Trains ... 1st vs 2nd class

first are cleaner and have more luggage room overhead, if not a concern 2nd is cheaper.

try using the search box at the top right; this is a perennial question on this forum and you can find lots of replies with a search.

Personally I don't think first is any "cleaner" that second. The big difference is 3 across seating compare to 4 across in second. There is little more luggage storage because the car has a quarter fewer people not because there is more space. I have never believed that first was worth the additional cost but some do.

Unless you're very big, the second clas seats are quite comfortable. On the fast reserve seating trains, the second class cabins are just as clean and A/C works well. More business people or foreign tourists ride first class. We found the second class trains have more interesting passengers.

Just returned from Italy several days ago. Took the Eurostar from Venice to Florence and bought 2nd class tickets which were fine. There was a/c and plenty of room for our luggage overhead. This train originates in Venice so get there early and you can board the train, stow your luggage and get settled. Our seats were 4 seats 2 facing 2 with a table inbetween. After leaving the Cinque T. heading to Milan, we boarded an InterCity train in Levanto. We had first class tickets for this train, which was a little cabin with curtain on the windows that seated 6 with lots of room for bags and legs. I had read that 2nd class on the Eurostars is plenty comfortable and to do 1st class on all the other trains. It was the regional trains we found the most uncomfortable as they did not have any air cond. or windows that would open. No air circulation at all there.