There is perhaps no mode of transport that is as romantic as traveling by train. Train trips are one of the oldest and most well-known ways of getting from A to B, and can be a spectacular way to see a country. You can take a train for a one-off trip, like going across the swathe of the US, or you can use train trips throughout your whole holiday, hopping on and off when you wish to see a particular site or city.

Now, going on a train journey does not signify just hopping onto any or every train. Some sort of planning is required beforehand. Also, trains do not run so frequently in all places in the world. African countries have trains that run only weekly, but they are more frequent in the Western countries. Again, in countries like Africa, there is a sole starting point to get in and alight from. So, depending on which country you wish to travel in, conduct some research beforehand. Take a look at local guides which prove to be quite comprehensive where dates, places of departure and timings of trains are concerned. Or browse the Internet for train timetables.
Most train journeys advise the passenger to purchase tickets before getting into any train; it is really not advisable to travel without tickets. A passenger would have to pay a high fine for traveling ticketless! In a place like India, it is possible sometimes to disappear without paying for a ticket if you sit on the roof of the train! They too pay heavily if they are caught. Again, a person with a ticket for a second-class carriage cannot take a ride in a first-class carriage; this act is also liable to be fined.
Train trips can be incredibly cheap, particularly in developing countries. With the exception of the US and some parts of Europe, first-class accommodation is normally quite affordable and exponentially more pleasant than travelling in second-class. There is now a proliferation of discounted tickets available either online or at stations. Age, time and day of the week, advance purchase and duration of journey - all have bearing on the price of the train trips. Tickets that allow you to "rove" around the country are usually very good value for money, but finding the best buys is not always easy and it is recommended that you seek out travel agents that specialize in train trips first.
Food is very important when going on a long train journey. Long-distance trains have a dining car on the train itself or fix up catering services that supply food on board at the right times, to the passengers. In case these facilities are lacking, there are always restaurants at railway stations. By keeping track of the route of the train, it is possible to know where and when one can get food. Of course, passengers with sensitive stomachs have to be careful what they eat and drink, because it is most unpleasant to be sick on a "moving" journey!
Too much luggage on a train journey can be cumbersome! It is a universal law that traveling light is the best way to travel! Yes, porters are there to help carry one's luggage, but sitting on a long (or even a short journey) journey surrounded by too much of luggage is not a pleasant experience. It is wiser to carry only the essentials, based on the weather conditions and the duration of the train trip.
Most of the countries around the world have trains and a railway network. So if you one is an adventurer at heart, one need not just stay on the beaten track, one can go off track and explore the unknown.

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