Safe Train Travel

Meeting fellow travelers, speaking with the locals and seeing the countryside are just a few reasons why so many travelers choose to take the train when going around Europe. Not only is European rail travel the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient means of transportation, its also very safe. Although thefts have been known to occur, you can make sure that your trip is fun and secure by taking a few precautions before you get on board. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re planning to travel across Europe by train. 

Before boarding the train:

• Keep important documents such as your passport, travelers’ checks, & rail pass in a money belt worn underneath your clothing. 
• Make copies of important documents, like your passport, identification cards, insurance cards, and rail pass. Leave one set of copies at home with a friend or family member who can send them to you in case of emergency. Put the other set in a separate, safe place, like the bottom of your suitcase.
• Only keep a small sum of money in your wallet. Keep the rest of your money hidden in your money belt. 

On the train:

• If you do not have a reserved seat, pick a seat in a compartment with a family or people who look safe. Use your instincts while traveling, if you think people look suspicious, you may be right. It is ok to move to another compartment or car if you do not feel safe. 
• If you are spending the night on a train, use your daypack as a pillow (with camera, walkman, and anything else of value inside of it). This will prevent anyone from snatching your daypack as you sleep. 
• Lock the door to your compartment when you go to sleep. That way only the train conductor can get in. 
• Watch out for groups of children or adults creating a commotion meant to distract tourists for easy pick pocketing. Say “NO” or “GO AWAY” loudly, keep your hands close to your body so that sneaky hands can not rifle through your things.
• Keep your backpack or suitcase within sight at all times. 
• But don’t be deterred by stories of theft, most Europeans are happy to share knowledge of their country and culture. Smile, ask a question, try out a new language and you will make your trip more enjoyable.

For more information on traveling safely on European trains or to purchase a European rail pass go to RailConnection.com. Rail Connection has all the information you need to know about planning your European rail pass experience.

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