Train fares in Britain are on the rise, but it is still possible to find good deals. Despite the rising prices, savvy travellers can save a great deal on transport if by booking in advance, making the most of promotions and using the Internet to compare train fares.

For the most part, trips can be planned and advance tickets purchased. This is the most economical way to get about. Even by buying your ticket the day before you leave, you will receive savings over buying on day of travel. However, should you get to the office and find yourself being motioned out the door on an unexpected field trip, you should check to see if any advance tickets are still available while you are on your way to the station. By booking your trip 12 weeks in advance, your will receive a substantial discount off your ticket. The savings you earn from being organised could pay for an extra week in that hotel you have wanted to stay in.

National Rail offers a future travel chart for all the train firms; a handy online tool for booking ahead. A rail card or season ticket is also something to consider if you are a regular commuter. Split-ticket options for a busy route will help keep money in your pocket, as you can save by buying two season tickets that will cover different parts of your journey. It is advisable to research this booking method carefully.

Various train booking sites will also offer ticket alerting systems, which e-mail you should cheap fares for your specific route and time of travel arise. Though you may be hesitant to allow booking sites to send you regular notifications, by tailoring the notifications to your specific route and timetable, this service can actually be really helpful.

There are several websites listing cheap train fares UK, with all of them offering various unique features such as not charging booking fees, postage costs or giving the customer the option to exchange store vouchers which double in value when used for paying fares. By following booking sites on their social networking platforms (i.e. Facebook and Twitter), you may also be alerted to their latest promotions and offerings. Or perhaps you may even win free tickets through a promotional competition.

It's also nice to know how to get your money back if your train is cancelled or delayed. Should your train be delayed for more than 30 minutes, you could pick up a reclaim form from the station and apply for a refund, depending on the terms and conditions of your ticket.

Another way to cope with the rising cost of train tickets is to remind yourself of how pleasant train travel actually is. Remember that, when travelling on the train, you're avoiding hefty petrol costs, traffic jams and petrol station sandwiches. If you are feeling peckish and are the midst of a long rail journey, take advantage of joining other diners in the first class dining car, whatever grade your ticket is. It may be a little more expensive but experiencing a bit of first-class travel is refreshing. Linger over dessert and check out the scenery as it flashes by your window seat.

Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.