Summer brings the perfect weather to get away, whether it’s exploring a new city, heading to the coast or catching up with your loved ones. But with summers getting hotter and hotter, a little planning goes a long way in keeping your journey safe and stress-free.
Read on below to discover our top summer safety tips when travelling by train. From navigating busier stations to keeping yourself cool, we want to help you make the most of your adventure. So, wherever you’re heading, you can travel in comfort and enjoy the most out of the sunshine.
8 Great Hacks for Safe and Enjoyable Summer Travel
Whichever part of the UK you’re heading to over this summer, here are eight hacks to make your journey as relaxing as possible.
1. Stay updated with live travel information
Always check the live travel information for your journey before heading to the station to stay informed about any changes in advance.
2. Arrive early
There’s nothing worse than rushing in the heat. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the station, find your platform and even grab a cold drink before your journey kicks off.
3. Stay hydrated
Long train journeys, especially during the summer, can leave you feeling dehydrated, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Be sure to carry your refillable water bottles with you and remember that we have our onboard refill points where you can top up if needed.
4. Travel light
The less you carry, the more comfortable your journey will be. Opting for a small, easy-to-carry bag with just your essentials makes navigating through crowded stations and tight spaces much easier and quicker. It also leaves space for souvenirs, so you can travel lighter and return with more.
5. Dress for comfort
Wear light, breathable clothing to keep you cool during hot weather, or loose, relaxed fit for comfort when sitting and moving around. Comfy shoes are a must for all the walking you’ll do, whether it’s sightseeing, exploring local attractions, strolling through parks, or navigating busy streets.
6. Pack your summer must-haves
Sunburn is no fun, so make sure you have sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to toss in your bag to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
7. Charge all your devices before you go
You’ll need your phone for tickets, navigation and entertainment, so make sure it’s charged before you set off. You’ll also want to make sure you pack your charger somewhere easy to grab. Luckily, Avanti West Coast trains have plenty of charging points to keep you powered up along the way.
8. Carry cash
While contactless payments are widely used, it’s still handy to carry some cash with you. Technology can sometimes fail, and there are local markets and small shops that might not accept cards.
Things to Remember When Summer Travelling
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Be mindful when moving around our stations, especially when using the stairs or getting on and off the train. Please use the lifts available or speak to a member of staff.
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If you’re travelling with children, pushchairs and luggage, use the wide aisle gates for easier access through the ticket barriers.
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Leave plenty of time to get to your platform so you’re not rushing, particularly when you have extra items or little ones with you.
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Take smaller bags that can fit in the luggage compartments onboard and can be easily lifted on and off the trains.
At what temperature do trains stop running?
Most trains can run safely even when it’s hot outside, but when temperatures rise sharply, things can change. Steel rails expand in the heat, so if they get too hot, they can bend or ‘buckle’. This can make it unsafe for trains to pass over them.
Rail tracks can usually cope with temperatures up to around 46°C - this is roughly when the air temperature will hit 30°C. But in extreme heat, rails have been known to reach 51°C. When this happens, trains may have to reduce their speeds, or services have to be paused, to make sure everyone is kept safe.
10 Tips for Travelling with Avanti West Coast this Summer
Find the best ticket fares, climb aboard and snuggle into your seat with your summer playlist. Follow our 10 top tips to make sure your summer journey is as smooth and affordable as possible.
1. Book early: Save more by booking your train tickets early this summer. You can get up to 42% when you book eight weeks ahead or save as much as 70% when you book twelve weeks in advance.
2. Set up Ticket Alerts: Don’t miss out and get notified as soon as tickets for your summer trips go live. Most tickets are already available on our website, but if you’re planning to travel later in the summer, set up a ticket alert to be the first to know when new tickets are released.
3. Travel during off-peak hours: For a calmer and hassle-free journey, we recommend travelling during Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times. Trains can get busy around this time, with people heading out for their holiday and weekend getaways. Booking a seat in advance with our Seat Picker gives you a better chance of securing your perfect spot.
4. Arrange Passenger Assistance in advance: Let us know in advance so we can help with any boarding, station navigation or seating needs. You can book Passenger Assist online via ‘My Bookings’, use the Transreport App or contact us at 0345 528 0253 (select option 3). We’re here 24/7, every day of the week.
5. Click & Collect: Feeling peckish? Skip the hassle of getting up and use our Click & Collect service to order food and drinks from the comfort of your seat.
6. Take advantage of discounts: Summer travel doesn’t have to be expensive. With a Railcard, you can save up to a third off your fares. If you’re travelling with children aged 5 to 15, a Family ticket is a great way to save. Plus, if you’re travelling in a group of three or more, you can also score a discount with Group tickets. And remember - children under five always travel for free.
7. Stay updated with Journey Alerts: Keep track of any changes to your trip by signing up for Journey Alerts. Whether by email or SMS, we’ll send you timely updates so you can plan ahead.
8. Join Club Avanti for exclusive perks: Become a Club Avanti member and get 10% off your next journey. Plus, enjoy 10% off all food and drinks from our onboard shop, a free hot drink to a free train ticket. Summer just got even better!
9. Treat yourself to an upgrade: Why not indulge a little this summer? Upgrade to First Class for extra comfort, complimentary food and drinks, and a relaxing lounge to unwind before your train departs. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable upgrade, try Standard Premium from just £15 (prices may vary depending on the destination) and still enjoy a little extra space for a great price.
10. Book direct with Avanti West Coast: For the best fares and a simple booking process with no hidden fees, make sure to book directly with us. Download the Avanti West Coast app to easily manage your bookings, plan your trips, and keep all your tickets in one place.
Travel in comfort this Summer with Avanti West Coast
Make the most of your summer adventures with Avanti West Coast. Book now to enjoy tasty food, refreshing drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a smooth comfortable ride. Whether it’s the coast, countryside or city, pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy the journey.
