1.       Prepare before you go.Obviously the more prepared you are for your trip; the less likely you are to suffer frustration when you arrive.  A good start here is ensuring you have most of your plans pre-booked, particularly your accommodation. Usually when you arrive you’ll be exhausted, and often it will be in the evening, so as a minimum it’s a good idea to have your first night or two in each city booked. And check the city tourist websites prior to booking to see if there are local events being held at the time of your travel, as this can affect availability & price. Otherwise you can still bargain-hunt when pre-booking, by using a price-comparison site, or last minute engines. Here are a few other items you shouldn’t leave home without.  - At least one power adapter for the country you’re visiting. -Local guidebooks are invaluable for determining places to see, times & days of sight openings, places to eat, and the basic & words phrases you’ll need in that language to get by. If it’s a heavy guidebook, you may find removing the language pages & jotting other day trip details down is a good option. You can then carry them separately in your bag, which is a much lighter option to the whole book.  -Printed directions for the hotels you’re staying at. Google maps are perfect for this whether on foot or by vehicle. -At least 2 ATM cards. Preferably 2 per person if you’re travelling with a mate. This way if one is rejected in certain countries, or worse gobbled up by a machine, you have a back-up. It’s usually worthwhile to take a credit card, but there are some cautions here. See more on this below. 

2.       Pack light – Pack right One of the major frustrations when travelling can be either having too much luggage or the wrong kind.  The all-time most important tip any regular traveller will give you is to pack light. Inevitably at some point even with planned travel, you will need to pull or carry your luggage. If there are two of you, this makes it somewhat easier. But remember there’s a good chance you’ll pick up a few souvenirs or other items while you’re there, so starting with a lot of luggage, will only make it more difficult later. Layer clothing is the best kind to take, with a good mix of easy wear t-shirts & singlets. Check expected temperatures before you go, but inevitably you’ll almost always need at least one warmer jacket. Choose one that is warm, but not too bulky.  If you are travelling with a mate or spouse, combining your luggage into one medium or large case can be a great decision. If you find you’re picking up items on your travels, and running out of room, it’s usually extremely easy to pick up a cheap knock-off bag on wheels that will see you out til you get home. Starting out with just one main piece of luggage, makes sharing the load with a companion easier. This is also a much safer option, see more on this below. 

3.       Get the right travel gearIf you are travelling through a westernised country and are likely to be in built up areas, luggage on wheels is almost always the best option. It’s easier to pull luggage than carry it, and it’s more secure against serious thieves.  However for rural, remote areas or under-developed countries, a backpack is definitely best.  It’s not only more practical if you’re getting around on foot more or transporting via boat or bus, it’s also a lower security risk in many of these places. You don’t want to draw attention to expensive-looking baggage, which could imply you have expensive contents. If you take a back-pack, make sure it’s sturdy, and can be kept secure. Don’t keep items of value in any external pockets. The other major key to having fuss-free daily adventures is to make sure you have the right carry-bag. A long-strapped sling bag is best. Small backpacks of any description are a shining beacon to thieves, where your belongings are easily reached conveniently behind your back. You should have a bag you can cross over your shoulder. Ensuring it has a comfortable, strong strap. This bag will do a lot of walking with you, and hold most of your valuable items, so getting it right is a high priority. A zipped bag is mandatory, one which allows no gaps for sneaky hands. If it has a flap, ensure the zip under it is always fully closed, and the zip opening facing to your front. In this way, your valuables are carried at the front of your body, and near impossible to access by another person.If you are travelling as a male & female, a satchel which is more uni-sex is ideal, because you can share carrying the load.

