Train travels are adventurous yet so nerve-wracking, especially when in an unknown foreign country. The perplexing schedule, inability to understand signage, bustling stations, and undetectable platforms, when it comes to train travel in a foreign land, there is so much that you must be mindful about. However, train travel also makes for an important part of a holiday and contributes to creating the most memorial experiences. It provides you with a comfortable journey while also making for some great sight-seeing.

If you follow a few tips and essentials before planning train travel, you may rest assured of a seamless journey even in a foreign country. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best train travel adventure abroad.

Plan in advance – Planning ahead is the key when taking on any journey. Ensure that the required tickets and confirmation emails are all printed and in place before taking off on the train journey. The time taken to reach the train station must be considered while planning how you would get there. Preparing in advance will ensure a hassle-free trip.

Be on time – It is common to run behind schedule when on a holiday; however, on days of train travel, it is essential to keep track of time. The train must always be boarded as early as possible with the luggage kept in sight. Also, keep note of the time when the destination will arrive. This will help in knowing when exactly you would have to get off.

Have the essential supplies – There is nothing better than having some key supplies that will aid in passing time when on long train journeys. When embarking on journeys that will run beyond two hours, a travel journal, tablet or an interesting book could help to keep you engaged. While most trains have travel carts that sell snacks and drinks, it is wise to pack some food if you have special dietary requirements.

Know about ticket validation – In some locations, such as Europe, the train tickets must be validated before the train is boarded. Typically, stations hold validating machines wherein one must just insert the ticket and the same is stamped with the date and time. Traveling with a ticket that is not validated can lead to getting fined by an onboard inspector or train conductor. Thus, it is essential to check if a ticket needs to be validated before travel to avoid any issue.