I always use Dutch, being a swede, and use the Factory cards and get two manufacturing plants, one pumping out wood, the other going for food.
That way you get wood, food, and money without using up villagers in your unit population. I also use the Fort cards, and set up forts near the trade route stops, and get XP via the train.
It's tricky to balance all of it and keep it from being destroyed, but when you figure it all out, you own.