Travel by rail

1. Pack snacks. Some trains have dining cars, but not all of them have edible food or the food is astronomically expensive. You may also be able to buy snacks, but chances are they aren’t all that healthy, and the selection might be poor. When you’re stuck on a train track 12 hours from anywhere, the last thing you want is to be hungry, so come prepared with a variety of stuff to nibble on. Bonus points for healthy snacks, especially because you’re not going to get a lot of exercise on board.

2. Wear shoes. In some countries it’s against the law not to wear shoes, but in all countries, it’s just a good idea. I’m not saying you can’t slip them off when you’re sitting at your seat or once you’ve hunkered down in the observation car, but wear shoes whenever you have to walk somewhere and please, under every single circumstance you can think of, wear shoes in the bathroom.

3. Bring wet wipes and toilet paper. After a long day and a long night with canned train air, you’re going to want to take a shower. No can do … but the next best thing is a good wipe down with a wet wipe. I find them particularly helpful for waking up in the morning. As for the toilet paper, some trains will have it, others won’t at all, but all will be running a little low by the time the ride is over.

4. If you’ll be on the train for longer than one night, get a sleeper. I don’t mind riding coach. In fact, the seats are quite comfy and way roomier than trying to squeeze into an airplane seat. They may even recline quite nicely. I can sleep for one night in these seats … and “sleep” is probably a stretch. More than one night, though, and I’m a mess. I’ve spent nights in sleepers on trains, though, and I sleep amazingly well, so the extra cost for the sleeper is worth it. There’s nothing like the lull of the train to rock a person to sleep.

5. Unplug. Some trains are beginning to offer free wireless internet service, but I strongly suggest you leave the laptop off. One of the greatest things about riding a train is that it epitomizes the concept of slow travel. This is your opportunity to pull out a journal, catch up on a good book or just watch the landscape roll by. Rarely do we have the chance just to relax anymore, but you can still carve out that time on a train.

By: JoAnna

Coach travel

As with any kind of travel in enclosed spaces over a prolonged period of time, it can be a tall order getting on with even the best friend you’ve known all your life, let alone complete strangers. At some point during your coach holidays your nerves could be tested, and you’ll need to keep them in check before you find yourself in a full-blown barny worthy of the next series of Coach Trips. With that in mind, we’ve put together 6 top tips for coach holidays etiquette to ensure a chilled out coach experience.

1. Be considerate. First and foremost, always remember that you are sharing a coach with 48 other people so as a rule of thumb, think before you act. It’s probably not the best time to pump your club tunes/classical music up on your mp3 so loud that the people in the next motorway lane can hear, and it isn't wise to sing aloud to your favourite tunes or rustle bags or food wrappings which could disturb other passengers’ dozing. The same goes for mobile phones – no-one likes the bloke on the train who talks too loudly and commentates on passing scenery, and it’s no different on a coach. Remember too that coaches have luggage restrictions like everything else, so don’t take everything including the kitchen sink. Be selective so there’s room for other people’s luggage too.

2. Keep your children under control. If children are accompanying you on the coach holiday, bring enough to keep them amused for the entire journey. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on a coach (with no means of escape apart from jumping out the fire exit) when there’s a screaming child that’s bored out of their minds. If they don’t have to travel with you then leave them at home. If they do, and nothing else works…consider tranquilisers. Strong ones. Duck tape is another option!

3. No pongy picnics. Most coach companies prefer you not to eat on board but if you have to, and you’re allowed, leave the pongy picnic at home. The last thing other passengers want to inhale is last night’s masala leftovers or boiled egg sarnies. You should probably think twice about removing your socks and shoes after a day’s sightseeing too.

4. Punctuality is key. If you stop off somewhere on an excursion, don’t be late in re-boarding the coach unless you want the scowls from your fellow passengers to be etched in your memory for the rest of the trip. The same applies to joining and service station stops. Being late is a sure-fire way to rub fellow passengers up the wrong way, so just don’t do it!

5. Keep your opinions to yourself. Everyone has their own views and you’re bound to strike up conversation with your fellow coach-goers, but it’s a good idea to keep strong opinions to yourself. It doesn’t matter how much you want this party to win the election or what you think of the current PM, topics like politics are best avoided, as are any race, sexual or religious-related views.

6. Embrace the experience. Above all else, you are here to have fun, so embrace the experience! Once you’ve followed tips 1-5, getting to know your fellow passengers, especially if you’re travelling on your own, can make the whole trip more enjoyable for you and you may even strike up friendships that last a lifetime.

By: Rachel Jones