15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
Jul 8, 2025
Discover the top 15 blunders first-time travelers make when navigating UK train travel. Learn why it's crucial to arrive early at stations and make seat reservations for long journeys. Find out how to avoid disruptions, especially on Sundays, and why packing light is a game-changer. Get smart tips on using travel apps for real-time updates and ensuring your belongings stay safe in busy stations. Plus, hear how different ticket types and railcards can save you money while exploring scenic routes!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid Non-Expert Advice
Avoid getting advice from non-experts online to prevent confusion and misinformation.
Use expert resources like Doug's Facebook group or his e-book for accurate, reliable UK rail travel info.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid Sundays for Travel
Avoid traveling by train on Sundays due to high risk of engineering works and delays.
If unavoidable, travel mid-day and book seat reservations to minimize travel stress.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Pack Light for Trains
Bring only manageable luggage to avoid stress when boarding and navigating stations.
Consider leaving excess luggage in storage if your itinerary starts and ends in the same city.
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Doug and Tracy reveal the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when planning UK train journeys, drawing from their extensive experience helping thousands plan stress-free rail trips across Britain.
• Getting advice from non-experts who share outdated or incorrect information • Travelling on Sundays when engineering works and staffing issues cause the most disruptions • Bringing too much luggage that becomes difficult to manage on trains and in stations • Not booking assistance services at least 24 hours in advance when needed • Overlooking different ticket types and railcards that could provide significant savings • Arriving at stations without enough time to navigate, find platforms, and board comfortably • Failing to reserve seats on long-distance journeys, risking standing for hours • Not using helpful apps like National Rail Enquiries to track real-time train information • Forgetting to plan for food and drink when catering services may be limited • Losing track of belongings in busy station environments • Relying on onboard Wi-Fi which can be patchy, especially at high speeds • Not planning the onward journey from arrival stations to final destinations • Missing opportunities to explore scenic alternative routes between destinations • Not allowing enough time for connections between trains • Booking international flights on the same day as long-distance UK train journeys
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