Hello all! <BR>I am backing through Europe this summer and am taking the train from Heidelberg to Venice. Unfortunately, the train doesn't arrive until 11pm. I am staying at the HI Hostel there. As a single, young, female backpacker, will I be okay? Does anyone know where, in relation to the train station, the HI Hostel is?? <BR>Thanks!

Hi Sally, <BR>I was in Venice this time last year and stayed at the HI Hostel there. I am not sure when you are going but nevertheless, I figure that you'll arrive at the Santa Lucia rail station. From there you'll have to catch either the 82 vaporetto or the night vaporetto, whichever is running, to get to the Hostel. When you buy your bus ticket you can ask which one is running and where to catch it. It's really pretty straight forward. From the train station to the Hostel should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on how many stops the vaporetto makes. If I remember correctly, the station where the hostel is at is called Zattere (I am assuming that you'll check the stops and other such details with a guide book beforehand). When you leave the boat, take a right and walk along the narrow walkway for about 200 yards or so and the Hostel will be one of the buidlings on your left. It is clean, well run, and only a stop away from San Marco. Two things you should know, though. One is that it is one of the more unpredictable hostels in Italy in that you never know when it'll be full. If you were there now, you'd probably get in without any problems. Later, in June or July, though, I would definitely make a reservation. Second, their reception is open from 1 p.m. to midnight. When you make the reservation make sure and let them know when you'll be arriving and if that'll work out. Also, as I remember, they have a maximum stay of 3 or 4 days! I think you can extend it if they are not too busy, but plan for alternatives. <BR>As for safety, the buses and most popular areas of the city are well lit and busy with people. But there are also plenty of dark corners and alleys around. Your trip should be ok all the way to the Hostel's bus stop. The walkway between there and the hostel can be pretty dark but is not too secluded or off the path. So you should be fine... just stay alert and take the same precautions you would take in your own city here! <BR>One last thing: Venice is unforgettable. So on one of your days there take a break from the sights and pick a narrow little street and walk through the maze of canals. Chances are you'll come across a little square bustling with Venetians and it'll seem as if a whole other world has opened up.

Hi Shahram, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the info. I am going in mid July and have already made my reservation (july 11-13). As long as the train is on time, I will have an hour to get to the hostel before curfew. I have tried emailing them to no avail. My main concern is the safety issue, arriving alone so late at night. Does anyone know what the protocol is if I do arrive past curfew? I've been told that some hostels have bells you can ring to have someone open the door for you . . .

Sally, <BR> <BR>When my daughters last used the Giudecca Island hostel in summer 97, NO ONE was allowed in after 11pm. The limit hour apparently has changed but it's not clear if has been extended to 11:30pm (room closing time) or to 12:00am (hostel closing time). <BR> <BR>http://www.hostels-aig.org/shop-it/venezia.htm <BR> <BR>You'd better assure yourself what the "rules" are, otherwise you may get stranded. It looks like you're planning to take the 12:07pm EC train out from Heidelberg, with a change in Verona. If you don't have a positive answer regarding check in closing time, I'd play it safe and depart earlier (10:07am with a change in Villach, or 10:12am, with changes in Manheim and Milan). <BR> <BR>Paulo

Paulo - thanks so much for your info!! I was on the Rail Europe website and they only gave me the one option. I would love to take an earlier train if one is available. Should I not be using the Rail Europe website? Is there a more reliable or an official website for train schedules?? <BR>thanks again for everyone's help!! I greatly appreciate it! Only 6 weeks to go . . .

Paulo - thanks so much for your info!! I was on the Rail Europe website and they only gave me the one option. I would love to take an earlier train if one is available. Should I not be using the Rail Europe website? Is there a more reliable or an official website for train schedules?? <BR>thanks again for everyone's help!! I greatly appreciate it! Only 6 weeks to go . . .

topping

anyone?

Rail Europe's schedules are incomplete, and their fares are severely inflated. For Italian trains, try www.trenitalia.com, which gives fares and (in some cases) lets you purchase on-line. Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated yet for the summer. For trains after June 9, try the Austrian site, www.oebb.at. It has the schedules, but no fares.