Traveling by train indeed offers a unique perspective on the world. It’s like a moving canvas of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. And the freedom to choose your next destination on a whim, that’s the epitome of adventure!

If you’re looking for more ways to make your train travels even more exciting, here are a few ideas:

Travel Journal: Document your journey. Write about the places you visit, the people you meet, and the experiences you have. You can also take pictures and videos or even sketch or paint the landscapes you see from the train window. It’s a great way to remember your journey and also a fun activity to do while traveling.

Local Cuisine: Try the local cuisine at each stop. It’s a great way to experience the culture of the place. You can even try to recreate some of the dishes when you get home.

Photography: Train journeys offer unique photo opportunities. From candid shots of fellow passengers to stunning landscapes, there’s a lot to capture. You can even challenge yourself with a photo theme for each journey. Post on social media like YouTube and Facebook. I do 😊

Meet New People: Trains are a great place to meet people from different walks of life. Strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers. You might end up making some lifelong friends.

Learn a New Skill: Use the travel time to learn a new skill. It could be anything from knitting to learning a new language. It’s a productive way to pass the time.

Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. So, enjoy every moment of your train travels!

If you’re traveling to the Jungfrau Region from Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, or Grindelwald, with a Eurail or Interrail Pass you can get the following discounts:

25% Discount on the train to the Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe). Admission to all the Jungfraujoch venues (Ice Palace, Discovery Tour, Sphinx Terrace) is included.

This includes the all day pass which allows you to go up and down via the train or up on the train and down to Grindelwald on the Eiger Express Cable Car

25% Discount on the cable car/train ride to Murren, Brig, and the Schilthorn from Lauterbrunnen

For the Jungfraujoch, just purchase your tickets at either Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Grindelwald train stations and show the agent your Eurail/Interrail Pass. You don’t need to use a flexi pass day either. Just be prepared to show the conductor both the day pass and the Eurail/Interrail Pass.

For Murren, and the Schilthorn (via Brig Cable Car) purchase your ticket at the Lauterbrunnen Cable Car Station (Adjacent but across the street from Lauterbrunnen train station).

Traveling in first class on a train in Europe is not as expensive as first class on an airplane

I’ve found the difference in fares between the 2 classes is only about 23% on most trains

If you purchase a first class ticket, you can ride in second class carriages if you prefer

If you purchase a second class ticket, you can’t sit in first class unless you buy an upgrade

You can often purchase an upgrade on board from the conductor

Usually, there’s not much of a comfort difference between first and second class

Most second class carriages have seats of 2 on each side of the carriage

Most first class carriages have 2 seats on one side and 1 seat on the other

My biggest reason for preferring first class is that usually, first class is less crowded

I get so excited when I start planning a trip to Europe. My goal every time is to explore as many new and exciting places as I can. Depending on the length of time I’ll be in Europe, I like to get the most distance out of each trip. For example, if I’ll be in Europe for 2 weeks, I’ll get a Rail Pass that is valid for at least 10 days. If I’ll be in Europe for a month, I’ll get a pass valid for at least 15 days. Sometimes, if I have no set plans, (which is usually the case) I’ll purchase a pass valid for the entire 2 weeks, entire month, or even longer.

As a USA citizen, I’ll purchase a Eurail Pass. European citizens can use an Interrail Pass. The passes are the same but each one is made for either European or Non European citizens.

I buy my passes through RailEurope.com and get the mobile pass version which is used along with the railplanner app that you’ll need to upload to your phone before getting to Europe.

In many countries, a seat reservation is required for certain lines and most high speed trains. If you buy a point to point ticket, your seat reservation is included. However, with a rail pass, the seat reservation will be a small additional cost (usually 5-25 Euro). The rail planner app will let you know which trains require the seat reservation.

I Love traveling by train. It’s fast, comfortable, and I find it very exciting. I think you will too.

RailEurope’s Website www.raileurope.com

5. I’m retired, single and live alone

4. Most of my friends and family still work and can’t take the time off

3. I love having a room to myself

2. I can do what I want when I want

1. I can get frustrated and confused without affecting others

There is no traditional drink package. Before embarkation, you can purchase a “Bar Tab” from the Virgin Voyages App. You can pre-pay $300 and you will currently receive $350 in a “Bar Tab” that will be reduced with every drink purchased. Once your “Bar Tab” is empty, your credit card on file will be billed for each drink. Routine Cocktails are $8 to $14 and tax is added to each drink. What you don’t use, you lose. Specialty Coffees cost extra and are reasonably priced. On a good note, sodas are free. Water is also free but you must use a refillable water bottle and refill it at any of the numerous water stations around the ship. Your cabin steward will refill your stateroom bottle with regular and/or sparkling water. Ask if you want both.

Dining Reservations Book up Fast! 45 days before embarkation, reservations at the 5 main restaurants can be booked. The reason they fill up so fast is that only 30% of available seatings are able to be reserved before boarding. Once you’re aboard, you can go to one of the dining rooms, in my case it was Razzle Dazzle and book reservations until 4:30 PM on embarkation day. There is a line but it does go pretty fast since there are several crew members available to help you book your dining times and restaurants. Don’t get upset if you can’t book prior to boarding. Just go to the designated restaurant once you board and make your reservations.

The Galley is not a traditional buffet. Although I love the idea of not having people get their own food, The food stations are very limited and consist of Burgers, Tacos, Japanese Bento Boxes, Avocado sandwiches, etc. They do have a good breakfast station that appears to be open for every meal and you can get eggs to order. They also have a different entree choice nightly from one of the specialty restaurants. The galley is actually set up for table service with flags that you raise when you’re ready to order from the bar coded menu but I didn’t see many people using that option. Most people stood in line to order from the different counters.

The social club has free food too with gourmet or regular hot dogs but no relish on board. There’s also popcorn and pretzels available there.

Entertainment seems very interpretive to me. It may be just me, but almost every show seemed to be a dance or a dance and juggling type show. I prefer traditional Broadway type performances. But, I’m a senior citizen 🙂

• Adults only (18+)
• Embarkation is very fast and efficient. I had a 4:30 check in and got in the 4:30 line around 2:45. I was on the ship by 3:20.
• Everyone seemed excited to be aboard and happy
• People dressed like they were on a romantic date or attending a special event
• The Happenings Cast replaces a single cruise director which helps keep everyone involved and in an upbeat mood
• Solo cruisers are given an invitation to a hosted Solo meetup event
• The entire staff are fantastic. Waiters, Bartenders, Cabin Attendants, Happenings Cast, and Crew.
• Guest Services were very knowledgeable and efficient.
• The food in the restaurants is delicious.
• The Fitness Equipment is awesome. There are 2 inside gyms (aerobic and weights) and a wide variety of outdoor gym equipment, scattered about deck 15, including a pull up apparatus, heavy bag, and even a pommel horse.