Maharg

I've been to Europe a few times and covered most of it one way or another, usually in organised tours or by leasing cars. But there are a dozen or so cities that I've not seen which I'd like to. So I thought I could put together an itinerary and do most of my travel by train, something I've not done before. I like the way trains get to the centre of the city, rather than wasting time with shuttles from airports out of town. (And car hire and big cities don't go well together.)

I'm tossing up whether to plan it all and book hotels and all my train tickets months in advance. Or just book my first hotel then buy train tickets as I go, maybe booking hotels a day or two before from my tablet.

A drawback of planning it all ahead is that if I want to stay a few extra days in one city (or leave a day or two early) I won't be able to. But if I do little or no advance booking, will rail tickets be more expensive, and will there be times when trains are booked out?

greg

The effectiveness of your strategy depends on where (not mentioned) and when (not mentioned) you are traveling as well as how flexible are you with the accommodation conditions and prices (not mentioned.)

Slow milk run or commuter trains fares don't change and they cannot be booked out. Highspeed and other long haul trains offer stair step fares and people grab the lowest fare first leaving the most expensive tickets to those who book as they go. Taking a train out of city before a long weekend or holidays? You will be lucky if you can get any seat at any price.

If you are traveling at low seasons at places that do not completely shutdown, you can find hotels to your liking at last minutes. If you are traveling during high seasons or into a city with big events or conventions, you will be again lucky if you can find rooms within your budget or the comfort you desire. If you are ok with anything between basic squeaky bed tiny room hotels to high end rooms no one wants to book using their own money, then your choice increases.

Maharg

Where? All over. In particular some of the cities of eastern Europe, also Benelux and the Netherlands, although when I really put my mind to it I'm sure I'll think of plenty of others. When? Not peak season. Probably spring or autumn. Accommodation? I'd require a minimum standard but it doesn't need to be palatial. Proximity to the centre of the city (and the railway station) would be more important.

Thanks for your input Greg.

Maharg

Oops, Benelux includes the Netherlands ...

FHurdle

Train tickets purchased on the German Bahn site tend to be fairly cheap when purchased in advance. For many cities you can book these on the German site if a single leg is in Germany. You can also arrange a stopover of no more than 48 hours at no charge. For example, you can book a ticket from Munich to Budapest with a 48 hour stopover in Vienna, if you wish.