I had a naff experience with (UK) train travel a couple of days ago that maybe someone can learn something from. Although this is probably boring.

When returning (to Essex) from visiting family 200 miles away (in Devon), I booked my train a month in advance. Saves money. Cheapest trains (by £10-£15) on the day I wanted to travel ran really late. Crappy journey went something like this:

• Get last bus from tiny Devon village to Exeter city at 4pm. Pre-booked train back to

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