What are some essential items for a solo female traveler on a two-week train trip in Europe?

Volker Eichener

Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf 9mo

What are some essential items for a solo female traveler on a two-week train trip in Europe?

1. Hygienic wipes or even disposable toilet seat covers. Toilets in trains can be in a condition, especially when the train had been travelling for quite a time. Also, it may happen that there is no running water at the sink, no soap or no paper towels. So, be prepared.
2. Local currency. Most European countries have the Euro, but a few (like Switzerland) still have their own currencies. Always have some cash and some coins. US Dollars are nowhere accepted in Europe. They are useless. MasterCard and VISA are widely accepted (but not everywhere and not for small purchases like a snack or a bottle of water), Diner’s and American Express are NOT accepted. Travel cheques are a thing of the past.
3. Always have a (plastic) container for water or other drinks with you. Also a glass. A bottle opener and a universal bottle lid may be helpful, maybe a corkscrew too. Or a Swiss knife for everything. A knife is a good idea, also a spoon and a fork and maybe a small plastic plate. My wife also always has a tiny bottle of dish detergent and a thin cleaning rag. And a few plastic bags for waste. So, you are able to have a picnic everywhere, especially on the train. It will save you a lot of €€€ if you have picnics instead of eating in pricey restaurants.
4. Laundry soap sheets or liquid laundry soap. It is often difficult to find a laundry in Europe, so you may wash your thinks in the hotel sink. Saves time and money and makes your suitcase lighter.
5. Speaking of suitcases: Unless you manage to put everything in a backpack take a trolley with sturdy wheels that can manage cobblestone pavements.
6. Good walking shoes. Imagine cobblestones, uneven pavement, ancient ruins, rain and puddles. You may not feel comfortable in overly colourful American sneakers, so you may take more elegant yet sturdy European-style sneakers. Ladies in New York City wear them, too.
7. Raingear. It rains a lot, especially in northern Europe. Also in summer. A very small and light foldable umbrella is a good idea, but also a rainjacket with a hood. With your baggage in hand, you may not be able to handle an umbrella.
8. A language translation app. Do not expect all Europeans speaking English. Especially in Spain or Italy it often happens that a taxi driver does not understand one word of English.

Here some visual impressions: