I am thinking about taking an overnight train from Paris to Venice (no desire to fly on Ryan Air or Volare). I would be booked in the T4 compartment and assigned to the upper "bed". Where do I store my one piece of luggage and what are the safety elements involed in this trip (both to me and my luggage)? Looking for Help!!! Thanks Mike

I've taken many overnight trains between France, Germany, Italy, etc and opt for the upper "bed" too. I keep my one piece of luggage in the compartment and have never had any trouble. The sleeping compartments are just that - for sleeping. Folks don't seem interested in doing much else and my luggage has never been moved or tampered with. I wouldn't worry, you and your luggage will be safe!

While I can't vouch for your and your luggage's safety, I think you'll be just fine. I'm ~5ft tall and female, I've taken the overnight train, on T6, several times now b/t Paris and Roma and have never had problems (besides getting a little annoyed with snoring compartment-mates). Once I was the only girl in a T6, but still no problems.

On my first overnight train, I wore a money belt but had to take it off--it was too uncomfortable for me. But, if this gives you some peace of mind, go ahead and wear one. I ended up using my purse as a hugging pillow or putting a jacket over my purse and setting it by my head. I sleep well on night trains but I'd wake up at each stop to make sure my stuff was still there.

Bring a sandwich or two, WATER, books, music.

Take your cash, cc, etc. with you when you go to the bathroom. Don't panic when the train conductor takes your passport and train tickets for the night. They'll return it before you get off the train.

HAVE FUN!

Thanks to the both of you as I now feel a lot better about taking the train. Mike

Hi Mike,

Mind telling us why you would rather take the train?

Ira, the one simple reason is that I've always wanted to do it. I really hope Rex or Patrick don't see my reply. Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike,

Bravo for you taking the train just because you want to do it. I love overnight trains although in recent years I haven't taken many.

I have great memories of overnight trains such as going to sleep outside Paris and waking up in Austria to the warm morning light over golden fields and onion-domb churches. There's lots more of those memories too.

To answer your question about where to store your luggage - I don't know if the T4 is a private berth or a couchette. I've only slept in couchettes and the best place to store your luggage is either over the door on a rack that's designed for luggage or behind the ladder where it's difficult to get out. I get the top berth and sleep with my purse underneath the pillow and against the wall.

I've taken the Paris to Venice train and you'll love the view as you come into Venice. Right out of the movie Summertime. Bring food with you since what you can buy in the club car is not very tasty.

Bon voyage!!