Tips

Train Tricks

• Keep in mind that the trains are extremely punctual. Arrive at the station early and find your track. When exiting a train, be at the door with your bags ready to disembark. Trains do not wait for passengers entering or exiting.
• Make sure you get on a train car heading to your destination city. Some trains split during the trip; half the train goes in one direction and the other half in another.
• When you do not have a seat reservation sit in a seat reserved from your destination city on. You get an empty seat for your whole trip and are not kicked out of a seat mid ride.
• Board overnight trains after 7:00 pm to conserve money and valuable travel days. Only the day of your arrival will be counted on your railpass, therefore you save a day of travel. Additionally, sleeper and couchette supplements cost less than a hotel room.
• Overnight trains not only save you money on accommodations, but get you to your destination early the next day, giving you a full day of sight seeing.
• For safety, keep all of your important documents (passport, railpass, traveler's checks) in a money belt worn underneath your clothing.
• Xerox all important documents such as your passport, identification cards, insurance cards, and railpass. Keep the copies in a separate, safe place.
• When sleeping on a train, use your daypack as your pillow. This will prevent anyone from snatching it while you sleep.
• Stretch a Eurail Flexipass or Europass by paying out of pocket for shorter train trips.
• When traveling on a budget, bring food on board the train. Don't forget an extra bottle of wine to share with your cabin mates .
• Bring handi wipes to quickly refresh yourself.
• Carry tissues or toilet paper on board trains. Trains occassionally run out of paper.
• Wear an eye shade for sleeping on long train rides.
• Use an inflatable neck pillow for comfortable sleeping in the seats.

Packing Tips

• Bring lightweight clothing and layer for warmth.
• Bring a waterproof windbreaker that will keep you dry and warm.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
• Put potentially leaky items in ziplock bags.
• Bring any prescriptions, vitamins, and over the counter drugs you use on a regular basis.
• Pack condoms (European condoms do not protect like American ones do).
• Bring extra stock of any cosmetic item you cannot live with out, such as certain hair products, makeup, and sunscreen. All of these things are available in Europe, but they may not have your brand.
• After you collect the clothing you plan on bringing, check over everything and eliminate half. You do not want to carry every piece of clothing you own all over Europe.
• Bring contact lens supplies and/ or an extra pair of glasses.
• Pack your CAMERA!
• Europeans tend to get dressed up in the evenings. When going out to clubs or nice restaurants, you may not want to wear clothes that scream "I'm an American!". Bring one pair of decent shoes (i.e. not Tevas or sneakers), one pair of long pants (not jeans), collar shirt (for men) and/or at least one dress or skirt (for women).
• Consider bringing a walk/ Discman with your favorite music. Listen to local radio stations for the latest international music.

Miscellaneous Tips

• If you have purchased a large guidebook, Xerox the pages for the areas you plan to cover and just bring the sections you need.
• Take time to research and plan ahead. When planning your trip, decide what's important for you to experience. If you have less time to travel, prioritize. Spend more time in several choice spots, rather than spreading yourself thin.
• Keep a journal. Even if it seems like you're not saying much, you will treasure it later. It's also a great place to keep names of noteworthy hostels, restaurants, parks, etc.
• Photograph everything. When you get home, a picture really does say a thousand words.
• Talk to other travelers and Europeans you come in contact with. Be friendly and open minded; people will be more than happy to tell you their favorite spots you may not already know about.
• Dialog creates understanding. Don't be standoffish, and don't make the mistake of hanging so closely with your travel companions that you exclude the opportunity to meet interesting new people, particularly locals.
• Most Europeans are more than happy to talk to friendly Americans. Share information about your home town and they will be happy to reciprocate. Bring some pictures of your "American" life to get conversation going.
• Be sure to check out the local scene. After all, no one knows more about Europe than the locals.
• Be courteous and patient with all Europeans, especially train personnel, conductors, etc. Hostility combined with a language barrier can be lethal. If you don't want problems, don't hassle others.
• Don't be branded a bad American. Nothing is more aggravating to other travelers than a gang of folks sitting around, loudly bad mouthing the local culture. Remember, you are choosing to travel. Instead of complaining about the lack of Oreos, remain open-minded.
• Respect other cultures and try to act in an appropriate manner. Naturally it's a good idea to cut loose when possible, but do not moon the nuns at the Vatican. Remember you are a representative of your homeland and would want others to respect your own culture.
• While many of us have been raised with English as our first language, it is crucial to realize English is not the world's only tongue. Most Europeans have learned a great deal of English and many are fluent. Whenever possible try your own foreign language skills, brush up on Italian, German, Finnish, etc.
• Do not panic. Travel requires patience. If things don't flow exactly as planned, view the glitch as an opportunity to explore other avenues. If you're panicked because you feel lost or disoriented, take a deep breath. Impatience will not help you when trying to gather directions from a non-english speaker.
• Be alert. You will learn more, absorb more, and minimize your risk of being robbed.
• Watch out for groups of children or adults creating a commotion meant to distract tourists for easy pick pocketing.
• Keep only a small amount of money in an accessible pocket. Keep the rest hidden in your money belt underneath your clothing.
• Understand the currency exchange rates. Know what you are paying in the local currency and how much that item costs translated into American dollars.
• A smile works in any language.

Train Tip Links

• Rick Steves' Train Traveler's Tips - Tips, tricks and stories fellow travelers have posted.
• Sleeping on Trains Lots of great advice about sleeping on trains.

Know a good link we should add? Send us the URL