RailPass England / Scotland?
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>often lots of free food and drinks on long-distance trains <<
Except, it's NOT "free" - it's simply included in the inflated price of the 1st class ticket.
This line of argument is a bit like those who will book a more expensive hotel purely because it has "free" wi-fi included in the rate!
Except, it's NOT "free" - it's simply included in the inflated price of the 1st class ticket.
This line of argument is a bit like those who will book a more expensive hotel purely because it has "free" wi-fi included in the rate!
#22
For sure. First is much more expensive but if you have a senior rail card or can get an early/discounted ticket it could be worth it for the extras. But you definitely are paying for it.
I also never understand free wifi being a hotel criteria -- isn't the total cost more important? A £250 hotel w/ 'free wifi' is not a better deal than a £200 hotel that charges £10 a day for wifi.
I also never understand free wifi being a hotel criteria -- isn't the total cost more important? A £250 hotel w/ 'free wifi' is not a better deal than a £200 hotel that charges £10 a day for wifi.
#25
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gordon has made an important point about so called free wine & food. It's included in the price of the ticket
Also, while on some routes 1st is much nicer, on other routes 2nd class is absolutely fine. London/Waterloo to Salisbury for example. You'd be a fool to purchase a 1st class ticket on this route.
Next time purchase advance 1st class for longer train rides, 2nd class on shorter routes. I've seldom found a Brit Rail Pass a bargin.
Also, while on some routes 1st is much nicer, on other routes 2nd class is absolutely fine. London/Waterloo to Salisbury for example. You'd be a fool to purchase a 1st class ticket on this route.
Next time purchase advance 1st class for longer train rides, 2nd class on shorter routes. I've seldom found a Brit Rail Pass a bargin.
#26
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've seldom found a Brit Rail Pass a bargin.>
for what most folks do I agree but demographics play a part - like the Party Pass where travelers 3 thru 9 on the same pass only pay 50% of what the first two adults pay and the Free Family Pass where folks under 16 get a free pass - but for most taking a handful of shorter or longer trips no - if they are satisfied with booking in stone far in advance as most folks are - if flexibility is wanted just to sander down to the station and hop the next of very frequent trains then a pass can pay in just a few long distance trips.
So there are many variables - last but not least all BritRail Passes are reduced 20% during off-peak travel - Nov thru end of Feb - making Party Pass say even cheaper. And youthpasses for under 26ers are significantly cheaper as well - the longer a trip and the more train rides of course the pass becomes more efficacious.
But too many folks automatically think of a pass without analyzing all the factors and many overbuy when they do.
for what most folks do I agree but demographics play a part - like the Party Pass where travelers 3 thru 9 on the same pass only pay 50% of what the first two adults pay and the Free Family Pass where folks under 16 get a free pass - but for most taking a handful of shorter or longer trips no - if they are satisfied with booking in stone far in advance as most folks are - if flexibility is wanted just to sander down to the station and hop the next of very frequent trains then a pass can pay in just a few long distance trips.
So there are many variables - last but not least all BritRail Passes are reduced 20% during off-peak travel - Nov thru end of Feb - making Party Pass say even cheaper. And youthpasses for under 26ers are significantly cheaper as well - the longer a trip and the more train rides of course the pass becomes more efficacious.
But too many folks automatically think of a pass without analyzing all the factors and many overbuy when they do.
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AGAIN - THANKS TO YOU ALL - I SO APPRECIATE YOU!
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT OUR TRIP.
I still do not have an itinerary set for London --- but surely we can just somewhat wing it....I have been so busy at my work, there is never enough time to rest and plan. Thanks again !
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT OUR TRIP.
I still do not have an itinerary set for London --- but surely we can just somewhat wing it....I have been so busy at my work, there is never enough time to rest and plan. Thanks again !