Long European Rail trip what have I forgot?

[TheDutchHouse]

Or even not thought of .
next month I’m heading off for three weeks inter railing across Europe.
never been on a train for more than an hour before.
Im sorted as far maps and tickets but Any tips or hints on added items to make life easier or comfortable, I’d really appreciate.
Do I really need one of those neck pillows for instance ?

Yes. Water bottle, sunglasses, hand wipes, power bank/charger and suitable euro plug for train seat chargingbut don't forget the blinds on the windows. Poss some headphones but probably be too busy looking at the scenery depending on the countries.

A kindle.

Do not speak French in most parts of Belgium.

Train seat charging? Ooh that’s good !

I don’t have one but I’m packing three paperbacks

Get borrow box from the library for audiobooks on the phone. You can get readables also. All free.

A knockout potion for any night sleeper trains as you won't sleep well due to the rocking and noise. Well maybe you will, and I hope so.

Something very secure to keep valuables in, preferably with a tamper proof cord that you can attach to your seat or table.

A fully charged up power bank.

Sounds great, where are you going to travel to?

Have a small bag with everything for the journey handy.

Then you can stow your case and not gave to get up again.

You need:

Charger, cable, headphones, glasses, books.

Water, snacks.

A small amount of toilet paper in your pocket just in case they have run out.

Tickets.

What pedal said. Get a decent neck pillow- some are better than others! Download lots of audio books / podcasts. Some food (check what you are allowed to take) esp fruit. If trains have a/c they can be chilly. Email copies of your tickets to someone else just in case and put a printout in your main luggage. Think about what sort of bag you are taking. Guidebooks, much nicer than online stuff!

Thank you , I’m a bit worried about sleeping too heavy.
but will try borrow box, not heard of that.
im going through France to Italy then back up to Switzerland and back through Germany

You can get money belts that look like a tube. Put your passport and some cash in it if you might sleep / for busy stations.

I did the same route (minus Italy) a few years ago - it was great! People were very friendly too. Trains much nicer than ours!

Are neck pillows viewed as a bit naff ?
good thoughts re tickets and food /snacks

Fab , it’s exciting for me as I stopped all holidays when I became single but had a F it moment !

Ear plugs
eye mask
blister plasters
basic first aid kit/any medication you might need
bug spray
baby wipes
tissues
phone lanyard so you can wear your phone while you sleep

My six year old and I took the train to Germany and back in February. We both loved it and I don't know who was more excited by the double decker train element! I've also been on long train trips in Europe and the States.

If you haven't already planned to, take a notebook to write things down and keep a list of where you go/what you see. Take a cup as well as a water bottle in case you buy a bottle of juice/wine/soda to drink on the train. Take a set of cutlery and a plate/bowl too! I enjoyed buying random food in supermarkets for train trips and food on board was often not great or non existent. I also took a puzzle book (crosswords/saduko type things).

I took a cloth drawstring bag and put a thin fleece or jumper inside to use as a pillow if I needed one on the train. For an overnight journey I took slipper socks (the sort with rubber grips). Flip-flops are a must if you are staying in hostels. Keep your sponge bag handy on long train trips - I used to snack dreadfully and being able to clean my teeth sometimes was refreshing.

I am envious - hope you have an amazing time!

Phone lanyard … genius.. I’d never of thought of that! Thank you

I would advise actually that you need to be taking things out of your packing list rather than adding to it. The three paperbacks need to be left at home. When you’re interrailing you’re getting on and off trains, negotiating busy train stations with steps and moving to accommodation etc multiple times. You need your luggage to be as light as possible. Trust me, I learned the hard way!

Money band it looks like the bottom of a vest top.

Yes, you need to be able to lift your bag onto the luggage racks (although people are helpful) and be able to navigate through crowds, escalators etc. I found I didn’t read much as was looking out of the window so much! Cosy socks and slides are essential if in a hostel. Lightweight cotton towel (like giant tea towels) edit - they are called ‘Turkish towels’ I think. are very versatile, quick drying and compact, I found the synthetic ones to be horrible. Probably our single most used item!

Neck pillow if you’re doing over night, if not it’s probably too cumbersome to carry around.
Second the cutlery set or spork, I lived off salads etc (which are delicious in Italy) from train stations.
I would add to your list antibacterial gel for when you’ve been to loo and for before eating.
You definitely need a ‘day bag’ even just a small backpack to put all your entertainment, phone, snacks etc in.
Don’t know if you’ve got your travel bag, but do not under any circumstances take a suitcase. Seen too many people struggle on and off trains and stairs.
Something that is soft enough to shove between seats and make sure you can lift it over your head as often you need to put it on overhead racks. Oh and a padlock for it.
Take lots of snacks for travel days, sometimes if I have been delayed they kept me from going super hungry.
I hope you have an amazing time OP.

If you don't want to invest in a Kindle (which I personally would, for interrailing) you can download the Kindle app for free on your phone and use it to read e-books. You don't really want to lug three paperbacks round Europe.

Agreed. Take as little as possible and remember that, as your trip progresses, your backpack/suitcase/whatever will seem heavier even if you don't add to what's in it and you'll probably wish you'd left some stuff behind. Be as unencumbered as you can.

I went on a sleeper train recently.

I appreciated my eye mask the most.

Personally would have found a neck pillow useless but I did supplement the titchy train pillow with a jumper.

Don't rely on the train for food.

Take some string or a twisty travel washing line, and travel wash wash clothes overnight (not on train obvs!) so you can pack less. String always useful! A few ziplock bags are always useful. Personally I found a neck pillow very useful, you can always hang it off the outside of your bag. A zip front fleece - not fashionable but very useful.

Ear plugs for when you just want peace on the train. Swiss specific tips (I live here). The SBB app is very accurate for trains/buses etc and will say if they are late. Will also show you the composition of the train so you can stand in the right zone on the platform - click on the section of the journey you want to see and then train formation at the top. It will also show you how busy it is.
Food in Switzerland is expensive. But we have lots of Lidls now and Aldi. Bring your own spork when buying ready made salads etc in supermarkets they charge for disposable cutlery.
If you want any area specific tips please ask as I have been to most touristy places.
Definitely get some Laderach chocolate as it’s amazing and tasty. They sell it by the gram for the freshly made slabs. It’s expensive tho.
Bring a swimsuit as it’s lake swimming season and many of the areas - called Badis in the German speaking part are free or very low cost to enter.