How to Travel by Train in Europe Safely

Are you planning to travel by train in Europe? If so, you will need some tips on how to do this safely. This article explores ways to keep your luggage safe, ways to be safe yourself, and general advice on train travel in Europe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• bike chain locks- small chain locks or more durable locks
• zipper closures
• luggage locks
• luggage strap

1. Prepare your luggage.... The first step is preparation. Have everything you will need for your train travel ahead of time. Purchase or obtain all supplies ahead of time, such as a luggage lock for each piece of luggage, a luggage strap to tie it together, a bike lock, and other supplies listed in the what you will need section of this article.
2. Know the layout of the train for your Europe train travel, whether it is the Eurostar or the highspeed TGV train. Is the luggage rack at the opposite end of the car from where you are sitting? Can others access your luggage when you aren't looking or are in the dining car, for instance?
3. Prepare your luggage and bags so that you have everything you will need during the actual train travel itself in a carry-on bag. This way, you won't have to get into your secure luggage during the train travel, or invite guests to see what is in your luggage.
4. Before arriving at the train station, have your luggage ready. Put a luggage lock on each piece of luggage. Use zipper ties to secure zippered pockets on your luggage and your purse or carry-on. Put identification tags on each piece of luggage in case your luggage is lost.
5. First Class Eurostar has some space for luggage above the seats... If you arrive early to the train station, you have an advantage. You can be one of the first on the train and can grab a spot on the luggage rack for your luggage. They luggage racks fill up quickly, especially on the Eurostar from London to Paris. This can happen even if you are on luxury train travel, first class on the Eurostar!
6. Once you board the train, immediately take your luggage to the luggage racks or luggage cart. Secure the luggage to the racks with the bike chains. Make sure you know the luggage lock combination and don't leave the sticker on the chain!
7. While you travel by train in Europe, keep your purse and carryon near you, and within your vision. If you go to the dining car of the train while traveling on the train, take your purse and carryon bag with you.
8. When exiting the train, make sure to keep your luggage close to you. Don't put one piece of luggage on the ground outside and then go back on the train for the rest. Use the buddy system or have a train attendant help you.
9. Fasten all of your luggage together while walking through the train station, either with the bike chain or with the luggage strap. You can even buy extra long luggage straps at Triple A to keep large pieces of luggage together, to help deter a thief from taking one piece of your luggage while you watch another.

Tips & Warnings

• If you secure your luggage to the train when you travel by train, by using a bike chain with a lock to fasten it to the luggage rack, you will avoid someone taking your luggage when the train stops at train stations along your route.
• By using zipper closures on all zipper pockets on purses, you can avoid a pickpocket taking your wallet or money out of your purse.
• Try to always travel by train with at least one other person. This way, you can each keep an eye on one another's purse and bags while the other person uses the toilet or takes a nap.
• YOur luggage can be stolen even on luxury first class train travel. Don't assume it's safe without preparing the luggage to be safe!
• Some trains will have a luggage rack above the seats, so you may be able to place smaller luggage there. You can still lock the luggage to the rack the same as if it was at one end of the car.
• Did you know that in Europe, people actually wait for trains at the train station, and when the train stops, the people jump on, grab a piece of luggage, and jump off, with the train then leaving the station. Your luggage is gone before you even know it.
• It is hard to find people that speak English in some train stations in Europe. For instance, in the middle of the night in Basel, you may only see five people- none of whom speak English. So, if you have a problem with your luggage, it may be hard to find someone to help you.