Cheap Train Travel

Wikidtravel asked:


Preparations for a backpacking trip

Vaccinations

Make sure you have seen a travel doctor at least 3-6months before your trip as with a lot of vaccinations you need them over three courses with a month’s gap in-between.

Remember to take your vaccination book with you travelling as it may be needed as there are different types of vaccines for different diseases so if the worst was to happen the doctors will know what you have had.

Backpack

You will need a good quality backpack for your trip. About 60 litres should be sufficient as you do not want your pack to be too large as you do have to have this with you constantly and if it is too big you will have problems when getting on buses and trains etc.

Along with your backpack you will also need to take a day pack. This is a very useful piece of equipment. If you have any valuables you can keep them in your daypack whilst on bus/train journeys and know that they are safer with you than hidden away with your backpack.

They are also very handy when out for the day to put any purchases in and for general items you always like to have to hand.

Clothing

T-Shirts – 2/3 will be enough. You will get bored of wearing these very quickly if you’re on a long trip but these will wear out but you can always find cheap replacements wherever you are in the world.

Shorts – Shorts are essential if you’re going to warmer climates. Again only around 2 pairs will be fine as you do not want to overload your backpack. Boy’s the best thing for you is just to have swimming shorts then you’re always ready to take a dip wherever you are.

Trousers – 1 or 2 pairs of lightweight trousers is recommended. They are good for the evenings to protect yourself from mosquitoes and if it does get a little chilly outside. Jeans are a good idea if you’re going to go to colder climates as they keep you warm and are hard wearing.

Swim wear – A couple of pairs of swimming shorts for the boys will be fine and a couple of bikinis for the girls – but remember where you are girls. Touristy areas of South East Asia are fine for bikinis but only on the beach; cover up when going into town.

Waterproof jacket – A lightweight waterproof jacket is always recommended. When you get caught in a monsoon you will soon realise why.

Sandals/Flip Flops/Thongs – I find that this is all I wear when I’m away as it’s usually so hot. Take a couple pairs incase of breakages or if they get stolen which they tend to do in SE Asia.

Trainers – Take a good pair of trainers, if you’ve got a day of walking round a city or temples a nice pair of comfy trainers will be of great help.

Hiking boots – If you are going to go hiking then taking your own pair maybe beneficial. A good pair which will last in the tropical forests and monsoons will be ideal.

Towels – I also think to take 2 towels. One for the Beach and one for showers. You can never rely on your hostel/guesthouse to supply a towel so it’s best to have your own. Try to get lightweight ones that should dry quickly. You don’t want a wet towel in your backpack with all your other clothes.

Essentials

First aid Kit – A good well stocked first aid kit is essential for any trip. You never know when you may need this. Also some needles and syringes would be good to have as you know that in case you need an injection that the needles will be clean.

Deet/Mosquito Spray – Keep them mozzies away with some repellent.

Mosquito net – You may not use it very often but trust me when you do need it you will be happy as Larry that you brought one.

Toiletries – Shampoo, deodorant etc, you can by these when you are travelling but it’s good to bring some with you to start.

Recommended

Passport sized photos – when crossing borders and obtaining visas you usually always need at least 2 passport photos. Take a good supply with you as it will save you searching around to try and find somewhere last minute.

Camera – Obviously a camera is great to take along so you can keep a memory of your trip forever. Also put them on your fave social website to show off and make your friends and family jealous.

Money belt – For security its best to wear a money belt to keep your money, bank cards and passport safe and away from sneaky hands.

Alarm Clock – You will need one of these to help you get up for your bus or train as well as if you need to go on a tour and meet at a certain time.

MP3 Player - Always good on long journeys. Good to get a lot of music on it before you go as you will get bored of your music quite quickly.

Playing Cards – Good at all times, for passing time of long journeys or rainy days. Also good for drinking games with your new found friends.

Torch – Depending where you go electricity might be a commodity that is in short supply. Also good for finding your way back to you hostel or to the toilet in the dead of night.

Reading books – Like with the MP3 player a book is a good way to pass time on long journeys and relaxing down the beach. Once you’re finished with it you can swap it with other backpackers you meet.

PlaNet_G0rk asked:


I’ve deadlifted 275 pounds just fooling around and believe I can go over 320, but my squat record is 205.
The back story is: I think I was once capable of 450 a couple years before (380 parallel on machine, then much tougher jump training next year but didn’t test). The 205 free weights was so easy, I stayed down at parallel for 40 seconds talking with my spotter, and it felt like a backpack. But it’s still a personal record and a pathetic one for me. Can’t test squat anymore since my pecs aren’t flexible enough to let me hold the bar on back, and arms not strong enough to front squat that much (can power clean 170); also worried about hurting back. Keep in mind I don’t lfit weights for training and thus have bad form.

Just wanting to know if my 275 deadlift, being almost 1.5x the squat or more if I do 315, is enough to discredit the 205 squat, prove that it’s not my real max.

Jordan L asked:


Well I would like to back pack across Europe for a month and am wondering how much that would cost. How expensive are hostels and are train trips killer? Keep in mind I am American so I am guessing are dollar is worth more than in some countries. Also I would like to visit family in London how expensive would it be to get frome ngland to continental Europe?