4.       Be travel wise By following the above suggestions on luggage, you should hopefully have a limited amount of it which is always a far more secure way to travel. If you stop at anytime to make arrangements, always stay with your luggage, and if possible always keep a hand on it. Un-attended luggage is the No.1 kind to go missing in high traffic areas, such as train & bus stations. For this reason when travelling on trains over longer periods, you should keep your luggage close to you, or at least where you can see it. Ideally, get a compartment where you are guaranteed to have it with you. Where possible you should carry your passports with you at all times. Even many hotel safe’s, unless it’s a reputable hotel, are not very secure. So aim to take things of value with you throughout the day. You should keep your valuables at the bottom of your carry bag, and in an internal zip compartment if you have one.  In many parts of the world credit card fraud is still rampant. Whilst you’ll usually want to take a credit card with you, try to use it sparingly to lessen the chances of the number falling into the wrong hands. It’s a good idea to try and pay for transportation, dining etc with cash withdrawn from an ATM. Do your best not to let your credit card leave your sight. In certain countries, over-charging tourists is common, so be cautious. For hotels, take all paperwork detailing the room type with you, to help ensure you get what you’ve paid for.  Scams can also occur in cafe’s, particularly with getting wine inferior to that which you’ve paid for.  If in doubt query it before you consume it.  If you are blatantly overcharged, stand your ground. And try to give close to exact money, so there’s no opportunity for them to conveniently keep the change. In most under-developed countries, you can expect scams around every corner. From travel agencies, to people approaching you on the street. When you arrive, read the hotel information or speak to them about what dangers there may be in that area. Guidebooks will usually indicate which tour agencies don’t offer products as displayed, so peruse these before spending your money.

5.       Be travel safeIn many cities all over the world, you can find yourself a target for those who prey on un-wary travellers. Be sensible, do your best not to look like a tourist. Pulling out maps in the middle of the street is a clear sign you’re a tourist, and an easy target. So try where possible to find a convenient spot to do this discretely, or make your plans over lunch. Waist bags worn outside your clothing are to thieves like a red-flag to a bull. There are far better ways of keeping your money close. If you’re not carrying a bag, choose a belt that goes under your clothes. When walking from place to place, try to stick close to others, and avoid dark streets at night & quite alleys in the day. There’s usually another way you can go that’s populated, or catch transport. Being street smart is fairly common sense. Stay aware, and cautious..and you’ll likely ward off any potential incidents. This doesn’t mean you have to be paranoid, but just remember you’re away from home, and as a tourist you’re at risk. 

If you keep these few basic rules you should find you enjoy fairly fuss-free travel. Inevitably there will always be things that go wrong, and can’t be avoided. But don’t let them spoil your dream trip. Prepare well, be travel wise, and you’re very likely to have an adventure full of wonderful memories.

Which trains might you consider for your wedding?Skunk Train – Mendocino Coast, California

Traveling at 29 miles per hour, the Skunk Train takes you and your wedding guests on the same northern California coastal “Redwood Route” that it has traveled since 1885. Leaving from the train station at Fort Bragg or Willits, California, the train takes your wedding party to either the Camp Mendocino Dining Hall, or the Northspur outdoor reception site, a remote outdoor site set amongst the towering redwoods, for a truly unforgettable wedding adventure.

The Skunk Train staff works with many local entertainers, so you have the option of providing live entertainment for your guests while aboard the train. Local entertainment includes the Skunk Train’s famed “Trainsinger,” as well as jazz bands, big bands, and rock bands. And, for great wedding photos, nothing beats the open observation train cars. Of course, the train pulls covered cars as well.

For those unfamiliar with the Mendocino area, it is truly breathtaking, punctuated by meadows, towering redwood forests and rocky cliffs. For more information about weddings aboard the Skunk Train, call 530-666-6781. Napa Valley Wine Train – Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley, California is known as a great wine producing region of California, so it’s only natural that any wedding taking place in the Napa Valley includes wine. If you’re a wine buff, gourmet diner and train enthusiast, you may want to consider a wedding or reception aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train, a three-hour round-trip rail and gourmet dining adventure from the town of Napa to St. Helena. While on board, your guests can be treated to views of vineyards and wineries from restored train cars dating back to 1915-1947. Wineries you will pass by include such fine labels as Trefethen, Clos du Val, Cardinale, Domaine Chandon, Neibaum/Coppola and Grgich Hills.

