Train trips

1. Our use of trains. One long run, Venice to Naples, getting off at Bologna, Florence, Rome, and to Naples. At Naples we rented a car.

2. Opting out of the package deal. The travel packages of so many days by train, and so many by car, did not fit us. We bought our train tickets as we needed them, and rented the car separately.

3. Weigh carefully whether to take the high speed train, or a local. Calculate the time vs. the enjoyment of slower scenes, more casual connections with people. We got some of our best tips from people on the local. And saw far more. Calculate what time you have. If you miss your high speed, ask the difference in travel time before hopping impulsively on that local over there.

4. Hotels nearby. If you travel by train and want at least your first night reservation in hand (we sometimes do the first night and the last night in advance), remember that you will be walking and carrying your bags. Look up the maps for hotels on the internet and get a room close to the station.

5. If you are stuck (as in London) for a place to stay that doesn't cost the roof, go immediately to the main train station. Victoria Station in London, for example. There are always rooming houses and small hotels at train and bus stations. We found them to be clean and safe.

6. Downside of all trains. They leave you off and then you have to walk or take a cab to see anything. Most stations are in the center or near the center of town, but that area might be rundown by now, and there are always things farther afield that you will miss. Long hoof in Bologna, for example, with our backpacks (chose not to locker them), and the heat was extreme. Took much of the fun out just getting there and then back in time.