Afton asked:


I have about thirty extra pounds on me that I want to lose by summer, and I also signed up to run 5k (about 3 miles) by summer as well.
I’m a terrible runner and I’ve avoided running since 5th grade when someone told me I ran like a duck, and I quit swimming on the swim team two years ago. Since then I’ve gained a lot of weight and I’ve gotten really out of shape.
I hardly ever have time to run, but I walk home two miles from school every day. I can’t really run it because I have a backpack and a bunch of books weighing me down, but is there anything I could do while walking to make me stronger?

Is there a way I can become a better runner, get in better shape, and be ready to compete to run 5k by summer?

Thanks!

Peter Siljerud asked:


Unfortunately you can run into problems while backpacking. Do not get paranoid - it will ruin your trip, but do have a healthy respect for things that can happen. Certain places are higher risk and warrant extra attention such as around ATMs, money changers, bus and train stations, crowded streets and markets. Adapt to the country you visit, some countries are high risk and other are low risk.

Check your guidebook and with the locals to see what the scam of the day is and which areas are best avoided (varies during day and night).



If you carry around a hand bag in high risk environments (e.g. markets) keep the bag in front of you and keep one hand on top of the zipper. Do not let it hang on your back.

Spread your money into several places (e.g. your daypack, backpack, wallet and money belt) so that you do not lose all at the same time. Hide some emergency cash under the sole of your shoe, in your sock or elsewhere.

Do not keep valuables easily accessible in your day pack and then hang it on your back. Bag slashers use razors to cut your bag and steal your valuables without you noticing. You will not feel it. Put something of little value in the outer compartment so that they get hold of that if they get hold of anything.

Be careful with your valuables and important documents (passport, tickets, and traveler´s cheques), use a money belt or leg pouch. You can get belts with secret pockets on the inside where you can store cash or you can get a separate pocket for money which you can put on the inside of your pants. The idea behind a money belt is to keep it on you - not in the daypack which you carry on your back. If it is too sweaty you may be better off leaving the valuables in your hotel than carrying them in your backpack.

If you walk with your backpack and have to stop, move a little from side to side so that it will be more difficult for anyone to get to your bag without you noticing.

Staff in supermarkets and stores may try to short change you i.e. they give you back less change than you are supposed to get and will play all innocent when you point this out. Count it to make sure you get all the money you are supposed to get.

Avoid flashing expensive jewellery, money and watches around.

Do not give money to beggars. If you want to help give to charity instead. If you still want to give money do not flash your big wallet. Instead keep some small change in your pocket to hand over.

Use small locks to lock your backpack and daypack. Combination locks are easier to handle than key locks since you do not have to bother with the keys. A disadvantage with combination locks is that they can get worn out rather quickly and suddenly they will stop working, usually when your backpack is tied to something and you are in a hurry to catch a bus Once the locks start giving you trouble throw them away and get new ones. If you find yourself with the combination lock not responding, dial it to your set combination and try changing the first digit one step up and one step down (e.g. your combination is 1234, change it to 0234 and 2234), if that does not work do the same with the next digit (i.e. 1134, then 1334) until you have tried them all.

Keep the lock on your daypack when you go on day tours. If you have to leave the bags behind e.g. in order to do snorkelling or to go deep into a grotto this prevents curious hands from going through your bags while you are busy elsewhere.



Personal Experience - The Hoi An Hang-up

When I was in Hoi An in Vietnam I had locked my backpack to the bed with a combination lock. When it was time to leave the lock would not unlock no matter how much I tried. Finally we had to use a hammer to smash the lock. It took quite a surprising lot of beating before it gave in. Buying quality sometimes has its drawbacks

Happy travels!

bphilbrick3 asked:


Going on a multi city train trip in Sept. and want to take one bag. Will be gone 9 days.

Jordan L asked:


Well I would like to back pack across Europe for a month and am wondering how much that would cost. How expensive are hostels and are train trips killer? Keep in mind I am American so I am guessing are dollar is worth more than in some countries. Also I would like to visit family in London how expensive would it be to get frome ngland to continental Europe?

Smiley asked:


Why is it that it is rude to take up too much space by wearing your backpack on your back, talking outloud with someone sitting next to you or using a cell phone, yet it is perfectly OK for a man to read pornographic magazines, manga and newspapers in front of children and women?
Oh yea, putting on make-up, eating or drinking is a no-no too.
Actually, people HAVE said “URUSAI” on a couple of occasions while I was chatting with a friend of mine in the morning train. We were not even talking very loud (practically wispering).

And I do think I have the right to judge how wrong it is when my 3 year old daughter is sitting in her stroller getting a front on view of a young, ***** teenage looking girl getting eaten out by a businessman and asking me if that guy is “Daddy”? I mean sheesh! These guys need to keep it private or at least be aware of who is getting an eyefull!!!!

Cristina asked:


I’m buying the eurorail global month pass for 833. My itinerary is: Flying from Toronto-Barcelona.
The rest of the trip is on trains:
Barcelona to Lyon, France. Then to Geneva, Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence. From Florence back to Switzerland, this time visiting the capital Bern.
Bern to Berlin, followed by Amsterdam, Paris, Marseille and back to Barcelona.
That’s 6 different countries in a little over a month. Would that give me enough time to properly sight-see each city?
What should my budget be?
Right now I’m calculating around 4000 including all transportation. How much is a typical night in a hostel?
Any advice is deeply needed.

isabella_klump asked:


I’m backpacking through Europe and I want to spend 2 or 3 days in Switzerland. I’m really looking forward to the Germany/Austria area but I know less about Switzerland. All I know is that I think I might want to go to Lucerne and I also saw something about a train tour through the Alps. What should my priorities be if my time in this country is limited?