You have your choice of three dining car experiences: the Vista Dome is a glass-domed rail car which can seat groups up to 56; the Silverado Grill is a casual dining car with sliding windows, which can seat groups up to 54; one of the Gourmet Express Pullman dining cars from 1915 – 1917. If you have a large wedding party you can charter the Gourmet Express, Vista Dome and Silverado Grill for up to 370 people. For Group information, call 707-253-0920. Roaring Camp Railroad – Felton, California

Yet one more California wedding rail adventure, the Roaring Camp Railroads operates out of Felton, California, which is just north of Santa Cruz. The Roaring Camp Railroad offers wedding events at their camp, as well as Cathedral Grove, located on Bear Mountain, which is accessible by a vintage steam train. While at the Cathedral Grove site, couples exchange their vows underneath ancient, towering redwoods. For more information regarding wedding parties, call 831-335-4484.Sugar Cane Train – Maui

We’re leaving California now and heading to Maui, a favorite wedding spot for couples around the world. Maui, of course, is famous for its beaches. But, if you’re a train buff you’re also in luck, as Maui is also home to the Sugar Cane Train which can transport your wedding party along a six-mile scenic journey between Lahaina and Kaanapali. You can call toll free at 800-499-2307 for more information.Spirit of Washington – Renton, Washington

The Spirit of Washington operates out of Renton, Washington, which is southeast of Seattle, and has the distinction of traveling over the historic Wilburton Trestle, which is the longest wooden trestle in the Northwest at 975 feet long and 102 feet high. Should you choose a wedding or reception on the Spirit of Washington, you will be treating yourself and your guests to great dining, as well as a scenic ride along Lake Washington, over the Wilburton Trestle, and into one of Washington’s best wine growing regions, with a winery stopover at Columbia Winery. Call 800-876-7245 for more information on wedding parties on the Spirit of Washington.Grand Canyon Railway – Williams, Arizona

If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon, you absolutely must. And if you’ve already been, go again, this time by train. You embark The Grand Canyon Railway at their depot in Williams, Arizona for the 2-hour, 15-minute train trip to the Grand Canyon, all the while being entertained by cowboy characters and strolling musicians. This unique wedding venue is definitely one to consider if you have children in your wedding party.

You have the option of chartering a car on the train for your wedding party, and have the choice of five classes of train service, rim tours, entertainment and food options. Prices start at $2,000 for seating of 88 people in coach class, and $7,500 for a seating of 65 people in luxury parlor car. Call 1-800-843-8723 for information on group seating.

If you want a unique wedding venue your guests will talk about for years to come, you definitely should consider train travel. It’s romantic, relaxing, and nostalgic, and suitable for guests of all ages.

Trains are a great way to travel. They’ll take you from city to city and every place in between, not to mention on the way you could see some of the best countryside in the world.

European trains are generally on time, frequent, and you can get a ticket for an immediate departure and they generally run on time; although you should not take arrival times for granted anywhere in the world, it’s always better to be early than late.

Places to avoid would be train travel in China and India. Trains there can be extremely overcrowded. Not to mention sometimes difficult to even get a ticket for. But, if you’re not in a rush, and manage to get yourself a window seat, there is some great scenery to enjoy in both countries.

One of the great things about train travel is meeting more of the local people. Some of the longer train journeys allows you the opportunity to really get to know your fellow travellers and is a great way to meet new friends and have lots of fun on the way. This is something you miss if travelling by Car or even plane.

Most major international airports have train connections to the city, and there are numerous tickets to help you get the most out of your time and money.

If you wish to save money on accommodation, overnight trains are a great way to save, not only do you get your accommodation as part of your train ticket, but you’ll wake up in a new city or even country the next day. Couples can enjoy a lakeside breakfast on the move, with views of snow-covered mountain peaks.

To get the best out of your journey, it always helps to have a rough idea of where the trains are and when they arrive/depart. There are some parts of the countryside that really must be seen in daylight, so planning your train journey is important before you start. The worst thing that could happen is stopping at a small town in the middle of nowhere at 3am in the morning.

Train times and special offers are subject to change, and you should always double check at the station in person.

Just because you have a train ticket, does not always mean that you’ll get a seat. If that’s important, you’ll need to pay a supplement for seat reservations. But the best option is to make sure you get to the station early to avoid disappointment.

