From interrailing around Europe to riding the California Zephyr across the states, there are many amazing train adventures that you can experience around the world. Such train rides can be a fast way to get from A to B, or they can be used as hotels on wheels with cheap beds and ever changing views out the window.
A train journey could be the highlight of your trip, however it could also be the low point if you don’t prepare properly. From not bringing any food to buying the wrong ticket, here are some of the big mistakes to avoid when travelling by train.
10 Common Train Journey Mistakes To Avoid When Travelling
Not Bringing Any Food Or Snacks
Most long distance trains provide food and drink. However, the quality and cost of refreshments varies throughout the world, plus you may have to wait hours for the trolley to come past.
Bringing some of your own food and drinks will stop you getting hungry or thirsty. Make time to buy some refreshments before you board the train.
Taking Smelly Food Onboard
Some trains have poor ventilation. You will not be very popular if you decide to bring pickled eggs or tinned fish onto the carriage.
Pungent foods have become such an issue in some countries that some trains even have bans on certain foods (for example, durians are banned on all Bangkok public transport). Be courteous to other passengers by avoiding smelly foods.
Forgetting To Charge Up Your Devices
Bringing electronic devices could help you to stay occupied. Some trains have wi-fi, so you may be able to spend your journey streaming TV shows, listening to music or even playing online games like chess. Of course, if you forget to charge your devices before boarding the train, you won’t be able to do any of this. Not all trains have power outlets, and those that do may not have ones that are accessible.
Make a point of fully charging your phone or tablet before leaving for the train station. A portable charging pack could be useful for a long journey – allowing you to charge your devices on the go without access to an outlet.
Settling For Cheap Seats On A Long Haul Ride
Some long haul trains come with sleeper seats or more comfortable seats. These aren’t always that much more pricey than standard seats. Fail to book one of these seats, and you could regret it – standard seats on some trains can be very uncomfortable, while seats on some trains aren’t guaranteed at all.
Explore the seat options available before you book your ticket.
Travelling Unnecessarily During Rush Hour
Some trains around the world can get very packed at rush hour. Certain stretches of the Tokyo Metro famously become packed like sardines with staff on the platform physically pushing people in so that they fit.
Unless it can’t be helped, avoid planning your train journey around 7am – 9am or 5pm to 7pm.
Taking Too Much Luggage With You
Having to haul multiple bags around a station you’ve never visited before can be a nuisance. And on the train, there may not be any storage space for all your luggage, plus you need to remember not to forget a bag.
Try to pack light to avoid stress and keep your bag close so that you don’t lose it (or so that it doesn’t get stolen).
Not Booking Tickets In Advance
You should avoid trying to buy tickets for a train just before it is about to leave. There may be queues for tickets, ticket machines may be difficult to locate, the machines may be difficult to use or you could get delayed on your way to the station. All in all, there are lots of situations that could result in you missing your train.
Many train networks allow you to book tickets online in advance. Alternatively, you can book tickets at the station a day/few hours beforehand.
Leaving No Leeway For Cancellations/Delays
If it’s imperative that you’re at a certain destination for a certain time (such as getting to the airport for a flight), you may want to avoid taking the last available train. While some train services around the world are very efficient, others are less so. A cancelled or delayed train could result in your train not getting to the destination on time.
Plan to get to your destination early on the train. If there’s a delay or cancellation, you then won’t be panicking as to whether you’ll make it or not.
Falling Asleep And Missing Your Station
This is more common than many people realise. While many trains are designed for sleeping on, you can easily miss your station if you sleep too long.
Find out when your train is scheduled to arrive at your destination and set an alarm to go off beforehand. This allows you to get some sleep without worrying about missing your stop.
Buying The Wrong Ticket
In foreign countries with different languages or alphabets, booking tickets can be a complicated process. Booking a ticket for the wrong train or the wrong destination is easy to do, and could mean that you’re unable to get on your train without buying another ticket – or, worse, you may get thrown off a train by a ticket inspector.
Take your time when buying tickets, and be certain that you have the right ticket (use translation apps or find someone who speaks English to help you book tickets).
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo