you've
got to consider how you're goingto get to the station.
But also you can have multipleentrances and exits at stations
(17:24):
and it can be quitedisorientating.
And so you're right, therecould be different levels to get
onto the platform and ifeverybody's waiting for a
platform to be announced, it canbe quite a rush and quite a
panic to get onto.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
I can't believe how busy it was initially.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Particularly if it's a non-terminus station.
If the train's only going to bethere for a matter of minutes,
it's not surprising anybodywants to get on quite quickly.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Yeah, I mean, what I did find really useful is
knowing exactly um the, thecarriage and the seat number in
in italy.
It was actually quite easybecause you could look up and
see where you exactly had tostand and that's where the train
came in and you could get on.
I found that quite that mucheasier and that was something
that is something that wasreally important to be aware of,
because it just made life a loteasier.
So when you actually got tofind out what what you're on,
(18:12):
you could find exactly where youneeded to stand to get onto the
train.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Yeah, the carriage number can be very helpful.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Yeah, it does help.
Now, tip number eight is toconsider all classes.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
That's right.
I mean, basically speaking,just about every country has a
first class and more of astandard class of travel.
Now again, not to mention inone country over another, some
countries' first class could bethe standard of a second class
in other countries, and viceversa.
So it's best, again, to do yourhomework.
(18:45):
I could go back to this doingyour homework.
Doing your homework issometimes the first class
tickets can be not a lot ofdifference to standard-class
tickets cost-wise, particularlyif you're travelling an off-peak
time.
First-class may come with somerefreshments, which will be
cost-effective if you'replanning on taking some with you
(19:06):
in the first place, which isalways a good idea anyway, just
in case there is nothing, eventhough there should be.
So it's's again looking whatdeals can be available, looking
around to see which differentoperators are, because you might
get a better deal for firstclass on one than the standard
class on another yeah, no,absolutely.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I definitely think that's uh worth considering.
Um, I must admit I do like thefirst class in quite a lot of
places.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
yes, because you know , for everything we've said
before things about the luggagestorage, sometimes there's just
an extra rack, just a little bitmore space in the first class,
which can make a big difference,because standard class can get
pretty busy.
Yeah, and luggage space doesfill up fast.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Yeah, I'm just thinking.
I know this is outside Europe,but we were travelling by train
in Morocco in.
February and honestly um thefirst class was just a far less
chaotic experience.
That's not, you know.
And I traveled india again andI would talk, not talk about
europe.
I traveled india in third classlast year.
Oh my goodness, that was a.
That was an experience and ahalf so so again, like in europe
(20:08):
, you still need to consider um,you know, sometimes you also
can get different things.
If you're a different, itdepends on the class that you're
at you might get a drink atyour seat, you might get a meal
at your seat, you might get anactive service, or you might.
You know, there's all sorts ofdifferent variations to look at
but again, it'll depend on theoperator and the country that
you're traveling.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
And we look at places like the Eurostar going between
the UK and to France, obviouslyBelgium and into Holland as
well.
But there's three classes oftravel.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
And that comes with different types of check-ins as
well.
So you know you've got to lookat everything across the board
as regards.
You know what's provided, thecost obviously, and you know
services that come with thatclass of travel yeah, so again
lots to think about.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
But if you need any help with that, doug will be
here to help with your we canbook an itinerary uh planning
session with him and he willhelp you now uh number tip.
Number nine is to consider youronward journey.
I think this is reallyimportant, actually that that's
right.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
We've said about this before.
If you're traveling from a to band then you're going on to c,
just consider that transfer timeis the transfer from the same
station.
Do you need to allow more timeto get between stations?
I'm thinking a good example isfrance or london, paris or
london.
You know you come in onestation.
(21:32):
You've got to get across toanother.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Look at your options to getbetween those stations.
Does your ticket allow for youto break up the journey a little
bit longer?
You know, because there'snothing worse.
