Hi! I’m in the process of planning 6 month’s worth of travelling before starting uni in September and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice re making the trips? I’ve been told about cheap flights but as I’m not entirely sure where my trip will take me yet, I’m thinking trains are going to be the best option as there’s more flexibility – options like the Eurostar (http://www.railpass.com/new/passes/psEurail.htm) stand out for my type of journey– anyone had any experience? Friends have used it and come back with rave reviews

I wrote a few articles on this subject based upon my own experiences. Italy by train is a great way to see the country and meet a lot of Italians as well as tourists. you are right on the cheap flights - a friend of mine just got back from Europe and flew the longest portions of her trip which was cheaper than getting a sleeper on a train. The trains in Italy can get you many places but not everywhere - if you get a train pass, get one that also offers free or discounted bus tickets. Also remember that nice trains like the Eurostar require a ticket and a reservation. Your train pass covers the ticket but you will still have to pay a few euros to reserve your seat. Also be aware of train/labor strikes before you board, I've had to wait hours for six picketers to get off the tracks one time in Taorimina, Sicily.

Here are the articles for more information:
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/travel/trains.asp
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/travel/tour-by-train.asp
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/travel/south-italy-by-train.asp

good luck!
Justin

I've used trains in Italy before and I would recomend it to anybody. Fast, clean ( buy always ticket for second class ,no difference between first, but a lot cheaper).
I like to fly longer distances, but you are stuck for certain days of travel with a flight ticket, when with using rail one is much more flexible. You buy the ticket the day of travel and go.
The only bummer is that in Italy a train can be two to three hours delayed and it's ok!

Good Luck

I've used trains in Italy before and I would recomend it to anybody. Fast, clean ( buy always ticket for second class ,no difference between first, but a lot cheaper).
I like to fly longer distances, but you are stuck for certain days of travel with a flight ticket, when with using rail one is much more flexible. You buy the ticket the day of travel and go.
The only bummer is that in Italy a train can be two to three hours delayed and it's ok!

Good Luck
I LOVED travelling on Eurostar. The seats are more comfortable and it's fast. Of course, I like taking the trains whenever possible, even if it's not Eurostar. Just enjoying my cappuccino, reading the paper, chatting (and eavesdropping) with other passengers and taking in the Italian countryside makes for a great journey. It's as much fun as visiting a new place.
My husband just researched taking Amtrak from Austin to Denver. We would have to go through Chicago so that's not going to work for us. I wish we had more options for train travel in the U.S.

The state train is cheaper n harder to catch and more dirty than eurostar.Usually no seat...u have to stand.
The eurostar of course cost more but easier to catch n cleaner. Enough u book the 2nd class.

What i mean easier or hard to catch:
In the train station, sometime the board sign does not reflect the train u are about to board. They keeping changing the train binary till u almost crazy. The italians do not believe in investing escalator in train station, imagaine if u have mountain of luggages n u have to go up n down the stairs checking which binary is the right 1. It is hard also trying to check with the train operator cos they are never around. N if u happen to catch a train operator, they ask u to check with the signboard. Eurostar usually have a special rail for them n they are quite on time.