I fully agree especially with the train option if it is available in that country. South Africa I would give it a big skip as where the stations are it is generally no go zones and the trains are no better. The white noise of the clickity clack puts me to sleep and some of the best night sleep has been on trains. In Europe given the choice I would still opt for trains vs the road even if the train was slightly more expensive especially if it was an over night trip.