Train Travel in Italy

I'm traveling through France by train on my way to Italy and was reminded today of an important tip. For longer train rides, it's always a good idea to try to reserve a seat. It doesn't cost much and it may save you from having to stand up. Today we didn't reserve a seat on our way to Bordeaux and ended up getting off a few stops earlier. It was OK since we have a Eurail pass and are flexible. In fact we ended up in a nice place we had never heard of. A few years ago on our way from Rome to Livorno, we ended up standing for most of the four hour ride! Some trains have obligatory seat reservations so it's always a good idea to ask. For more about traveling by train in Italy, see our Italy Train Travel.