Often romanticized for their relatively intimate experience of traveling, train journeys can sometimes be filled with mishaps and mistakes. It usually happens with first-time travelers. There are several common mistakes that people make when traveling by train that make their journey rather unpleasant. However, such mistakes are easily avoidable as long as one is aware of them and well-prepared to avoid them. To ensure the next train journey goes smoothly, steer clear of these mistakes.

Book tickets at the last minute
Although air travel and train travel differ in many ways, they share a common aspect – booking tickets in advance. Whether one is flying or taking the train, booking tickets in advance means one will get them at the lowest prices, especially when traveling during peak periods like weekends or holidays.

Not arriving on time
While a train journey does not require one to arrive hours early as needed for a flight, it also does not mean one can simply hop on the train like the subway. A buffer of 30 to 60 minutes is needed before the train’s departure time. Usually, when a passenger requires ticketing and baggage assistance, arriving 60 minutes early at the train station can save a lot of hassle and stress.

Taking too much time to board
This mistake is often committed by passengers who have to board or get off the train at a stop that is midway between the origin station and the destination. Trains wait for a longer period at the origin and destination stations. Here, one can get in or out of the train at one’s leisure. However, trains halt only for a few minutes at stops that come midway. So, if one has to embark or get off the train at these stops, it is necessary to ensure that one is ready beforehand to board or leave the train.

Packing too many bags
Unlike air travel, one can always keep one’s baggage with them. While this can be a perk since there is no extra waiting time for the baggage to arrive, it also means one will have to take care of their bags on their own. One should expect to walk up and down staircases at the train stations ( in case elevators do not work) or to move between train cars. Besides, some trains may provide luggage storage areas, and some do not. So make sure to pack smart and light. It is advised to take along bags that are easy to move and preferably have wheels. Furthermore, ensure to check the baggage allowance before starting to pack.

Expecting to be connected at all times
Most trains now have power outlets for every passenger, but some may not. So, it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure this beforehand. Fully charge the batteries of personal devices, healthcare equipment, and mobility aids. To be on the safer side, carry a portable power pack. Besides, during train journeys, one might go through areas that do not have cell service. While there might be Wi-Fi available on the train, it may not have high-strength connectivity.