You’re finally on the train and it’s time to do something about your luggage. Here are some tips about looking after your luggage.

• You need to be alert and careful about your luggage. Those sleeping for free in regular cars should exercise extreme caution. If you’re not careful about securing your luggage while sleeping, you just might wake up to find yourself without your traveling bags.
• A $25 couchette (berth in a compartment) is safer because the car attendant monitors who comes and goes. Reserve it at least a day or two in advance at any European train station, some travel agencies, or on the train.
• Since every car has plenty of room for luggage, just carry it on and heave it up onto the racks above the seats.
• You can fasten your rucksack to the luggage rack and establish a good rapport with your fellow passengers, so if you need to go somewhere for a while, it will be safe.
• Since you will be spending a lot of time on the train, it’s a good idea to use that time well. This is the time when you can go through your guidebooks, read up about the places that you are about to visit, write postcards to folks back home and jot down in your travel journal.
• You can even start a conversation with fellow travelers and learn more about the way Europeans live through conversations.