I would love to fly to Vienna, take the train from there to Prague and then later from Prague to Berlin (and fly home from there). BUT, the one time I traveled by train in Europe I had no need to even look to see whether luggage can be checked so...

I love traveling solo, but have a concern about having my luggage with me and needing to go to the bathroom during the several-hours trips.

Any info / suggestions ?

Bags are not checked - just keep them with you. For the normal 6person cabins there is a storage rack above the seats, but anything bigger than a 21" rolling bag won't fit. If the train is relatively empty you can put your bag on an unused seat, but if it's packed you may need to put it in the luggage area near the end of the car.

But don't fret about it. If you are concerned, then keep an eye on it at intermediate stops, but certainly don't stop yourself from going to the bathroom.

Your fellow travellers, whether Austrian, German, Czech, or other will do the same with their bags.

Some people suggest to use a cable lock to secure your bags - I've never bothered, and would be more concerned I wouldn't get it unlocked when I needed and my bag would travel to Istanbul without me.

I was traveling solo by train through Europe a few months ago, and I used a cable lock to secure my luggage to the overhead rack. I'm sure I didn't need it...but I felt much more comfortable going to the dining car knowing that my bag was secure.

I've certainly crammed a bag larger than a 21" one onto MANY racks above seats on trains so i have to disagree about the "not fitting" part.

People in Europe leave bags on racks above seats and at the ends of cars all the time and they go to the BR and also to get coffee, food, etc.

I have used a bicycle cable lock myself and it can bring some peace of mind (I would only use one with a combination lock, however..one less key to lose)...but I've rarely seen them used by others.

ICE luggage racks at the end of cars have them built in and they require a small amount of Euro to use.

Yes, I agree Dukey, that bags bigger than 21" can fit overhead, esp. if the space isn't used by others. Perhaps my point is more along the lines that if all 5 of your cabinmates have bags overhead, then don't count on keeping your bags in the cabin.

BTW Raileurope is a company that sells VERY expensive tickets for trains in Europe, it is not the European rail system

I don't know anything about Raileurope specifically, but have traveled around solo on trains...

I use a small suitcase on wheels. You either keep it with you above your seat, or put it onto a luggage rack located at the end of each cabin (you do not "check" luggage on a train). Just keep all your valuable *on* your person, either in a money belt under your clothing or in a pocketbook you can take into the bathroom with you.

I have never used one myself, but as mentioned above, you might get a cable lock if you are nervous about being away from your suitcase.

Exactly the type of info I wanted. Thanks very much. Now I can continue to plan!