Read our Eurail tips on keeping you and your stuff safe, while on your European rail trip. Most travellers experience a smooth trip, but it’s good to keep these pointers in mind before you set off, to make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons!
Don’t let our tips put you off! But do use your common sense, stay alert and travel with confidence, then you’re sure to enjoy one of the most rewarding travel experiences of your life!
Clothing
Think about how you dress. Clothing that might be acceptable in your own country could attract unwanted attention in another. Girls, be aware of a revealing midriff and cleavage! In certain European countries, it can also be considered offensive, so adapt your dress style to local norms. That will also mean you won’t stand out in the crowd.
One of the oldest tricks in the book (for girls) is to wear a fake wedding ring and unsubtly wave it around if one of the locals (or fellow travellers) tries to hit on you!
Know where to go
Like in your own city, some areas are safer than others. When you arrive in a new place, you won’t know where is safe to go and where is best to avoid. Ask hostel staff or speak with locals, who will be more than happy to give you some tips.
Especially for girls – try to go out at night in groups, unless you’re really sure that the area is safe.
At night
Don’t drink too much! One of the great things about travelling around Europe is experiencing the rich nightlife on offer. Keep control of how much you drink – you don’t want to become a vulnerable target. Also, be sure to keep your drink in sight and be cautious in accepting drinks from strangers – you don’t want to risk having your drink spiked.
Be careful who you go home with – think twice before you head home with that hot chick or sizzling hunk.
Hand it over
If a thief attempts to rob something from you, just hand over whatever they want. Anything that is stolen is replaceable – but your life isn't. Go straight to the police station to file a report. You’ll need this report to make any claims with your insurance company.
Hide your stuff
Buy a money belt which can be fastened around your waist and conceal it underneath your clothes. Use it to store your passport, cash and credit cards safely.
Avoid wearing a rucksack on your back in busy areas, as you can’t see whether a thief is trying to unzip it – instead wear the bag on your front. Boys, don’t keep your wallet inside your back pocket as thieves can easily slip it out without you noticing.
Leave the bling at home! Flashy sunglasses and expensive jewellery say one thing only – that you’ve got stuff worth stealing!
Don’t keep all your valuable items in one place – spread it! If you have two credit cards (it’s a good idea to have two in case one gets lost or stolen) put them in different places within your luggage.
Store all your valuables in the hostel’s safe. Keep copies of valuable documents (insurance/ passport/tickets) in different places to the originals. You can also store important information, like credit card cancellation phone numbers in a web cloud.
When you go to the beach don’t leave your valuables unattended if you’re going for a swim – ask someone stay with your belongings and you take turns to go in the water, or otherwise leave all your important things in the hostel safe for the day.
Stolen stuff
In the event that your credit cards are stolen, call your bank immediately to cancel them. If you’re mobile phone is stolen, call your mobile phone provider to put an immediate block on the number, otherwise you could get a nasty surprise when you’re next phone bill comes in.
If your valuable Eurail pass is lost or stolen and you bought Pass Loss & Theft Cover with your order, the extra travel costs incurred, will be covered up to the remaining value of your pass. Follow these instructions to make a claim. If you didn’t choose Pass Loss & Theft Cover, you'll have to get a new pass or buy individual train tickets to complete your journey!
On the move
If there’s space, keep your luggage in the rack above your seat. If this isn’t possible, you’ll have to store the items in the rack at the end of the car. Only leave the car when the train is in motion, so there’s no chance someone steals your bags when they get off the train.
When travelling on a night train, use a lock to fasten your luggage to the seat or rack. It’s also a wise to sleep with all valuables!
Overnight
It may be by choice or just bad luck, but you could end up having to sleep overnight at a train station. If this happens, use your bag as a pillow and keep any zips on the underside.
If the train station has lockers you can store your belongings for a small fee, while you sleep – check the opening times coincide with your train times.