If you've got two or threetrain journeys planned and your
first one's late, or you haven'tgot enough time to get to the
second one, your entire scheduleis going to be impacted also,
(21:56):
though I'm going to say it'sworth thinking about, not only
necessarily if the onwardjourney is that same day, if the
Onward journey is two or threedays later.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
And I'm thinking, we've just stayed in Lisbon and
I deliberately booked a hotelwhich was actually in the train
station because I knew that wasthe train station that we'd be
leaving to take the train toPorto, which made it incredibly
easy.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
It did for me because I could go train spotting in
the evenings and mornings.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
But it was really easy because we'd just build a
suitcase and go straight ontothe train to Porto.
And actually where we're stayingin Porto right now is actually
two minutes from the trainstation we arrived into in Porto
, which is not the famous trainstation in Porto, it's a little
bit out Campino, but it's justbeen so much easier.
So I think, when I was inFlorence, when I stayed in
(22:41):
Florence in November, again, Ibooked the hotel opposite the
train station.
I did check it out, yeah, areawas good, stayed in that train
station, so it meant we will doluggage out.
We were in the hotel within twominutes.
It meant the morning that weleft, I was going back to Rome
and Shelley, who was on thepodcast, shelley was going,
going down to pool, yeah, and soit meant that it was very easy
(23:02):
for us just to wheel up luggageover the train station and catch
our respective trains.
So again, it's, it's all part ofthat plan and process where
you're trying to consider, oryou are considering, what will
make it easier for you, whatwill work, um, so that you are
not, you don't want to bearriving in a train station, and
then, um, well, you could, ifyou want to but you could, you
(23:23):
know, catch a taxi over to theother side of town and then
thinking I've got to get a taxiback over again.
It's just sometimes easier tolook at if it's a decent area
around the train station.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
You do have to check because some places I would not
recommend staying beside thetrain station, but it's again,
it's all part of that planprocess.
It is, I mean, in in this case,here, where we are near campana
station, the, the main sitesare salbento, which is what?
About seven or eight minutes onon the train, yeah, but the
accommodation cost of where weare is far more reasonable than
(23:55):
it will be.
Speaker 1 (23:56):
Yeah, and we found it very, very easy to do that it's
about doing your homework.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It's literally about that planning.
So you know, you consider thestation area you come into, but
also where you'll be leavingfrom, or whatever your next
onward mode of transport is.
Speaker 1 (24:09):
Definitely so.
Tip number 10 is to considersleeper trains.
Now, we love sleeper trains,don't we?
Speaker 2 (24:13):
We do and we know sleeper trains are not actually
for everyone, and that is true,but we, we embrace the, the
whole part of it.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
I just think it's so much fun and I'd like to do more
sleeper trains.
We we've done a lot of thecaledonian sleeper in the last
few months for them in the ukand we both did it a couple of
times the lowlander andhighlander caledonian sleeper
and actually we just had apodcast out.
If you listen to the uk travelplanner podcast, you know that
we've got a couple of episodesabout the Caledonian sleeper.
I'll link to that episode orthose episodes in the show notes
(24:44):
for this episode of the GlobalTravel Planner podcast.
But yeah, and we share a lot oftips about that, we do.
We've done sleeper trains inEurope as well, and they can be
pricey, I will say that.
But if you think you're goingto get yourself from A to B, so
it saves you time and also youget a night's accommodation.
Now some tips just to help yousleep.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Yeah, some earplugs or a mask.
If you're in a group as well,consider who's going to be on
the top bunk, because some ofthe top bunks can be quite close
to the roof or the ceiling ofthe carriage, so anybody who
gets a bit claustrophobic maynot be for them, so the issue is
actually climbing up.
Just gonna say that but it's notjust that.
(25:25):
It is, yeah, the mobility,because there's not a lot of
room.
I'll be honest, there's not alot of room inside a sleeper
train.
But there's one thing that isfor certain sleeper trains are
getting more and more popular.
There's more and more lines andoperators in Europe who are
starting services.
There was a decline, but theyare really coming back now
(25:48):
because people are seeing thebenefits of not just saving time
, but also as an enjoyment.
It's something to embrace andenjoy as part of your holiday
experience absolutely right.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
And then we're going to one bonus tip, which is
basically um consider some ofthe scenic routes, especially in
europe.
