What can you do during a long train trip?
10 tips to get the most out of your train journey
1. Enjoy the most beautiful views
2. Play a game
During a train journey, you can play many games with your travelling companions or just play an online game on your phone or tablet. There are special travel versions of well-known games, such as Monopoly. Of course, you can also just take a deck of cards with you. The tables on the train are not all the same size, so sometimes you may have to improvise.
3. Listen to a podcast or music
Podcasts are a great way to entertain yourself during a train trip. Nowadays, there are so many different types of podcasts available that there is something for everyone. From news and politics to stories and entertainment. Make sure you download some interesting podcasts or your favourite artist's new album beforehand to enjoy them during the journey. Don't forget earbuds or headphones so other passengers won't be bothered by the noise.
Tips for interesting podcasts (Dutch)
4. Read a book
Reading is a great way to relax during a train trip. Make sure you pack a good book that you can enjoy reading and lose yourself in. A compelling book, a classic or one set in the city or region of your destination. There is no better place than the train to fully relax for a while.
5. Watch a movie
If you have a long train journey ahead of you, it is a good idea to download a film or a few episodes of your favourite TV series onto your phone or tablet. That will keep you entertained for another few hours.
Download your podcasts, music, films or e-book in advance, as Wi-Fi is not available everywhere, and internet connectivity is not equally powerful when travelling.
6. Discover any missed highlights at your destination
Have you boarded the train on the spur of the moment? Then your train journey is the best time to plan the rest of your city break or holiday. From hotels to Airbnb's and cafes to museums. Scour the internet and social media for all the tips and hidden gems you can find.
7. Check your email
Are you travelling by train for work? Then start your working day while travelling. If you have a busy schedule or an overflowing inbox, a train journey is a good time to keep up with your work. Take your laptop with you and use the free Wi-Fi that some trains offer to check your emails. Not all trains have the internet working all the time, so make sure you also have some things on your to-do list that you can do without the internet. That way, you will make the most efficient use of your time.
8. Chat with your fellow passengers
We often think that unknown fellow passengers are not interested in a chat (and maybe you don't feel the need for a chat yourself). A research shows rush-hour passengers even indicated that chatting with a fellow passenger was the most annoying thing they could do while travelling. But what turns out to be the case? In this experiment, some train and bus passengers were asked to start that chat. Those who were assigned to chat had the most enjoyable journey. Who knows, you might get some good tips for your (next) destination or even make friends for life.
Many trains have a bar carriage where you can socialise with fellow passengers. This is true for ICE International, Eurostar to Belgium/France, Eurostar to London and Intercity Berlin.
9. Learn the language of your destination
If you are travelling to a country whose language you do not speak, a long train journey offers the perfect time to practise. Download a language app and start learning basic phrases and words to help you communicate with the locals at your destination. There might also be a fellow passenger who can provide you with some tips. For example, you can order baguettes from the French bakery or ask in Danish where the toilet is located. Useful isn't it!
10. Take a power nap
Have you gone through the whole list and still have time to spare during your long train journey? Or is fatigue taking over a bit? Then take a nap on the train. Doze off while the train cruises comfortably to your destination. Then you will arrive fully rested and relaxed.
- Keep your luggage near by and in view
- Set an alarm clock so you wake up on time
- And try not to snore ;-)