Thanks!European Train Travel?
Great thinking! A lot of people do exactly as you are planning. A website that you can't live without is www.ricksteves.com I don't work for him or have anything to gain, but I've been using him for travel advice for over 20 years. I've met him twice and he's the real deal. Based on your question I think you will agree with his "backdoor" philosophy. He writes books and appears on public TV, but his website is a necessity for planning rail travel in Europe. He will help you decide which railpass you need, how to use it, when to pay separate to save it for longer, more expensive trips, etc. He even sells the rail passes for less than you can get them elsewhere. His site is great for planning your time. He has a map of the major rails in Europe, the cost between each city and the time of the ride. He will direct you to www.raileurope.com for the actual times and costs of each leg, etc.
I'm envious, European is one of my favorite places to travel.
Bon Vacance!
This is indeed a common practice, but it's also kinda dangerous, especially east of Czech %26amp; Austria. I had some friends that were traveling from Czech to Albania, through Hungary. (They are experienced travelers, expats living in Europe for many years.) They did the same thing, slept on the train, on their bags, etc. On the first leg, through Slovakia/Hungary, they woke up the next morning and all their stuff was gone. My one friend was shocked because she slept at all and never can actually sleep on the train. He travelmate complained that, strangely, her ring finger on her left hand was really sore. They were both very groggy. Turns out they were gassed, just enough to put them out cold. My friend found her bag in the bathroom and some of her things were still there, but her iPod, pro camera and anything else of any value at all was gone. (She was very thankful she hadn't brought her computer on that trip.) Her companion examined her finger and found it red. Seems the theives tried to get her wedding %26amp; engagement rings off, but just couldn't get them off. They reported it to the conductor. He shrugged them off and said to report it to the police when they got to Budapest. Of course, their stuff would never be found. Word is many of the conductors are in on it, and this is, sadly, becoming more and more common.
In light of this, and I swear it's a true story, I would spend the extra money and sleep somewhere in town and train during the day. If you're looking for culture, get out of the big cities where lilfe is more normal and less expensive. You may even be able to find home-stays for a really good price.
But, DO see Europe! It's beautiful! I love loving here!European Train Travel?
Greetings - yes they do have over night trains - I would sugest having a look at footprintsdownunder they have all the train passes for sale at discounted prices.
Yes practically every place has night trains. You have to be careful in certain areas but you can do that... It will save on the hostel expenses. I would buy a lock for your bag and a bike lock for the door...
Dont take much valuables. Certain trains are notorious for thefts. I went on some night trains from Budapest to Belgrade and was told by the Conductor that if i fell asleep that I would get robbed.
I took the curton off the compartment window tied one end to the handle on the door and the other to the luggage rack so that no one could open the door. Interestingly, that night I woke up and the curtain was torn almost to the point where the door was opened. Apparently someone tried to break in (and almost did).
The curtain worked great until a Serbian Police man got pissed off and started screaming at me. But I would recommend this if you could until someone tells you you cant. Better than the curtain would be to get a long bicycle lock or chain to lock the compartment door so it cant be opened. This would be the only time i would sleep on the night train.
I have heard some stories about people who use a special gas to put in the compartment that nocks you cold, then they steal all your stuff. (I hear this happens in Poland and other eastern countries) But I was on one of the most dangerous train lines in Europe and didn't have a problem (even on the way back when I couldn't use the curtain).
On the way back I was too afraid to try to lock the cabin and to fall asleep, so I stayed up all night.
I noticed men walking back and forth looking through the compartments for people who were sleeping.
So sure you can do it, but be careful
If you have a friend take turns sleeping and always have one person stay awake. (This is what I recommend). Just dont make friends with people on the train to watch your stuff (because often they are the one that are trying to rob you).
Otherwise be very careful but you can do it.
I don't want to scare you with the gas thing or anything else. I have been to almost every European country. I honestly think that most are safer than any big city in the US (even Serbia). Be smart and aware and you will be fine.
Good luck and happy travels.
If you have any questions you can e-mail me
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