I've read quite a bit about pickpockets and thieves on the trains, especially on the overnight trains, and especially in Italy. Obviously if you leave the valueables in the plain view and fall asleap chances are it's may get stolen... I understand resonable precautions needs to be made and it's fine. <BR>Now, what if you want to go out to the restaurant car to eat? You wouldn't take all your luggage with you, right? Here's why I'm asking. <BR>My girlfriend and I will be travelling from Paris to Rome and from Venice to Nice on overnight trains, probably in the first class sleeper. Is it safe to leave our luggage in our compartment to go out to eat or should we take turns? How does this work? <BR>Another question. I've taken Eurostar from Paris to London and usually have left my laggage on the rack just as you enter the car and never had any problems. I've read it may not be safe in Italy... I will be taking EuroStar Italy for relatively short trips from Rome to Florence and from Florence to Venice - should I be worried? I don't wont to get paranoid and chain the luggage to the rack...

I guess that if your luggage is locked (with something better than the locks that come with the luggage), and you have your valuables with you, you should be OK. If you are in a first class sleeper, I'd be a *little* bit less concerned. You can lock the door. <BR> <BR>Maybe you could get one of these...how are they called? These plastic strips that have a little box in one end, you put the other end into the box, and then you can't take it out? Does anyone know how these things are called? For the life of me I can't remember... Anyway, maybe you could get a few of these things for your luggage. You will always know if someone tampers them.

Since as you're in a sleeper you can ask the car conductor to lock your compartment door, to prevent theft. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR>

I had the same concern when I travelled solo in England. I got one of those locks attached to a cord (kind of like a miniature bike lock and chain), and wrapped it around my luggage handle and the rack it was sitting on. And just to be sure, I chose a seat close to the luggage rack (I travelled in 2nd/standard class). You can get these at any travel store. And I had a lock on my luggage as well.

I don't think "chaining the luggage to the rack" is a bad idea at all. My 2 cents: I'm not certain there will be a dining car attached to night trains, I don't recall one on our Paris-Munich trip.

Thanks! <BR>Does anyone know if the compartment can be locked from the inside AND from the outside with no help from conductor, locksmith or power tools? <BR>I already have a "chain lock" which I used to secure my bike and, sometimes, skis, so I'll take it with me. <BR> <BR>Liz, <BR>According to the Itealian Train service web site, there's a dining car on the train. If it's not there, so be it, but if it's there I'd like to use it and not sacrifice my entire luggage for it

It can be locked from the outside only by the conductor. As you will imgine, rail systems are not keen to have travellers liocking their door and leaving the train ! <BR> <BR>You are right: night trans vary as to whether they haver dining cars. Your one does <BR> <BR>Bwn Haines

Jean is referring to cable straps (like you use to bundle stereo wires ans such). I used them all the time on duffel bags and such when I travel. They are really cheap and you can get them at any hardware or electronic store. Just make sure you have a small pair of scissors or jack knife or something in case you need to get into the bag - they can be difficult to 'open'.