Things You'll Need:
- open eyes
- cautiousness
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Step 1
When traveling in European trains your luggage should be locked, either with an integrated lock or with a padlock, and should have your name and address somewhere on it or in it.
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Step 2
Luggage on trains in Europe are most likely stored in luggage racks above your head or at the end of the cabins. Because some luggage racks in European trains are at the end of the cabin and not where you can easily see them, you should carry straps with you to secure the luggage to the luggage rack. This is an extra precaution, but one that can avoid theft. In Eastern Europe thieves are known for walking into train booths and quickly grabbing the luggage from the luggage rack when the train has stopped. You probably won’t have enough time to react, and sometimes it is probably safer not to. If you strap and tie your luggage to the racks you can avoid this theft trick.
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Step 3
Make sure that you never put anything of great value (money, jewelry, etc.) in your luggage. Keep all valuables in a bag, closed, on your lap. Ladies should keep their purse on their lap, closed with the strap around their arm. Be careful when you fall asleep, someone might take something from your purse, especially if you leave it unsecured in the empty seat next to you.
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Step 4
When it comes to choosing where to sit in a European train, always sit with people. Even when you have an assigned seat, as soon as your ticket has been checked, get up and move closer to other people. Especially if you are in a cabin by yourself you should certainly move to a cabin where there are people. You are an easy target if you sit by yourself.
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Step 5
Be reasonable. When walking in European train stations I suggest that you don't wear your backpack with the bag on your chest. Just secure a small padlock to close the zippers and wear it normally. When you wear a backpack on your chest you stick out, you DO look like a tourist and therefore easy prey.
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Step 6
Keep a cool attitude and try to blend in. Relax, don't look nervous. You are probably on vacation, so enjoy yourself!
Comments
angelanyc said
on 6/7/2009 Great informationI I will keep this in mind when I'm vacationing in Europe.
kcmickelson said
on 6/5/2009 We've had great experiences on trains in Europe just by being alert and talking to others on the train. The tip about the strap for the luggage rack is great.
athome said
on 5/23/2009 Safety is a big issue traveling anywhere but especially for Americans abroad. 5*
MyJB said
on 5/23/2009 Nice article. It can be kind of scary anyway traveling on a train so far from home and these tips help the tourist navigate the terrain, so to speak. Thanks. 5