For Europe by rail, book early for best results

My husband and I find Tripologist advice very interesting reading and often find answers to questions we haven't even asked. We would like your assistance because we plan to travel by train from Vienna to Prague and from Prague to Berlin in October and November. Would you please advise us of your recommendations on websites where we may find timetables, departure and arrival stations and costs? Would you suggest we book our tickets before leaving Australia? Any other tips you may have would be greatly appreciated.

- L. Nicholson, Picton.

Book now. Even though you're not travelling at a busy time, if you book ahead, you can take advantage of early-bird fares. The simplest way to do this is via the websites of the Austrian (oebb.at) and German (bahn.com) national railways for the Vienna-Prague and Prague-Berlin sectors of your journey. Key in your travel dates and you can pay by credit card and print out your tickets. All you then have to do is show up and hop on board.

Another option is to book through Rail Plus (1300 555 003, railplus.com.au) but you will pay a significant surcharge.