All Aboard !
My Favorite Way To Travel while in Europe and British Isles?? Trains. Train Travel, I find, is the best way to travel. It is affordable, reliable, most comfortable and most generally on-time. Go to Eurorail to see the train schedules and cost.
I like the comfort and often, other travelers will talk to you. It’s a way to see the countryside, bodies of water, tiny villages, people at the beach. You can also read, write, color, paint, walk about, use the bathroom, use wi-fi and have a snack or beverage. Most of the time you can go get your own drinks without waiting for the beverage cart and I like the ability to walk around. Also, the bathrooms are much larger than on an airplane. I love a cappuccino, listening to music of the country on my earbuds, while watching the sites.
When at all possible I try to go in the First class car. First class cars on European trains offer wider, plusher seats, more legroom, , with less cramped seating arrangements (e.g., three seats in a row instead of four). Many first-class cars provide power outlets at every seat and free Wi-Fi access. Some trains offer complimentary snacks, drinks, or even full meal service. There is often more luggage storage space in first class. Some first-class cars are designated as quiet zones, providing a calmer environment. On some routes, first-class tickets grant access to private lounges at major stations.
Once I was so comfortable, I actually, put my head down on the table in front of me and went to sleep! Additionally, many of those old train stations are beautiful. Brings back memories of yesteryear. There are frequently places to eat, shop and an even drugstores.
How to Find and Identify First Class Cars
Train Operator Websites:
Consult the websites of national railway companies (like Deutsche Bahn (DB) in Germany) or use sites like Trainline to identify first-class options for your route.
Yellow Stripes: Many European first-class cars feature a yellow stripe on the carriage.
Departure Boards & Platform Signs: Check the departure boards and platform signs for information on first-class car locations.
Look for Fewer Seats: A common indicator is fewer seats per row compared to second class, such as three seats in a row rather than four.
Examples of First Class Services
Germany (Deutsche Bahn): Offers more legroom, privacy, power sockets, and at-seat meal service.
Eurostar (London-Paris/Amsterdam):Provides larger seats, a free meal and drinks, and access to exclusive lounges.
Trenitalia (Italy): Offers more spacious seating, enhanced service, and sometimes complimentary drinks and snacks.
No Turbulence, No Elbow Rubbing!