While air travel might be shorter in duration, the only sights that you see from “up there” are clouds and more clouds, while on a train, you see the rolling country side flowing past you, the various types of farm animals, the people and the sights while passing through town. It is the ideal choice for people afraid to fly. Somehow, there’s nothing quite like a train ride to set the tone for a perfect holiday.

Trains also offer something that virtually no plane can offer, especially on long distance journeys – accommodation that compares with good hotels and F&B services to match. You can avail of private suites if your budget allows it or there are semi private bunk beds where the entire family can snuggle in after a good meal in the dining car. The suites can accommodate up to four adults very comfortably and the swaying motion of the train is guaranteed to lull you to sleep.

Amtrak policy allows you to take on board five pieces of luggage – two of them with you in the suite/compartment and three in the baggage car. Baggage weighing more than fifty pounds will not be allowed in the compartment and will need to be checked in. Bicycles are allowed! Like in any public transport, baggage will need to go through security checks before being loaded, and they have their list of “banned” items as well, similar to air travel. Again like air travel, there are different classes of seating. Acela Express and Metroliner are costlier but offer larger seats and more facilities than the regular seating. This is not recommended for the budget traveller.

When travelling with young children, trains could be the ideal choice. While the duration will be longer than by air, the child has a lot of activities to participate while on board a train. Not the least of them being watching different cities and towns as they roll by, something no geography text book can show. They have the room to move about unlike in a plane, and this itself can be a boon for parents.

While planning your next holiday, think of train travel, it might not sound as glamorous as air travel, but think of the benefits that you and your family can enjoy at a far lower price and also think of the quality time that your family will be spending together. On the whole, you will find that train travel not only keeps the family together, but also develops bonds over the duration of the journey that no air travel can replicate.

If you do not wish to take your car abroad or do not like flying, the Eurostar is a great alternative with less hassle and no luggage weight restrictions, plus you arrive in the heart of the city of Paris from the UK in only around two and half hours.

 The Eurostar used to depart from Waterloo station, but it now departs from the historical Victorian St Pancras International Station in London and goes through to the just as historical Gare du Nord Train Station in Paris France.

St Pancras station has been renovated to its former glory, even with a replica of the original station clock in place and is the starting point of your holiday to France, so be sure to leave time to experience this fantastic building with its incredible feature of a glass and steel train shed that was actually the largest enclosed space in the world when built and enjoy a drink underneath this structure at the longest Champagne bar in Europe.

There are also numerous shops and cafes at the St Pancras International station along with free WiFi connection plus in the departure lounge there are facilities for recharging electrical items such as laptops and certain carriages on the Eurostar also have power sockets for plugging in items such as a mobile phone or games like the Nintendo DS.  However, as of 2008 there is no WiFi access on the train itself and you are charged for this facility in the Gare du Nord station in Paris.

When it comes to booking your tickets for the Eurostar you can have these sent to an address in the UK, Belgium or in France, or you can arrange to collect these from the ticket office just prior to departure, but by booking early, which you can do up to four months in advance, you are likely to get a good deal and choose the seats you want.

Yes, you can actually choose exactly what seats you would like, not just whether you would like First Class with drink and meal included or Second Class that is known as Standard.

The way the seats are laid out is also different between the carriages with some being airline style, whilst others are positioned so that you can look at each other.  Some even have tables, and this is great if travelling with family or friends, plus is easier if you are with young children as they have space to play.  Also, if you are travelling with young children, then you may wish to be near to either the front or rear of the train, as this is where the baby changing facilities are located and of course you can also choose the option of a window seat to admire the French countryside prior to your arrival in Paris.

It is obviously a good idea to look at one of the detailed plans that are available to choose where you would like to be seated, yet do bear in mind that if you are not booking through Eurostar and going to one of the many online firms, then you may not be able to choose specific seating.

Eurostar runs every day except for the 25th December and because they run virtually every hour, you can choose the time of day or night for travel, but some off-peak times are quite a bit cheaper than others.  Also children under the age of four are free providing they do not take up a seat and there is a discounted price for children up to the age of eleven. 

