I'm going to have large luggage when traveling by train from Rome to Venice. I would like to sit near the luggage storage area so that I can keep an eye on it during stops.
Here is the seating map I get when I book tickets on the Trentalia website: http://imgur.com/Hmeptib
What seat should I pick to be closest to the luggage? Row 1 or Row 20?
It's on both sides.
Having said that I encourage you to try to pack light and use less luggage because lugging large suitcases on trains is not fun. Reasonable size suitcases fit on the overhead compartment and also in the space between seats facing opposite direction (in the upside down V so created).
If you must use the luggage compartment at the end of the car, you could also buy a luggage cable lock and secure a couple of suitcases together.
Also Between Rome and Venice the train stops only in Florence and Bologna. That is the only time one could potentially carry your suitcase away. I have never heard of large suitcases being stolen from a bullet train, and I served inside the Florence Santa Maria Novella Station.
Usually theft occurs with small bags or small personal items (like phones) left unattended, but I hear from former colleagues that does not happen often aboard FrecciaRossa trains. Thieves don't invest on expensive tickets. They'd rather practice their trade aboard crowded commuter trains and buses, and often near ticket windows and kiosks, while people are distracted while purchasing tickets.
According to this link, there is luggage storage at the end of each car. There is some pretty good information about the train here as well. He has videos that may be of interest (scroll down).
https://seat61.com/frecciarossa.htm
Alex,
I do hope you take heed to Roberto's advice regarding packing light.
Lugging a large suitcase over the multiple stairs over the many bridges in Venice (to get to your hotel) will not be a fun experience either.
Have a great trip!
Back when I was a new traveler I had the bright idea of 1 super large rolling duffel bag for both my wife and me. Boy was THAT a mistake! Pack light, take less than you think you'll need...you can wear clothes more than once.
One thing that I do is take with me old clothes, especially old shirts/Tshirts, and dump them along the way, then buy new ones locally (5euro a Tshirt often).
Be aware that certain things are really cheap to buy especially at market stands and I renew my wardrobe in Italy that way. You should not pack those things that you can buy locally and bring back.
For example:
Leather belts: Don't pack any. Wear a cord to hold your pants you wear from home. Belts are a great buy in Italy.
Neck Ties: Same. Don't pack any. Buy them.
T-Shirts and short sleeve shirts. At most pack only old stuff that you dump along the way. Buy new ones there.
Dress shoes or any shoes. Great buy in Italy. Don't pack any. Just take what you wear.
Pants are hard to find in Italy if you are oversize like me. So pack those.
You can also do laundry along the way. There are plenty of places where you can do so, including some hotels.
I like Roberto's suggestions!
I usually end up buying a few pieces of clothing during my travels, especially if they are inexpensive, or on sale! ;-)
This is funny, Roberto!
Leather belts: Don't pack any. Wear a cord to hold your pants you wear from home. Belts are a great buy in Italy.
The V created between the seats for storage is where I usually put my 22" roller..BUT I put it opposite me, so I can see it....this may not be possible if someone has filled their spot, but still good advice! :) ON Regional trains even 22" may not fit easily over head, so try to avoid putting the luggage at the end ( entrance) of the car on the main rack. If you do use cable to connect them.
If you have a woman in your travel party...this is the greatest thing ever! I have used it in France and Italy for many years...but get the 2 strap style not the little snap one... this bra stash attaches to both sides of bra, but I prefer to attach it to ONE side and tuck the pouch into the side of my bra so it stays secure, if I am making daily purchases, I just take this out and pay, no one can run off with it because it is tied to the bra strap! I use this for one credit card and cash, keeping the rest of my cash, cards and passport in an under clothing pouch that I never go into in public.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/rfid-blocking-ladies-personal-stash/
I take a real camera with me so that I do not rely on my iphone as much, as that is the #2 thing theives want after cash....and it is very easy that phones are stolen off of cafe tables etc.
Definitely pack 22" or smaller suitcases with a day bag, no more! It gives you more freedom, and washing things out at night or in the morning is easy, or have hotel do it for you $$, or find a laundry place if your trip is more than a week. I use one of those microfiber gym towels ( Amazon or any sports store) to wrap my heavier shirts or jeans ( I travel to Italy in Oct) to soak up a bunch of moisture, then hang dry them.
I always put a thin light duffle bag at the bottom of my suitcase, just in the event that I buy a lot of stuff and I don't mind checking a bag on the way home, I put breakables in duffle and carry on wrapped in clothing.
Happy travels!
We always travel with a PacSafe cable lock and have used it a number of times. Just throw it into the side compartment of your suitcase and is easy to pull out if needed.
