Tip 1: What's a Eurail pass? A Eurail pass is a time-limited rail pass which allows unlimited train travel in Europe for a set price.
You can buy a general pass or location-specific passes, such as the ones for Britain or for the Benelux region.
Time periods vary, but common lengths are 14 or 21 days.
Tip 2: Can I get one? If you have lived outside of Europe for more than the last six months then you can get a Eurail Pass.
Well, unless you are from the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia unfortunately.
If you have an out-of-Europe address you could try to fudge it or - better yet - buy an Interrail pass which will probably be cheaper.
Tip 3: How can I get one? You can buy Eurail passes through online stores and in real life.
Eurail Stories has a good list of different providers around the world.
It is easiest to buy from your home country, as it is difficult and more expensive to buy at a counter once you are in Europe.
So now we know where we stand, it's time to move on to some practical tips...
Tip 4: Is it worth it? Before buying a Eurail Pass it helps to know how much you would spend on train travel without it.
In some European countries, train travel is quite cheap and the day's journey might cost a fraction of the daily cost of your Eurail pass: Do your homework.
Tip 5: Discounts It's much cheaper to get Eurail passes for under-26es.
However, the more expensive passes give you access to first class.
To save money, get your Eurailing done before you hit the magic number! You can also get discounts if you're travelling as part of a group, so get some friends together together before you buy.
Tip 6: Watch for seat reservations On some services, especially high-speed intercity trains seat reservations may be compulsory.
Seat reservations tend to be more common in the south (like Spain and Italy).
These reservations must be bought in advance from a local ticket office.
Most journeys, however, don't require supplements or reservations.
If you want to upgrade your seat to a couchette or sleeper then a reservation must be made and supplementary costs paid.
Sad but true.
Tip 7: Beware private lines Not all train lines are part of the system.
In fact, when I was travelling in Switzerland I ended up on a private line which cost me a whopping 120 extra euros.
Make sure your train is covered by the pass or expect to pay for the consequences.
Tip 8: Documentation Keep your passport handy.
Because the Eurail pass is attached to your name and passport number, it's important to keep them both easy-to-access when you're on the train.
I had my passport checked about one time in five when I was asked to produce my tickets.
This isn't about border control, it's about ticket control.
It's best to keep it in an internal jacket pocket or an accessible part of your bag.
Tip 9: Plan a little The Eurail Pass gives you the ability to jump on and off any train which can lead to spontanious decisions with divine results.
But if it doesn't work out, you might get stranded in a town for a few hours more than you bargained for.
Or you might arrive in a seedy station late at night.
You don't want to spend your European vacation admiring the train stations' architecture.
Or then again, you might.
I don't know.
Tip 10: Seasonal sales Look for special deals.
Although the Eurail organisation closely controls ticket prices, they do offer occasional discounts.
You can get reduced price passes by keeping an eye out for seasonal sales, so your ticket agent may be able to help you by suggesting you wait a week or two at certain times of the year.