With the main holiday season approaching and thoughts turn towards sun drenched destinations and tropical climes. But wherever you go always remember to factor how you are going to get there. Probably one of the easiest ways, though maybe not the most pr
In this article we will explore the benefits of travelling by train with kids. All the suggestions within this article are just that suggestions and should be viewed as such.

Travelling by train does conjure up pictures of relaxation and stress free travel with beautiful scenery passing the window at every gentle curve of the train, starched white linen tablecloths in the dining car and service with a smile. Unfortunately we do not live in a Hollywood movie or travel daily by the Orient Express and the reality may not live up to your expectation.

So unless you can afford to travel first class, train travel can require a bit of forward planning. In this country in comparison to many other western nations, train travel can be more wearing than wonderful.

Since the privatisation of the rail network a number of separate companies have become responsible for certain regions of the country resulting in a sliding scale of standards, prices and efficiency. Therefore enjoyable travel by train can be dependant on where you live not by how much you can pay.

The rail network as a whole has good coverage of the UK with many areas covered by a regular service. The exception to this can be the north of Scotland where coverage can be governed by the topography and demand. Another aspect to be aware of in this area is that some services are seasonal and/or weather dependant. Therefore, if you are planning a train trip in the north of Scotland it is advisable to check that the service is running.

Travel by train on a Sunday and you will find out when the rail network does most of their repairs. Yes, Sunday. This is argued by the fact that it is the quietest day on the trains. However is this because nearly everyone knows that rail works is done on a Sunday and will therefore try and avoid that day! It is renowned for cancelled services, delays and bus journeys instead of train journeys.

So for the sake of your sanity avoid train travel on a Sunday.

Once you have established that the train you want is travelling the next best step is when you are booking your tickets is to also pre-book your seats. You may have to pay a bit more for this service bit it is worth it. This will enable you to get a table of four together which is handy if you and your family of 4 is travelling together and it also allows you more space.

If, like myself you find yourself on a busy train confident in the knowledge that you have booked your seats and have written proof that you have only to find that the seats have been double booked and the people sitting in them have the right to do so, do not find separate seats elsewhere or get into a screaming argument with the present occupants of said seats, go straight to the train bursar.

Why? The chances are you will end up in first class if it is quiet. Handy as it has waiter service and you do not need to stand in the queue for the buffet car. This is because the train company, once your tickets and seats have been booked, is obliged to honour that contact between them and you and find you a seat together.

To avoid this situation travelling at off-peak times may be wisest move. Do not get the first train to London as the chances are it will be filled with commuters unless you like standing in packed trains go mid afternoon when it will be quieter and may be cheaper.

If you also plan on changing trains at certain points and have booked separate tickets for each journey then be aware that if the first train you are on is delayed then the train companies is not legally obliged to ensure that you get to your destination. If the change of train is an aspect of one journey and you end up in the same situation then the rail company has to get you to your destination though this can be by bus or taxi and may be at an unsociable hour of the night.

So travel by train requires organisation. If you are going by train as part of a day trip to see another part of the country it is the best way to travel. You will not be caught up in traffic jams and may see parts of the country that you cannot see from roads. There are some areas of Scotland that are only traversed by rail with stations in the middle of the Highlands that are inaccessible to roads.

Remember though to take supplies. Some smaller trains will not have a buffet car and will instead only have a limited stocked trolley filled with overpriced items. Taking a packed lunch will cut down on costs and ensure that you will not go hungry.

If you are on a day trip and this may appear an obvious statement but be aware of the times of trains back. If you live in the south of England you may be used to trains running until the small hours though in more rural areas of the country these services will stop earlier.

If you are planning on using the train for your initial journey to get you to your holiday destination you may want to research a bit more. Find out if they have a baggage car as carriages have been cutting down on luggage space as unfortunately suitcases have been getting bigger. Do not also rely on the overhead storage area because as trains have become more streamlined less space is available there and you are now lucky to be able to fit a briefcase. So baggage cars should be available especially on the longer routes.

Train journeys when everything runs smoothly can be very enjoyable. You and the kids will have the space to stretch your legs, use the facilities without interrupting your journey and have the knowledge that someone else has taken over the responsibility of getting you to your destination.