A travel expert has urged holidaymakers to keep in mind a tip for travelling with luggage, something that could make travelling much easier
Europe is home to some the of world’s most vibrant cities – but one luggage hack could help you explore the best of each of them in just day. Travel expert Rick Steves has shared a tip that could help you navigate the continent’s greatest sites much easier.
The US traveller has produced guides to many of Europe’s most popular cities, including the charming capitals of Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. He says travellers should bear in mind one tip that could make a trip taking all these cities much more achievable.
Writing on his website, the seasoned traveller described how to get the most out of Europe’s railway stations when travelling on the continent by train. He said: “Great European train stations stir my wanderlust.
“Stepping off a train in Munich, I stand under the station’s towering steel and glass rooftop and study the nearest big, blue departure screen. Every few minutes, the letters and numbers flicker as one by one cities and departure times work their way to the top and disappear just as another train glides away from its platform.”
He told travellers how to make use of a service offered by several major railway stations. Luggage storage could help holidaymakers free themselves of their heavy bags as they explore sights and attractions.
“Most major stations have storage lockers and/or a luggage-checking service where, for about $5 [£4.09) a day, you can leave your bags. People traveling light can fit two bags into one locker, cutting their storage costs in half.
“Some security-conscious train stations have removed their lockers; in this case travellers can check bags at a luggage-deposit desk — often after going through an airport-type security check. Lock your bag and don’t leave valuables inside — both for your own security and because some luggage desks won’t accept unlocked bags.”
But he issued a warning to those with particular items of luggage, warning that laptops could need to be remove from your bags if you want to store them.
He added: “They may not take laptops, so be prepared to haul yours. Allow plenty of time to retrieve your bag before boarding your train. Bag-check desks come with lines, can close for lunch in smaller stations, and usually aren’t open all night — confirm opening and closing times before storing your bag.
“If the station doesn’t offer a place to leave your bag, head to a nearby tourist-information office, hotel, or gift shop: Ask nicely, offer your most charming smile (or a small fee), and you’ll likely find someone willing to keep an eye on your things for a few hours.”
