We’re living in an era where reducing your carbon footprint is no longer a choice but viewed as a necessity. If you are a family who loves to travel and you live somewhere with a decent train network, one way to balance your need to explore with a commitment to your eco-conscious kids is to take to the rails for longer journeys.
While it can seem easier to chuck everything in the car and drive off, there are significantly more benefits to letting the train take the strain. On trains, passengers can move around, and there’s plenty to look at; the buffet car provides a great distraction, and you don’t have to factor in emergency toilet stops. Here are ten tips to ensure your family has a smoother ride:
1. Plan Your Route
You might know what points A, B, and even C might be, but have you considered the connections? Ensure they are not too close for comfort when you factor in hauling small children, suitcases, and strollers over to different platforms. Moreover, five hours on a train can seem like an eternity with a toddler who won’t nap, so consider carefully what you are committing to, especially if your family is new to train travel.
2. Travel in Advance
We all know that planning ahead often gets you better prices; however, when you travel with kids, it also allows you to secure a table, hopefully in a carriage not too far from the buffet car. A little leg stretch is good, but navigating a hot cup of tea, a moving train, and an enthusiastic toddler across multiple carriages can be a challenge you regret. Early booking might also offer a relatively cheap upgrade to first class, providing more space for the kids and complimentary drinks.
3. Go Off-Peak
Sometimes, it’s unavoidable to travel with commuters, but if you can avoid peak hours, do so. Not only will the tickets usually be cheaper, but there will be more space for your kids to spread out, and less chance of them annoying someone as they prepare for an important meeting. This, in turn, makes it less stressful for you. It’s also worth noting that some routes empty out past certain stops, so you might be able to handle a crowded hour, knowing your kids will get more space for most of the journey.
4. Do Your Research
The internet is an amazing resource. Google your route, the train operator you are using, and anything else that might be relevant. You might find that your train has a child-friendly carriage (some European trains even have a soft play center on board!), or that you pass interesting landmarks. At the very least, you will learn about any railcards or discounts that you can utilize for your journey.
5. Expect the Unexpected
The golden rule of traveling with kids when it comes to trains is to be prepared for delays or rerouting, sudden temperature changes in the carriage, and the possibility that there’s no buffet car or trolley service. Always travel with a change of clothes, a basic medical pack, a few snacks, and a spare charger. The train experience is similar to traveling by plane or car regarding preparation.
6. Prepare Your Kids – and Yourself
If your family is new to rail travel, it’s crucial to consider the small person’s perspective: stations can be fascinating but also overwhelming, especially for some neuro-diverse children. Looking out of the window can be interesting for a few minutes, but even the most train-obsessed toddler might get bored of the sounds. Regardless of their age, talk through what to expect and be ready with distractions, games, and your attention.
7. Travel Light
Aside from the essentials mentioned earlier, try to travel as lightly as possible. It’s quite the task to get your kids, yourselves, and several suitcases off a train in a hurry. Additionally, it’s good to teach your kids that they can survive with less than they think they need. If you can, leave the stroller at home and use a carrier or encourage them to walk. If you must have a stroller, ensure it folds down easily for on-the-go convenience.
8. Get Ready to Game
One of the great aspects of traveling by train is that the whole family can engage in activities to pass the time. Card games or travel versions of popular favorites such as chess, scrabble, or even Monopoly can keep everyone entertained. For smaller children, puzzles or I-Spy can work well, and teens will appreciate the Wi-Fi available on most trains. It’s a great opportunity to bond and learn a bit about their interests.
9. Relax Your Rules
Like other forms of long-distance travel, this is not the time to strictly enforce your food or screen rules. While it’s never advisable to let kids indulge excessively in sweets, sharing a treat or two can help the journey go by more smoothly—plus trips to the buffet car are a great way to break things up. Likewise, screen time can be a godsend during those lengthy stretches when everyone needs a break from each other.
10. Have Some Fun
Options for enjoyment abound, whether it’s reading together, solving a crossword puzzle, creating silly drawings, or playing a quiet game of cards. Traveling on a long-distance train as a family offers the perfect chance to relax and simply have fun together. You could even turn it into a real adventure by opting for a sleeper train—imagine a sleepover on a train! Regardless of how you choose to travel, always remember the cliché: it’s not the destination; it’s the journey.
