There is no other means of transportation that can be match with train in terms of comfort, convenience, and versatility of travelling by rail.
Here is a breakdown of things to know or things to check for as you travel around Europe
Avoid Too Much Load
Going up and down the stairs of train station with a heavy lot is something that everyone will try to avoid. Travel with a small bag that you will be able pick up anytime. Small bags are easier to lift into the overhead racks, easier to keep in coin operated lockers and easier to keep an eye on. Unlike heavy loads and big bags that you have to keep at the end of the carriage.
Know your Train
Europe is hid by high-speed trains with unique names that are like style tag, almost all of these trains require seat reservations, even if you're travelling on a rail pass. Some of the common train names include; TGV, Eurostar, SJ, RJ, AVE, ICE, Euromed, Thalys, SuperCity, Railjet and Le Frecce and so on.
SLEEPER OR COUCHETTE?
Do you know that you can travel on free accommodation and arrive your destination on time if you decide to travel overnight?
Note: "sleeper" compartments have 1-3 beds with good blanket, toiletries, towels and a sink. Meanwhile a "couchette" is a dorm room on rails, with 4 or 6 bunk couches and shared facilities at the end of the carriage.
Bring A Tablet
European rail journeys are attractive and beautiful. Although in some places like Norway and Switzerland, mountain landscapes have a dark scene. So, a tablet will keep you busy when your compartment is covered in darkness.
Buy Rail Pass
There are different type of rail passes available. If you are on a journey to a single country let say Germany, you can go for multi-day German Rail Pass (bahn.com) or France Rail Pass if you are on a trip to France. But if you are travelling to two or more countries you can go for Eurail passes (Eurail.com) they offer maximum flexibility and are valid in 28 countries.
Reserve a seat
You can travel without seat reservations but how would you feel if you are removed from your seat in the middle of a journey because someone else has reserve the seat? Not all trains charge for seat reservations; you can use Eurail's rail planner to find out the trains that offer free reservation (eurail.com)
Transfer Time
It takes just few minutes transfer to transfer from one train to another, but due to delays it will be good to provide reasonable amount of time to transit after long journey.
Train Ear
Use the earplug that are designated for air travel to protect your ears against pressure changes on mountain trains when you pass through tunnels and change altitude which might cause problem particularly for those with sensitive ears.
Be careful of Thieves
Watch out for thieves and keep an eye on your belongings. Although European train travel is typically the epitome of civility and safety. But you need to be careful of thieves when you arrive the major cities.