Mark Smith: It's easy to buy tickets at the station in Italy, and there are almost always places available, except at peak holiday times. Or book online using the Italian Railways' 'ticketless' facility to avoid queuing at the ticket office, at www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html. You book online, pay by credit card and simply quote your booking reference on board. Go for a Eurostar Italia train, these are the best and fastest in Italy. Second class is absolutely fine for most people, though first class is an affordable luxury.

_______________________

West Palm Beach, Florida: During a scheduled trip to Italy we are taking the Euro-Star Train from Rome to Florence to Venice. Where are large pieces of luggage stored on the train?

Mark Smith: The rule on all European trains is that you keep all your bags with you, small items on the racks above your head, large items like suitcases on the luggage stacks at the end of each coach. In sleepers and couchettes, you take it into your compartment with you, there's space provided for luggage.

_______________________

Kansas City, MO: What are the benefits of a first class Britrail pass versus the regular pass? Is it worth it? thanks, Mary

Mark Smith: First class means wider softer seats, more space and legroom, usually less crowding, and occasionally free tea or coffee or even more. And less chance of having to sit next to screaming kids! But as a Brit, I only go first class if the company is sending me on business. If I'm paying for my own ticket, first class is out of the question most of the time, in fact it's only affordable if I can corner one of those cheap deals off-peak. Standard class is fine!

_______________________

Webster, New York: Hi Mark, For my 40th birthday I will be traveling in Europe this summer. I have always wanted to travel by train and I hope I have the chance. I will be in Prague from August 15-18 and will need to get to Budapest on the 18th...is there a way to book a relatively inexpensive trip for 3 adults from Prague to Budapest? Thank you for your help! Karen

Mark Smith: I'd wait till you get to Prague and book a sleeper on the direct overnight train to Budapest or a seat on one of the daytime Eurocity trains on the first day at the station. You can check times beforehand at http://bahn.hafas.de (English button upper right). The fare will only be about 60 euros plus 20 euros for a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, or 30 euros in a 2-bed sleeper. This trip can't be booked online and overseas agencies will charge you far, far more.

_______________________

West Des Moines, IA: My husband & I leave for Milan on 9/18/07, arriving the morning of 9/19. We want to take a train to the Cinque Terre area and spend a couple days walking along the entire route. We must be in Milan at the airport the morning of 9/22 to meet some friends. Can you recommend train routes & approximate times (Milan to whichever of the five cities you would begin/end with) train travel would take? Thank you. KH