I'm going Interrailing!

I went on many trains recently in the Uk.
Not really like your trip.
But I did find the taking case on and off trains the worst bit.

I know someone who went on trains in Switxerland recently.
They said the same as you.
Trains very punctual.
And they enjoyed the walk off and walk on bit.

Hi, have just returned from an interrailing trip in Europe. We did Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille, then on down for two days in Strasbourg. Then across to Zermatt another two nights, then on to Chur; 2 nights there, then on to Munich and finally one night in Belgium.
It is exhausting or at least i found it so. Travelled with a friend and he did the lifting of my case on and off the trains. The only place I could just roll my case on was in Switzerland where the trains have a little platform which drops down.
Things I noticed on the trip. We didn't see hardly anyone using mobility scooters; hardly any young women with lip fillers and just a few with visible tattoos.
The train staff wore smart uniforms, which all adds to the image of professionalism.
Just our observations.......
Their trains were punctual (unlike here)

Farringdon have a wonderful time. We used to travel through Europe by train with then children. Wonderful.
Dont pack too much, think layers and take travel wash and wash as you go.

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Hi, my new boyfriend and I have decided to go interrailing!
We are both going to be 70 this year. We are using a specialist holiday rail company and staying in hotels.
From St Pancras to Lille, down to Strasbourg, on to Zermatt and Chur in Switzerland. The return route is via Munich and Brussels.
I have never done this type of holiday previously and as we are travelling end of April into May I'm already getting stressed about what to pack!
My guy is saving pack very light as you don't want cumbersome luggage for getting on and off trains, but that is easier said than done!
Any tips would be most welcome.

Do keep your luggage to an absolute minimum. There are loads of channels on YouTube by frequent travellers who fly "carry on only". The tips would also apply to someone travelling by train. They recommend lots of expensive gadgets but there are some useful tips and some good ideas as well. They also have recommendations for decent backpacks and have actually tried them out, so if you haven't invested in one yet, it is worth researching.

More thanks to everyone! Oops, I have always photographed my passport etc, in case they got lost/stolen, but I never thought of sending the photos to someone else in case the phone also gets lost/stolen!! I can always rely on Gransnet! I am also very well aware of the Man in Seat 61 as a valuable resource and I have already joined the Facebook group on Interrailing. Keep 'em coming!

Plan yes but allow some flexibility for when someone tells you about an amazing place to visit. Have a wonderful time. Don’t let other people’s fears put you off.

How absolutely thrilling. I hope you keep us all updated on your travels, am so jealous.
Enjoy xx

I'm so envious! There's a brilliant Facebook group called Interailing for the older crowd - do check it out. It's full of good advice and inspiration. Have a wonderful time

For the OP, and all others considering such trips (and good for you!) DO USE the exceptional 'Man in Seat Sixty-One' website for ALL info re train travel abroad (that's at >>> www.seat61.com ).

It has masses of great advice re train routes, times, ticketing, connections, and useful additional tips re hotels, where to eat, how to nip across Paris (etc), and has loads of helpful photos to help guide you,

It covers more countries than you could ever visit (!) and has deservedly won lots of awards.

I took a travel sink and bath plug when travelling on the trans Siberian as there aren’t any plugs on the train or in cheap hotels and hostels, essential for a good strip wash and washing out smalls.

Though useful to know if breaking a journey for a few hours.

silverlining48

There are usually left luggage lockers in most stations in Europe which are handy if you want to wander round without the heavy backpack.

Our daughter always went to the Hostel as soon as she arrived, better to do it in the daylight, choose her bed and she could lock her rucksack up and take the smaller one for sight seeing.

There are usually left luggage lockers in most stations in Europe which are handy if you want to wander round without the heavy backpack.

We used to go to Europe rpevery year by train. The children loved it and didn’t fly until they were 14/16. I still like train travel.
We used to go to Italy mostly and I was usually awake as the sun rose so Woukd go in the corridor and watch the sun rise over the snow topped Swiss alps. It was beautiful. .so peaceful.
Hope you have a lovely time.

Wow! Fabulous, you’ve made me want to do it!!

Yes, the Man in Seat 61 website is excellent. Full of good advice. I had a query last year and he replied almost at once

I recommend reading the advice on The Man in Seat 61 website. Everything you need to know about European rail travel is on there. It's a bit more complicated than it used to be with a requirement to make seat reservations before travelling on many trains but The Man in Seat 61 explains it all.

Great way to travel. We did Croatia and Bosnia last year by train from Leeds. It was wonderful. Just done a trip on The Ghan in Australia and that too was memorable.
Don’t lose sight of your luggage, have it close by at all times plus a cross body bag for passport etc. Some small hotels are just as cheap as hostels so be prepared to go for them. Have a great time

More good advice. I stayed in a hostel in Paris a couple of years ago, and found that I needed my own padlock (which they had for sale, so I bought that and have kept it) for the cupboard you have for your belongings. I will definitely keep passport, money, cards, phone, on my person even when popping to the loo. I am finding myself excited at the planning process as I don't have many hobbies or social activities this winter.

We’ll done and happy travelling 🎒 🚊

Passports and money were kept in a bum bag around her waist and tucked under her jacket.

All Hostels our daughter used have lockers, she carried a small rucksack with her at all time with essentials in, as you say, even when she nipped to the loo.