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2. Things to do Before Leaving Home
    
   1. Plan
      Plan your European trip [See our ‘France Travel Planner & Resources Guide’];
       
   2. Car vs. Train
      Decide Between Renting a Car vs. Train Travel:

                                                              i.      Going Alone or traveling with others.  If you will be traveling with at least two others, and will want to visit out-of-the-way places, a car may be more your style;

                                                             ii.      What Kind of a Trip you will be taking.  Will you be traveling through the wine country of the Loire Valley or spending your time visiting the museums and monuments of the big cities;

3. Where to Rent
   If you decide to travel by car, you should determine where you are going to rent your car; 
    
4. Point-to-point Tickets vs. Rail Passes
   If your decision is to travel by train, you should then determine whether to purchase point-to-point tickets or buy rail passes.  To make this determination, study railroad timetables & prices.  Always determine where your next stop will be, when you will be arriving at there, and what time the train will depart and where you will spend the night.  This will allow you to cost out the various tickets you will need for the trip.  Now, you can compare this cost to that of buying a pass.  A round trip ticket, from Paris to Reims, might cost around $180 2^nd Class whereas a 4 day rail pass will generally cost less, say $140.  In this case, there is a clear advantage to the pass – and, you can use the pass to go elsewhere during that 4-day period.  But, in some cases the point-to-point ticket may be cheaper.  It will be worth your while to make the analysis, if only for your peace of mind.  Then, you should make your train reservations;
    
5. Read Guide
   Read our “France Travel Planner & Resources Guide” for information on how to prepare for your trip and what to bring with you;
    
6. Baggage
   Remember that you will be on your own, hauling your own luggage;
    
7. Labels
   Put luggage tags and labels all your bags, inside and out, and put distinctive neon tape on the outsides;
    
8. Baggage Locks
   Get luggage locks & chain [or cable], to attach your baggage to luggage racks, should you decide to ride the rails.  It is also a good idea to utilize the approved airport security locks on your suitcases;
    
9. Lists
   Make a list of things to bring with you;
    
10. Kind of Rail Pass
    If a eurail pass, Decide What Kind of Pass:

                                                              i.      Trip Involves Visiting Cities with RR Stations and Villages without RR Stations – Rail & Drive Pass;

                                                             ii.      Traveling with Others – Select or Saver Pass.
 

11. 1^st Class vs. 2^nd Class
    Decide between First Class vs. Second Class Tickets

                                                              i.      Individual 1^st Class tickets usually cost 50% more than 2^nd Class tickets, but a 1^st Class rail ticket only costs between 25 to 40% more than the 2^nd Class counterpart;

                                                             ii.      First Class usually provides larger, more spacious and comfortable reclining seating and larger windows and better decor than does Second Class.  Usually, in 1^st Class there will be three plush seats per row.  2^nd Class has four skinnier, less comfortable seats in the same space;

                                                           iii.      First Class cars are usually less crowded than are the Second Class;

                                                          iv.      Baggage space is generally more ample in First Class, with room under seats, in luggage racks and elsewhere.  In 2^nd Class there is a luggage rack above your head;

                                                            v.      On some routes, First Class will include free coffee and tea and sometimes snacks and newspapers.  Some of the longer routes will have table or buffet meal service whereas Second Class may only have a snack trolley, with soft drinks and sandwiches, that goes through the train from time to time;

                                                          vi.      First Class cars are usually at the head [city end] of the platform, followed by the Second Class;

                                                         vii.      You may have more fun in second class if you’re under 26 years of age – that’s were the partying is, if there is any;

                                                       viii.      The 2^nd Class cars get you there every bit as fast as the 1^st Class ones, only cheaper;

                                                           ix.      With a 1^st Class Eurail pass you can hob-knob with the nobility in luxury and mix with the proletariat in 2^nd Class.  You can enjoy the best of both worlds.
 

3. Safety Precautions at Stations and on Trains
    
   1. Before Leaving
      Before leaving home, Photostat all important documents, including passport, rail passes, trip insurance & pass insurance;
       
   2. Money Belt
      Carry your important documents in your money belt;
       
   3. Copies to Everyone
      If traveling with someone, have him/her place a copy of the Photostats in his/her money belt;
       
   4. Board Train Early
      Board trains as early as possible and try to sit in compartments where there are other travelers you can identify with;
       
   5. Guard Belongings
      Always stay close to your belonging, chaining them, when possible, to immovable objects;
       
   6. Feel Comfortable
      Women traveling alone should try to sit in compartments with other women.  If you feel uncomfortable [fearful] while in any compartment, change compartments right away;
       
   7. Lock Door
      If in a sleeping compartment, always keep the door locked.  Find out from the attendant if there will be any time(s) during the night that you will have to show your documents, and if so, at what time(s).  Then, do not open the door except at those specific times;
       
   8. Watch Out for Groups
      Be careful of groups of children or adults that are creating a disturbance.  Pickpockets often create a commotion to distract tourist;
       
   9. Cash in Money Belt
      Only keep a small amount of cash in your pockets.  The rest should be in your money belt;
       
   10. Double Check Bags
       Always double check your bags before leaving the train;
        
   11. Name Plates
       Always attach your name to the exterior of your luggage and place a nametag, with telephone number, inside your bags.
        
4. Passengers with Disabilities
   
   In France, disabled passengers – and those accompanying them – are entitled to fare reductions.  In addition, there are facilities on the trains, and in the stations, to accommodate the disabled and for those using wheelchairs [service counters, phone booths, rest rooms, etc.].  Facilities are available on non-TGV trains, in first class that can be accessed with second-class tickets.  Information can be obtained, in France, by calling 0800 154 753.
    
5. Traveling with Children
    
   1. Reduced Fares
      In general, children under 4 travel free on European trains.  Children 5-15 travel at heavily reduced fares.  However, required reservations for seat, couchette, etc. must be paid;
       
   2. Keep ‘Em Busy
      Each child should have his own backpack with an assortment of quiet toys and snacks;
       
   3. ID’s for All
      Make sure that all young children, traveling with you, have their names, address and phone number sewn in their clothing and that they have a card with their names, the address and phone of the hotel you are staying at or planning to stay;
       
   4. Throw-away Camera
      Many children enjoy using their ‘own’ disposable camera.
       

© Copyright 1999 - 2008 by Sharon Atchley.  All rights reserved.  Updated:  08/11/2008