Without the usual hassles of airport security and road traffic, traveling Europe by train is arguably the most efficient and least stressful way of seeing the continent. The train travel experience varies slightly by country, but keeping certain tips in mind can help you more easily master the system.

Step 1

Purchase a Eurail pass to allow yourself freedom and flexibility traveling Europe's rail networks. Get a "Country" pass to travel within only one country; a "Select" pass to travel within a group of adjacent countries; or a "Global" pass to travel within the entire Eurail network, which includes all E.U. member nations. Choose a denomination that best suits your travel needs, such as one that affords you a certain amount of nonconsecutive travel days with one or two months.

Step 2

Browse the European train timetable in advance of your travel to get an idea of train schedules between cities to which you plan on traveling. The timetable also tells you whether or not you need to purchase compulsory reservations for individual trains, which is important if you're traveling using a Eurail pass, which acts as your ticket but not as a reservation.

Step 3

Buy public transportation cards within European cities to enjoy discounted -- and, in some cases, such as Amsterdam's "IAmsterdam" card -- unlimited use of that city's public transportation lines, which may include buses and trams in addition to trains and subways.

Step 4

Keep valuable belongings with you at all time. European train cars include holding areas near the entrance to each vehicle to allow for the storage of large items, but it's a good idea to keep valuables, such as computers, digital cameras and jewelry, on your person.

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