We're taking the overnight train from Munich to Paris, and then from Paris to Venice..... We were told to get a private room and to make reservations.... should we know other details before we go?

We just got back from a trip to Europe. I would suggest to definately get a private "first class" reservation for your overnight train ride. The room is small but clean. They have bunkbeds and a little sink and mirror. It was fun to watch all the villages go by. Enjoy.

Depending on your preferences, you can either book sleepers (2 beds or 4 beds) or couchetts (6 bunk beds). If you are not used to crowded spaces and/or sleeping with strangers (who are usually very friendly and usually very helpfull) than you should go for 1st class sleepers. Wherever you end up, keep your money on you; I usually end up sleeping ON my moneybelt. Your passport will be taken by conductor when you board train and given back to you just before you arrive at your destination.

Good travels.

It's been years since I traveling by train. Took a night train from Nice to Geneva. Reserved a couchette as a single. I was roomed with a non-English speaking man. These compartments are rented unisex.

I traveled by overnight train from Madrid to Paris and
Paris to Munich. It's a great way to travel since it
means you won't waste any of your vacation getting
from one place to another. I stayed in a couchette
both times (be sure to reserve in advance during heavy
travel times) and it was great. Don't be afraid of
being in the same room with other travelers. I met
some great people and had a wonderful time. Happy
travels!

How much did you pay for your bunk beds in First class?
Thanks.

I slept in 2nd class a number of times while in
Europe , sometimes 4 to a coach or maybe 6. Ifound
these times to be terrible. Noise, temp.,small
children crying, etc. If you can afford a sleeper
for two then by all means go for it. If you want to
meet people you can always sit in a car where there
are any unreserved seats, during the day.

A little piece of advice I haven't seen mentioned yet...bring something to eat. Sounds simple, but the train ride from Paris to Venice is a long one, and a dining car is not really a given. Since you're coming from Paris, bread (Gerard Mulot near the Luxembourg Gardens makes a fantastic baguette) and cheese are easy to come by...and you may be called upon to share them!