Train travel with elderly parents in Europe

IN 2015 I AM TRAVELLING TO EUROPE WITH MY ELDERLY PARENTS. AFTER A RIVER CRUISE FROM AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST WE PLAN TO CONTINUE THROUGH CROATIA, SLOVENIA AND ITALY. HOW SAFE IS TRAIN TRAVEL, INCLUDING LUGGAGE, AND HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE STATIONS? MY CONCERN IS MANAGING LUGGAGE FOR FOUR IF THERE ARE STAIRS.

E. HOGAN, GOULBURN

Station accessibility varies hugely. In the newer stations you will find lifts to help you get from one platform to another but in many older stations, stairs are unavoidable. On the advice of John Layton of Bribie Island's Harvey World Travel, you can make train travel much easier in your case if you use the services of porters to assist with your luggage. Get to the station in plenty of time, find the information desk and they should be able to help, or simply look for a porter wearing a uniform. You'll also find the going easier if you book first-class travel, and it may well be that your parents qualify for an age discount.

During the journey, your luggage might be out of sight from your seat, and pilferage is not unknown. You might consider a bicycle-type cable lock to secure your baggage to the rack. Layton also advises that it can be problematic lifting and stowing hard-sided suitcases, particularly when the lower luggage racks are crowded. For that reason he recommends soft-sided luggage that can be squished into a more compact space. Layton recommends the services of Rail Plus (railplus.com.au) for further advice and bookings on trains throughout Europe. Despite the challenges, he adds that rail is a much more comfortable option than air travel throughout Europe.