If you've ever planned a multi-week trip, you know one of the first budget-busters is hotel expense.
Even solid hotel buys can cost $50-$100 USD/night in some places. Multiply that by the cost of a two-week trip and the result might keep you awake at night.
One way to reduce those costs and get some sleep at the same time: book a few overnight train passages. This works especially well if you're going to be touring Europe.
Sleeping arrangements can be made on virtually every railroad, but much of what is written here will focus on European train travel. Most travelers who ride the rails do so on that fine network of routes.
Keep in mind that if you're using an option like the Eurail Selectpass, the cost of overnight quarters will not be included in the pass. Sleeping upright in your seat is free, but might not be too comfortable.
Obviously, this idea of overnight train travel won't please everyone. To be honest, every night I've ever spent on a train has been noisy, jostling, and generally uncomfortable. But there are those who would be just as ill-at-ease in a campground or hostel.
If you're willing to be a little less comfortable in exchange for some budget benefits, read on.
If your vacation allotment is limited, there's tremendous benefit connected with stepping on the train in, let's say, Paris, going to sleep, and stepping off the next morning in Berlin.
Most travelers have never attempted such a thing, so the following page gives you a primer for choosing the right accommodations. Click "next" and pick the one that suits you!
