This article looks at some of the most common myths about train travel: which ones you should believe and which ones you shouldn’t.
Travelling around countries by train is viewed as a rare form of travel that hardly ever gets mentioned in conversations. However, there are many benefits and misconceptions when it comes to travelling the world by train and this article will discuss some of them.
Have you ever wondered if train travel is as romantic and as adventurous as they talk about in books and documentaries? Well, it most certainly does open your eyes up to a country from a different perspective.
Maybe you are looking at Trans Siberian express railway tours but are torn between believing the myths about train travel being uncomfortable, long, boring and extremely lacking in refreshments. Well, if these are your thoughts, this article aims to set things straight. There are a range of choices when it comes down to train travel and depending on your budget, you can choose from a variety of different options to make your travel either more comfortable or more affordable. It completely depends on you!
Myth 1: Travelling by train is uncomfortable
Overnight trains can be squashy, especially if you are in the cheapest sleepers known as Platskart which are open wagons. There may not be any washing facilities or showers for you to freshen up however you do get to your destination in a timely fashion, with hardly any delays as long-haul trains are normally very reliable. If you are looking to spend more on your Tran Siberian train travel, you can always opt for luxury train travel which offers deep armchairs, large windows, cabin assistants, and delicious food.
Myth 2: Travelling by train can be boring
Just like any form of travel, there can be those dull moments when you are wishing to stretch your legs and roam free on the streets once again. But in fact, when compared to taking flights, there is a lot less queuing and waiting around to board the train and commence your journey. Once you get your ticket you only have to pass one gate before you get on board the train.
Plus, once you are on the train, the journey just begins as you begin to meet an assortment of interesting characters from all over the world. You will encounter many travellers of different origins, ages with many plans for travel. You will rarely get bored once you start talking to locals or travellers on the train and once you do, the hours will fly by! Making sure you have some good entertainment such as books, films, and music will also help the second hand on your watch tick a little faster.
Myth 3: Travelling in winter is the worst time of year to go
Well, there is no doubt that winter is the coldest time of year to travel through Moscow, Mongolia, and China but there are some seriously cool positives to it too. You get to see some stunning scenery such as mountains coated in fresh snow and breath-taking glaciers. For example you will come across the high Ural Mountains on your way from Moscow or the Sayan Mountains to the east of Tayshet. There are so many wonderful sights you can see when travelling at this slightly chillier time of year. As long as you wrap up warm for when you depart and stop off at certain points, you will be well prepared for your winter journey across Tran Siberia.
So now that we have uncovered some of the most common misconceptions and myths of Tran Siberia train travel, you will be able to book your tour in full confidence. There are always pros and cons to every form of travel but going by train will bring about a whole new dimension to your travel adventures. You will see the world in a completely different light and come across some interesting characters that you would have never met otherwise.
