Cheaper prices 'could encourage rail travel'

Improved infrastructure and cheaper prices could encourage increasing numbers of British tourists to travel by train, an industry expert has claimed.

With holidaymakers and stag parties likely to be keeping an extra close eye on the purse strings in light of the current financial climate, taking the train might prove a better option than travelling by plane.

Krissy Roe, spokesperson for holiday firm responsibletravel.com, said making it easier for people to book train journeys and offering cheaper services could encourage more and more Brits to travel by rail.

She advised those looking to take the train to Europe for holidays or stag weekends at a reduced price to make sure they plan their trip carefully to secure a good deal.

"It is just about doing your research and knowing that it will possibly take a little bit longer than booking a flight online," she commented.

According to figures published earlier this year, passenger numbers on the Eurostar reached a record nine million in 2008 as more people turned to rail travel to make their way across Europe.