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RailPass England / Scotland?

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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 12:41 AM
  #21  
 
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>>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!
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 05:09 AM
  #22  
 
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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.
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 07:57 AM
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Well yes 'free' is not right so it should be the first-class fare includes on many long-distance trains food at no extra cost - OK?
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 10:14 AM
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PQ: They already bought their train tix.>

Yes but OP was asking about passes and first class for future trips not this one anymore. OP asked about first class - see above.
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 11:13 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 3rd, 2015, 12:27 PM
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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.
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Old Jul 6th, 2015, 08:31 AM
  #27  
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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 !
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