Useful Tips For First-Time Train Travellers

Ella to Kandy Train in Sri Lanka

As people begin to spread their wings and venture from their local area, different modes of transport are used to find new places and go on adventures. One of them is the classic choice; the train. If you are a first-time traveller, then you’ll surely be looking to take on board (no pun intended) some handy tips before you depart the station.

This is a great way to get to know some of the ins and outs of life onboard a train if you weren’t already aware of them. We’ve compiled a comprehensive group of pointers that we think you should know in order to ensure you enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable ride on the rails!

Turn up nice and early

If you want to reduce the stress and potential panic of running to make your train, you should make sure that you arrive at the station at least half an hour to forty minutes before your train sets off. Doing this will give you time to locate your platform and stow away any luggage you need to.

Upon arrival, you can relax and take your time to get a snack or a drink while you wait, etc. You can walk the platform and locate your carriage too if you have booked a specific seat on the train; this can save you the effort of shuffling down the train to get to it once it’s pulled away from the station.

Be comfy

The best way to travel is in comfort. Make this achievable by wearing breathable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing, comfy shoes, and possibly an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones if you want to have a rest.

Speaking of having a rest, you might want to pack a nice cool pillow to help you remain unwound and restful during your journey. Experienced train users will know these kinds of travel accessories make the difference between an average trip and a great one!

Explore the other carriages

Depending on the type of train you are travelling on, it can be a good thing to have a little stretch of your legs and see what the other carriage has on offer, and by this, we’re really thinking about the snack car on board! You can pick up some good food and snacks to help you enjoy your experience even more so when you haven’t got a rumbling belly.

What’s more, you might fancy a cup of brewed coffee or a nice tall glass of iced tea to sip on while you watch the world pass you by through the window without a care in the world. If you’ve booked a room on board the train, some train line companies will give you the choice of chef-prepared meals in the comfortable dining car too!

Sleep like a log

Sleeping like a log with the soothing chugging of the train

Touching on the second point about comfort, if you’re planning on sleeping on the train, then it’s well worth coming prepared.

Either pack a blanket with you for your seat or if you’re sleeping on the train in a bed, take a home comfort along that will aid you to drift off with ease along with the other items mentioned in tip number two.

Pack the snacks

While there will be plenty of choice on board the train, you might want to guarantee that you are going to like something to snack on by packing some bits and pieces for yourself.

This will save you money and also mean you don’t have to get up from the comfort of your seat if you want to stay put.

Take time off from technology

As most people are these days, smart devices play a large role in day-to-day living. There’s nothing wrong with staying connected; in fact, It can be a good thing while you’re on a train and you want to chat with friends and family.

However, this is also the perfect time to disconnect and spend some quiet time having a mini digital detox and doing other activities. Got a book you’ve been meaning to read for a while? Now’s the time to get the smell of the pages again. Fancy some relaxation? Why not take time to do some breathing exercises? The train is literally space for you to relax and unwind, even when other people are around you, so give it a try and see how you benefit.

It’s also a great way to preserve the battery life of your smart device for arriving at your destination too.

Enjoy the Journey!

Above all, when you’re new to train rides, the most important thing to do is to remember to take the time to enjoy the whole experience.

• Related: Our Mongolia Honeymoon via The Trans Mongolian Railway
• Related: Our Train Misadventures in Sri Lanka

After all, it’s all part of the fun!

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are the author’s and in no way reflect the views and/or opinions of Fat Starfish.