But instead of going to Paris you can also utilise the Eurostar to get to Brussels and this journey normally stops at the city of Lille, which is the capital of the Nord-Pas de Calais region in France.  Also, in the summer on set days Eurostar run a direct service from London to Avignon in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region and on set days during the ski season they run a service directly to the French Alps for those that like skiing in France.

Now we know this is probably a silly point to make, but do not forget your passport as you do still have to go through passport control, although check in is a lot quicker than when you are flying and you do keep your luggage with you at all times, so even though there are no weight restrictions on a suitcase, you need to make sure you can lift it!

The Gare du Nord train station in Paris is also a main connection point for other destinations in Europe such as Germany, so it is an extremely busy train station, but if you are thinking of staying in Paris, then upon departing, you can either go through the main concourse and onto the streets of Paris and take a walk or go to the taxi stand just outside the station.  Alternatively if you go downstairs you will be at the Metro station ready to take you to another part of Paris.

So through the wonders of engineering and technology, the journey between London and Paris is a convenient and comfortable way to travel, whether it is for business or for pleasure and a memorable holiday in France.

To kick start your journey of a cheap budget vacation to destinations all over the world with minimal costs, look for tour operators who offer attractive packages to varied locations. Since tour operators muster various discounts while booking in bulk with certain airlines and hotel resorts, it is recommended you get your holiday booked through them as well. It will be relatively cheaper than booking the entire holiday yourself. Make sure you are an early bird and buy these packages well in advance from the date of departure as they tend to be cheaper then.

Another alluring opportunity to travel cheap around the world is to participate in a home exchange. This could be made possible by surfing online and does not require a travel agent but is still a cheap and a one in a life time chance to see countries that you would be only dreaming of otherwise. A home exchange program is primarily characterized with tow families interchanging homes for a holiday period, provided both the families have agreed unanimously on this program. Most attractively, it does not involve any hotel costs and the food and beverage expense is not tantamount since most of the times you cook at home. A home exchange program is an ideal way to sneak a glance around the world, its inhabitants, dig at their culture and encapsulate all your experiences in your memory book at an affordable cost.

For most of us travel begins with an extensive hunt for cheap and discounted international flights to get you to your holiday destination. Once you’ve reached your destination, you can then book low cost regional airlines within the country or region. Train travel, far cheaper than air travel though, is also a thrilling experience, a one of a kind opportunity to watch the country side cruising by like slices of life in motion. Single train journeys are invariably more expensive than train passes, however they still do a seamless job of making train travel a reality. Distant towns and villages can be accessed very often by buses that are an excellent and cheap substitute to other forms of public transport.

There are many ways to travel around the world cheaply. It simply requires good planning and budgeting. Not all tips work and each area and you need to be versatile and flexible. If you use these tips where they best apply, you will maximize the use of your money and save a lot so you can travel longer. Those like me who travel long term do it by good research and proper planning.

1. There is no driving involved when you take the train. That means you don’t have to bother with maps or navigation. You just climb aboard and enjoy the scenery until you arrive at your location.

2. You can walk around WHILE on the move. You won’t have the inconvenience of cramped legs to damper your travel experience.

3. Prices are comparable to other modes of transportation (particularly with fuel costs on the rise). You can choose to have a private bedroom for about the same cost as coach tickets to the same location.

4. You can eat on the go. The dining car allows you to have your meal without slowing down.

5. Get there faster. The trains travel at much higher speeds than the cars AND they have a more direct route. You can probably get there about as fast as you could fly even, considering the long waits that you have in airports these days.

6. Sleep while you travel. Take a nap or have an overnight (depending on the length of the trip). Sleep is normally discouraged when you are traveling (particularly when you are the driver) but is perfectly acceptable on the train.

7. Experience within an experience. Although the vacation may be the ultimate experience, traveling by train is sure to be an exciting portion of that experience.

8. Plan for stops. When you purchase your tickets, you can plan for layovers in towns that you would like to do some sightseeing. Although you will have to take your luggage off the train, it still could be a fun way to see the country.

