Post by snorkelman on Feb 18, 2004 9:10:36 GMT -5
I have read so many posts wherein people ask about this topic, so I have decided to post this thread. You might hear about certain night trains being dangerous (such as the ones through Czech republic, Hungary, former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria or Romania).
Although I have traveled all over Europe multiple times on trains, I have never encountered the infamous night-time train robbers. I have heard the urban legends and horror stories about people gassing the whole compartment and taking your stuff, and also stories about people entering your compartment while you sleep and taking your stuff. The latter scenario can easily be prevented a myriad of ways.
I have never personally met anyone who has been subjected to the gassing. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that you should NOT skip traveling to a country for fear of muggings on night trains. Use common sense. If you travel with a partner and you are very concerned about a certain country, take shifts sleeping so that one of you is always awake. If you sleep in a compartment (not a couchette) lay across the seats right next to the door and keep your bag far from the door and strap it to the overhead rack (with the belt clip or with a lock if you brought such a lock with you).
Although I have traveled all over Europe multiple times on trains, I have never encountered the infamous night-time train robbers. I have heard the urban legends and horror stories about people gassing the whole compartment and taking your stuff, and also stories about people entering your compartment while you sleep and taking your stuff. The latter scenario can easily be prevented a myriad of ways.
I have never personally met anyone who has been subjected to the gassing. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that you should NOT skip traveling to a country for fear of muggings on night trains. Use common sense. If you travel with a partner and you are very concerned about a certain country, take shifts sleeping so that one of you is always awake. If you sleep in a compartment (not a couchette) lay across the seats right next to the door and keep your bag far from the door and strap it to the overhead rack (with the belt clip or with a lock if you brought such a lock with you).