Traveling by Train in Europe
STORY BY VI HUGHES
Traveling by trainwww.eurail.com/en can be relaxing, particularly in Europe, but my advice is if you are getting a Eurail pass, get a first class one. It's not much more but the difference in carriages is huge. Also not so many crowds.
- When planning your itinerary make sure you allow for REST DAYS. If you don’t, you will spend your whole holiday rushing and not enjoying it. It is better to miss one or two things and enjoy the trip than to rush to see everything and be too tired and exhausted to really enjoy it.
- Check the climate before you go and keep this in mind when planning your itinerary, particularly if you are not used to this climate, you may feel exhausted or fatigued easily.
- Make sure you have a good supply of all your medications, as you may not be able to get these in the country you are going to. Take adequate with you. Also take medication for gastro and diarrhoea, which are common when you change your food on holidays.
- Pack insect repellent that contains DEET if you are going to areas of the tropics. A single bite from an infected insect can give you diseases.
- If you book tours, make sure they are with reputable companies. Look up on the internet, check reviews. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Beware of Scams.
- Make sure you check for any problems in the country you are going to. Smart Traveler will send warnings if they are applicable.
- Photocopy all your documents, passports, credit cards and visas just in case they are stolen. Always keep them in the hotel safe and carry the copies with you. Leave an itinerary with family or friends.
- DON’T wear jewelry when walking in the streets and don’t carry too much money. Make sure the money you do carry is spread out in different places on your body. Check with your bank for the best way to access your money while away).
- Be cautious at all times and be aware of pick pockets.
- Avoid alleyways, dark streets or places where you could be vulnerable.
- Be cautious of people wanting to befriend you.