9. Easy travel for those who have trouble getting around. You can get a lift to the train, get help to your seat, and not have to worry about running through the terminal to make your connection.

Train travel is the new, old way to take your vacation. It will give you a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way and will make getting to the vacation almost as exciting as the vacation itself. Take some time to see what benefits train travel can offer you and your family.

As if this experience of viewing the wonder of nature isn’t enough, each time you stop to visit one of the fascinating cities on the itinerary, you will get another eyeful of attractive architecture, intriguing historical monuments, and charming scenery. From castles to churches to political buildings to monuments to village homes, the sights you see will make your time go by so quickly that you will find yourself wishing you had booked a longer train journey.

An earful of stimulating dialogue goes along with everything you see showcasing historical facts and detailing interesting trivia. You’ll also get a mouthful of savory cuisine at meal times that lingers not only on the tip of your tongue but also in the inner recesses of your memories. If the sights and sounds don’t lure you to come back again, surely the delightful aromas wafting through each town will entice you to return by rail again.

The European train network is amazing in its extensiveness that allows it to cover more than twenty gorgeous countries and over five hundred exciting cities. Just think of all of the fun you can have taking one train vacation after another throughout the years. From short jaunts to longer ones and luxury train travel to budget trips, traveling Europe by train is the best way to go.

Booking Train Travel

Booking train travel is one of the simplest parts of this grand adventure. All you need to know is where you would like to go, how long you would like to travel Europe by train, and how you are going to pay for this magnificent journey through some of the most wonderful cities and landscape in the world.

You even get to pick whether you will sleep on the train indulging in the soft comfort of a luxurious stateroom or step off to the delightful accommodations at an elegant European hotel. If you elect to sleep on the train, you will get the pleasure of waking up in a completely new location. The entire journey is planned for you according to the specific train travel you select. Guided tours provide a mix of pleasure, fascination, camaraderie, and education all in one exciting package.

The length of the average train tour typically falls somewhere between seven and eleven days. However, a number of lengthier jaunts ranging form 2 to 4 weeks are available for the true train aficionado. Plus, for those high-powered individuals who simply can’t pull themselves away for longer than two to four days, a number of adventurous train journeys are accessible throughout the year. Shorter train journeys will be less expensive and therefore more affordable to the budget. However, for the true train lover, several shorter train trips throughout the year might be more rewarding than a single longer rail journey.

Frommer’s Travel Guides

Frommer’s travel guides offer an easy, user friendly method for selecting your first, second, or one in a long line of many train travel packages. You can search this comprehensive guide by location or area such as Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Eastern Europe, etc. Plus, Frommer’s travel guides break it all down into cultural events, attractions, restaurants, and a whole lot more. Whatever you are looking for by way of information for your train package, you can find it here.

In addition to highlights of European locations, you can peruse through articles, tips, and facts concerning just about anything you want to know about train travel. Frommer’s travel guides offer tips on finding travel companions to share the fun with, bargain train packages to help the budget, the best spas to dip your toes into, the most scenic outlooks to take your camera to, the latest travel tips to keep you healthy, as well as an entire plethora of useful information.

Popular Combination Train Packages

While the sheer number of available train travel packages is staggering, some combinations of stops have become quite popular. If you look at the destinations includes, you will understand why. In particular, rail packages to the following spots are often booked in advance or to full capacity: Many combination trips that include several destinations have special tours designed specifically for those cities. Some of the more popular ones include the following: London, Paris, and Amsterdam; London, Paris, and Nice; Madrid, Cordoba, and Seville; Rome, Paris, and London; Florence and Rome; and Venice, Florence, and Rome.

Many train tours focus on a specific area of a country. Both the Classic European Tour and the Central European Tour do this. These are great tours for travelers who can’t quite pinpoint the places they want to see and experience.

Why a Train?

Trains have a fascinating history of their own. Train travel is exciting with the sun dipping below the horizon that greets you from your window. Plus, panoramic landscapes filled with wildlife and lush flora present colorful displays that will keep you from nodding off. If you don’t believe it, take a train journey and discover the joy of the rails for yourself.