I mean, my goodness, we've donewe've done so many scenic
routes in switzerland, in norway.
We've done the flambeau, butwe've just done.
We've done some kind of.
We've done some scenic ones inthe UK as well.
Obviously, we've done the….
Speaker 2 (26:21):
The West Highland Line yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Fort William to Malague, West Highland Line.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
South Carlisle, one of my real favourites.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
I mean, there's just so many.
I've done the Bernina Expressin Switzerland and I've got an
article about that on thewebsite.
We've done the Flom Railway inNorway, which is incredibly
beautiful, so I mean evenoutside of Europe.
We've done the Transalpine inSouth Island of New Zealand.
That is incredibly beautiful.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
There's several in Spain, there's ones in Germany,
but it's what you personallylike.
I mean, I enjoy coastal lineslike the Northumberland
coastline in the UK fromNewcastle to Edinburgh.
I thoroughly enjoy that.
I like the one in Spain comingdown the coastline from
Barcelona.
I really enjoy that.
I like the one in spain comingdown the coastline from
barcelona I really enjoy thatdown to valencia and then down
(27:05):
to alicante.
I've you know it's one of myfavorite train journeys as well,
but there's so many.
It's not just about beautifulsyria.
You know, what can make a greattrain journey is you know the
places that you're visiting andtalking to people is the
contrast is countryside, evengoing through some towns and
cities.
I thoroughly enjoy it.
I really enjoy going fromdifferent places.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
Well, I think that's well.
We're giving you 10 tips withan 11th bonus one we do have if
you're specifically planningtrain travel in the UK.
We do have lots of podcasts onthe UK Travel Planning Podcast
which are specifically around UKtrain travel.
So do pop over and have alisten to those.
Doug's also written an ebookGuide to UK Train Travel which
(27:49):
is extremely popular, and I willlink to that.
So if you're planning again UKtrain travel, I would have a
look at buying that.
It's been highly successful.
We've had some fantasticfeedback on it and, again, doug
will open up some slots in a fewmonths' time to actually offer
itinerary planning andconsultation around train travel
in the UK and Europe and aroundthe globe.
(28:11):
So if that's something that youwant some help with that, you
want to have a chat to Doug withyou have some questions?
You can get back to us viaSpeakPipe, which is basically
you record a message.
You can get back to us viaSpeakpipe, which is basically
you record a message and we canreply to you and we'll leave a
link to that in the show notes.
But you're always happy to talkabout train travel.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Oh, absolutely.
I will always talk about trains, and there's one thing I will
note, just one little extrapoint.
It's amazing talking to peopleon trains I don't know what it
it is.
People will happily chat awayto you they will, they will it's
yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
I can think of that many, so many times, and so many
people I've met on trains soI'm going to ask you the the one
question I was asked at the endof every episode what would be
the one tip that you would sharewith anybody planning train
travel in the uk and or europethis year, in 2025?
Speaker 2 (28:57):
talk to the experts.
Do your homework brilliant.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
Oh, that was distinct .
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Yeah, that's exactly what you need to do, because it
can be expensive.
So do your homework brilliant.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
Well, thanks, uh, so it's been great having dug on
that episode because it's been awhile since you've talked, and
I go last time talking aboutjapan.
We've talked about morocco,talking about spain, sharing
lots of our other travels aroundthe world, so it's great for
you to come on the podcast again.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
I've probably enjoyed it.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
So, yes, as I said, all the information that we chat
about today will be shared inthe show notes.
So links to the UK TravelPlanning Podcast as well links
to Doug's e-book will be inthere, and for his itinerary
planning consultation serviceswe'll put all the links in the
show notes.
But that just leaves us to sayfor this week happy global
travel planning.
(29:47):
Thank you for joining us on thisepisode of the Global Travel
Planning Podcast.
For more details and links toeverything we discussed today,
check out the show notes atglobaltravelplanningcom.
Remember, if you enjoyed theshow, please consider leaving us
a review on your favoritepodcast app, because your
feedback helps us reach moretravel enthusiasts, just like
you.
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