Eurail pass – definitely something that travelers should get if they plan on using the trains regularly. I had a 3-month Unlimited Global Pass, which started February 2, when I left London on the Eurostar. I’ve heard people complain about the pass before, but I found it very easy to use. The most important thing about it is to read the rules about how to use it and to follow them. I did so much traveling on trains while I was in Europe that I had to print out extra pages for my travel diary (which you are required to fill out as you go when you use the pass). It was not cheap, but it was definitely worth every penny that I spent on it.
One of the reasons that I used the trains so much while I was in Europe is that the trains are very reliable. Nothing against Amtrak (I love you, Amtrak!), but trains in the United States are not exactly known for their punctuality. As a matter of fact, most people that I know just assume that the trains will be late and only use them when time is not important. In Europe, though, the trains run often and they run on time.
In addition to being reliable, the trains in Europe are very comfortable. Even the super-regional trains that I took were not unpleasant. The Circumvesuviano Treno near Naples, Italy, was the oldest and least punctual train that I used when I was in Europe, and even that one was not unpleasant.
Another great thing about the trains in Europe is that they can take you to almost any city. The only places that I couldn’t figure out trains for were so far off the beaten path that most people have never even heard of them (and aside from the cottage in Wales, I ended up not visiting those places anyway). If I decide that I want to visit the birthplaces of my Italian great-grandparents, it will just have to wait until I feel like driving in Italy.
Finally – I just enjoy taking trains. I find them a pleasant way to travel, especially in unfamiliar territory. Being able to relax and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about driving off the road or getting lost is one of my favorite ways to travel.