• Travel by train is a preferred method of getting around in Europe.train image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
  
  Traveling through Europe by train opens up a new world of excitement, history, sightseeing and opportunity for travelers. Europe has lots of famous cities, cuisines, cultures and people groups in close proximity to one another, especially when taking the vastness of the rest of the world into consideration. Train travel has remained a staple of European travel for natives and tourists alike because of the convenience and availability. In fact, the train systems of Europe cover around 160,000 miles of transport, according to USA Today.
  
  

Plan Ahead

• Plan your trip ahead of time and decide which European cities and tourist attractions you most want to visit. Map them out, and decide on the most efficient order to see them in. Doing this will save you money and stress when buying train and airline tickets, and will help you stick to a plan instead of wandering aimlessly when you arrive.
  
  

Compare Ticket Prices

• Purchase appropriate train tickets ahead of time according to your itinerary. You can purchase train tickets from one city to another, ones that cover a region of Europe, or a number of different countries. You can also purchase them to last for a set amount of days. Compare prices to save money. For example, you can opt for a second class ticket instead of first class and save a significant amount to spend elsewhere. You may even be able to buy a direct ticket from one city to another for less than the cost of one day of travel in a seven-day, multi-country ticket.
  
  

Travel Light

• Most long-distance trains have food or cafe carts where you can purchase meals. If you want to save money, you can even purchase them in or near the train station before you board. Additionally, trains in Europe do not have luggage assistance or bag-checking options like airlines do. You are responsible for all of your luggage, so carrying around two suitcases could prove difficult.
  
  

Cater to Your Needs

• If you decide to travel overnight, you may want to pay extra for a sleeper berth so you can get a proper rest before exploring a new city. Additionally, you can opt to pay extra for a couchette during longer trips for a more comfortable experience. Whether or not you shell out the extra cash depends on your financial situation and your willingness to sit in harder or slightly less comfortable seats. In the end, catering to your needs may cost a little more, but will make the trip much more enjoyable.
  
  

Arrive Early

• Make sure you arrive to the train station with plenty of time to make sure you have everything you need, and that you're in the right location to board the appropriate train. Seasoned travelers may only need 10 minutes to do this, while newbies or those traveling in groups may want to take twenty to thirty minutes or more to avoid any costly mishaps. For busier bus stations like those located in Paris, Rome or other major European cities, add more time to account for the crowds and the larger size of the train stations.