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About Cimba |
Train Travel Tips |
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Traveling by train is probably the easiest method of travel around Europe. Italian and other European trains are reliable, comfortable, reasonably priced and convenient. The Italian train system’s Web site is a valuable resource. The site includes schedules, prices, ticket purchases and strike information. Unique to Italian culture, the Italian rail workers strike often, but all strikes are scheduled and posted in advance. Strikes usually last for one day during specified hours in which no trains run and no one works in the stations. Sometimes, the strikes only affect local rail service, and major destinations are still serviced (from Venice to Milan for example). It always is a good idea to check for train strikes prior to traveling.
Some students find rail passes to be a cost efficient way to travel by train. Rail passes must be validated in a European rail station within six months of purchase or they become worthless. They are valid only for a limited time after validation, usually one to two months depending on the pass. Rail passes cannot be purchased in Europe, therefore, some preliminary planning and analysis of the pros and cons is necessary before departing. There is a wide variety of rail passes.
To choose the right pass, consider the travel schedule and the number of days train travel will take place. Look up point-to-point costs for comparison which can be found on the Italian rail Web site or the German rail Web site. If traveling a short distance or if the fare is fairly inexpensive, a rail pass probably will not be economical. However, if traveling from Venice to Paris, for example, the rail pass may save money. If passing through a country not included in the rail pass coverage to reach the final destination, a supplement fee will be added for that portion of the trip. The additional fee will be required whether just traveling through the country or actually stopping. Keep this in mind when trying to decide whether to use a rail pass or buy a ticket. If traveling mostly through countries not covered by the rail pass, it may be more economical to buy a ticket and use the pass later.
Passes can be purchased with an insurance policy and it can be replaced if a police report has been filed within 24 hours of losing it. A refund can be requested upon return to the U.S. The insurance must be purchased when buying the pass. |
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