How to Take France by Train

Train travel is often less costly than air travel. Once you arrive in France, you can save money and time by avoiding airports and taxis all together. Simple trains run the entire length of the French Riviera. The key is to plan ahead for this type of travel. If you treat a train trip like any other, you will be overwhelmed. Know what you are getting into.

Step 1: Pick the Right Luggage

• Durable with solid sides – When you are traveling, you will likely have to load your bad into the cargo containers on the bottom of trains and buses. Most of the time, guests will do this themselves. This means the bags will be poorly stacked, and you could end up on bottom. Pick a bag that will not tear and has some structure in the sides to protect your belongings.
• Easily carried – You can walk from the train to many locations to save money as long as you can carry your baggage. The best choices have straps like a back pack or shoulder bag.
• Well-hidden pockets – You should carry valuables on your person at all times. However, you may have a few valuables or souvenirs to hide away in your luggage. Make sure your bag has a few hidden pockets for this type of thing.
• Bag within a bag – Having a smaller bag within your suitcase will allow you to leave your luggage behind if you get to a safe hotel. Look for a small bag that can be easily folded into a pocket then brought out for day trips.

Step 2: Pack Wisely

• Consider the weather – You will be covering a lot of distance from the north of France to the Mediterranean. Check the weather in each location you will be visiting. If you are traveling in spring or fall, the weather can be unpredictable.
• Layer your clothes – The key to dressing for all temperatures is to pack layers. Bring clothes than can be easily folded away or tied around your waist. A good windbreaker is an essential in some towns.
• Simplify cosmetics and toiletries – You are on vacation, give the hair dryer a break. The more you can cut down on your beauty routine, the easier your trip will be.

Step 3: Travel in Small Groups

• Break up for day trips – Even if you are traveling as a family, breaking into small groups can make your traveling easier. You will be visiting a lot of cities that could be explored for weeks. It may be necessary to take separate day trips order to make sure everyone sees what they want to see.
• Small groups are best for museums – Traveling through crowded sites like the Louvre, Versailles or historical ruins can be cumbersome for large groups. It can also lead to a chance of one person getting lost. Take on museums in teams of 2-4. Visit different exhibits at your own pace.

Tags: France, Train tickets