Expert says commuters often make a major mistake when traveling to work.

Planning a trip soon? Don't forget to prepare for all eventualities, especially when it comes to your technology. While some people enjoy their train commute by reading or admiring the scenery, others are already hard at work on their phones or laptops. But what happens if your device runs out of battery during a long journey? This can be a major issue if your ticket is on your phone or if you're unfamiliar with the area you're traveling to.

Luckily, most trains nowadays are equipped with plug sockets, so as long as you have a charger on hand, you're all set. However, train travel experts suggest not relying solely on this option and also bringing a fully charged power bank with you. Mark Smith, the man behind popular train travel site Seat 61, explains why this is crucial and what to do if the plug socket by your seat isn't working.

Mark, who has a background in both British Rail and the Department for Transport, stresses the importance of having a power bank since our phones are now essential for so many things - from tickets to cameras to notebooks. But what if the plug socket isn't working? Mark advises asking the staff for assistance, as it could simply need to be reset.

Aside from being prepared with a power bank, Mark also shares his top tip for getting the best deals on inter-city rail tickets - book ahead. However, he cautions against booking too far in advance, as a month or two or even a few weeks should be sufficient. He also suggests booking directly with the train operator to avoid any extra booking fees and to take advantage of any additional features, such as seat selection.

Looking to save money on train tickets? We've got you covered. Our insider secrets from the pros at Trainline include booking early for the best prices, as ticket machines at stations have been found to charge more than online tickets. Also, consider getting a railcard, which can save you one-third off your fare and pay for itself in just one long-distance trip. And finally, decide if your priority is flexibility or price, as committing to one specific train can result in significant savings.

But wait, there's more! Did you know about the little-known GroupSave hack? This allows groups of three to nine people to get a third off the off-peak price. Just make sure to book at the ticket office or online, as ticket machines may not show this option. And if you're traveling with a group of more than ten, it's worth contacting the train company directly to see if you're eligible for a discount.

Do you have any train travel stories or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us by emailing [email]. Happy travels!

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